Access
Immerse yourself in the destinations and attractions you explore through exclusive access and hands-on experiences based on National Geographic’s existing relationships around the globe.
+ 8
+ 6
Excursions & day trips
Culture & history
Museums & art galleries
Nat Geo Day Tour: Gragnano, the Epicenter of Dried Pasta Production
Free cancellation
Place: Naples
Duration: from 4 hours to 8 hours
Mobile voucher accepted
Instant confirmation
e-Voucher
Do this because
- Discover the rich history of pasta and listen to captivating stories from local specialists about how Gragnano, the global hub of dried pasta production, gained international acclaim and ultimately became famous worldwide for pasta production
- Learn from a volunteer historian and retired miller who is deeply engaged in the restoration project, as they unravel the secrets of Gragnano's pasta heritage in the Valley of the Mills
- Experience an exclusive opportunity to visit restored mills in the Valley of the Mills, a lush green ravine strategically positioned between mountains and the sea on the slopes between Sorrento, Naples and the Amalfi Coast
- Go behind the scenes to the production area and witness the pasta-making and packaging process step by step, gaining a deeper appreciation for the artistry and precision that goes into it
- Delight in the sumptuous flavors of gragnese pasta as you indulge in a lunch featuring a delectable plate of this culinary masterpiece
Immersive, enriching & sustainable guided day tours
Whether you prefer history, culture, gastronomy, conservation, nature, adventure, or photography these tours are designed to satisfy your curiosity.
Knowledge
Discover the world through the lens of National Geographic as National Geographic-trained guides and local experts share their knowledge and passion of the places and locations you visit.
Give back
Experience meaningful explorations with a commitment to sustainable tourism, with all tours meeting the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria and a portion of proceeds dedicated to fund research.
Local immersion
Become inspired to care about the planet and its people by gaining a deeper understanding of the communities and inhabitants of the places you visit through interaction and insights into their daily lives.
Storytelling
Be a part of the story of each destination you visit through the unparalleled content and research from National Geographic you’ll be exposed to, making you reflect on different current realities.
© 2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPEDITIONS and the Yellow Border Design are trademarks of the National Geographic Society, used under license.
This experience meets the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria. By choosing this experience you can protect the places you love, care for the environment and support local communities.
What to expect
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Gragnano, the epicenter of dried pasta production. The tour starts with a picturesque bus ride along the Bay of Naples, offering panoramic views dominated by the presence of Mount Vesuvius. Throughout the day, your National Geographic-trained guide will provide intriguing insights into Campanian culture.
Your first destination is the idyllic Valley of the Mills, nestled between the towns of Sorrento, Naples and the Amalfi Coast. Here, you'll have the rare privilege of exploring the historical site, together with a local historian & retired miller who is dedicated to this important restoration project. He will explain in detail the ingenious engineering that powered the mills, a captivating revelation exclusively reserved for National Geographic travelers. As you take a leisurely stroll through this lush landscape, you can connect with the natural beauty that has inspired generations.
The next stop is a renowned pasta factory with deep-rooted traditions. Prepare to be amazed by the creativity of chief pasta maker, Antonino Moccia, and the factory's 140 different shapes of pasta, some of which are patented. Accompanied by the factory's owner, you'll embark on a tour of the museum, hearing intimate stories that have shaped this industry over the centuries.
Don your apron and go backstage to the production area to see the pasta-making process step by step, gaining a deeper appreciation for the artistry and precision that goes into crafting each piece of pasta. You'll discover the meticulous packaging techniques that ensure the final product reaches homes around the world in pristine condition. As a delightful conclusion to your immersive experience, savour the culmination of this intricate process by indulging in a plate of gragnese pasta, allowing the rich flavours and unique texture to transport you to the heart of Italian culinary tradition.
Read more
Important to know
- This tour may not be suitable for gluten-sensitive or gluten-intolerant due to the amount of loose flour in the air
- This experience doesn't follow our general cancellation policy. If you need to cancel, you must do so at least 48-hours in advance to receive a full refund.
