Amalfi Coast Day Tour: Positano, Amalfi & Ravello from Sorrento

Traveling along Italy’s spectacular Amalfi Coast is an experience most travelers dream about — and for good reason. This private full-day tour offers a seamless way to see some of the most iconic towns without the hassle of navigating busy roads or public transportation. From the comfort of a private Mercedes van, you’ll get personalized attention, breathtaking views, and plenty of photo opportunities.

What we love most about this experience? Its focus on customized, relaxed exploration, with enough time to absorb each town’s unique vibe. However, keep in mind that with a packed itinerary, the day can feel quite full, especially if you’re hoping for a slow, leisurely stroll in each spot. This tour is perfect for those who want to see the highlights efficiently but still enjoy some personal guidance. It’s particularly ideal for travelers who prefer private, hassle-free experiences over group bus tours, and for those eager to truly soak in the coast’s beauty without the stress of self-driving.

Key Points

• Private, Customized Experience: You’ll have your own English-speaking driver, ensuring a personalized day with flexibility.
• Stunning Coastal Views: The drive along the UNESCO-listed Amalfi Coast offers unbeatable scenery.
• Time in Iconic Towns: Ample time to explore Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, each famous for their charm.
• Comfort and Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics straightforward.
• Ideal for Photographers: Opportunities abound for capturing colorful buildings, dramatic cliffs, and ocean vistas.
• No Lunch Included: It’s a full day, but you’ll need to budget for your own meal.

The Full-Day Itinerary: A Closer Look

Starting from Sorrento

The day begins bright and early at 8am with pickup from your hotel or designated location. The private Mercedes van offers a comfortable and quiet ride — perfect for relaxing while soaking in the views. Our driver, who speaks fluent English, quickly sets a friendly tone, sharing little insights about the coast as you make your way eastward.

The Scenic Drive Along the Amalfi Coast

The journey along the famous Amalfi Coast road is one of the most scenic drives in Italy. We loved the way our driver expertly navigated tight bends and steep cliffs, all while sharing fascinating tidbits about the area’s history and landscape. Expect to see impressive sea cliffs, colorful towns clinging to the hillsides, and the distant silhouette of Mt Vesuvius.

Positano: The Picturesque Village

Your first stop is Positano, a real highlight. Known for its brightly painted houses and steep, narrow streets, the town looks like a postcard come to life. The two-hour window gives enough time to stroll through boutique-lined streets and snap photos of the iconic church towers set against the cliffside backdrop. Reviewers like Shane O praised the guide’s knowledge and professionalism, noting that the guide helped with local tips, enriching the experience.

Amalfi: A Historic Seaside Town

Next, it’s onto Amalfi, the coast’s historic heart. You’ll have about an hour here to explore the lively town. The highlight is visiting the 9th-century Duomo di Sant’Andrea, an impressive cathedral with a striking façade and beautiful interior. While admission isn’t included, the cathedral’s architecture alone is worth the visit. The town’s narrow streets and bustling piazzas make for a lively atmosphere, perfect for a quick wander.

Ravello: The Artistic Hilltop Village

After lunch (which you’ll need to arrange on your own), the bus turns uphill to Ravello. This town is famed for its stunning villas and gardens, particularly Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone. The gardens feature breathtaking views over the coast and are a must-see for photography lovers. Our reviewer noted that the Villa Cimbrone gardens are arguably the most beautiful on the coast, thanks to their panoramic vistas and floral displays.

Return to Sorrento

After a full day of sightseeing, the drive back to Sorrento takes around 30 minutes. The driver’s local insights made the return journey enjoyable, wrapping up a day packed with sights and stories.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This Amalfi Coast tour isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about experiencing the coast’s highlights with someone who knows the area well. Having a private driver means flexibility — if you fall in love with Positano, you can linger longer or ask to skip a stop altogether. The value for what’s included is solid, considering the cost covers transportation, tolls, parking, and hotel pickup.

One aspect that travelers frequently mention is the knowledgeable guides. Shane O described their driver as “extremely knowledgeable, obliging, and professional,” which elevates the experience beyond just sightseeing. Plus, the chance to avoid public transportation or crowded group tours makes the day more relaxed and personal.

Timing and Pacing

At 8 hours, this tour is quite full — but it’s designed to maximize your time on the coast. The stops range from two hours in Positano to just an hour in Amalfi, which is enough to get a feel for each town’s atmosphere without feeling rushed. If you’re keen on spending more time in one place, you might need to plan for an extra day or adjust expectations.

Transportation and Comfort

The use of a Mercedes minivan with air-conditioning ensures comfort during the drive, especially important on warm days. The private nature of the tour means no waiting around for other groups, and your driver will be solely focused on your party.

Cost and Value

At around $440 per person, this tour might seem steep for some, but considering it covers all transportation, tolls, parking, and pickup/drop-off, it offers a hassle-free way to see the coast. For travelers who value comfort, convenience, and personalized attention, this price is quite justified.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who want a comfortable, guided day without the stress of driving or navigating public transport. It’s perfect for couples, families, or small groups wanting flexibility and private attention. If you’re short on time but want to see the highlights of the Amalfi Coast, this tour packs in a lot — but still leaves room for some spontaneous photo stops or extra exploration if desired.

It’s also ideal for those who appreciate the scenic drive itself as part of the adventure. If you’re a keen photographer or simply love striking coastal views, you’ll find plenty to love here.

The Sum Up

This Amalfi Coast day tour from Sorrento delivers a well-rounded, manageable way to experience some of Italy’s most beautiful towns. The private, customizable approach means you get the most out of each stop, guided by knowledgeable locals who enhance your understanding of the area. The combination of stunning scenery, charming towns, and convenient logistics makes it an excellent choice for travelers who want to enjoy the coast without the hassle.

While the itinerary is quite full, it offers the right balance for those eager to see Positano’s colorful facades, Amalfi’s historic charm, and Ravello’s enchanting gardens, all in one day. It’s perfect for travelers who prioritize comfort, flexibility, and authentic sights in a reasonably priced package.

If you’re after a smooth, scenic, and insightful day around the Amalfi Coast, this tour will serve you well. Just remember to bring your camera, some extra cash for lunch, and a sense of adventure.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel or port pickup in Sorrento, making it convenient to start your day without extra arrangements.

How long is the drive along the Amalfi Coast?
The scenic drive along the coast takes around an hour, during which you’ll enjoy spectacular views and commentary from your driver.

What stops are included?
You’ll visit Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, with stops of varying lengths to explore each town’s highlights.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees to attractions like the Duomo di Amalfi or Villa Cimbrone gardens are not included, so plan for some additional expenses if you wish to visit these sites.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since this is a private tour, your driver can tailor the stops to your interests, within the time limits.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, so you should budget for a meal during your time in Amalfi or Ravello.

What is the best time to book?
The tour is quite popular and is typically booked about 130 days in advance, so early planning is advisable if you want to secure a spot.