Salerno offers a surprising variety of lunch experiences that go beyond just eating. Its prime location on Italy’s Campania coast makes it ideal for combining spectacular scenery with culinary delights. Whether you’re after a relaxing boat cruise with swimming and drinks or a hands-on cooking class in a local home, Salerno has it all. For a memorable outing, many travelers love the Salerno: Amalfi Coast Cruise with Lunch, Aperitif & Swimming because it combines stunning views with fresh local food and dips in clear waters. The reviews speak volumes: people are enchanted by the scenery, the friendly crew, and the delicious bites served on board (link).
If you prefer a shorter, more relaxed day, the From Salerno: Cruise with Amalfi Stop and Light Lunch offers a scenic 5-hour trip with free time in Amalfi, ideal for those who want a taste of the town without a full day’s commitment (link). And for those eager to get hands-on with regional cuisine, private cooking classes in Vietri sul Mare or Cava de’ Tirreni provide immersive, authentic experiences that let you learn recipes directly from local chefs.
1. Salerno: Amalfi Coast Cruise with Lunch, Aperitif & Swimming
Explore the Amalfi coast by boat with this guided cruise that lasts about 6 to 6.5 hours. The tour includes swimming stops, a traditional Amalfi Coast lunch, and a welcome aperitif. The boat features a full bar service, music, and plenty of space to relax or take photos of the iconic coastline. Your captain and crew will take you past Salerno, Vietri sul Mare, Positano, and other picturesque spots, revealing hidden coves and well-known towns alike.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of scenic sailing and active swimming—guests love the deep, clear waters perfect for cooling off. The reviews confirm it: “The water was always deep, and we swam multiple times,” says one happy traveler. The food is described as “excellent,” and the crew’s friendliness adds to the experience. The tour’s value is also high, with two feeding moments, drinks, and all-day scenery that make it more than just a boat trip. Best suited for those wanting relaxed yet adventurous time on the sea with effortless access to top sights and regional cuisine.
Bottom line: This cruise offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, fun swimming, and good food, making it a top pick for travelers who enjoy being on the water and dining al fresco.
2. Amalfi Coast by boat with aperitif, lunch and sea breaks
For around $74.52, this 6-hour boat tour provides a relaxing yet lively way to explore the Amalfi coast. The Euphoria Motorboat is renowned for its comfortable ride and exclusive experience. Throughout the trip, you’ll stop in secluded waters for swimming, snapping photos, and sharing laughs, making it ideal for families or groups wanting a fun day on the water.
What makes it special is the local specialties served for lunch, which can be land or sea-based, accompanied by a bar service always on hand. The energetic atmosphere, music, and friendly crew create a carefree vibe that many reviews highlight as a major plus. One traveler mentions, “This was one of the best excursions of our 20-day trip,” emphasizing its high-quality experience.
This tour is perfect if you want a shorter, well-paced day with plenty of swimming and a delightful regional meal without the larger crowds or longer schedules of bigger cruises. It suits those who prioritize comfort, scenery, and authentic flavors.
Bottom line: If you’re after a fun, intimate boat trip with swimming, good food, and great views, this tour is hard to beat for its relaxed pace and personalized touch.
3. From Salerno: Cruise with Amalfi Stop and Light Lunch
If a half-day trip sounds appealing, this 5-hour cruise strikes a fine balance. Starting from Salerno, you’ll enjoy a sightseeing cruise that takes you along the coast, with a free 2-hour stop in Amalfi to explore on your own. The boat cruise includes a short swim stop and an onboard aperitif, making it a relaxed way to see the coastline.
The tour stands out for its convenience and timing, especially if you want to avoid a full day away. Tour reviews mention that the boat was “very clean,” and the timing in Amalfi was just enough to soak in the sights without feeling rushed. Although the weather can vary, you’ll get an authentic taste of Amalfi with photo ops and a light regional lunch with prosecco.
Ideal for travelers short on time but eager to visit Amalfi, this trip offers a manageable yet scenic experience that captures the essence of the coast. It’s budget-friendly too, at just over $51 per person.
Bottom line: A good choice for those who want a quick, scenic glimpse of Amalfi with some swimming, food, and photo opportunities without committing to a whole day.
4. Private cooking class with lunch or dinner in Vietri sul Mare
For about $168.72, this private cooking class is perfect for travelers who want an authentic, hands-on experience. Located in Vietri sul Mare, your host guides you inside a fully-equipped kitchen to prepare three regional specialties, which you’ll then enjoy paired with local wines.
