When your cruise ship docks at the Port of Naples, you’re stepping into one of Italy’s most vibrant and historically rich regions. But with only a single day to explore, how do you make the most of your time? Whether you’re drawn to ancient ruins, dramatic coastal views, or unforgettable food, Naples offers a launching point for several once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
This guide will walk you through the best shore excursions from Naples, tailored to different interests, and give you practical tips to enjoy your day to the fullest. All the destinations listed can be visited comfortably in one day—and in many cases, they’re even better with the help of a local expert guide.
If it’s your first time in Naples and you prefer to stay close to the port, you’re in luck: Naples city center is just a short walk from the cruise terminal. You can explore on foot or join a guided walking tour to learn more about the city’s layered history.
Key highlights within reach include:
If you’re short on time or want to avoid the hassle of navigating busy city streets, many travelers opt for excursions beyond Naples—but always with transportation and expert guidance.
One of the most popular shore excursions from Naples is the legendary archaeological site of Pompeii. Buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and rediscovered centuries later, Pompeii offers an unparalleled look at daily life in ancient Rome.
It takes about 30 minutes by road from the port to reach Pompeii. A guided tour is highly recommended here: without context, the ruins can feel overwhelming. With an expert by your side, you’ll see the highlights such as:
Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water—Pompeii is vast and often sunny.
If you’re craving postcard views, the Amalfi Coast is the ultimate destination. Though it takes about 1.5 hoursto reach Positano or Amalfi from Naples, many cruise passengers make the trip thanks to well-organized tours that handle logistics and timing.
This UNESCO-listed coastline is famous for its cliffs, pastel villages, lemon groves, and turquoise waters. Typical stops include:
A coastal drive can be tricky if done independently—tight curves, local traffic, and parking issues are common. That’s why booking a tour with transportation included ensures a smoother, stress-free experience.
Looking for a less rushed, more relaxed excursion? Sorrento is a favorite. Perched above the Bay of Naples, it offers dramatic sea views, a charming old town, and access to local crafts like inlaid woodwork and limoncello production.
From the port, Sorrento is about one hour by car, or slightly longer via hydrofoil. Once there, visitors can enjoy:
Sorrento is also a convenient base for travelers wanting a bit of everything: scenery, shopping, and a laid-back pace.
For the adventurous traveler, Mount Vesuvius offers a unique opportunity: hike up an active volcano and peer into its crater. It’s one of the few volcanoes in the world that’s accessible to visitors—and it’s still considered active.
From Naples, it takes about 40 minutes by road to reach the visitor area. The final ascent requires a 20- to 30-minute uphill walk, so it’s not ideal for everyone, but the reward is a panoramic view of the entire Bay of Naples.
Pairing Vesuvius with Pompeii in a single excursion is very common and creates a full day of natural and historical immersion.
Here are a few practical tips when deciding how to spend your day ashore:
Whether you’re dreaming of Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, or just an unforgettable pizza in the city center, a well-planned shore excursion turns a few hours into a lifetime memory.
Book your Naples Shore Excursion on Discovery Guided Tours and enjoy a seamless, expertly guided experience from the port and back—on time, every time.
+39 06.999.77.65
+39 339.159.25.40
info@discoveryguidedtours.com
