Salerno to Positano Amalfi Ravello – Private Amalfi Coast Tour

Exploring Italy’s Amalfi Coast in a private vehicle offers an intimate, flexible way to experience some of the most picturesque spots along the Mediterranean. This tour, operated by Blue Grotto Tours, pulls together the region’s highlights—Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello—within about 8 hours, making it an ideal day trip for those seeking beauty, culture, and local charm. The journey in a comfortable Mercedes van with an English-speaking driver ensures you can relax and absorb the scenery without the hassle of navigating narrow coastal roads yourself.

What we love most about this experience is the personalized nature of the private tour, combined with the stunning views and the chance to explore some lesser-known local spots alongside major highlights. One thing to consider, however, is the tight schedule—if you prefer a more leisurely pace or deeper exploration of each town, you may find the visits somewhat rushed. This tour suits travelers who want a curated, scenic overview of the coast without the stress of planning individual transportation or guides.

This private Amalfi Coast tour is perfect for those arriving in Salerno—whether from a cruise, train, or hotel—who want a hassle-free, immersive day with a knowledgeable driver. It offers great value for the convenience and tailored experience it delivers, especially if you’re eager to see the iconic towns in one smooth, scenic journey.

Key Points

• Private and Personalized: The tour is exclusive for your group, with a dedicated English-speaking driver.
• Stunning Views: Expect picturesque scenery on the drive along the coast, plus panoramic vistas from Ravello and Villa Cimbrone.
• Flexible Stops: The itinerary includes major highlights but allows some personal exploration time in Positano and Amalfi.
• Value for Convenience: All transportation, tolls, parking, and passes are included, removing the hassle of driving or navigating public transport.
• Limited Time for Deep Dives: The schedule is packed, so if you want to explore in more detail, some spots might feel brief.
• Ideal for Cruise or Hotel Guests: The pickup from port, station, airport, or accommodation makes it very convenient.

A Detailed Look at the Amalfi Coast Private Tour

Starting Point and Initial Pickup

The journey kicks off in Salerno, where an English-speaking driver will meet you at your preferred location—whether that’s the port, train station, airport, or your hotel. This level of flexibility makes it ideal for cruise travelers who often need seamless transfers. The driver, Antonio in the review, is praised for being not just informative but personable—adding a layer of authentic local insight and charm.

Scenic Drive Along the Amalfi Coast

From Salerno, the drive along the coast is the first highlight. The route offers sweeping views of the Mediterranean, with cliffs dropping sharply to the sea and colorful towns dotting the hillside. This part of the tour is a real treat; it’s a chance to soak in the natural beauty without the stress of navigating yourself. The drive lasts about an hour, giving ample time to admire the scenery and perhaps snap some photos.

Positano: The Picture-Perfect Village

Arriving in Positano, you’re greeted by the iconic cascade of pastel-colored buildings tumbling down the hillside to the main beach, Spiaggia Grande. This town’s charm lies in its narrow streets, boutique shops, and vibrant atmosphere. Reviewers mention enjoying wandering through its scenic alleys—though the one-hour stop does mean you’ll want to prioritize key sights or souvenirs.

Here, you’ll love the chance to see the town’s famous colorful facades and take in the stunning sea views. The beach itself is a highlight, with reviewers noting the relaxing vibe and beautiful sand. Some mention that the town gets busy, especially in peak season, so a guided or private tour helps avoid the crowds and see the best spots.

Relaxing on Spiaggia Grande

Following some exploring, you’ll have about an hour to relax on Positano’s main beach. It’s the perfect opportunity to soak up the sun, dip your toes in the water, or sip a cappuccino at a seaside café—an essential Amalfi Coast experience. The review from Michael highlights how the serene atmosphere of the beach was a highlight, and the option to relax here makes the trip feel well-rounded.

