Amalfi Coast, Sorrento & Pompeii Day Trip from Naples

Summary

Positano’s colors to Pompeii’s ruins in one sunlit day

You’ll weave through Positano’s sunlit alleys and pause above Sorrento’s lemon groves before stepping into ancient Pompeii’s silent streets—all with easy pickup and a local guide who brings each stop alive. Expect laughter over limoncello, sea breezes on your skin, and stories that linger even after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’d always seen those photos of Positano—houses stacked like pastel boxes on a cliff—but being there was something else. The air smelled faintly salty, mixed with coffee drifting from a bar where two old men were arguing about football. Our driver, Antonio, laughed when I tried to ask for directions in Italian (I’m hopeless), but he pointed out a shortcut down to the beach anyway. Walking those steep steps, my knees complained, but the view kept pulling me forward—blue water, boats bobbing, laundry flapping from tiny balconies. I think I took too many photos and still missed half of it.

We stopped at Meta di Sorrento for what was supposed to be a “quick photo”—but honestly, I just stood there for a while. Capri was a hazy outline across the water. The breeze smelled like lemons and sea spray. In Sorrento itself, our guide Lucia led us through alleys lined with shops selling ceramics and limoncello. She told us about the old cloister where couples sneak wedding photos—one couple actually walked by as she said it, which made us all laugh. I tried limoncello for the first time; it burned and then tasted sweet, like summer in a glass.

The drive along the Amalfi Coast is as twisty as people say (if you get carsick… maybe don’t sit in the back). We caught glimpses of Li Galli islands—just little green bumps in the sea but Lucia swears they’re where sirens sang to Ulysses. Honestly? With that shimmering light on the water, I almost believed her. Then came Pompeii: hot stone underfoot, cicadas buzzing so loud you had to lean in to hear Lucia explain how people once lived here before Vesuvius changed everything. Seeing frescoes still clinging to villa walls after all these centuries made me feel small—and weirdly connected.

I didn’t expect to feel so much just walking through ruined streets or eating gelato on some random curb in Sorrento. There’s something about this day trip from Naples—the way it strings together color and history and little moments that stick with you long after you’re back on the highway home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, and Pompeii

• Stop at Meta di Sorrento viewpoint
• Pass by Li Galli islands
• Visit Positano town and explore streets
• Discover Sorrento historic center
• Tour Pompeii archaeological site

Top questions

How long does the Amalfi Coast & Pompeii day trip take?

The tour covers Positano, Sorrento, and Pompeii in one day including round-trip transport from Naples; timing depends on traffic but plan for a full day.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

The tour includes private transportation; pickup details are confirmed at booking.

Are guides included during the tour?

A guide is included for groups of 12 or more people; smaller groups may have driver commentary instead.

What should I wear for visiting Pompeii?

Comfortable shoes are best; expect uneven stone paths and possible heat during summer months.

Can I buy limoncello or local products in Sorrento?

Yes, there are many shops selling limoncello and local crafts throughout Sorrento’s historic center.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but involves some walking and stairs.

Do we visit Li Galli islands directly?

No landing; you’ll see Li Galli from scenic viewpoints along the Amalfi Coast drive.

How much time do we spend at each stop?

Time varies per location; main stops include Positano, Sorrento (with Meta di Sorrento viewpoint), and Pompeii archaeological site.

What’s included

Your day includes private air-conditioned transport along the Amalfi Coast with stops at Positano, Meta di Sorrento viewpoint, central Sorrento (with time to taste limoncello if you want), plus entry to Pompeii Archaeological Site. A guide joins groups of 12+ people. Parking fees are covered too—so you can just focus on soaking it all in.