<!–
The 3 Best National Park Tours in Pompeii
Pompeii is famous for its ancient ruins, but the surrounding area offers much more than archaeology. The natural parks around Pompeii—like the Ferriere Valley and Vesuvius National Park—are gems for outdoor lovers, wine enthusiasts, and those craving authentic experiences. We particularly recommend the Amalfi Hiking in Ferriere Valley Nature Reserve for its lush landscapes and prehistoric plants, and the two wine-tasting tours that offer a flavorful peek into the region’s volcanic terroir.
While Pompeii's ruins are a must-see, these parks and tours provide a perfect way to explore the area's natural beauty and culinary traditions. Whether you want a gentle hike, a wine tasting, or a combination of both, this list will help you find the ideal tour for your interests.
Quick Overview of the Best National Park Tours in Pompeii
Below, you’ll find a curated list of three top national park tours starting from Pompeii. The first offers an easy but extraordinary hiking experience in the Ferriere Valley, famous for streams, waterfalls, and prehistoric plants. The second and third focus on wine tasting experiences in Vesuvius National Park, with one offering a longer winery tour and the other a shorter tasting session paired with local dishes. Each tour features unique highlights, practical details, and reviews, so you can choose the best fit for your travel style.
1. Amalfi Hiking in Ferriere Valley Nature Reserve – private tour
At number 1, this private hike takes you into the Ferriere Valley, a protected area that feels more like a jungle than a typical trail. On this approximately 3 to 4-hour walk, you’ll follow an easy 7 km route amid streams, waterfalls, and prehistoric plants that seem to belong to a different era. The area is rich in history, with ruins of some of the oldest paper factories in Europe visible along the path.
What makes this tour stand out is its intimate setting and the opportunity to see rare plant colonies that have survived for centuries. The guide, Mariano, receives high praise for sharing local knowledge and customizing the pace to the group. Reviewers love how the waterfalls look like scenes from a movie, with one describing it as “walking through a dream.” This experience is ideal if you’re looking for an accessible, nature-filled adventure close to Amalfi or Ravello. The tour departs from multiple locations on request, making it flexible to your travel plans.
Bottom line: This tour balances stunning scenery with easy hiking, perfect for those who want a nature escape without strenuous effort and love learning about regional history.
2. Wine tasting in the Vesuvius national park
Coming in at number 2, this wine tasting tour immerses you in the volcanic landscape that produces some of Italy’s most distinctive wines. The tour includes visits to local vineyards and cellars, a tasting of regional wines, and a lunch featuring traditional dishes. Priced at around $99.55 per person, it offers a balanced combination of gastronomy and scenery in roughly three hours.
What makes this tour special is its focus on the volcanic terroir—the unique influence of Mount Vesuvius on the grapes. Visitors rave about the Sorrentino Vineyards, noting the excellent service and compelling story behind each glass. It’s perfect for wine lovers eager to deepen their understanding of Italy’s wine heritage while enjoying robust flavors paired with regional cuisine. The tour is intimate, often small groups, and provides a relaxed environment for tasting and learning.
Bottom line: If you’re eager to pair wine with scenery and local food in a short time frame, this tour provides an authentic taste of Vesuvius’s volcanic soil.
3. Wine Tasting and Winery Tour in Vesuvio National Park with Lunch
This shorter, approximately 2-hour experience ranks third but offers a more focused winery visit with the chance to sample Lacryma Christi wines. The visit includes walking through vineyards, touring the cellar, and tasting wines paired with Neapolitan dishes. The winery’s location—between the sea and the volcano—provides a picturesque setting that enhances the tasting experience.
What sets this apart is the personalized tour led by Marco, who shares insights into the history and production process. Reviewers mention the delightful wine and food pairings and appreciate the attentive service. While transportation is not included, the tour’s value lies in its in-depth look at local winemaking traditions and the chance to taste a variety of wines from rosé to reds.
Bottom line: This option is ideal for those who want a leisurely, culinary-focused experience in a scenic setting, perfect if you enjoy learning about wine production and local flavors.
How to Choose the Best National Park Tour in Pompeii
When deciding between these options, consider your interests and how much time you have. Are you looking for a nature-filled hike? The Ferriere Valley tour offers lush scenery and history in a manageable 4-hour outing. Love wine and food? The Vesuvius wine tasting tours provide flavorful insights into Italy’s volcanic terroir, with the longer winery visit offering a deeper dive. For a shorter, more intimate tasting experience, the second wine tour is a great pick.
Budget and physical activity levels are also important. The Ferriere hike is easy and suitable for most, while the wine tours involve walking but require no strenuous effort. Booking early is advised during peak seasons, especially since these tours have limited group sizes and high ratings.
Final Thoughts
Pompeii isn’t just about archaeological ruins; the surrounding natural parks and vineyards offer a fantastic way to explore the region’s diverse landscapes and culinary delights. For outdoor lovers, the Ferriere Valley hike provides a scenic, accessible adventure. For those with a palate for wine, the Vesuvius wine tours combine stunning scenery with delicious tasting sessions.
If your time in Pompeii is limited, the shorter wine tasting is a quick, memorable experience. For a more immersive outing, the Ferriere Valley hike or the full-day wine and food tour will give you a richer taste of this extraordinary region. Whichever you choose, early booking is smart—these popular tours fill up fast, especially during high season. Enjoy your trip and savor every moment of your adventure in this captivating part of Italy.