The 8 Best Wine Tasting Shore Excursions in Italy

1.Naples/Salerno Port: Pompeii & Vesuvius – lunch or wine tasting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $156Our pick

Travel from Naples or Salerno port to Pompeii for a two-hour guided visit, then continue to Vesuvius National Park for two hours of free time. Port pickup, entry tickets, onboard commentary, and lunch for Naples departures are included. Guides have included Raffaello, Titi, and Bruno.

“The guide was prompt and waiting for us outside the cruise port. We made our way by bus to Pompeii… it was a little hectic with numbers of people but was a good experience. Next we went to have lunch just before the entrance to Vesuvius. It was AWESOME! The food was tasty, servers busy, and views were amazing! Definitely recommend this trip AND TiTi and Bruno were excellent!”

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2.Chianti and Tuscany Countryside Private Wine Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 56 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $553

Travel privately from Livorno to Greve in Chianti, Panzano, and a Tuscan winery with an English-speaking driver-guide. Taste Chianti Classico wines and olive oil, then add a local lunch at your own cost. Guides such as Carlo, Giovanni, Mario, and Leonardo have received especially warm praise.

“Our driver Carlo from Prestige Picked us up on time and was such a gentleman and so knowledgeable- He stopped at the right places and took pictures of us and wanted us to be happy with everything- and kept asking about our feedback- The winery was amazingly beautiful and the girl Giovannia was so knowledgable as well and so accommodating- truly an experience to remember”

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3.Etna Private tour from Messina Cruise Terminal + Lunch at Winery

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 24 reviews · 6 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $416

Leave Messina’s port with a private guide such as Marco, Maurizio, or Mariolina, then head toward Mount Etna for crater walks, honey and olive-oil tastings, and views across Sicily. Finish at a family winery for cellar visits, a traditional lunch, and four Etna wines before returning to port.

“Antonio our driver/guide is informative and funny. Lively conversation throughout the day. Accommodated special requests to stop at Greek theatre. Honey, olives, and olive oil tasting was fabulous. Highly recommend”

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4.Private Etna tour from Messina Cruise Terminal+ Lunch at Winery

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $316

Travel by private car from Messina, Catania, or Taormina to Mount Etna with a local guide such as Marco, Massimo, or Alberto. Visit lava craters and a honey shop, then enjoy Etna DOC wines and traditional food at a mountain winery. A cable car and 4x4 ride to 3,000 meters costs extra.

“WOW! Our trip to Mt. Etna exceeded expectations. Primarily due to our fantastic guide, Alberto! He is local not only to the area but to the mountain itself! He was highly prideful of Sicily and especially passionate about Mamma Etna. He was kind, sweet, and extremely knowledgeable. I don't know if this travel company allows requests, but if you can, definitely ask for him. 5/5, BEST, TOP!”

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5.The Dying City “Civita Bagnoregio” w/wine tasting from Port

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8 reviews · from $215

Travel from Civitavecchia to Montefiascone and Civita di Bagnoregio with an English-speaking driver. Taste Est! Est!! Est!!! wine and local appetizers, cross the bridge to the dying city, and enjoy views over Lake Bolsena. Guides may include Mirko or Andre.

“Mirko was a lovely guide. Delightful guided walk about in Tarquina. A challenging walk to Civita Bagnoregio, but absolutely worth it for the views and to experience a step back in time. Would have liked a little more substantive lunch with wine tasting.”

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6.The Dying City “Civita Bagnoregio” w/wine tasting from Port

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 4 reviews · 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $170

Leave Civitavecchia for Civita di Bagnoregio, the fading hill village linked by a 300-meter bridge. With an English-speaking driver, you’ll have time to explore independently, then enjoy wine and appetizers at Antica Cantina Leonardi near Bolsena Lake. Guide Mirco has led some departures.

“Tour guide never showed up and we were never told it was cancelled. When I called and my friend inquired why we were never picked up, they said it was cancel because of the weather. Viator does not want to give is a refund. Their loss. We will never do Viator again.”

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7.Shore Trip from La Spezia: Pisa,Lucca,lunch & tasting Winery

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews

Meet your English-speaking driver at La Spezia’s port for a private 9-hour tour of Pisa, Lucca, and Chianti. See the Leaning Tower, walk Lucca’s medieval walls, and enjoy a winery tour with lunch, olive oil, and wine tasting. Andrea has led recent departures.

“This could not have been more perfect! Our driver Andrea was so informative and showed us so much beauty. We learned about places we hadn’t heard of & had delicious food and wine. Everything was so fresh, we got back to our ship in perfect time and never felt rushed. Truly one of my favorite tours I’ve ever done. Made our honeymoon so special & the vineyard was like out of a movie scene. Perfection! Must do!”

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8.Pisa, Lucca and wine experience Private Shore Excursion from La Spezia port

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $464

Meet your driver-tourg leader at La Spezia cruise terminal and ride by air-conditioned minivan to Pisa, Lucca, and a countryside winery. You get free time in both cities, cellar and vineyard visits, and a flexible schedule. Wine tasting and lunch cost extra.

“If I could rate this tour 10 stars I would! It was the perfect combination of things to do including history, a little shopping and some wine tasting! Our driver, Masimo, was INCREDIBLE! So knowledgeable, interesting and nice! Lucca is an incredible hidden gem that should not be missed!”

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