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

Summary

Positano’s colors, Amalfi’s sea breeze, Ravello’s quiet gardens

You’ll wind through cliffside villages and sunlit piazzas on this Amalfi Coast day trip from Naples or Salerno, tasting sweet granita in Amalfi, wandering Positano’s steep alleys, and pausing in Ravello’s peaceful gardens with time to breathe it all in before heading back.

What’s the experience like?

The morning started with us nearly missing the minibus because I was convinced the meeting point was on the other side of the hotel — classic me. Our driver just grinned and waved us over, no big deal. The ride out from Naples felt like waking up slowly: coffee smells lingering on my fingers, sunlight flickering through olive trees, and our guide (Giulia) already telling stories about lemon groves and old pirate legends before we even saw the sea. I didn’t expect to laugh that much at 8:30am.

First stop was Positano. It’s steeper than it looks in photos — my calves still remember those stairs — but turning a corner and suddenly seeing that jumble of pastel houses above the blue water made me stop mid-sentence. There was this bakery where the air smelled like sugar and citrus peel, and Giulia pointed out a tiny church with a green dome I’d have missed otherwise. She taught us to say “grazie mille” properly; Li laughed when I tried it (I probably butchered it). We had free time to wander or just sit by the beach watching locals chat in bursts of fast Italian.

Amalfi was louder somehow — more scooters, more voices bouncing off old stone walls. We skipped the main square for a bit to join the optional boat ride (honestly worth it). Out on the water you get this wild perspective: cliffs dropping straight into turquoise sea, little fishing boats bobbing around like toys. Back on land, we ducked inside Sant’Andrea Cathedral for a moment of cool silence before grabbing lemon granita from a street vendor. Sticky hands, salty air — you know how some days just feel layered?

By Ravello I was tired but happy. The drive up winds through hairpin turns with glimpses of sea far below; someone behind me gasped at one view and I almost did too. The gardens at Villa Rufolo were full of late-blooming roses and that faint damp-earth smell after last night’s rain. Our guide let us wander at our own pace here — no rush — so I sat under a cypress tree for a while watching swallows dip over tiled rooftops. Still think about that quiet moment sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello

• Travel from Naples/Salerno to Positano
• Wander colorful streets of Positano
• Shop at local boutiques in Positano
• Relax and enjoy panoramic views in Positano
• Travel to Amalfi
• Visit Cathedral of Sant’Andrea in Amalfi
• Stroll through Amalfi’s medieval alleys and piazzas
• Optional 45-minute boat tour from Amalfi
• Travel to Ravello
• Explore Villa Rufolo gardens in Ravello
• Visit Villa Cimbrone and Terrace of Infinity
• Enjoy panoramic vistas of the Amalfi Coast in Ravello
• Return to Naples/Salerno

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Amalfi Coast day trip?

Yes, pickup is available from Naples port or Hotel Ramada at 8:00/8:30am or Salerno port at 8:00am.

How much free time do you get in each town?

You’ll have free time to explore Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello at your own pace during each stop.

Is there an option for a boat ride in Amalfi?

Yes, you can choose an optional 45-minute boat tour from Amalfi to see coastal views from the sea.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, but let them know ahead if you need wheelchair arrangements so they can prepare.

Are infants allowed on this tour?

Infants are welcome but must have their own seat; car seats or boosters can be requested if needed.

What is included during transport?

The minibus is air-conditioned and each participant gets bottled water onboard.

Will there be commentary during the drive?

Yes, live commentary is provided by your local host throughout the journey.

If my cruise ship arrives late can I still join?

If your cruise ship timing doesn’t match pickup times, contact them—they may adjust pickup to fit your schedule.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable round-trip transport in an air-conditioned minibus with bottled water provided for everyone. You’ll get hotel or port pickup and drop-off in Naples or Salerno, all entry fees covered, live stories from your local host along the way, plus flexible free time in Positano, Amalfi (with an optional boat ride), and Ravello before returning relaxed in the evening.