- Not suitable for wheelchairs
- Children must be supervised by an adult (over 18 years) at all time
- Bring suitable footwear
Read more
What’s included
Admission fees
Transport
Guide
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 2 days before the experience begins.
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Pickup points
To see which pickup points are available, check under availability & prices.
Provider
TUI ITALIA S.R.L.
Need a hand?
Would you like some help making a booking? Or perhaps you just want to ask a few questions. Whatever the reason, don't hesitate to get in touch.
Opening hours: Our team is available from 10.00 to 18.00 CET
Phone number: +44 121 468 3145
You might also like
Excursions & day trips
Nat Geo Day Tour: A Taste of Tramonti and pizza-making experience.
Discover the treasures of Tramonti on this National Geographic Day Tour. Kickstart your adventure with a scenic ride along the Bay of Naples, under the watchful eye of Mount Vesuvius, leading through Monte Latteri and Valle dei Chiunz, revealing Tramonti's hidden hamlets. Pizza's global popularity owes much to Tramonti's ancestors, who played a pivotal role in spreading pizzerias worldwide. As you coast along lush countryside, your National Geographic-trained guide will share captivating stories of local culture and history. Perched high above the Amalfi Coast, Tramonti treats visitors to lemon-scented orchards, chestnut trees, and terraced vineyards. Your first stop is the garden of Acarbio, a pioneering association advocating for the Amalfi Coast to become a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Here, you'll enjoy a refreshment and hear about ongoing projects, including the revival of the almost-extinct Rè Fiascone tomato, a key ingredient for pizza. It's truly inspiring to see this dynamic group in action, preserving the rural heritage and biodiversity of the Amalfi Coast, reviving local agriculture, and protecting endangered species. At your last stop, you'll dive into a pizza-making workshop at a local Agriturismo, led by a skilled pizza chef. As you master the art of traditional ‘Neapolitan' pizza, the president of the Tramonti Pizzaioli Association, a prominent group of around 2000 pizza chefs, discusses Tramonti's pizza legacy. Finally, savour your culinary creations during a delightful lunch.
free cancellation
Guided Tour
Excursions & day trips
Nat Geo Day Tour: The Story of Pasta with Hands-On Cooking Class
Discover the essence of Gragnano on this National Geographic-exclusive pasta tour, starting with a scenic bus ride along the Bay of Naples, under the watchful eye of Mount Vesuvius. Your National Geographic-trained guide will give you an insight into Campanian culture as you sit back and soak up the views. The first stop is the Valley of the Mills, a picturesque ravine on the slopes between Sorrento, Naples and the Amalfi Coast. Here, a local volunteer historian and retired miller, dedicated to the restoration of the site, will reveal the fascinating engineering behind the series of mills, of which two will be exclusively opened for travelers on this tour. Enjoy a short walk before heading to Pasta Cuomo. Here, visit the factory and museum, then travel back in time to experience Gragnano's past through virtual reality. During your tour you will meet and learn about one of the oldest pasta making families of the area, a family ancestry that is partly responsible for pasta's transatlantic journey to the United States in the late 1800s. Then, it's time to roll up your sleeves and put your culinary skills to test at an interactive pasta-making session, with Nonna Giuseppina (grandma!) on hand to guide you as you knead and roll. Finally, indulge in a pasta lunch featuring ingredients sourced from the factory's garden, a true farm-to-table experience and a rewarding way to end the tour.