Amalfi: The Historic Heart

Next, the journey continues to Amalfi, a town with a storied past as a maritime republic. The town’s main square buzzes with life, surrounded by cafes and shops. The highlight here is the Duomo di Sant’Andrea—an impressive cathedral with a striking façade and a history dating back to the 9th century. While the tour notes that admission isn’t included, the external view alone is worth the visit.

You’ll also get some time to stroll through the medieval streets, enjoy local treats, or simply take in the lively atmosphere. The review mentions that the guide provided plenty of facts and local insights, enriching the experience beyond just sightseeing.

Ravello and Villa Cimbrone

From Amalfi, you ascend to Ravello, perched above the coast. This town is renowned for its artistic legacy, peaceful vibe, and stunning vistas. You’ll spend about an hour here, visiting Villa Cimbrone Gardens and Villa Rufolo, both famed for their panoramic terraces and lush gardens.

The highlight is Villa Cimbrone’s Terrace of Infinity, offering breathtaking views over the cliffs and sea—the kind of photo opportunity that sticks with you. Reviewers who have been here before mention the tranquility of Ravello and the incredible vistas that make the short stop worthwhile.

Ending the Day Back in Salerno

As the day winds down, your driver will return you to Salerno, allowing you to relax and reflect on the stunning scenery. The return trip offers a final chance to admire the coastline as the sun begins to set or to discuss highlights with your driver, who’s been praised for his charisma and local knowledge.

Transportation and Overall Experience

The entire tour runs in a comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes van, which is a huge plus—especially in summer heat or if traveling with elderly family members. Gasoline, tolls, parking, and passes are all included, so there are no surprise expenses. The schedule is a bit tight, but it’s designed to give you a taste of each town without feeling rushed.

The tour’s flexibility and private setting mean you can tailor some moments—perhaps linger a little longer at a favorite spot or skip a less-interesting one. The driver’s local insights, as noted in the review, add a personal touch that enhances the authenticity of the experience.

Price and Value

At $443 per person, this tour might seem steep, but considering private transportation, guided insights, and the convenience of all logistics handled, it offers good value. It’s particularly attractive for travelers who want a seamless, curated day without the hassle of planning or navigating roads themselves.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers arriving in Salerno—whether via cruise, train, or hotel—who want to maximize their time on the Amalfi Coast without the stress of self-driving. It’s ideal for those who appreciate comfort, personalized attention, and authentic local insights. If you prefer leisurely, in-depth exploration, this particular itinerary might feel a bit rushed, but if you’re after a scenic overview with some sightseeing highlights, it fits perfectly.

It also caters well to small groups or couples seeking a private experience, with the added benefit of flexibility. Food and drinks are not included, so you’ll want to bring some snacks or plan a meal in Amalfi or Ravello.

FAQs

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the driver picks you up from your hotel, port, train station, or airport in Salerno, making the start seamless.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, including travel time, sightseeing, and relaxing on the beaches.

Are tickets to attractions included?
No, entrance fees to places like the Duomo di Amalfi or Villa Cimbrone are not included, but most stops are free to explore externally.

What kind of vehicle is used?
A comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes van is used for the entire trip.

Can I customize the stops or duration?
Since it’s a private tour, you can discuss your preferences with the driver, though the outlined schedule is the default.

Is food included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, so plan to bring your own or enjoy local cafes at each stop.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?
If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, including families with children, as long as they are comfortable with the schedule and walking involved.

Final Thoughts

This private Amalfi Coast tour offers a beautifully curated day through some of Italy’s most photogenic towns, with the luxury of a private guide and vehicle. The combination of scenic drives, iconic towns, and peaceful Ravello makes it a well-rounded experience. The praise for the driver’s local insights, particularly from reviewers like Michael, shows that having someone knowledgeable at the wheel adds a lot to the journey.

While the schedule may be a bit fast-paced for those seeking a slow, in-depth exploration, it’s perfect for travelers who want a guided, scenic overview of the coast’s highlights without the stress of planning or navigating.

Overall, if you’re in Salerno and want a comfortable, authentic way to see Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello in one day, this tour offers strong value, memorable views, and a touch of local charm.