Amalfi Coast for Culture Lovers: Positano, Sorrento, and Lemon Itinerary

  • Day 1: Sorrento
    1 hour (19 miles) from Naples

    Start your cultural immersion in Sorrento, a charming town that attracts visitors with its beautiful architecture, bustling piazzas, and stunning views of the Bay of Naples. Take a stroll down the alleys of the historic center, visit the 14th-century Chiesa di San Francesco, and taste the famous Limoncello di Sorrento.

  • Day 2: Positano
    30 minutes (10 miles) from Sorrento

    Explore the picturesque village of Positano, famous for its colorful houses, pebble beaches, and narrow streets. Visit the 13th-century Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, which boasts a beautiful tiled dome, and discover the local crafts at the Artigianato Rallo boutique. In the evening, enjoy the sunset over the Tyrrhenian Sea from one of the many panoramic viewpoints.

  • Day 3: Lemon Tour
    30 minutes (11 miles) from Positano

    Experience the flavors and scents of the Amalfi Coast with a guided lemon tour. Learn about the cultivation, harvesting, and production of the local lemon variety, sfusato amalfitano, and taste different dishes and drinks made with lemon as an ingredient. Don't miss the opportunity to take home some traditional limoncello or lemon jam.

  • Day 4: Amalfi
    20 minutes (5 miles) from Lemon Tour

    Discover the history and culture of the medieval maritime republic of Amalfi. Visit the impressive Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea, which combines Romanesque, Byzantine, and Arab-Norman styles, and the Museo della Carta, a paper mill where you can see the ancient techniques of paper-making. Take a walk along the scenic Lungomare dei Cavalieri promenade, which offers stunning views of the sea and the mountains.

  • Day 5: Ravello
    20 minutes (5 miles) from Amalfi

    Escape the crowds and enjoy the tranquility of Ravello, a hilltop town that has inspired artists and writers for centuries. Admire the enchanting gardens of the Villa Rufolo and the Villa Cimbrone, which offer breathtaking panoramas of the coast and the sky. Visit the 11th-century Duomo di Ravello, which houses precious artworks and relics.

  • Day 6: Paestum
    1 hour 20 minutes (47 miles) from Ravello

    Explore the ancient Greek city of Paestum, which was founded around 600 BC and became a prosperous colony of Magna Graecia. Visit the three well-preserved Doric temples, dedicated to Hera, Athena, and Neptune, and the National Archaeological Museum, which showcases the artifacts and finds of the site. Learn about the history and mythology of the ancient world.

  • Day 7: Pompeii
    1 hour 30 minutes (57 miles) from Paestum

    Step back in time and witness the tragedy and legacy of Pompeii, the Roman city that was buried under the ashes of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Explore the ruins of the Forum, the Amphitheater, the Baths, and the Houses, where you can see frescoes, mosaics, and artifacts that testify to the daily life and customs of the ancient Romans. Learn about the art, architecture, and society of the Roman Empire.

  • Day 8: Naples
    40 minutes (20 miles) from Pompeii

    Get a taste of the vibrant and chaotic city of Naples, which boasts a rich cultural and culinary heritage. Visit the Royal Palace of Naples, the San Carlo Theater, and the Naples National Archaeological Museum, which houses the finds and treasures of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Taste the Neapolitan pizza, the sfogliatella pastry, and the babà rum cake.

  • Day 9: Capri
    1 hour (20 miles) from Naples

    End your cultural journey with a visit to the island of Capri, a glamorous and exclusive destination that has enchanted the elites and the artists. Take a boat tour around the Faraglioni rocks, the Blue Grotto, and the Green Grotto, which offer spectacular views of the sea and the cliffs. Visit the Gardens of Augustus and the Villa San Michele, which are surrounded by lush vegetation and stunning panoramas.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Sorrento Limoncello Tasting Tour (2 hours, 30 EUR)
  • Boat Tour of Capri (4 hours, 120 EUR)
  • Entrance to Paestum (2 hours, 15 EUR)
  • Entrance to Pompeii (3 hours, 18 EUR)
  • Entrance to Villa San Michele (1 hour, 7 EUR)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 190 EUR

Transportation

You can reach the Amalfi Coast by flying to Naples International Airport (NAP) from major cities in Europe and North America. From the airport, you can take a taxi, a bus, or a train to Sorrento, which is the gateway to the coastal towns. To visit the different locations in the itinerary, you can rent a car, hire a private driver, or use public transportation, such as buses, ferries, and trains. Note that some roads along the Amalfi Coast can be narrow and winding, so it's recommended to choose a small car or a scooter. The estimated travel costs range from 50 EUR to 200 EUR per day, depending on the mode of transportation and the distance covered.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can add some extra activities, such as hiking along the Path of the Gods, attending a concert at the Ravello Festival, or visiting the islands of Ischia and Procida. If you have less time, you can skip some of the locations or combine them in a shorter itinerary. Keep in mind that some places, such as the museums and the churches, may have restricted opening hours or require advance reservations, so it's advisable to check the official websites and plan accordingly.

Airports

Naples International Airport (NAP) is the main airport serving the Amalfi Coast. It's located about 4 miles northeast of Naples and about 20 miles northwest of Sorrento. The airport is connected to the city center by taxis, buses, and trains, and offers domestic and international flights operated by major airlines, such as Alitalia, Ryanair, EasyJet, and Lufthansa. Some of the destinations served from Naples include London, Paris, New York, Barcelona, and Athens.

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