What makes this experience unique is its personalized approach—no cooking skills required. The host shares stories about local traditions, and you gain practical skills that you can take home. Guests consistently praise the warmth of their hosts and the quality of the food, often calling it one of the trip’s highlights.
This tour is especially suited for culinary enthusiasts or travelers seeking an immersive, cultural activity. It offers a relaxed, intimate setting and a chance to learn recipes directly from a local chef. The downside? It’s a three-hour class, so it’s more about quality than quantity.
Bottom line: If you love cooking or want a memorable, authentic taste of Campanian cuisine, this private class is a fantastic choice.
5. Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Cava de’ Tirreni
At around $98.40, this home-based cooking experience offers a warm, genuine insight into Italian family life. Held in Cava de’ Tirreni, you’ll enjoy a 4-course meal with a cooking demonstration of recipes handed down through generations, including regional favorites.
What makes this tour appealing is the personal touch of dining in a local’s home, where you can connect with the host and learn about family traditions. Reviews note that Anna and Luigi are “amazing hosts,” and the food is “top-notch Neapolitan cooking.” You’ll savor starters, pasta, main courses, and dessert, all paired with regional wines and drinks.
Ideal for those who appreciate authentic, family-style meals and want to experience Italian hospitality firsthand. The only potential drawback is the limited time of 2.5 hours, which means the experience is more about quality and connection than a lengthy tour.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers wanting a cozy, genuine glimpse into Italian home cooking and family life, this experience offers both culture and delicious food.
6. Visit the Pompeii ruins from Salerno with Pizza Lunch
For around $266.46, this half-day tour combines a visit to the Pompeii archaeological site with a pizza lunch at Capri Blue. Starting early in the morning, you’ll explore the ruins with an expert guide, seeing famous sites like the House of the Faun and the Amphitheatre. The highlight: the plaster casts of Pompeii’s inhabitants and well-preserved frescoes.
The tour’s unique feature is the combination of history with casual dining, making it suitable for those who want a comprehensive experience without a full-day commitment. The reviews rave about the quality of the pizza—”the best pizza in Italy,” according to one traveler—and the smooth organization.
This experience is perfect for history buffs who enjoy good food afterward and want a well-organized, informative visit. Keep in mind, the tour lasts about 4-5 hours, including travel time.
Bottom line: A comprehensive option for history lovers who also crave authentic Italian pizza, making it a great value for a combined cultural and culinary experience.
7. Pompeii Ruins & Wine Tasting with Lunch on Vesuvius with Private Transfer
This luxurious 7 to 9-hour private tour combines a visit to Pompeii with a wine tasting and lunch on Mount Vesuvius. Starting with a private transfer, you’ll explore the Roman ruins, walking past villas, baths, and theaters, before heading to a family-run vineyard.
What makes this tour special is the personalized experience—no large groups, and the driver customizes the schedule. The winery tour includes tasting five Lacryma Christi wines, paired with regional specialties. Guests appreciate the seamless logistics and the chance to hike Vesuvius’ crater if wanted.
While pricier, it’s ideal for travelers who want a luxury, flexible experience with plenty of time for exploration and tasting. Reviewers praise the helpful driver and the delicious wine.
Bottom line: For those seeking a private, all-in-one day of history, wine, and volcano views, this tour offers an unbeatable personalized touch.
8. Private Tour: Paestum, Mozzarella Bufala guided tour and lunch
At around $267.62, this private excursion takes you on a cultural journey through Paestum, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After a scenic 45-minute drive, explore the majestic Doric temples and learn about their history. Then, visit Tenuta Vannulo, a family farm specializing in buffalo mozzarella.
What sets this tour apart is the opportunity to see buffalo breeding and mozzarella production firsthand. Guests enjoy a guided farm tour, learning artisanal techniques, and then tasting fresh mozzarella and local products. The included archeological site visit adds a historical dimension, making it perfect for those interested in both ancient Greece and regional food.
It’s ideal for travelers who love combining cultural sights with culinary discovery. The tour’s intimate nature and high-quality food make it excellent value despite the higher price.
Bottom line: A well-rounded experience for history and food buffs eager to see Greek temples and sample authentic mozzarella.
