Salerno is a fantastic base for exploring Southern Italy’s culinary and scenic delights. What makes it especially appealing for lunch experiences is its mix of coastal views, historic sites, and authentic local flavors. Whether you’re after a relaxing boat tour along the Amalfi Coast or a hands-on cooking class with a family, Salerno offers options that suit all tastes and budgets. We’re especially taken with the Amalfi Coast boat tour, which combines stunning scenery with a leisurely pace and local flavors—plus, no traffic jams to spoil the view (see details here).
For those who want to roll up their sleeves and learn how to cook like a true Italian, the private cooking classes in Vietri sul Mare or Cava de’ Tirreni are perfect. These experiences bring you into the homes of local families, offering an authentic taste of Southern Italy that goes beyond just eating out. Also, for history lovers, the Pompeii ruins combined with pizza lunch offers a memorable mix of ancient ruins and modern Italian comfort food (see the Pompeii tour here).
What kind of tour are we talking about? A bit of everything—scenic boat rides, culinary classes, archaeological excursions, and vineyard visits—each with its own flavor and focus. Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each experience so you can pick the best fit for your trip.
1. Amalfi Coast by boat with aperitif, lunch and sea breaks
This 6-hour boat tour offers an unbeatable way to see the Amalfi Coast without dealing with the traffic. Using the Euphoria Motorboat, you’ll glide past cliffs, colorful villages, and secluded coves. The tour includes sea breaks for swimming, local specialties for lunch, and a bar service on board. Music and entertainment add a lively touch to this relaxing day on the water. The reviews are glowing, with many praising it as the best way to experience the coast’s beauty firsthand—“breathtaking scenery and great food at a good price,” says one traveler.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of personalized sea experiences and authentic flavors. You’ll taste a first course (land or sea), with options for land-based or seafood dishes, paired with local drinks. Plus, the secluded swimming spots provide a refreshing break from crowded beaches. Perfect for families or couples wanting a laid-back, scenic day on the water, this tour offers excellent value at around $74.52 per person.
Bottom line: If you love being on the water, want to see the coast from a different perspective, and enjoy relaxed, authentic cuisine, this boat trip is hard to beat.
2. Private cooking class with lunch or dinner in Vietri sul Mare
This 3-hour private cooking class in Vietri sul Mare gives you the chance to learn regional recipes directly from a local chef in a fully-equipped home kitchen. No experience is necessary—just a willingness to roll up your sleeves. You’ll prepare three authentic dishes, then sit down to enjoy your meal paired with regional wines. The personal attention makes it a highlight, especially since reviews indicate that the hosts are warm and knowledgeable, sharing family recipes passed down through generations.
What makes this experience special? Its intimate setting and focus on local culture. You’ll get hands-on practice making classic dishes like pasta or regional specialties, then savor the results in a cozy atmosphere. The $168.72 price includes wine, making it a good value for a personalized culinary experience. It’s perfect for foodies who want to break out of restaurant dining and connect with Italy’s culinary roots firsthand.
Bottom line: If you’re eager to learn how to cook authentic Southern Italian dishes from a local host, this class provides a memorable, tasty, and authentic experience.
3. Visit the Pompeii ruins from Salerno with Pizza Lunch
This 4 to 5-hour tour combines a guided visit to Pompeii’s archaeological site with a delicious pizza lunch. Starting from Salerno, you’re picked up early and taken to Pompeii, where an expert guide will walk you through the remains of the city buried by Vesuvius in 79 AD. Highlights include the House of the Faun, Amphitheatre, and plaster casts of Pompeii’s ancient residents. After exploring, you’ll enjoy a pizza lunch at Capri Blue, which reviewers rave as the best pizza they’ve had in Italy.
What makes this tour stand out is the seamless combination of history and cuisine. The guide’s storytelling adds depth to the ruins, while the pizza lunch offers a satisfying taste of local flavors. It’s an ideal choice for history buffs who want some culinary comfort afterward. Priced at $266.46, it’s a bit more expensive but offers a rich experience packed into a manageable time frame. The reviews highlight how engaging the guide was and how delicious the pizza was.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect if you want a well-rounded day of archaeology and authentic Italian pizza—a memorable way to combine history with comfort food.
4. Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Cava de’ Tirreni
In just 2.5 hours, this intimate experience takes you into a local home for a cooking demo and a 4-course meal. Your hosts, Anna and Luigi, welcome you warmly, teaching you how to prepare dishes like gnocchi and other regional specialties. The meal includes starter, pasta, main, and dessert, with drinks, including regional wines and coffee. Guests often comment that this is their favorite activity, feeling like they’re dining with family rather than on a tour.
What sets this apart is the authentic, home-cooked atmosphere and the opportunity to learn recipes passed down through generations. The price of $98.40 is reasonable considering the personalized, homemade experience. It’s suited for travelers who enjoy culinary culture and authentic hospitality.
Bottom line: If you want a heartfelt, hands-on culinary experience that feels truly local, this home dinner with a demo offers a warm and tasty introduction to Southern Italy.
5. Pompeii Ruins & Wine Tasting with Lunch on Vesuvius with Private Transfer
This 7 to 9-hour private tour combines the Pompeii archaeological site with a wine tasting on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. After a morning exploring Pompeii’s ruins with an included guide, you’ll transfer to Cantina del Vesuvius for a wine tasting, including Lacryma Christi wines and a three-course lunch featuring local ingredients. The tour is ideal for those who want a comprehensive day without the hassle of planning logistics.
