Sorrento, Positano & Amalfi: Private Day Tour with Limoncello

Summary

Sorrento lemons Positano colors Amalfi history in one day

You’ll ride from Naples along cliff roads scented with lemons, tasting real limoncello in Sorrento before gazing over Positano’s pastel houses from Antonio’s favorite viewpoint. Wander Amalfi’s old streets with your guide, snack on street food by the cathedral steps, and end up feeling like you’ve lived a little slice of southern Italy yourself.

What’s the experience like?

We were already winding along the coast out of Naples when our driver, Antonio, started pointing out the old stone watchtowers — I almost missed them because I was too busy staring at the sea. There’s this salty breeze that sneaks in through the window, and you can smell lemons before you even see Sorrento. We stopped at Meta di Sorrento for a quick photo — honestly, I just stood there for a minute, sort of stunned by how green everything looked against the cliffs. It was quieter than I expected. A couple of locals were chatting nearby, hands flying as they talked. I tried to eavesdrop but my Italian is… well, not great.

In Sorrento itself, our guide led us down these narrow lanes packed with little shops selling lemon soaps and candies. I tasted limoncello (stronger than I thought!) and nibbled on a slice of something sweet that I still can’t pronounce — Li laughed when I tried to say it in Italian. The sun bounced off all those yellow awnings and honestly, it felt like being inside a painting. After about half an hour driving again, we pulled over at this spot just outside Positano that Antonio swore was his favorite view. He wasn’t wrong — you get the whole sweep of pastel houses tumbling down to the beach. My phone photos don’t do it justice.

Positano itself is kind of dizzying — everything stacked up so steeply you feel like you might tip over if you look too long. We wandered down to the beach (pebbles underfoot, not sand), watched kids chasing pigeons while some older folks played cards in the shade. The air smelled faintly of coffee and sunscreen; someone somewhere was frying something delicious but we didn’t have time to stop for lunch yet.

The drive to Amalfi twisted past Conca Dei Marini where we paused for a bathroom break and a peek at those blue-green caves (didn’t go in but bought a tiny ceramic fish instead). In Amalfi itself, there’s this hush inside the cathedral that makes you forget about all the tourists outside for a second. We grabbed street food — fried anchovies wrapped in paper — and sat on the steps watching people drift by. By then my legs were tired but my head felt kind of light from all the color and noise and sun. Even now, weeks later, I keep thinking about that first hit of lemon scent rolling off Sorrento’s hills.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tour Sorrento Peninsula and Amalfi Coast

• Depart from Naples
• Stop at Meta di Sorrento viewpoint
• Walk and taste local products in Sorrento
• Panoramic stop near Positano
• Explore Positano streets and beach
• Visit emerald caves at Conca Dei Marini
• Visit Amalfi cathedral and sample street food

Top questions

How long does this day trip from Naples to Sorrento, Positano & Amalfi take?

The tour lasts most of the day with several stops including Sorrento, Positano, Conca Dei Marini and Amalfi.

Is hotel pickup included for this private tour?

The tour includes private transportation but does not specify hotel pickup—check directly with your provider.

What local products are tasted during the tour?

You’ll taste Sorrento limoncello and sample other local products during your stop in Sorrento.

Are there bathroom breaks or places to rest?

Yes—there are breaks including one at Conca Dei Marini for facilities and shopping.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No formal lunch is included but you can buy street food or snacks during stops.

Can children join this day trip?

The minimum age is 3 years; infants can ride in strollers but child seats cost extra.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No—it isn’t recommended for people with motor disabilities due to uneven terrain.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation along the coast from Naples with bottled water provided throughout; panoramic stops at Meta di Sorrento and above Positano; guided walks through Sorrento (with limoncello tasting), Positano’s colorful streets and beach area; time to explore Amalfi including its cathedral; plus short breaks for photos or shopping along the way before returning home tired but happy.