Sorrento: Walking Food Tour with Lemon Grove & Limoncello

Summary

Sample Sorrento’s flavors from deli counters to lemon groves

You’ll taste your way through Sorrento’s markets and family delis, sample fresh gnocchi and buffalo mozzarella, stroll beneath lemon trees for a limoncello tasting, and share laughs with locals along the way. Expect small surprises — like that view over the Bay of Naples — that linger longer than any dessert.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to laugh so much about mozzarella. Our guide, Marco, had us try these little creamy balls at a family deli near Piazza Tasso — he grinned as he explained the difference between the “real” stuff and what tourists usually get. I swear you could smell the salt and milk in the air. There was this older woman behind the counter who winked when I hesitated over the cured meats (I’m not great with salami), and she just sliced off a piece anyway. It was salty and peppery and honestly better than I thought it’d be.

Walking through Sorrento’s old streets felt like being let in on a secret. Marco pointed out linen shops tucked behind flowerpots and explained why everyone here gestures so much — apparently it’s not just for show. We stopped for gnocchi at a tiny trattoria (the kind you’d walk right past if you didn’t know), and I remember the sauce was simple but somehow perfect. At one point, someone’s Vespa sputtered by with a basket of lemons strapped to the back, which made us all laugh because we were headed to the lemon grove next.

The lemon grove itself — I Giardini di Cataldo — smelled sharp and sweet at the same time, even though it had rained earlier so everything was kind of damp. We ducked under branches heavy with fruit while Marco explained how they make limoncello here (I tried to say “grazie” properly; Marco just shook his head, smiling). The tasting was stronger than I expected — almost syrupy but bright. There was also this quiet moment where we looked out toward Mt. Vesuvius from Villa Comunale di Sorrento, the sea below catching some late sun. It wasn’t planned or anything, but it stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Walking food tour and limoncello tasting

• Meet guide at Piazza Tasso
• Overview of tour and tastings
• Start tour with local specialty
• Walk through Sorrento historic area
• Taste local specialties and DOP products
• Visit leather and linen shops
• See Villa Comunale with Mt. Vesuvius view
• Visit lemon grove and take photos
• Tour limoncello factory and taste liquors

Top questions

How long is the Sorrento walking food tour?

The tour covers about 1.5 miles at an easy pace with stops for tastings and lunch.

Is there a limoncello tasting included?

Yes, you’ll visit a lemon grove and factory for limoncello tasting during the tour.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?

Vegetarian options are available if requested when booking; vegan diets cannot be accommodated.

Does this food tour include lunch?

Yes, generous tastings throughout add up to a full lunch including regional specialties.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is in central Sorrento at Piazza Tasso; check your voucher for details.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide at the designated spot in Sorrento.

What happens if it rains?

The tour runs in all weather except for the walk through the lemon grove, which may be skipped if it rains heavily.

What’s included

Your day includes all food tastings—think buffalo mozzarella, panino sandwiches, cured meats, pastries, gelato—plus drinks like local wine or beer and limoncello at I Giardini di Cataldo. You’ll be guided by a local through Sorrento’s historic center with stops for shopping tips and photo ops overlooking Mt. Vesuvius; lunch is part of your journey before finishing up back in town.