The Amalfi Coast is an expanse of beautiful coastline that sits along the Gulf of Salerno and the Tyrrhenian Sea in southern Italy’s province of Salerno.
Due to its unparalleled natural beauty and ancient sites like Pompeii and the Herculaneum, it’s one of the country’s largest tourism areas and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the mid-‘90s.
The area’s weather is full of sun, as you’d expect in southern Italy, and it’s one of Italy’s largest lemon producing regions. It’s also the birthplace of the famous lemon liquor that’s produced here called limoncello.
Below are 15 of the best tours of the Amalfi Coast.
1. Private Pompeii and Herculaneum Tour
Source: Alina Bratosin / shutterstockPompeii and Herculaneum are two of the area’s most significant cultural and historical sites; this private tour combines them into one value-packed offering.
The tour includes pickup from your hotel. From there, you’ll be whisked by car to explore the macabre but fascinating town of Pompeii.
You’ll have free time for lunch before continuing to Herculaneum, one of the Campania region’s most popular sites. It’s also one of the most well-preserved due to the thick layer of lava and mud that engulfed it.
The tour lasts seven hours and the entrance fees to the sites aren’t included.
2. Full-Day Pompeii and Amalfi Coast Tour from Naples
Source: lara-sh / shutterstockVisiting more than one UNESCO World Heritage site in a single day is nearly unheard of in the world of travel and tourism, but this full-day tour from Naples does just that.
First, you’ll explore the amazingly beautiful Amalfi Coast and take in a few icons like the Saint Andrew Cathedral and Duomo di Amalfi.
You’ll have time to explore and stretch your legs, after which you’ll enjoy an authentic Mediterranean-style lunch.
The amazingly well-preserved ruins of Pompeii are the tour’s next stop. Along the way, you’ll get a historical narration from your guide describing the things that you’re seeing.
3. All-inclusive Amalfi Coast Tour from Naples
Source: leoks / shutterstockThis full-day Naples-based tour of the Amalfi Coast includes the region’s most quaint and alluring sea towns, like Ravello and Positano.
With their stunning sea views, amazing architecture and vivid colors, the towns and sights are magnets for photographers and those looking to experience old world charm.
The tour lasts eight hours and offers guest some free time to meander the narrow streets, or to stick by your guide if you’d rather hear about the area’s history and culture.
Round-trip transportation to and from your hotel in Naples is included, as are a light lunch and non-alcoholic drinks and water.
4. VIP Day-Trip to Pompeii & Sorrento
Source: Balate Dorin / shutterstockPompeii is one of the gems in southern Italy’s crown, and it’s one of those places that deserves a spot on everyone’s itinerary.
This Rome-based VIP tour lasts 12 hours and includes transportation in a private car to the ageless city of Pompeii that met its tragic fate nearly 2,000 years ago.
It’s a stunning look into the past, and from there, guests will be whisked to beautiful Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast, where they’ll have time to explore the town, admire its natural beauty, and dine on brick oven pizza at a restaurant that’s been serving it for nearly 100 years.
5. Full-Day Pompeii and Vesuvius Tour from Amalfi Coast
Source: ShutterstockThis 8-10 hour tour of the Amalfi Coast includes stops at both its iconic sites – Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius.
Visitors are usually amazed at the amazing preservation they find in Pompeii, especially considering that the event that sealed the town’s fate occurred nearly 2,000 years ago.
The tour includes bus transportation, an English speaking guide, and entrance fees to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius as well. When you’re inside the ruins, you’ll have access to headphones which will give you a running narration as you pass by each area.
The tour doesn’t include meals, tips or any shopping you’d like to do along the way, so plan accordingly.
6. Pompeii and Amalfi Coast Day-Tour from Naples
Source: Sergio Monti Photography / shutterstockThis full-day tour departs from Naples and includes pickup from your hotel – or at the Port of Naples if you’re arriving via ship.
The tour’s first stop is Pompeii, where you’ll see the pristine town that was covered under yards of volcanic ash nearly 2,000 years ago, preserving everything underneath like a time capsule.
The city’s narrow, old world streets are great to stroll along before you continue to other Amalfi Coast must-sees, like scenic Positano with its amazing architecture and pastel-colored houses stacked like geometric shapes along the coast.
There are few places more suited for photographs, so make sure your camera is charged.
7. Amalfi Coast and Positano Day-Tour by Train from Rome
Source: leoks / shutterstockThis exciting tour begins in Rome and conveys its guests to Positano and the Amalfi Coast via high-speed train.
From the train station, you’ll be driven by luxury bus past Mount Vesuvius. You will wind your way through scenic country roads dotted with lemon trees before reaching the coast’s most scenic town, Positano.
You’ll visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, relax on the patio at a local restaurant and pick up a bottle or two of limoncello, the tasty, locally-distilled liquor full of lemon essence.
After a bit of walking, you’ll have time to relax or visit a few local shops before heading back to the train station.
