Amalfi Coast Day Trip: Positano, Amalfi & Ravello with Boat Ride

Summary

Positano colors, Amalfi’s cathedral steps and Ravello’s quiet views in one day

You’ll wind along cliff roads from Sorrento with a small group and local guide, stopping in Positano for colorful streets and church mosaics before a breezy boat ride to Amalfi’s lively square. Free time lets you taste pastries or climb cathedral steps, then Ravello offers peaceful gardens above the sea. Expect laughter, salt air and moments you’ll want to remember.

What’s the experience like?

“Wait, is that Li Galli out there?” our guide asked as we curved along the coast from Sorrento — I squinted through the bus window and yeah, those islands really did look like they were just floating. The road twisted so much my coffee nearly escaped its cup. Someone behind us started humming Italian pop songs (not quietly), and for a second I forgot about my phone entirely. The air smelled faintly salty, mixed with that lemony tang you get around here. Our small group kept pointing at houses clinging to cliffs — how do people even get groceries up there?

In Positano, we spilled out onto steep streets painted with bougainvillea and laundry lines. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta was cooler inside than I expected — tiles underfoot, gold flickering above. I tried to say “maiolica” like our guide but probably mangled it; she grinned anyway. There was time to grab a pastry before catching the boat to Amalfi. That little ride: sea spray on my arms, wind in my hair, someone laughing as a seagull stole their snack. It’s not long but somehow it sticks with me.

Amalfi itself felt busier — kids playing soccer near the cathedral steps while tourists juggled gelato cones and cameras. Our guide offered to help with tickets if we wanted to see inside (I did). The mosaics glimmered in the late morning light; I stood there longer than planned. Ravello came last — quieter, almost dreamy after all that noise and color. We wandered narrow lanes past pottery shops and old men playing cards outside cafés. Villa Rufolo’s gardens were open; I sat on a stone bench looking out over the water until it was time to leave. Still think about that view sometimes when things get loud back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello

• Depart from Sorrento
• View Amalfi Coast from bus
• See Sirenusas islands from bus
• Arrive in Positano
• Explore Positano village and boutiques
• Visit Church of Santa Maria Assunta
• Relax on Spiaggia Grande beach
• Boat ride from Positano to Amalfi
• Explore Amalfi town and beach
• Visit Amalfi Cathedral
• Travel to Ravello
• Explore Ravello streets and square
• Visit Villa Rufolo

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Sorrento to Positano, Amalfi & Ravello?

The excursion lasts about 8 hours including travel and stops in each town.

Is boat transportation included between Positano and Amalfi?

Yes, from April to October a boat transfer is included unless weather prevents it.

Are entry fees for attractions like Villa Rufolo or Amalfi Cathedral included?

No, entry fees are not included but your guide can help purchase tickets if you want to go inside.

How many people are in each tour group?

The group size is capped at 21 people or less for this tour.

Does the tour include hotel pickup in Sorrento?

No hotel pickup; instead there’s a centrally located meeting point in Sorrento.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

No lunch is provided but you have free time in each town to eat where you wish.

What happens if there’s bad weather for the boat ride?

If weather is bad between April and October, the boat ride will be replaced by road transport.

Is this tour suitable for families with children or strollers?

Yes; infants can ride in prams or strollers but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transport by air-conditioned vehicle from a central Sorrento meeting point (no hotel pickup), guided commentary throughout by an official local guide (sometimes multilingual), a small group atmosphere with no more than 21 guests, free time in Positano, Amalfi and Ravello for exploring or grabbing food at your own pace, plus a seasonal boat transfer from Positano to Amalfi when weather allows (April–October). Entry fees and meals aren’t covered but your guide offers tips and ticket help along the way before returning you back to Sorrento by evening.