$267.62 per person
9. Mount Vesuvius & Wine Tasting with Lunch Private Tour
This private 7 to 9-hour tour offers a full day exploring Vesuvius, Pompeii, and a local winery. You’ll hike the volcano’s crater, then enjoy a three-course lunch paired with Lacryma Christi wines at a panoramic vineyard. The tour emphasizes customization—you can choose to visit Herculaneum or Oplontis as well.
Guests mention their knowledgeable driver and the fantastic vineyard experience, where regional wines, olive oils, and vinegars are sampled. The tour is perfect for those who want flexibility and luxury, combining adventure with gourmet food.
Given the private nature and comprehensive itinerary, it’s priced accordingly but offers excellent value for a bespoke experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers wanting a full, private day with volcano views, archaeological sites, and premium regional wines.
$359.01 per person
10. Private market tour, lunch or dinner and cooking demo in Cava de’ Tirreni
For $161.05, this customizable experience takes you to a lively local market followed by a home-cooked meal. You’ll learn about regional ingredients directly from local vendors, then watch as your host prepares a four-course menu including pasta, main, and dessert, with drinks included.
Guests rave about the authenticity and the warm host—”like visiting family,” one reviewer says. This experience is unique because it combines market shopping with cooking and dining in a private home, offering deep insider knowledge about Campanian ingredients.
Best suited for food lovers and those craving a genuine connection with locals. The duration of 3.5 hours makes it a perfect half-day activity.
Bottom line: An authentic and intimate way to learn regional cooking, perfect for travelers who want to understand local food culture firsthand.
$161.05 per person
11. Private cooking class with lunch or dinner in Cava De Tirreni
At $167.74, this private cooking class focuses on regional dishes prepared in a home setting. Guests cook alongside a local chef, learning recipes like gnocchi and tiramisu. The class ends with a meal paired with regional wines.
This tour offers a personalized experience—a perfect way to pick up authentic cooking skills and connect with local traditions. Many guests mention how welcoming the hosts are and how delicious the food turns out. The experience is best suited for culinary enthusiasts or those wanting a relaxed, intimate activity.
The one caveat is the limited duration—around 3 hours—so it’s more about quality and hands-on learning than extensive sightseeing.
Bottom line: Ideal for food lovers wanting a personal, hands-on cooking experience with the added bonus of regional wines and warm hospitality.
12. Mount Vesuvius & Wine Tasting with Lunch Private Tour from Amalfi Coast
This full-day private excursion starts from the Amalfi Coast and combines Vesuvius crater hiking, vineyard visits, and a lunch and wine tasting at a family-run winery. The tour offers personalized transport and flexible scheduling, including a crater hike and regional wine sampling.
Guests praise the seamless organization and the ability to customize the day. The winery experience focuses on Lacryma Christi wines, with stunning views of the Gulf of Naples. It’s perfect for travelers who want an in-depth, private experience with a mix of adventure, culture, and gastronomy.
Although more expensive, it’s ideal for those wanting a luxurious, all-inclusive day that covers volcano, wine, and scenic landscapes at their own pace.
Bottom line: A comprehensive, private day trip suited for travelers who prioritize comfort, flexibility, and a mix of outdoor adventure and wine tasting.
$359.01 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Lunch Experience in Salerno
When selecting the best activity, consider your budget, timing, and interests. For a relaxing day on the water, the Salerno: Amalfi Coast Cruise with Lunch is hard to beat, especially if swimming and scenery top your list. Want to combine history and wine? The Pompeii Ruins & Wine Tasting with Lunch offers a full cultural experience with a gourmet touch. For a deep dive into local cuisine, private cooking classes or in-home demos give authentic insights into regional recipes.
Think about group size—private tours offer a more personalized experience—versus more social, shared cruises. Budget-conscious travelers might prefer shorter cruises or group experiences, while culinary enthusiasts may want the hands-on classes. And always, book early during peak season to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Salerno’s lunch options range from scenic boat cruises to immersive cooking experiences, covering all interests and budgets. The Salerno: Amalfi Coast Cruise with Lunch combines stunning views with swimming and good food—great for a relaxed, active day. For those who prefer a taste of history with food, the Pompeii with Pizza Lunch strikes a perfect balance.
If you want an intimate, authentic experience, private cooking classes in Vietri sul Mare or Cava de’ Tirreni will give you lifelong culinary skills and warm memories. No matter your choice, these experiences promise a delicious way to enjoy Salerno and its coast—so don’t delay, book early, and get ready for a fantastic taste of Italy.