What makes this experience stand out is the balance of history and local wine culture, plus the convenience of private transport. The reviews praise the knowledgeable guide, and many mention the excellent wine and food pairing. At $466.45, it’s more expensive but offers an immersive, all-inclusive experience perfect for wine lovers and history enthusiasts.
Bottom line: This is the perfect choice if you’re eager to combine archaeology with a gourmet wine and food experience on a relaxed, private day.
6. Private Tour: Paestum, Mozzarella Bufala guided tour and lunch
For a full-day experience, this private tour takes you to Paestum’s ancient temples and a family-run buffalo mozzarella farm. Starting from Salerno, you’ll explore the Doric temples dating back to the 6th century BC, then visit Tenuta Vannulo for a guided tour of buffalo breeding and mozzarella production. The visit includes tasting fresh mozzarella and exploring the farm’s artisanal processes.
What makes this trip distinctive is the chance to see ancient Greek architecture and experience authentic mozzarella craftsmanship in one day. The $267.62 price includes the guided tour and tasting, making it a good value for a comprehensive cultural experience. Reviews mention the expert guide and the delicious mozzarella, perfect for cheese lovers and history buffs alike.
Bottom line: If you want a mix of archaeology and culinary tradition, this tour offers a deep dive into both, with a focus on buffalo mozzarella.
7. Mount Vesuvius & Wine Tasting with Lunch Private Tour
This 7 to 9-hour private tour focuses on Vesuvius’ crater and a local winery. You’ll hike up the volcano’s trail, then relax at a family-run vineyard with a three-course lunch paired with wines. The experience is tailored for travelers who want a personalized, flexible day with stops at both Pompeii (if desired) and the volcano.
The tour’s strength is the combination of adventure and gastronomy, with reviews praising the knowledgeable driver and spectacular views. At $359.01, it’s good value considering the private, customizable nature. It’s suited for active travelers who want to see Vesuvius’ crater up close and enjoy regional wines.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activity combined with wine tasting, this tour offers a personalized experience in Vesuvius’ volcanic landscape.
8. Private market tour, lunch or dinner and cooking demo in Cava de’ Tirreni
This 3.5-hour tour begins with a visit to a lively local market, then transitions into a private cooking demo in a local’s home. You’ll learn to prepare and then enjoy a 4-course meal, with regional wines and drinks included. Reviews emphasize the warm hospitality and authentic recipes, like the eggplant dish shared by Antonia.
What makes this stand out is the real immersion into local life, connecting directly with a family and experiencing traditional cuisine firsthand. The cost of $161.05 offers good value for a private, cultural experience. It’s best for travelers who want local flavors and personal connections.
Bottom line: If you want to dive into local markets, learn recipes, and enjoy a homemade meal, this experience brings you into authentic Cava de’ Tirreni.
9. Private cooking class with lunch or dinner in Cava De Tirreni
This 3-hour class emphasizes cooking like a local, with a home chef guiding you through three regional dishes. The class includes wine tasting, and at the end, you take home a souvenir apron and shopping bag. Reviews praise the welcoming hosts and delicious food, making it a popular choice for food lovers wanting a personalized experience.
The $167.74 price point reflects a quality hands-on experience, perfect for those wanting culinary skills and authentic flavors. It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer a small-group, intimate setting.
Bottom line: If learning to cook authentic Italian dishes in a friendly home environment appeals to you, this class is an excellent choice.
10. Mount Vesuvius & Wine Tasting with Lunch Private Tour from Amalfi Coast
This 7 to 9-hour private day trip from the Amalfi Coast combines Vesuvius hiking with a vineyard lunch. You’ll start with a guided walk to the crater, then relax at a family-run winery with panoramic views. The lunch includes three courses and regional wines, making it an ideal mix of adventure and relaxation.
What sets this apart is the convenience for Amalfi Coast travelers, with hotel pickup included. Reviews commend the professional driver and delicious food, though some mention that the driver’s English wasn’t perfect. The $358.69 price makes it a good value for those wanting an all-in-one experience without the hassle of planning.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers based on the Amalfi Coast who want a personalized, scenic day combining Vesuvius, wine, and good food.
How to Choose Your Perfect Lunch Experience in Salerno
When selecting the right tour, consider your interests, budget, and physical activity level. If you love being on the water and want unmatched views, the Amalfi Coast boat might be your best bet. For culinary enthusiasts, the private cooking classes and home dining experiences offer authentic, personalized immersion. History lovers should consider Pompeii with pizza, while those eager to combine archaeology and wine might prefer the Vesuvius wine tour.
Budget also plays a role: private tours like Vesuvius & wine tasting are more expensive but include private transport and personalized guides, while scenic boat trips offer great value at under $80.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular experiences like the private cooking classes or boat tours, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Salerno offers a range of lunch experiences from scenic boat rides to immersive culinary classes and archaeological visits. For a relaxing day on the water, the Amalfi Coast boat tour provides excellent scenery and local flavors. If you’re more into hands-on cooking, the home-based classes in Vietri sul Mare or Cava de’ Tirreni give you an authentic taste of Italy. For history lovers, exploring Pompeii combined with a pizza lunch makes a memorable and satisfying day.
No matter your style or budget, Salerno has something to make your lunch break a highlight of your trip. Just remember to book early, especially if you want a spot on the most popular tours, and enjoy all the delicious flavors this region has to offer.
