Pompeii, Sorrento & Positano Day Trip from Naples with Limoncello

Summary

Pompeii ruins, Sorrento flavors and Positano views in one seamless day

You’ll wander ancient Pompeii with a local guide, taste fresh limoncello in Sorrento’s lively lanes, and pause above Positano’s pastel cliffs for photos you’ll keep looking back on. This day trip from Naples includes pickup and drop-off plus live commentary—expect laughter, small surprises, and moments that stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the color — Positano just sort of tumbles down the cliffs in these faded pinks and yellows, like someone spilled a box of pastels into the sea. Our driver, Antonio, pulled over at this terrace above town, and everyone went quiet for a second. There was a breeze that smelled faintly salty (and maybe like sunscreen?), and honestly I fumbled my camera because it didn’t feel real. He pointed out the church dome below — Santa Maria Assunta — while a couple next to me tried to take selfies but kept laughing too hard to get it right.

Sorrento felt different — busier, somehow more lived-in. We walked through narrow streets lined with lemon everything: soaps, candies, even little painted tiles. The limoncello tasting was at this family-run spot tucked behind a shopfront; I tried to say “grazie” properly but probably sounded ridiculous. The drink itself was sharp and sweet at once, almost electric on my tongue. There was this older woman handing out samples who winked when I made a face — she must’ve seen it all before. It’s funny how quickly you start feeling like you belong somewhere, even if you’re just passing through for an hour or two.

Packing Pompeii into one afternoon sounds rushed but somehow didn’t feel that way. Our guide (I think her name was Lucia?) walked us down old stone streets where wagon ruts are still carved deep as scars. She stopped by a faded fresco of some mythological scene — I can’t remember which god now — and told us how people used to gather here after work. The air was heavy with dust and something earthy; maybe it was just my imagination filling in the gaps between ruins. At one point, I touched a wall that had survived since before the eruption and felt this odd shiver run up my arm. Maybe that’s silly.

The ride back to Naples was quieter; people dozed or scrolled through photos. Out the window, Vesuvius looked harmless enough in the haze — hard to picture what happened here so long ago. Sometimes travel is just ticking off places on a list, but sometimes you catch yourself thinking about how many lives have passed through these same streets before yours. I still think about that view over Positano when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Positano, Sorrento, and Pompeii

• Stop for panoramic views in Positano
• Explore Positano’s alleys and boutiques
• Visit Sorrento’s Piazza Tasso and shops
• Optional limoncello tasting in Sorrento
• Walk through Pompeii ancient ruins
• See Pompeii’s Temple of Apollo and amphitheater

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Pompeii Sorrento Positano tour?

Yes, pickup is included from Stazione Marittima or Ramada by Wyndham Naples at 8:00/8:30 am or Salerno port for cruise passengers.

How long is the drive from Naples to Positano?

It typically takes around 1 hour 30 minutes by car from Naples to Positano depending on traffic along the Amalfi Coast road.

Is there time to walk around in Sorrento during the day trip?

Yes, you’ll have time to explore Sorrento’s streets and shops as well as enjoy an optional limoncello tasting.

Are entry fees for Pompeii included?

All fees and taxes are included in your booking—no hidden charges for entry at Pompeii.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible if requested in advance.

What language is spoken by the guide?

The driver or host provides live commentary in English throughout your journey.

Can infants join? Are car seats available?

Infants can join but must have their own seat; car seats or booster seats are available upon request.

Does the itinerary ever change?

The order of stops may be adjusted based on conditions or group preferences for flexibility.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at central Naples or Salerno port if needed, all entry fees covered upfront so there are no surprises later, live English commentary from your driver or host throughout the journey, fresh water onboard to keep you going between stops, plus an authentic limoncello tasting in Sorrento before heading back toward Naples as dusk settles in.