Amalfi Coast: Private Day Trip from Sorrento with Driver

Summary

From Sorrento to Ravello, winding roads and pastel villages with time to linger

You’ll wind along cliff roads with a local driver from Sorrento, stopping wherever curiosity pulls you—Positano’s pastel lanes, Praiano’s quiet corners, Amalfi’s cathedral steps or Ravello’s hilltop gardens. Taste fresh sfogliatella by the sea and let each village set its own pace for your day trip along the Amalfi Coast.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, we’ll stop for coffee where the view is best,” our driver promised as we pulled away from Sorrento. He grinned in the rearview, one hand steady on the wheel, the other gesturing toward the cliffs tumbling into blue. The air smelled faintly of lemons and exhaust, and I remember my friend fumbling for her camera before we’d even left town. The first sight of Positano came suddenly — houses stacked like children’s blocks, colors faded by sun. We wandered narrow lanes, dodging baskets of oranges and linen dresses fluttering in shop doorways. I tried to order a pastry in Italian; the woman behind the counter smiled and corrected me gently. It was early but already warm enough that my shirt stuck to my back.

Praiano was quieter — almost sleepy compared to Positano’s buzz. Our driver pointed out where the sun would linger longest in the evening, and I wondered what it would be like to just stay there for hours. He told us about his childhood summers swimming below those cliffs (his English was patchy but his stories needed no translation). Somewhere between Conca dei Marini and Furore he insisted we try sfogliatella — flaky pastry dusted with sugar, filled with ricotta that tasted somehow both light and rich. I ate mine too fast and powdered sugar stuck to my fingers for half an hour after.

By Amalfi, everything felt brighter — white buildings stacked up steep alleys, church bells echoing off stone. The cathedral steps were crowded but nobody seemed rushed; people just sat talking or watching others climb up and down. Ravello came last, perched so high it felt separate from everything below. There was music floating from a garden somewhere (maybe Villa Rufolo?), but mostly it was quiet except for our footsteps on old stones. You can stay as long as you want in each spot on this day trip from Sorrento — we didn’t rush, just let the day stretch out as far as it wanted.

I still think about that view above Amalfi — sea blurring into sky, sunlight catching on domes and terraces. Maybe if you go you’ll see something different; maybe you’ll find your own favorite corner or pastry or patch of shade under a lemon tree.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Amalfi Coast villages by private car

• Depart from Sorrento
• Visit Positano town center and beaches
• Stop at Praiano village
• Drive through Conca Dei Marini and Furore
• Explore Amalfi and visit St. Andrew cathedral
• Visit Ravello village and gardens
• Return to Sorrento

Top questions

How long does the private Amalfi Coast day trip from Sorrento last?

The tour lasts up to 8 hours, depending on how long you spend in each village.

Which towns are included in this Amalfi Coast day trip?

You’ll visit Positano, Praiano, Amalfi, Conca dei Marini/Furore area, and Ravello.

Is hotel pickup included for this private tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Sorrento are included.

Can I choose how long to stay in each village?

Yes—you decide how much time to spend at each stop within your 8-hour window.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible if accompanied by someone who can assist boarding/disembarking; note there are stairs in some villages.

Are entrance fees or city access taxes included?

No—city access taxes (for larger vehicles) are not included in the price.

What language does the driver speak?

The driver speaks minimal English but communicates well about stops and local stories.

Does this tour include lunch?

No set lunch is included; you’re free to eat where you like during stops.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation by car or minivan with air conditioning, hotel pickup and drop-off in Sorrento, parking fees for the first hour at each stop, plus flexibility to linger where you want—all with a local driver who knows every curve of these coastal roads before bringing you back at sunset.