Naples Shore Excursion: Sorrento & Mt. Vesuvius Wine Tasting
Why We Chose a Cruise Naples Shore Excursion
On our recent Sun Princess cruise to the Mediterranean, we had a stop in Naples. I’ll be honest, a stop in Naples did not excite me at all. We had been to Pompeii a couple of times on previous trips to Italy. I knew I wanted to do something different. Even though I was more excited about the other ports on this cruise, this day ended up being one of my favorite days! I thought our trip to Sorrento and a winery was a perfect way to spend our one day in Naples. It also has me wanting to return!
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I have no problem going with an outside company for shore excursions, depending on my comfort level. I ended up booking our day in Naples with the cruise lines. I know it costs more, but after my last trip to Naples, I didn’t want to stress about getting back to the cruise ship on time. Traffic can be intense! Our tour included a visit to Sorrento, followed by a wine tasting and snack at Mt. Vesuvius Winery. Their version of a snack and mine are two different things. This was a full meal with dessert, and I am still craving it!
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Exploring the Charm of Sorrento
Our tour started in Sorrento, and we took the curvy roads into town. It was almost like Mount Vesuvius was following us the whole time as we made our way there.
Our tour guide did an introduction of Sorrento and showed us our meeting place. We then had free time to do our own exploring. We started heading to the direction of the water. It was glorious! You can take an elevator for a fee down to the water, or there is a huge ramp. We were fine admiring from above.
Weather-wise wise we hit the jackpot on our day in Sorrento. We wandered the streets until we found an outdoor restaurant with views of Mount Vesuvius. We decided to get a drink and bruschetta to enjoy as we took in the views.
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Hidden Gems: Local Artisans & Shopping
After our drink, we had some more time to kill before we met up with our group. We were exploring the narrow roads when a car came down and I jumped into the door frame of a business. It’s here that I found the most beautiful woodwork I had ever seen. When I mentioned how beautiful the jewelry was, the owner came out and explained the whole process to me. Click on the picture below to learn more. They used to do large pieces, but they had to change the business model after COVID. Not only did I get myself a pair of earrings, but I also bought my son’s girlfriend a small jewelry box. I wish I had bought more as gifts, but we only had 15 minutes left at this point to meet our group.
Click picture to learn more
A Quick Stop at a Limoncello Factory
Before we headed to the winery, we stopped at a limoncello factory. It was definitely one of those cash-grabs. You stop, you try some stuff, the next thing you know, you are buying something. I will mention I did love the Pistachio one, but I travel light, so I did not want to check a bag to bring it home. Maybe next time. I did buy us limoncello spritzes that were refreshing and very Amalfi Coast. I will say the views from the factory are outstanding. Definitely take some pictures.
Wine Tasting at Mt. Vesuvius Winery
I looked at a lot of tours for this trip. When I saw I could sip wine on the side of Mt Vesuvius, I thought this sounds perfect! Guess what? It was! Not only was the wine delicious. I shipped 4 bottles home. The food they served us was amazing! I’m still craving the simple pasta dish they served. Our ticket said SNACK on it, but what was served was a 3-course meal that appealed to all my senses. My husband and I shared a table with a new friend from New Zealand. We ate, drank, and laughed while enjoying the views. I always enjoy tours that include wine; it totally relaxes people. After our meal, we headed to the store and purchased 4 bottles to be sent back to the States. I also added a bottle of olive oil.
🍷 Want to book a similar experience?
Mt. Vesuvius Wine Tasting Tour → Top Rated Experience
Sorrento + Winery Combo Tours → Amazing day
Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius → Check availability
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Final Thoughts: Would We Do It Again?
This Naples shore excursion was the perfect blend of scenic beauty, cultural charm, and indulgent flavors. From strolling the artisan alleys of Sorrento to sipping volcanic wine with views of Mt. Vesuvius, every moment felt curated for connection and comfort. While it wasn’t the cheapest option, the convenience of a cruise-sponsored tour and the unforgettable wine tasting made it worth every point and penny. If you're cruising to Naples and craving a relaxed, food-forward adventure, this is a shore excursion we’d absolutely book again.
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