Naples is rich in heritage and culinary culture – and this tour combines both to give you a real taste of the city. You'll dip in and out of old town eateries, bakeries and markets, sampling Neapolitan delights both edible and aesthetic. Lorenzo, one of our expert guides, says, ‘Locals love Pignasecca market, and it'll definitely whet your appetite. Vendors sell the freshest ingredients – you'll see everything from live shellfish to delicate stonefruit. It's no coincidence that Neapolitan cooking is so simple and delicious – we have the best ingredients.'
After a drive from Sorrento in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, our first stop will be at a seafront café for a quick coffee, which we'll drink Neapolitan-style - standing at the bar. Next, we'll head for the earthy historic centre of Naples. Acquaint yourself with the city's brazen personality as we stroll past the Royal Palace, the church of San Francesco di Paola and soak up some urban life in Piazza del Plebiscito, at the heart of Naples. We'll continue towards the lavish Galleria Umberto I and pass by Europe's oldest opera house, the San Carlo.
Next, we'll explore the noisy Pignasecca street market and characterful Spaccanapoli – the 2km-long alley that bisects the old town – while munching on a ‘cuoppo di frittura' during the walk. You'll also get to try a pizza fritta and a crisp sfogliatella pastry – true Neapolitan classics. We'll round off the tour stopping by the Via Toledo Metro station, recognised as one of the world's most beautiful for its mosaics and murals depicting local history and culture.