Few journeys rival the romance and drama of the Amalfi Coast. Over the next 10 days, we’ll guide you along coastal highways carved from limestone cliffs, past fragrant lemon groves and into charming villages painted in pastel hues. You’ll savor Neapolitan pizza in seaside trattorias, sip limoncello beneath verdant terraces and soak up vistas that have inspired artists for centuries. Buckle in for winding roads, breathtaking panoramas and unforgettable culinary discoveries.
Day 1: Arrival in Naples & Transfer to Sorrento
Your adventure begins at Naples International Airport (NAP). Pick up your rental car and embark on a 45-minute drive south to Sorrento, the perfect launchpad for the Amalfi Coast. Check into a hotel perched on a cliff overlooking the Bay of Naples. Spend your afternoon strolling cobblestone streets, sampling a classic sfogliatella pastry and enjoying your first sunset over Mount Vesuvius.
Must-Do:
- Passeggiata Tasso (main shopping street)
- Marina Grande for fresh seafood
Day 2: Sorrento to Positano via the Scenic SS163
This morning, set off along the Amalfi Drive (SS163), one of the world’s most spectacular coastal roads. Wind through tunnel-carved cliffs, with the Tyrrhenian Sea unfurling below. Midway, pause in Positano—perhaps Italy’s most Instagrammed village. Check into your cliffside boutique hotel, then explore narrow stairways lined with artisan shops, le terrazze di bouganville and the iconic Spiaggia Grande.
Dining Highlight:
Dine at a seaside terrace restaurant such as Chez Black, savoring spaghetti alle vongole as the sun dips below the horizon.
Day 3: Capri Excursion
Catch an early ferry from Positano’s port to Capri. Upon arrival, ride the funicular to the glamorous Piazzetta. Stroll the Gardens of Augustus, marvel at the Faraglioni rock formations and descend to Marina Piccola for a swim beneath towering bluffs. Return to Positano in the evening for local limoncello and live Neapolitan guitar music.
Day 4: Hidden Gems—Praiano & Furore
Drive west to Praiano, a quieter neighbor of Positano. Hike the Valle delle Ferriere nature reserve to discover waterfalls and rare ferns. Continue to Furore to admire its dramatic fjord-like harbor and the iconic Painted’s Fiordo beach. End the day in a family-run agriturismo surrounded by lemon orchards, where you’ll learn to make homemade pasta.
Day 5: Amalfi & Ravello—A Day of History and Gardens
Next, head to Amalfi town. Tour the Duomo di Sant’Andrea with its striped facade and climb the arched piazza for sweeping views. In the afternoon, ascend the cliff road to Ravello, home to Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone’s legendary Terrace of Infinity. Attend an evening concert if the Ravello Festival is in season.
Day 6: Path of the Gods Hike
Lace up your hiking boots for the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods), a 7.8-km trail between Bomerano and Nocelle. Marvel at vertigo-inducing vistas: vineyards clinging to steep slopes, fishing boats drifting on sapphire waters and the jagged outlines of Capri in the distance. Reward yourself afterwards with a late lunch of fresh mozzarella & sun-ripened tomatoes at a roadside café.
Day 7: Cooking Class & Market Visit
Immerse yourself in Campania’s culinary traditions with a half-day cooking class. Begin at a local market in Minori or Maiori, selecting the day’s catch, garden herbs and cheeses. Under the guidance of a mama chef, prepare classics like gnocchi alla sorrentina and lemon-infused tiramisu. Then, enjoy the fruits of your labor paired with regional wine.
Day 8: Day Trip to Pompeii & Vesuvius
Drive northward to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, frozen in time by Vesuvius’s AD 79 eruption. Wander through well-preserved villas, agorae and thermal baths. In the afternoon, ascend Mount Vesuvius’s crater rim for panoramic views of the bay and gulf below. Return to the Amalfi Coast for an evening gelato stroll.
Day 9: Leisure Day on the Coast
After eight days of exploration, take a day to relax. Choose from hidden beach coves—emerald waters lapping golden sands—or book a spa treatment at a cliffside wellness retreat. In the evening, indulge in a seaside tasting menu featuring fresh fish, local olive oil and Amalfi lemons.
Day 10: Departure via Naples
On your final morning, savor a leisurely breakfast of ricotta-filled pancakes and aromatic espresso. Drive back to Naples, returning your rental car at the airport. If time allows, make a quick detour to the historic center for a final slice of pizza Margherita before you board your flight home.
Practical Tips
- Best Time to Go: April–June or September–October for milder weather and fewer crowds.
- Driving: Roads are narrow and winding. Rent a compact car and practice patience on hairpin turns.
- Packing: Bring comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket for sea breezes and swimwear.
- Reservations: Book hotels and ferries well in advance, especially in high season.
Conclusion
A 10-day road trip along Italy’s Amalfi Coast is a sensory feast: spectacular vistas around every bend, centuries-old villas cascading down emerald hillsides, and cuisine that celebrates sun-kissed produce and fresh seafood. Whether you’re winding through lemon groves or savoring a cliffside sunset cocktail, this journey will leave you longing to return. Buon viaggio!
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