Private Amalfi Coast & Sorrento Luxury Tour with Local Driver

Summary

Luxury Private Day Trip: Amalfi Coast Highlights & Hidden Gems

You’ll travel Italy’s legendary Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Peninsula in comfort with your own private driver—stopping wherever catches your eye: from Sorrento’s lemon-scented lanes to Ravello’s panoramic gardens high above the sea. Enjoy photo stops at hidden viewpoints like Tordigliano and Furore Fjord; wander iconic towns such as Positano and Amalfi at your own pace; taste limoncello where locals do; discover secret corners most tours rush past—all without worrying about parking or crowds.

What’s the experience like?

Sorrento’s old town always feels like it’s waking up slow — the smell of lemons hits you before you even spot the trees. We wandered through narrow lanes lined with leather shops and tiny bakeries, then grabbed an espresso at Bar Fauno in Piazza Tasso. Our driver, Luca, suggested we peek into the Cloister of San Francesco — it’s quiet there, just birds and the faint sound of church bells. If you’ve got time, don’t skip a limoncello tasting; locals say it’s best chilled and sipped slowly.

Somewhere between Positano and Sorrento, the road opens up at Tordigliano. It’s not a big stop — just a pull-off where everyone seems to get out for photos. The Li Galli Islands float out on the water like they’re painted on. There was this odd hush in the air, broken only by a Vespa zipping past or someone laughing as they tried to snap that perfect shot. I could’ve stayed longer just watching the light change on the sea.

Positano is all about color and movement — pastel houses stacked up the cliff, shop windows full of linen dresses and handmade sandals. We strolled down Via dei Mulini toward Spiaggia Grande; you’ll probably want to stop for a spritz or maybe just sit on the pebbles and watch boats drift in. Every corner looks like it belongs on a postcard, but somehow it still feels lived-in.

The drive through Vettica is quick but memorable — whitewashed homes tucked between lemon groves and olive trees, flashes of bougainvillea everywhere. It’s quieter here than in the bigger towns; you catch glimpses of laundry flapping from balconies and hear snippets of Italian from open windows. Our guide pointed out a tiny bakery where he buys bread for his family — blink and you’ll miss it.

Praiano feels different: slower, softer somehow. The Church of San Gennaro stands out with its colorful dome catching sunlight from every angle. We didn’t stop long but rolled down the windows to catch that salty breeze mixed with wildflowers. Locals say sunsets here are golden — I can believe it after seeing how the light hits those terraces above the sea.

The Fjord of Furore sneaks up on you — suddenly there’s this deep gorge cut right into the cliffs, turquoise water below, stone houses clinging to impossible spots. We paused on the bridge just long enough for a few photos; honestly, I wish we’d had more time to take it all in. The place has this wild energy that sticks with you.

The Emerald Grotto is something else entirely — even before you go inside, there’s this cool dampness in the air near the entrance stairs (or elevator if your knees aren’t up for it). Inside, sunlight filters through underwater openings turning everything emerald green; boatmen glide quietly past stalactites while everyone whispers like they’re afraid to break the spell. It’s quick but unforgettable.

Conca dei Marini slips by almost unnoticed unless you’re looking for it: white houses stair-stepped down toward impossibly blue water, lemon groves everywhere you look. Sometimes you catch sight of Torre Bianca perched above — our driver told us pirates used to threaten these coasts centuries ago. Even passing through feels like stepping back in time for a moment.

Amalfi itself buzzes with life: scooters weaving around Piazza del Duomo, tourists lining up for gelato under striped awnings. The Cathedral of St Andrew dominates everything; inside are mosaics that shimmer gold when sunlight hits them just right. If you’re curious about local crafts, check out one of those old paper workshops tucked behind main streets — they still make paper by hand using ancient methods.

Atrani barely gets a mention in most guidebooks but left an impression on me: pastel buildings squeezed between cliffs and sea, stairways winding down toward a tiny piazza where kids play soccer after school. You’ll glimpse San Salvatore de’ Birecto church as you pass by; our guide said weddings here spill right onto the beach sometimes.

Ravello sits high above everything else — cooler air up here and fewer crowds too. We wandered Villa Rufolo’s gardens (the view over terracotta rooftops is unreal) then found ourselves lingering at Villa Cimbrone’s terrace just watching clouds drift over endless blue sea below. There’s something peaceful about Ravello that makes you want to stay longer than an hour.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Sorrento and Coast Views

• Walk historic Sorrento center
• Photo stop at Tordigliano viewpoint
• Explore Positano village
• Drive through Vettica village
• Drive through Praiano village
• View Fjord of Furore from bridge
• Pass Emerald Grotto sea cave
• Drive through Conca dei Marini village
• Visit Amalfi Cathedral and Piazza
• Pass through Atrani village
• Relax in Ravello and visit gardens

Top questions

How much free time do we get in each town?

You’ll have about an hour in each main town—Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello—to explore at your own pace or relax as you wish.

Is there flexibility if we want to spend longer somewhere?

Your itinerary is flexible within reason—just let your driver know if there’s somewhere special you’d like extra time (within total tour duration).

Can we visit both Emerald Grotto and other attractions?

Yes! You can choose whether to enter Emerald Grotto (by elevator/stairs or boat), or simply admire from above—the day is tailored around your interests.

Are infant seats available? Is this suitable for families?

Absolutely—infant seats are available upon request and families are welcome! The vehicle is comfortable for all ages.

What should I wear or bring?

Comfortable shoes are best (lots of walking), plus sun protection—hat/sunscreen—and maybe a light jacket if visiting off-season or heading up to Ravello where it's cooler.

What’s included

Your tour includes private luxury transportation with air-conditioning; professional English-speaking driver; door-to-door pick-up/drop-off at your hotel or villa; fuel, tolls & parking fees covered; limoncello tasting; plus flexibility to tailor stops along the way so you can enjoy each highlight at your own pace.