Amalfi Coast: Private Day Trip from Sorrento with Driver

Summary

From Sorrento to Ravello: winding roads, lemon scents, seaside towns

You’ll wind along cliffside roads from Sorrento with a local driver, pausing in Positano’s colorful lanes and tasting granita al limone in Amalfi’s piazza. Explore Ravello’s gardens or relax over lunch with sweeping views before heading back by sunset—expect small surprises and moments you’ll want to hold onto long after.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I’d seen a million photos of the Amalfi Coast before, but none of them prepared me for that first wild curve out of Sorrento. Our driver, Antonio, just grinned as we clung to the edge of the road (and our seats), all blue sea and pastel houses tumbling down cliffs. He pointed out Li Galli islands in the haze — “Sirenuse,” he said, “where the sirens tried to tempt Odysseus.” I couldn’t help but squint at the water, half-expecting something mythical to pop up. The salty air was everywhere, mixed with a faint whiff of lemons.

Positano was our first stop. It’s a bit surreal in person — those steep alleys full of linen shops and old men selling ceramics who seem like they’ve been there forever. I got lost trying to find the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta (the church with that crazy tiled dome) and ended up sharing an espresso at a tiny bar with two locals arguing about football. Spiaggia Grande was packed but somehow peaceful; I just sat on the pebbles for a while watching sunbathers and thinking about nothing much at all.

The drive to Amalfi itself felt like it took five minutes and forever at once. We had time to wander — I ducked into the Cathedral of St. Andrew, which looked almost too dramatic for such a small town. The air inside was cool and smelled faintly of incense and old stone. Outside, Antonio insisted we try granita al limone (“best in Campania!”), so we did — tart enough to make you blink. In Ravello after lunch (I had pasta with anchovies; not my usual pick but when in Italy…), we wandered gardens at Villa Rufolo under this weirdly soft afternoon light. There were barely any crowds; just birdsong and distant church bells somewhere below us.

I still think about that view from Ravello’s terrace — honestly, it didn’t feel real. On the way back to Sorrento, Antonio played old Neapolitan songs on the radio and told us about his childhood summers here. The sun dipped behind the cliffs and everything smelled like warm stone and sea spray. Not sure if it was nostalgia or just too much limoncello at lunch, but yeah… something about that day stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Amalfi Coast from Sorrento

• Depart from Sorrento accommodation
• Drive along coast, view Li Galli islets
• Explore Positano for 1 hour 30 minutes
• Visit Church of Santa Maria Assunta
• Stroll to Spiaggia Grande beach
• Drive to Amalfi town
• Explore Amalfi for 90 minutes
• Visit Cathedral of St. Andrew
• Drive to Ravello hilltop town
• Explore Ravello and enjoy lunch
• Optional visit to Villa Rufolo or Villa Cimbrone
• Return drive to Sorrento

Top questions

How long is the private Amalfi Coast tour from Sorrento?

The tour is a full day trip, typically lasting around 8 hours including stops in Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.

Is hotel pickup included in this Amalfi Coast day trip?

Yes, pickup is included directly from your accommodation or nearby in Sorrento.

How much free time do you get in each town?

You get about 1 hour 30 minutes each in Positano and Amalfi, plus extra time in Ravello for exploring or lunch.

Are entry fees or meals included?

No entry fees or meals are included; you’re free to choose how you spend your time and where you eat during stops.

Can infants or small children join this private tour?

Yes—infants can ride in prams or strollers and specialized infant seats are available on request.

What sights can I visit during my free time?

You can visit sites like Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta in Positano, Cathedral of St. Andrew in Amalfi, Villa Rufolo or Villa Cimbrone in Ravello.

Is there air conditioning in the vehicle?

Yes—the private vehicle is equipped for comfort throughout your journey along the coast.

Are parking fees or tolls included?

All parking fees and tolls are covered as part of your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Sorrento or nearby accommodation, all parking fees and tolls along the route, a professional chauffeur for guidance throughout your journey, plus a comfortable private vehicle so you can relax between stops before returning home at sunset.