8. Deluxe Road Trip along the Amalfi Coast from Naples
Source: leoks / shutterstockThe Amalfi Coast is a stretch of Italy’s most scenic shoreline that deserves to be experienced for its history, charm and breathtaking beauty.
This road tour lasts eight hours and will get guests up close and personal with some of the Mediterranean region’s quaintest towns.
The tour’s highlights include views of Mount Vesuvius, the towns of Positano and Sorrento, and Ravello, considered by many who’re lucky enough to see it to be among the world’s most beautiful structures.
The tour includes ample time for local exploration at each area, and the town’s shops are great places to pick up limoncello, local cheese, and other keepsakes.
9. 6-Hour Private Boat Tour from Amalfi to Capri
Source: getyourguide.comThe Amalfi Coast and the island of Capri are amazingly beautiful, and when seen from the deck of a private boat they’re something extra special.
This six-hour excursion includes a local guide and captain, who’ll take you to the area’s hotspots and give you a historical overview of the areas you’re seeing.
You’ll do a bit of cave exploring and will have time to swim, too.
Guests will see a few nearby islands that were once owned by a Russian ballet dancer, and there’s an underwater nature preserve that’s full of amazing marine life.
In Nerano, the captain will dock the boat and guests will have free time to swim or grab a bite at a local restaurant.
10. Pompeii and Amalfi Coast Cruise with Limoncello Tasting
Source: Arne Beruldsen / shutterstockThis value-packed tour includes sightseeing by train and boat and visits some of the Amalfi Coast’s most scenic and historic areas.
First, guests will tour the preserved city of Pompeii that was covered by yards of ash after a massive volcanic explosion from Mount Vesuvius nearly 2,000 years ago.
Once you’ve seen the preserved homes, schools and frescos of Pompeii, you’ll head to the coastal town of Amalfi, which sits precariously between the sea and hills and is full of colorful geometric homes that make it seem like a work of art.
You’ll have some free time to walk the ancient town’s streets before heading back.
Transportation to and from your hotel and food and drinks aren’t included.
11. Villa Cimbrone in Ravello and Amalfi Coast from Rome
Source: Chiyacat / shutterstockVilla Cimbrone is one of the Amalfi Coast’s most beautiful spots. Its grounds are full of vast gardens and unobstructed views of the shimmering sea and majestic coastline below.
The nearby Cilentro Mountains offer a stark contrast to the villa grounds’ lushness, which is often filled with vibrant flowers that include lemon trees and multi-colored wisteria.
This tour also includes stops at the villages of Amalfi and Positano and will give guests a bit of free time to explore the towns and do some window shopping.
The tour includes door-to-door transportation to and from your hotel, entrance fees, and the guide’s fee, but doesn’t include food, drinks, or personal expenses.
12. Sorrento Coast and Capri Full-Day Boat Cruise from Amalfi
Source: leoks / shutterstockThe Amalfi Coast and the peninsula on which Positano and Sorrento lie is one of the most scenic shore areas you’ll ever see; this full-day sailing cruise will take guests by both.
You’ll see the quaint yet bustling fishing town of Marina Gande and pass the ancient Roman ruins near Bagni della Regina Giovanna as well.
It’s a spot known for its natural splendor and the waterfall that flows from the nearby cliffs.
Guests will have time to relax, eat, and swim in the glistening sea near the island of Capri. This tour includes nearly everything except hotel pickup and drop-off and gratuities for your service providers.
13. Private Half-Day Herculaneum Tour from Sorrento
Source: WitR / shutterstockIf you’re lucky enough to be staying in Sorrento and have a half-day to spare, this four-hour Herculaneum would be a great way to see one of the area’s most unforgettable attractions while freeing up the rest of your day.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off. You’ll meet your guide at the Herculaneum archaeological site and commence with your guided walking tour.
You’ll marvel at the pristine nature of the buried town, which is surprisingly more intact than nearby Pompeii.
The entrance fee to the site isn’t included, but the tour is a great value for your hard-earned travel dollar.
14. Cruise to Positano and Emerald Grotto from Amalfi Coast
Source: stonja / shutterstockThe picturesque village of Positano and the otherworldly Emerald Grotto are two of the Amalfi Coast’s most popular tourist sites. This half-day combo tour includes stops at both.
The tour begins with a cruise up the shoreline past the Emerald Grotto, which wasn’t discovered until the 1930s and is absolutely alive with vivid emerald reflections dancing off the cylindrical stalactites and porous cave walls.
From there, you’ll move on to Positano, where guests will be let off the luxury boat and have some free time to meander around the town and stop into a few of its amazing shops.
15. Positano Sunset Cruise and Fireworks Show
Source: getyourguide.comLast but by no means least is this exhilarating sunset and fireworks cruise. It may be the most special and romantic way to end your exploration of the Amalfi Coast.
Before the sun sets, you’ll sail to Positano, stroll through its ancient shops, do a bit of window shopping, and prepare for your seaside dinner, sunset, and fireworks.
The tour lasts six hours, nearly two of which are spent exploring the town.
There will also be time for a dip if you’re interested, though towels aren’t provided so bring your own if you plan on swimming before dinner.