Naples to Amalfi Coast: Private Day Trip with Port Pickup

Summary

Sorrento’s cliff views, positano’s colors, amalfi lanes and a naples port return

You’ll feel like you’re slipping into southern Italy’s rhythm: sipping espresso in Sorrento, drifting through Positano’s colors, tasting fresh sfogliatella near Conca dei Marini, wandering Amalfi’s tangled lanes. With flexible stops and easy port pickup in Naples, this private day trip lets you linger where you want — and leaves you quietly wishing for one more hour by the sea.

What’s the experience like?

Antonio was waiting at the Naples port holding a sign with my name — he grinned when I tried out my rusty Italian (“Buongiorno!”), then waved us into his van. The air already smelled like coffee and sea salt. He didn’t speak much English but somehow made us laugh within five minutes, pointing out Vesuvius and saying something about “mamma mia traffic.” I liked him right away. As we wound up toward Sorrento, the road got quieter, just the hum of tires and that faint citrus scent you get in this part of Italy. We stopped for a quick espresso at a bar overlooking the bay; honestly, it tasted better than any fancy café back home. Maybe it’s just being here.

In Sorrento, Antonio let us wander as long as we wanted — no rush, which felt rare for a day trip from Naples to Amalfi Coast. The old men playing cards outside a shop nodded at us (one winked; I’m still not sure why). The cobblestones were slick from last night’s rain, and everything seemed to glow in that late-morning light. When we reached Positano, those pastel houses really do tumble down the hill — it’s not just in postcards. My partner tried on sandals in one of those tiny shops while I watched locals argue cheerfully over who had the best limoncello. I could’ve stayed there all afternoon but Antonio gently herded us back with a “Piano piano… Amalfi awaits.”

Praiano was quieter — fewer tourists, more cats sunning themselves on doorsteps. We didn’t linger too long but caught that golden hour when the sun hits the water just right. Somewhere between Conca dei Marini and Furore, Antonio insisted we stop for sfogliatella (“You must!”), so we stood by the roadside eating flaky pastry filled with ricotta while cars zipped past. Not exactly glamorous but honestly perfect.

Amalfi itself is a maze of whitewashed alleys and laundry flapping overhead; I lost track of time wandering there (and almost lost my partner too — she got distracted by ceramics). Ravello was our last stop — higher up, breezier somehow, with views that made me just stand still for a minute. There are stairs everywhere (my legs still remember), but it’s worth it for that hush above the coast. On the drive back to Naples port, Antonio played old Neapolitan songs softly from his phone. That ride felt slower somehow — maybe because none of us wanted it to end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private tour of Amalfi Coast towns

• Depart from Naples Port
• Visit Sorrento and explore
• Visit Positano and explore
• Stop briefly in Praiano
• Pass through Conca Dei Marini and Furore
• Visit Amalfi and explore
• Visit Ravello and explore
• Return to Naples Port

Top questions

Is pickup from Naples port included in this private tour?

Yes, private transportation with port pickup and drop-off in Naples is included.

How long does the day trip from Naples to Amalfi Coast take?

The tour lasts up to 8 hours total; timing is flexible within that window.

Can I choose how long to spend in each town?

Yes, since it's a private tour you can decide how much time to spend at each stop within your 8-hour service.

Are entrance fees or city access taxes included?

No; city access taxes (for larger vehicles) are extra if applicable: €60 for Positano or Amalfi and €15 for Ravello.

Is this tour suitable for people using wheelchairs or strollers?

The vehicle is accessible for collapsible wheelchairs/strollers but some villages have many stairs; assistance may be needed.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

The driver speaks minimal English; guiding depends on your selected option when booking.

Does this tour guarantee timely return to my cruise ship?

Yes; if your ship departs early or is delayed unexpectedly you'll be refunded or transported to your next port-of-call.

What’s included

Your day includes private air-conditioned transportation with pickup and drop-off right at Naples port (so no taxi stress), plus flexibility to linger longer in Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi or Ravello as you wish — all with a local driver who knows every curve of these coastal roads. If you opt for a guide they’ll join too; snacks like sfogliatella are up to you (but highly recommended).