Pompeii, Sorrento & Amalfi Coast Day Trip from Rome

Summary

Pompeii ruins, Amalfi coast roads, Sorrento lemon scents and sea air

You’ll walk ancient streets in Pompeii with a local archaeologist, taste real limoncello in Sorrento’s backstreets, and watch sunlight flicker on Amalfi cliffs as you ride along winding roads. With round-trip transport from Rome and time to wander on your own, this day trip lets you soak up southern Italy’s colors and flavors without worrying about logistics.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the crunch of gravel under my shoes as we stepped through the old gates of Pompeii. Our guide—Francesca, born in Naples, quick with a joke—paused by a faded mosaic and told us about daily life here before Vesuvius erupted. It’s strange how quiet it feels now. You can almost hear echoes if you stand still long enough. The sun was already hot, dust catching in the air, and I kept thinking about how ordinary everything must have seemed that morning centuries ago. Francesca pointed out graffiti scratched into stone—someone’s name, maybe a love note or a joke? I wish I could read Latin.

After that we headed south towards Sorrento. The drive along the Amalfi Coast is something else—the sea flashes blue between cliffs, laundry flaps from balconies, scooters zip past like they own the road (maybe they do). I tried to take photos but honestly none of them did it justice. In Sorrento we wandered narrow lanes lined with lemon trees and pottery shops; I bought a tiny cup painted with lemons for my sister. We stopped at a family-run distillery where they handed out little glasses of limoncello—icy cold, sharp and sweet at the same time. The owner explained how they use only local lemons; his hands were stained yellow from peeling them all morning.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much with people I’d just met that day—maybe it was the limoncello or just being somewhere new together. Our guide told us stories about growing up nearby; she said she still brings her kids here for gelato on Sundays. On the way back to Rome I watched the coastline fade behind us through the bus window, tired but happy in that way you get after a long day outside. There’s this one view near Positano—pastel houses stacked up over the water—I still think about it sometimes when I need to remember sunlight.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, and Sorrento tour

• Depart from central Rome
• Guided tour of Pompeii ruins
• Drive along the Amalfi Coast
• Explore Sorrento town streets
• Visit local pottery shops
• Limoncello tasting at distillery

Top questions

How long does the Pompeii, Sorrento & Amalfi Coast day trip from Rome take?

The tour is a full-day experience departing from central Rome in the morning and returning in the evening.

Is entry to Pompeii included in this day trip?

Yes, entry tickets to Pompeii are included if you select that option when booking.

Do I get free time in Sorrento or Positano?

Yes, there is free time to explore both Sorrento and Positano depending on which tour option you choose.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No traditional lunch is included but there is a limoncello tasting in Sorrento; you’ll have free time for meals.

Are guides available throughout the tour?

A dedicated English or Spanish-speaking guide accompanies you for the entire day; an archaeologist leads at Pompeii if selected.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available only if you book the private option; otherwise departure is from central Rome.

Can children join this day trip?

Yes, children can join but those under 18 may be asked for ID at site entrances; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

What should I bring for this tour?

Bring comfortable shoes for walking, sun protection, ID for minors if needed, and some cash for meals or souvenirs.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transport from Rome by air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi onboard (if private option: hotel pickup), entry ticket to Pompeii (if selected), guided visit with an archaeologist at Pompeii (if selected), scenic drives along the Amalfi Coast, free time in Sorrento (and Positano if chosen), plus a limoncello tasting at a local distillery before heading back to Rome.