🇮🇹 Our Dreamy Amalfi Coast Itinerary: 10 Days in Paradise

The Amalfi Coast is one of those places that feels straight out of a dream—pastel buildings cascading down cliffs, sparkling blue water, lemon everything, and Mediterranean magic around every corner. We spent 10 amazing days exploring this region, and here's the full breakdown of our itinerary to help you plan your own escape.

Whether you're looking for romance, relaxation, or rich Italian culture, this guide has you covered!

✈️ Day 1 — Travel Day

• Depart STL to Chicago

• International flight to Naples Airport (NAP) - Overnight flight and we took the VERY FIRST direct flight from Chicago to Naples!

Pro Tip: When booking your flight Try to land in Naples during the day so you can enjoy your first evening in Italy. I like overnight flights so I can get some rest before landing.

🏨 Day 2 — Arrival in Italy / Transfer to Sorrento

• Arrival in Naples: ~1:00 PM

• Private Transfer: Astarita Car Service (Mercedes-Benz—super smooth and luxe!)

• Stay: Maison La Minervetta – cliffside boutique hotel with stunning views, free breakfast, and evening aperitivos

• Address: Via Capo, 25, 80067 Sorrento, Italy

• Check-in: 3:00 PM

  
  
  

  

  

  
  
  

Evening: Take a light stroll to the Sorrento town center, grab drinks, and enjoy a casual Italian dinner to kick off the trip.

🍕 Local tip: Many Italians said we should’ve spent a night in Naples—they swear the pizza there is even better than the coast’s!

🌞 Day 3 — Discover Sorrento Like a Local

• Walk to the town center, shop local boutiques

• Activities: Walking tour + limoncello tasting

• Lunch: Casual pizza spot in town called Frankies Bar

• Dinner: La Pergola at Bellevue Syrene – book early for breathtaking sunset views

  
  
  

  

  
  
  
  
  
  
  

🛥️ Day 4 — Shopping and Exploring Day Trip to Capri

• Transfer: We used Laser boat transfers

• Must-Dos:

  • Shop designer boutiques in Capri

  • Enjoy a seaside lunch (plenty of options)

  • Mid day Gelato at Buonocore Gelateria is a must

  • Take the Anacapri chairlift for panoramic views (highly recommend)

Vibes: Think beach chic meets high fashion.

We had dinner at La Fenestrella in Sorrento – cozy speakeasy-style spot with small plates, craft cocktails, great views.

🚤 Day 5 — Private Boat Day Along the Amalfi Coast with stop in Capri

• Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Charter: @chartervillas with Roberto (highly recommend!)

• Activities:

  • Swim (too cold for us)

  • Visit sea grottoes

  • Cruise along the coast with views of Sorrento and Capri Faraglioni Rocks.

  • Dock for lunch + walk around Capri for ~2 hours

💡 Alternative: Use this day for a Ravello day trip if you’d prefer a different scenery.

🏛️ Day 6 — Pompeii or Ravello

• Option 1: Take the train to Pompeii, explore with a guided tour or audio tour, and grab lunch nearby. You can also hike mount vesuvius here if hiking is your jam.

  
  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  
  

• Option 2: Skip Pompeii and opt for a more relaxing day trip to Ravello, known for its gardens and mountain top views

  
  

🌅 Day 7 — Transfer to Positano

• Pickup: via Astarita Car Service. I highly recommend booking a private transfer if you're traveling with luggage—there are countless stairs along the Amalfi Coast, and we watched ferry passengers struggle to carry their bags up all those steps. It did not look enjoyable! We were dropped off with our lugguage right at the hotel door!

• Hotel: We stayed at Hotel Poseidon (High end, gorgeous views, pool, and free breakfast)

  
  
  

  

  

  
  
  

• Afternoon: Walk around Positano and explore the vertical charm of this iconic cliffside village

• Dinner : Il Tridente at Posiden Hotel – book in advance, this one’s worth it! As you can see it was chilly at night in warly May.

  
  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  
  
  
  

💍 Day 8 — Elopement Photos + Sunset Cruise

If you are getting married, eloping, honeymooning or just want family photos, this is who I recommend:

• Hair & Makeup: @beautylivery

• Photoshoot: @brendaborgiaph

• Sunset Cruise: @luxuryboatspositano

  
  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  
  

💡 No shoot? Use this day to take the ferry to Amalfi

🏖️ Day 9 — Arienzo Beach Club - Positano

We had to experience at least one beach club! Must like lemonchello shots to book.

• Arrival: 9:50 AM a boat will take you there (book loungers and lunch in advance!)

• Lunch: 1:15 PM at the beach club

• 2:30 PM: Lemonchello time

• Boat will take you back to positano main area anytime after 3pm- 6pm

  
  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  
  
  
  

• Dinner (6:45 PM): Donna Rosa – romantic, off-the-beaten-path and so worth the ride up (they will supply transfer)

  
  

🌸 Day 10 — Relax Poolside + Final Dinner

• Morning: Chill poolside at Hotel Poseidon then we packed our bags

• Dinner: Al Palazzo – a hidden gem with an elegant setting in the heart of Positano

  
  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  
  

💡 Optional: Use this day to ferry to Amalfi or visit nearby villages like Praiano.

✈️ Day 11 — Departure Day

Used private transfer Astarita Car Service to return to Naples Airport

• Flight: ~3:00 PM — Naples → Chicago → STL with American Airlines

  

  
  
  
  

💡 Final Amalfi Coast Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Early May is less crowded, but bring layers—temps were in the 60s and windy!

• Swimming: Water was too cold for us, but some brave souls took the plunge

• Private Transfers > Ferries .. if you have luggage—Positano has tons of stairs

• Boat Day = Must-Do. Seriously, do not skip this

• Book everything in advance: Dinner spots, beach clubs, and transfers fill up fast

• What to wear: Sorrento was a little more casual than Capri and Positano. Sun dresses, pantsuits, hats, athletic wear, swimsuit, and bring layers!

  Here are some of my outfits:

  
  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  
  
  
  

✨ Dreaming of Amalfi?

This Amalfi Coast travel itinerary was the perfect balance of luxury, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you’re planning your honeymoon, a birthday trip, or just craving an Italian summer, this guide will help you make the most of it.

Tag me if you go @nurselaurenstl — I’d love to see your adventures! 🇮🇹🌊🍋