Tour on Vesuvius with wine tasting

Discover Vesuvius with Wine Tasting and Panoramic Views for $139.70

This 4-hour tour in Naples, Italy, offers a unique combination of a scenic trek up Mount Vesuvius with a wine tasting experience. Priced at $139.70 per person, the tour is designed for those interested in both natural landscapes and authentic Italian wines. It features pickup service, transfers, and ample free time to explore the volcano’s crater, providing a well-rounded experience. With an average booking window of 65 days in advance, it appeals to travelers planning ahead.

While the tour includes a lunch based on local products, admission tickets to Vesuvius are paid separately. This setup makes it suitable for visitors who want a guided, hassle-free day with plenty of time for hiking and tasting. The tour’s small group size, capped at 10 travelers, ensures a more intimate and personalized experience, especially appreciated by those who enjoy engaging guides and authentic local flavors.

Key Points

• Duration: Approximately 4 hours, with flexible free time for hiking and exploring
• Price: $139.70 per person, excluding Vesuvius entrance fee
• Highlights: Trekking up Mount Vesuvius, tasting volcanic wines like Lacryma Christi and Caprettone, enjoying panoramic views of the Bay of Naples
• Convenience: Includes pickup service from Naples and transfers to Vesuvius National Park
• Food & Drink: Lunch based on local products, paired with authentic Italian wines
• Group Size: Small group, maximum 10 travelers, for a more personal experience
• Booking: Recommended 65 days in advance, with flexible cancellation up to 24 hours

Starting the Tour from Naples and Pompeii

The tour begins at 11:30 am with a pickup from Naples, making it easy to avoid public transport hassles. There is a second pickup at Pompeii around 12:20 pm, giving travelers the chance to join the excursion after visiting the famous archaeological site. The itinerary is structured to include several key stops, with the entire day designed to maximize time at Vesuvius for both the hike and tasting.

Scenic Drive to Vesuvius National Park

From Naples, the group travels by bus to the Vesuvius National Park with a stop at a local restaurant that overlooks the bay of Naples. This 20-minute stop offers a chance to enjoy a typical Italian lunch on the mountain slopes before heading further up the volcano. The drive itself provides stunning views and sets the stage for the adventures ahead.

Wine Tasting and Alpine Lunch on the Mountain Slopes

The wine tasting session begins at the Vesuvius slopes, where varieties like Lacryma Christi and Caprettone are sampled. These volcanic wines are produced in the surrounding vineyards, making for a distinctive tasting experience. Alongside the wines, the lunch includes local products, giving a taste of the region’s culinary offerings. This part of the tour is often praised for the combination of delicious food and authentic wine, giving guests a true flavor of local Italy.

Climbing the Volcano and Visiting the Crater

After lunch, the group continues to the trailhead, where they are given free time to trek up the serpentine roads for about 2 hours. This walk leads to the crater rim, with spectacular views over the Bay of Naples. The guide accompanies the walk, providing insights into the volcano’s geology and history—though some reviews note that explanations about the wines may be brief. The hike is suitable for most participants, though it involves some physical effort to reach the crater.

Panoramic Views from Mount Vesuvius

Reaching the top, travelers are treated to breathtaking vistas of the Bay of Naples from the crater. The views are a highlight of this experience, offering a chance for photos and reflection on the volcano’s imposing presence. The guide leads a tour at the crater, sharing interesting facts about Vesuvius’s volcanic activity and history.

Return Journey and Final Stops

After ample free time at the crater, the group heads back down on the bus, stopping at the bus parking area around 1:50 pm. The return journey to the parking lot concludes around 3:50 pm, with a short drive back to Naples. The tour ends with a drop-off at the original meeting points by 4:45 pm, making it a well-paced, half-day activity.

Practicalities: Logistics and Accessibility

The pickup service simplifies logistics, with the tour starting in Naples and including a stop at Pompeii for those who want to combine sightseeing. The tour is designed for most travelers, and the group size ensures personalized attention. Since admission tickets to Vesuvius are paid separately (€14 per person), visitors should prepare for additional costs.

The tour features free cancellation, allowing for flexibility if plans change, as long as cancellation occurs 24 hours in advance. The activity is weather-dependent, so bad weather may lead to cancellation or rescheduling.

Value and Considerations

This tour offers a balanced mix of hiking, tasting, and sightseeing. The small group size and small group tours are praised for their friendliness and engagement. The wine tasting and lunch are often highlighted as real highlights, offering authentic regional flavors.

However, some reviews point out that the explanation about the wines is brief and that the lunch size might be limited for some. Plus, visitors should remember that Vesuvius admission tickets are paid separately, adding to the total cost.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers who want a manageable, guided hike with plenty of opportunities for spectacular views. It suits travelers who appreciate small group atmospheres and enjoy local cuisine. Those wanting a deeper historical or geological interpretation may find some parts brief, but overall, it provides a memorable day at Vesuvius with a flavor of authentic Italy.

Final Thoughts on the Vesuvius Wine Tasting Tour

This tour combines scenic trekking, volcanic wines, and delicious local food into a well-structured half-day adventure. Its small group size and pickup service add to its convenience, making it an appealing choice for those visiting Naples. The view from the crater remains the tour’s standout feature, and the tasting experience adds a flavorful touch to the day.

While some may wish for longer explanations of the wines or larger lunch portions, the overall value for money and authentic experience make this a worthwhile option. It’s best suited for travelers seeking a balanced, interactive, and relaxing excursion with stunning scenery and regional flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour price?
Yes, transfers from Naples and Pompeii are included, making logistics straightforward.

How much does the Vesuvius entrance ticket cost?
The admission to Vesuvius costs €14 per person, paid separately.

What is the duration of the free time to explore the crater?
Travelers have approximately 2 hours to hike and enjoy the views from the crater rim.

Is the tour suitable for all physical levels?
The hike involves some effort but is generally manageable for most with average fitness levels.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Are meals included?
Lunch based on local products is included, but meals are not covered in the price and are paid separately if chosen outside the tour.

What wines are sampled during the tasting?
The tour features volcanic wines such as Lacryma Christi and Caprettone.

What do reviews say about the guide and experience?
Guides are praised for being knowledgeable and friendly, with many mentioning plenty of time at Vesuvius and good food and wine.

Is there a minimum group size?
Yes, the tour caps at 10 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience.

What should I bring for the hike?
Comfortable shoes, water, and sun protection are recommended, especially for the free time to hike to the crater.

Can this tour be combined with other activities?
Yes, stops at Pompeii are scheduled, making it easy to include in a broader sightseeing day.