Naples Tours and MSC Shore Excursions

Naples tours, Piazza del Plebiscito | MSC Cruises

The ancient city of Naples is a feast for the senses, as you’ll discover on any number of Naples excursions. Steeped in art and culture, it’s easy to miss some of the most spectacular attractions, so, join one of the many MSC shore excursions when you visit Naples.

 

The streets in the ancient heart of Naples city centre faithfully follow the original Greek and Roman layout, but today, boutiques and restaurants are squeezed between crumbling palazzi and Baroque churches. On tiny Via San Gregorio Armeno, an array of nativity scenes, known as presepi, mean it’s Christmas year-round. Enjoy spectacular views up in Posillipo or go underground to explore parts of the original Greek Neapolis, complete with tunnels, aqueducts and chambers.

 

Admire the famous San Carlo theatre and Principe Umberto I’s steel and glass gallery, while nearby Piazza del Plebiscito houses the Royal Palace and the Basilica San Francesco da Paola, offering views across the bay to Vesuvius.  There are Caravaggio paintings in venues like Gallerie d’Italia and Museo di Capodimonte, and if that’s not enough, take a boat ride to the island of Capri and sip a limoncello in the piazzetta or simply take a dip in the sea.

 

No Naples Trip is complete without visiting the archaeological site of Pompeii, an unmissable experience revealing the Roman city before it was buried in ash following the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Naples tours are easy to book and designed to reveal the best of the city and nearby.

Excursions in Naples

Lose yourself amongst the countless array of things to see in Naples. Experience colourful street life in Naples’ historic centre (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) or take the funicular to Posillipo for spectacular views. Other key Naples attractions include the San Carlo theatre, magnificent Galleria Umberto I arcade and lavish Palazzo Reale. Capri and Ischia are also on offer in Naples tours, as is the excavated city of Pompeii, a reminder that Vesuvius is only sleeping.

Naples tours, Pompeii | MSC Cruises
Naples tours, Pompeii | MSC Cruises
Naples tours, Pompeii | MSC Cruises

Discover Roman Pompeii against the backdrop of Vesuvius

Who wouldn’t be spellbound at the sight of Vesuvius looming over the historic Roman city of Pompeii? Almost 2,000 years ago the volcano erupted and buried the city and many of its inhabitants in ash and pumice.

 

The Pompeii ruins were uncovered in 1748 and the site is remarkably intact. Walk in the footsteps of the city’s ancient inhabitants on Pompeii tours, as a knowledgeable guide highlights thermal baths, temples, lavish villas decorated with frescoes and mosaics, and even ancient fast-food joints.

Naples tours, Sorrento | MSC Cruises
Naples tours, Sorrento | MSC Cruises
Naples tours, Capri | MSC Cruises

Be enchanted by the siren song of Sorrento and Capri

Sorrento, the land of the sirens that once seduced Odysseus, remains as alluring as ever. The picturesque fishing port of Marina Grande was the backdrop to Vittorio de Sica’s Scandal in Sorrento film, starring Sophia Loren, and today local fishermen still mend nets in front of charming multicoloured houses.

 

Corso Italia is the main shopping area in Sorrento, and a waft of citrus might lead you to the lemon groves for a granita or limoncello. Take a boat trip past the enchanting island of Capri and the Blue Grotto.
Naples tours, Galleria Umberto I | MSC Cruises
Naples tours, Spaccanapoli | MSC Cruises
Naples tours, Spaccanapoli | MSC Cruises

Explore Naples city centre above and below ground

There could barely be any more history packed into Naples city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk ancient Roman roads lined with crumbling palazzi, exquisite churches and a duomo dating back to the 4th century.

 

Grab a slice of pizza and explore Spaccanapoli’s narrow streets and artisan workshops. Uncover the city’s ancient past in the incredible underground catacombs beneath the streets. Visit acclaimed museums like the Museo Archeologico Nazionale with its impressive sculptures, artworks and collections of discoveries from Pompeii.

Book your cruise to Naples

Naples, a metropolis dating back almost 2,500 years, boasting a historically priceless city centre and underground labyrinth. It’s waiting to be explored on MSC Cruises’ tantalising itineraries. Close by are the Sorrentine Peninsula and Amalfi Coast – dripping in filmic glamour – plus Pompeii and the islands of Capri and Ischia. But why stop there? Head out further before or after your Naples cruise to cities such as Barcelona and Marseille, or the islands of Sicily and Malta for relaxation and sun.
Cruises to Naples, Italy | MSC Cruises
Visit Naples with MSC Cruises itineraries!
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Why choose MSC Shore Excursions to Naples

Make your cruise go further by booking in some Naples excursions, allowing you to venture out to the island of Capri, understand the history behind the city’s architecture and even time travel back to the days of Pompeii. Our Naples tours cover all the bases you’ll need during a trip.

Naples tours and excursions FAQ

In which language Naples excursions are conducted?

For MSC Shore Excursions in Naples, language options include English, German, French, Spanish and Italian, subject to guide availability. The final language will be confirmed during your cruise.

Are Naples tours always available to be booked?

Some Naples excursions can be in high demand. Therefore, booking your Naples tour in advance is strongly recommended.

Can Naples excursion programme be changed?

The MSC Shore Excursions program gives an overview of the tours that can be arranged in Naples. Prices and descriptions will be confirmed on board. MSC Shore Excursions programs and itineraries may vary because of local conditions or unforeseen events, which can impact the timing of tours. Also, Naples tours are subject to change in compliance with local regulations or other restrictions.

Is there a Capri boat tour from Naples?

MSC Cruises offers several shore excursions for those interested in a boat tour from Naples to the stunning island of Capri, located just off the coast of Naples. One of these is the ‘Capri Island Tour’, which transports guests across the Bay of Naples via ferry to Capri, before starting a minibus tour of the island. Notable stops on the tour include the town of Anacapri and Villa San Michele.

If you wish to explore Capri in your own time, then you can take the excursion named ‘Views of Capri from the Sea and an Independent Visit of the Island’. This tour will ferry passengers to the island, who will then have a generous allocation of free time to explore as they choose. After returning to the ferry for, a short boat tour encircling the island takes place, allowing for views of its cliffs and grottos.

Finally, the ‘Naples, Capri and Sorrento, all in a Cruise’ excursion takes place almost entirely on a boat, with several stops for swimming in the Mediterranean, affording views of both the island of Capri and the coastal town of Sorrento.

Does MSC Cruises offer a Pompeii tour from Naples?

MSC Cruises offers a dedicated Pompeii shore excursion that allows passengers to visit the world-famous site of the ancient town that was buried under ash after the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Find out what life was like in Pompeii on a guided tour, during which you’ll hear about what citizens liked to eat and drink and the many surprising artefacts unearthed from the site over time.

What is included in the Naples Historic Centre tour?

MSC Cruises’ ‘Naples Historic Centre’ excursion involves a tour of the city centre’s most famous buildings and attractions. Guests will first be taken to the Posillipo district, situated on a hill and offer superlative views over the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius in the distance. The tour will then take visitors to numerous sites across the city centre including the striking Principe Umberto I gallery, the San Carlo theatre and Piazza Plebiscito, the elegant main square and heart of Naples. Guests will also visit San Lorenzo Church and take a stroll along famous Via San Gregorio Armeno, where artisans sell handcrafted nativity scenes.