Amalfi Coast: Private Day Trip to Positano, Amalfi & Ravello

Summary

Positano colors, Amalfi scents, Ravello quiet—one long coastal memory

You’ll ride along cliffside roads with a local driver from Naples, stopping for sweeping views over Sorrento before exploring Positano’s narrow lanes on your own time. Taste pastries or gelato in Amalfi’s lively square and soak up Ravello’s peaceful gardens above it all. This private day trip lets you move at your own pace—with moments you’ll keep replaying long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

We were already grinning when our driver, Antonio, pulled up outside our hotel in Naples—he greeted us like old friends even though we’d just met. The van smelled faintly of lemon (maybe from the air freshener or maybe just this part of Italy), and as we wound out of the city toward Sorrento, I kept catching glimpses of the sea between olive trees. Antonio slowed at a viewpoint—I think he called it “il belvedere”—and honestly, I didn’t expect that first view of Sorrento to hit so hard. It’s not just blue water; it’s layers of cliffs and little boats and someone’s laundry flapping in the wind. He pointed out Praiano in the distance and said something about how every village has its own church bell sound. I liked that.

The drive along the Amalfi Coast was a bit like riding a rollercoaster designed by someone who loves drama—tight turns, sudden drops, scooters darting past. In Positano we wandered off on our own for an hour or so (Antonio said “just follow your nose to the bakery,” which we did). The smell of fresh bread mixed with espresso was everywhere. I tried to order in Italian—badly—and the woman behind the counter laughed but handed me a sfogliatella anyway. Sitting on some warm stone steps, watching tourists pose and locals ignore them… I still think about that view down to the beach, all those pastel houses stacked like toy blocks.

Amalfi felt busier but somehow more relaxed? Maybe it was just the rhythm of people moving slower after lunch. We ducked into the cathedral for a moment—the coolness inside was such a relief from the sun—and then sat by the fountain eating gelato that melted faster than I could finish it. Our last stop was Ravello, up above everything else, quieter somehow. There was music drifting out of an open window somewhere (someone practicing piano?) and gardens that looked almost too green to be real. We lingered longer than planned; nobody seemed in any rush to leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private tour of Amalfi Coast towns

• Drive along Sorrento Coast
• Stop for panoramic Sorrento view
• Drive along Amalfi Coast road
• Stop in Positano to explore
• Stop in Amalfi to explore
• Stop in Ravello to explore

Top questions

How long is the private Amalfi Coast tour from Naples?

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours including stops at Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.

Does this day trip include hotel pickup in Naples?

Yes, pickup is included from central Naples hotels, cruise port, or train station.

Is there time to explore Positano and Amalfi on my own?

Yes, you'll have free time in both towns to wander or relax independently.

Is transportation wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible if accompanied by someone who can assist boarding.

What villages do you see along the Amalfi Coast drive?

You’ll pass Praiano and other small villages along the scenic route between main stops.

Is lunch included on this private tour?

No set lunch is included; you can choose where and what to eat during your free time in each town.

How many people are on this private day trip?

The tour is limited to eight people per booking for a small group experience.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation from your hotel or port in Naples with an English-speaking driver providing commentary along the way. You’ll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with stops for independent exploration in Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello before returning later that afternoon.