Amalfi Coast: Positano, Amalfi & Ravello Private Day Trip

Summary

Positano’s colors, Amalfi’s history and Ravello’s gardens in a day

You’ll wind along dramatic cliffs with a local guide, explore Ravello’s peaceful gardens and Amalfi’s lively piazzas, then wander Positano’s colorful streets at your own pace. Expect plenty of photo stops, real conversations with locals, and moments you’ll want to hold onto long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember how the air changed when we left the main road and started winding along the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. One minute it was just chatter and car radio static, then suddenly — silence except for the sea below and that sharp lemon scent drifting in through the window. Our driver, Antonio, grinned in the rearview mirror and said something about “la strada più bella d’Italia.” I didn’t argue. It felt like we’d slipped into someone else’s postcard.

First stop was Ravello. I’d read about Villa Cimbrone Gardens but didn’t expect to feel so small standing at that stone terrace, clouds moving fast over the Gulf of Salerno. There was this old man sweeping petals off a path — he nodded at us but kept humming to himself. The gardens had this quiet that made you whisper without really knowing why. I tried to take photos but honestly, they don’t get close.

Back down in Amalfi, everything got louder. Bells from the cathedral echoing off white walls, kids chasing pigeons in the piazza. We followed our guide through alleys that smelled of espresso and sea salt (sometimes both at once), stopping for sfogliatella at a tiny bakery where the owner insisted we try his homemade limoncello — “just a sip!” he laughed. My friend almost bought a ceramic lemon she couldn’t fit in her suitcase.

Positano was last — all those pastel houses stacked like someone got carried away with building blocks. Walking down those steep steps made my legs ache but there was something about seeing the sun hit the water at that angle… well, I still think about it sometimes when I hear seagulls back home. We had time to wander (and sweat), peek into linen shops, watch locals arguing gently over who made better granita. The drive back was quiet; everyone just looking out at that impossible blue until we reached our hotel again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ravello, Amalfi, and Positano

• Visit Ravello town and gardens
• Explore Villa Rufolo historical site
• Walk through Villa Cimbrone Gardens
• Discover Amalfi town and cathedral
• Free time to explore Amalfi streets
• Visit Positano town and shops
• Enjoy cliffside views in Positano

Top questions

How long is a private Amalfi Coast tour from Naples or Sorrento?

The full day trip typically lasts around 8-9 hours including travel between Positano, Amalfi & Ravello.

Is pickup included for this Amalfi Coast day trip?

Yes, pickup is included from your hotel or agreed meeting point.

Are Villa Cimbrone Gardens included on this tour?

The itinerary includes time in Ravello where you can visit Villa Cimbrone Gardens independently.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The vehicle is wheelchair accessible and all areas are accessible; however, some village streets are steep or have steps.

Can infants join this private Amalfi Coast tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers; specialized infant seats are available on request.

What should I bring on an Amalfi Coast day trip?

Comfortable shoes for walking steep streets; sun protection; camera; light layers depending on season.

Do we have free time in each town during the tour?

Yes, you’ll have free time to explore Positano, Amalfi & Ravello at your own pace before regrouping with your guide.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable air-conditioned transport with WiFi onboard and bottled water provided throughout. Pickup is arranged from your hotel or nearby meeting point. The vehicle is fully wheelchair accessible and suitable for families with infants or service animals—just let them know what you need before setting off.