Rome to Amalfi Coast & Pompeii: Private Day Trip with Pickup

Summary

Pompeii’s ancient streets then Positano’s color and sea breeze

You’ll start early from Rome with hotel pickup and head straight to Pompeii for a guided walk through ancient streets—skip-the-line included. After exploring with an expert archaeologist, you’ll wind along the Amalfi Coast to Positano for lunch by the sea and free time to wander or shop local crafts. Taste limoncello in Amalfi before returning home—expect laughter, real stories, and views you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is our tour assistant waving at us outside the hotel — she had this bright scarf, easy to spot even before sunrise. We piled into the minivan, still half-awake, and she handed out little bottles of water (which I didn’t realize I’d be grateful for until much later). The drive south from Rome was quiet at first — everyone sort of lost in their own thoughts or maybe just watching the fields blur by. Our guide in Pompeii met us right at the entrance; he joked about his “archaeologist tan” and led us straight past the line. The stones underfoot were cool and uneven, and there was this faint smell of dust mixed with pine needles. He pointed out these painted walls that somehow survived all those centuries — it’s wild to think people lived whole lives here, argued over bread prices, probably complained about the weather too.

I didn’t expect how much I’d feel walking through those ruins. At one point we stood in what used to be someone’s kitchen, sunlight slanting through a broken archway. Our guide told us about the eruption — not just facts but how people tried to save their dogs or left bread in ovens (he said they’ve actually found loaves). There was this moment where everything went really quiet except for some birds overhead. After two hours we were back on the road, winding towards Positano — which honestly looked like someone spilled a box of pastel crayons down a cliffside. The air smelled salty-sweet and you could hear mopeds buzzing somewhere above us.

Lunch was right by the beach (I ordered something with anchovies because when in Campania…) and we had time to wander those tiny streets full of linen shops and ceramics stacked everywhere. Li from our group tried on sandals at a little stall; the owner insisted on measuring her feet himself, which made her laugh so hard she almost knocked over a rack of hats. We all ended up buying lemon candies for later. In Amalfi town there was this old man making espresso behind a marble counter — he winked when I asked for “un caffè piccolo” like he knew I needed it more than anyone else right then.

We tasted limoncello that burned just enough going down, standing outside while church bells rang somewhere uphill. The sun was already sliding behind terraced gardens when we got back into the van for Rome — tired but sort of floaty from all that light and sea air. I still think about that view from Positano’s beach sometimes; it doesn’t really fit into photos, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Pompeii and Amalfi Coast tour from Rome

• Pickup at hotel in Rome
• Travel to Pompeii archaeological site
• Guided tour of Pompeii ruins
• Drive to Positano on Amalfi Coast
• Lunch and explore Positano streets
• Visit Amalfi town and cathedral
• Taste local limoncello and sweets
• Admire Amalfi Coast scenery
• Return to Rome

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Rome to Pompeii and Amalfi Coast?

The private day trip lasts a full day with early morning pickup from your accommodation in Rome and return in the evening.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels, apartments, or B&Bs in Rome.

Do I need to buy tickets separately for Pompeii?

No, skip-the-line entry tickets for Pompeii are included as part of your booking.

Will there be a guide at Pompeii?

Yes, you’ll have an official archaeologist as your guide during your visit at Pompeii.

What towns do we visit on the Amalfi Coast?

You’ll stop in Positano for lunch and free time; depending on season or traffic you may also visit Amalfi or another coastal town like Maiori or Vietri sul Mare.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No, lunch is not included but you’ll have free time in Positano to choose where you want to eat by the beach.

Can infants join this tour? Are car seats available?

Infants are welcome; specialized infant seats are available if requested in advance.

What happens if there are traffic restrictions on the Amalfi Coast?

The itinerary may change slightly due to local traffic rules during summer months but key experiences remain part of your day trip.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable minivan transfers with air conditioning starting right at your hotel door in Rome, skip-the-line entry at Pompeii with an expert local archaeologist guiding you through its ruins for two hours, plus a helpful tour assistant throughout. You’ll have free time for lunch by the beach in Positano before tasting limoncello or sweets in Amalfi—or another beautiful town—before heading back home together as dusk falls.