free cancellation
Entrance Fees Included
Excursions & day trips
Nat Geo Day Tour: Spartacus' World at Ancient Capua
Boasting a strategic location on the Via Appia, Ancient Capua was a hugely important city since its foundation in the 5th century BCE. Your journey begins at the Arena of Spartacus, the ancient amphitheater in Capua. Second in size only to Rome's Colosseum, this amphitheater is older, better preserved, and less crowded. Join your guide, a specialist in Roman archaeology, to tour the home of the Gladiator school of Ancient Rome where the legendary gladiator Spartacus made his daring escape and ignited his revolt against Roman slavery.Upon leaving the army, Spartacus was sold into slavery. He was ordered to go to Capua to enroll in Gladiator training school, where he rebelled against his enslavement and managed to escape alongside several other trainee gladiators. He became the leader of the growing group of escaped slaves who were ready to fight for freedom and autonomy. Against the odds, Spartacus and his rebel army resisted Roman attempts to overpower them, becoming a symbol of resistance against oppression.As you explore the amphitheater's ‘hypogeum' or underground area, you'll feel like you have a backstage pass to the gladiator shows of days past. The areas here are far better preserved than those found at the Colosseum of Rome. You'll then visit what is known as the 'gladiator's room,' off limits to other visitors. Still being studied, specialist archeologists are still trying to understand the room's original purpose.An augmented reality experience, exclusive to National Geographic travelers, will bring to life the experience of being Spartacus 2000 years ago, complete with reconstructions of the original amphitheater from the perspective of both the spectators and the gladiators. Step into the shoes of Spartacus, and feel the pulse of Ancient Rome.After your tour, relax over a lunch lovingly prepared with local organic produce by owners who take pride in maintaining their historic surroundings. The restaurant is conveniently located on the perimeter of the archeological site.
free cancellation
Entrance Fees Included
Excursions & day trips
Nat Geo Day Tour - A Deep Dive into Ancient Roman Life: Pompeii & Oplontis
Begin with a short drive to the foothills of Mt. Vesuvius and the ruins of Pompeii, an ancient city preserved by volcanic eruption. Wander down cobblestone streets to the Forum, once the hub of Roman life. Follow ancient paths to grand spaces like the House of the Faun with its rich mosaics. Sit in the arena of the theater and study the colossal columns of the Basilica. You'll also visit areas of everyday life like the baths and taverns. Your final stop at this site will be Casa della Regina Carolina, one of the ancient city's largest homes located in an elite neighborhood near the Forum. Learn insights into the ongoing research started by National Geographic Explorer Caitlin Ellis Barret as you discover the house and the daily domestic activities of its vacationing socialites. After a light lunch, continue your journey to the port of Torre Annunziata, where you'll descend below street level to ancient Oplontis. As a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area and its two sprawling villas boast some of the best-preserved wall paintings of the Roman period. Your specialist archeological guide will offer historical, cultural and architectural context as you take in Oplontis' wonders. Once inhabited by the Roman elite, marvel at Pompeiian-style frescoes and mosaics, finished with deep azures, oranges, and sunny golds. The intricate use of colour and shading gives these paintings a three-dimensional feel, adding a lifelike quality to these ancient scenes.
free cancellation
Available in:
en
Attractions & guided tours
From ancient to modern Naples tour with underground entry
Book this small group tour to discover the ancient and modern charm of Naples. Explore Underground Naples and walk the city streets with your expert local guide.
free cancellation
Available in:
en, it
Activities
Herculaneum private and personalized tour with a local guide
Book this private tour of Herculaneum with a local guide to discover brilliantly preserved ruins, luxury villas, frescoes and mosaics of ancient Roman civilisation.
free cancellation
Available in:
en, it, fr, es, de
Traditions, superstitions and legends of Naples small group tour
Book tickets to discover local legends, beliefs and traditions in the historic heart of Naples in this small group tour led by a local expert guide.
free cancellation
Available in:
en, it
Attractions & guided tours
Naples Archaeological Museum small group tour with an archaeologist
Discover hidden treasures in one of the world's oldest and richest museums, explore artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum and witness stunning well-preserved frescoes and mosaics.
free cancellation
Available in:
en, it
Activities
From Rome: Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius Volcano Day Trip With Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Lunch
Book your day trip from Rome and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii before ascending Mount Vesuvius or visiting the Amalfi Coast.
free cancellation
Available in:
en
Company 
We recommend
Help & support
