Italy as a whole is no doubt one of the world’s best destinations for food lovers, but there’s nowhere quite like Naples. Established by the Greeks on the shores of the Mediterranean amidst the dramatic backdrop of Mount Vesuvius, the city is packed with personality, and its culinary culture reflects this, especially in the effervescent neighbourhood known as the Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarter). Our small group food tour is the ideal way to delve into the wonderful world of Neapolitan gastronomy, with a local guide to help you navigate the city’s labyrinthine streets with ease and introduce you to its history and most emblematic flavours.
On your small-group food tour, you will:
- Eat your way through the Spanish Quarter of Naples with a local guide;
- Learn about the city’s eventful history as you take in historic landmarks and colourful modern street art;
- Uncover all the different cultures that have shaped the city and its food scene;
- Taste a delicious selection of local flavours including traditional pastries, creamy buffalo mozzarella and of course, Neapolitan pizza;
- Find out how pizza as we know it today was invented in Naples, and how to spot a truly authentic slice;
- Sip Italian coffee, beer, wine and Limoncello from the Amalfi coast along the way;
- End on a sweet note with a gourmet gelato stop.
From the moment you step inside the Spanish Quarter, you’ll begin to feel the captivating energy of Naples’ most atmospheric neighbourhood. Originally established in the 16th century to house Spanish troops, today it brims with authentic trattorias, bold street art, and an abundance of incredible food. After meeting your guide and getting acquainted with your small group, you will set off on your journey into the city’s rich blend of history, culture, and cuisine.
With a local expert guide leading the way, you’ll stroll along the lively Via Toledo, passing landmarks such as the grand San Carlo Opera House and the majestic Royal Palace before ducking into the narrow, atmospheric lanes of the Spanish Quarter. Along the route, stories of Naples’ eventful past come to life, from Bourbon kings to Spanish viceroys, and more recently, the city’s reconstruction after war and natural disaster, a testament to its ever-evolving spirit.
Your day might begin as the Neapolitans do, with a strong espresso or frothy cappuccino paired with a flaky, citrus-scented sfogliatella pastry. What follows is a carefully curated sequence of regional specialities like crispy fried pasta, a creamy buffalo mozzarella, and perhaps a sip of local wine or craft beer to complement the flavours. Of course, no visit to Naples would be complete without pizza, and you’ll get your hands on an authentic Neapolitan slice, where the blistered crust and simple toppings reveal why this city gave birth to a global icon. Between bites, you’ll hear the story of how pizza as we know it today was invented here, and how to tell the genuine article.
You’ll also enjoy a glass of golden limoncello from the Amalfi Coast and discover hidden eateries and family-run spots that only a local would know. The experience ends on a sweet note with artisanal gelato, the perfect finale to a morning that celebrates Naples’ irresistible blend of flavours, history, and character. This half-day tour is an invitation to eat your way through Naples while uncovering the cultural layers that make it one of Italy’s most fascinating cities, a sensory introduction to its streets, stories, and exceptional cuisine.
