Traveling along Italy’s famous Amalfi Coast often feels like stepping into a postcard. With its dramatic cliffs, colorful villages, and shimmering sea views, the area screams for a memorable journey. The Amalfi Coast Select Tour by Minivan offers a compact yet immersive way to experience this stunning stretch of Italy, especially if you prefer a more intimate setting than large bus tours or solo wandering.
What makes this tour worth considering? First, you’ll love the small group size of just 8 people, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed vibe. Second, the scenic stops in Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello are thoughtfully paced, giving you genuine time to soak in the atmosphere. Third, the English-speaking driver enhances the experience with local insights, making the journey not just beautiful but also informative.
That said, a potential drawback is the limited time in each village, particularly Positano, which many travelers will want more of. If you’re craving a deep dive into each town’s hidden corners, you might find the hour allotted a bit tight. Still, for those wanting a snapshot of the coast’s highlights without the hassle of planning, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s best suited for travelers who value comfort, small groups, and a balanced mix of sightseeing and free exploration.
Key Points
- Small group experience with only 8 participants for a more personalized day.
- Comfortable minivan transportation with a friendly, knowledgeable driver.
- In-depth stops in Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, with time for photos, shopping, and strolling.
- Authentic local touches, including a restaurant lunch in Amalfi (if booked), and scenic drives.
- Perfect for travelers seeking a flexible, relaxed day with plenty of free time.
- Not suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the terrain and vehicle access.
The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect
This tour kicks off early in the morning with pickup from one of 22 convenient locations around Sorrento, including hotels, shops, and landmarks. With a maximum of 8 guests, you’ll avoid the crowds that often swarm larger buses, creating a more relaxed, personable atmosphere.
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Positano: The First Stop (1 Hour)
The first leg brings you to the legendary Positano, often called the jewel of the Amalfi Coast. This town is famous for its steep, winding streets, colorful houses, and stunning vistas. You’ll have about an hour to explore, so take your time snapping photos of the iconic hillside architecture, wandering through boutique shops, or grabbing a quick coffee or gelato.
One reviewer, Kevin, mentioned that Positano’s hillside streets and beach area are “lovely,” with plenty of charming spots to catch views or buy local art and souvenirs. Keep in mind that the hour is short, but it hits the main highlights and offers a taste of what makes Positano so special.
Scenic Drive Along the Coast (1 Hour)
After Positano, your driver takes you through the scenic villages of Praiano, Furore, and Conca dei Marini. Expect winding roads carved into cliffs, with endless photo opportunities of rugged coastlines and terraced vineyards. This drive alone is worth the price, offering vistas that often leave travelers speechless.
Amalfi Town: The Heart of the Coast (2 Hours)
The highlight of many trips, Amalfi, gets a generous two-hour stop. You’re free to explore the historic center, admire the cathedral of Saint Andrew, or enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant (if you’ve opted for the meal).
Reviewers like Maria praised this part of the trip, noting that the lunch in a lovely Amalfi restaurant was excellent value. Kevin appreciated that he could see the main square, the basilica, and enjoy lemon sorbet in real lemons — a true local experience.
More Great Tours NearbyRavello: The Hilltop Haven (1 Hour)
Next, you’ll visit Ravello, often described as a “magical land” with stunning panoramic views. This peaceful town is perfect for a gentle stroll, shopping for art and ceramics, or simply soaking in the atmosphere. As Kevin put it, Ravello was “beautiful” and full of charm.
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Return Journey (1.5 Hours)
The tour wraps up with a scenic drive back to Sorrento, passing through more picturesque villages. Some reviews mentioned the driver’s excellent navigation of narrow, winding roads, which can be daunting but was handled with confidence and skill.
The Practicalities: Transportation, Timing, and Value
The minivan comfortably seats up to 8 guests, striking a balance between intimacy and social ambiance. This smaller group size means more flexibility and a more relaxed pace. The driver is English-speaking, offering insights about each stop and the coast’s history, adding a layer of storytelling that enriches the experience.
The 8-hour duration is well-spent, with enough free time at each stop to explore without feeling rushed. The pick-up and drop-off from a variety of locations around Sorrento add convenience, and the optional lunch in Amalfi provides a delicious, authentic meal — one of the reviews noted it was “good food with amazing views.”
Pricing at approximately $113 per person makes this tour competitive, especially considering the personalized attention, private transport, and included stops. When you factor in the cost of independent travel, parking, and guides, this is a pretty good deal.
Tour Highlights
- The scenic drive along the coast offers views you’ll want to photograph endlessly.
- Your local driver provides insights, making the journey educational as well as beautiful.
- Free time in Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello allows for genuine exploration.
- Optional activities, like the boat trip in Amalfi, can enhance your experience if you’re looking for extra adventure.
Authentic Experiences and Hidden Gems
One of the best parts of this tour is how it combines sightseeing with free time to explore. Reviewers appreciated the local restaurant lunch and the chance to shop for ceramics and local products. The short but meaningful visits make this a great way to get a taste of life on the coast without feeling overwhelmed.
From Kevin’s review, we learn that the main square in Amalfi is dominated by a stunning basilica, and trying lemon sorbet in real lemons is a highlight. Sandy also raved about her driver Johnny, who made the trip “fabulous” with his humor and local stories, plus skillful driving through tricky roads.
This tour isn’t just about the sights — it’s about capturing the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle and enjoying authentic flavors, especially if you choose the lunch option.
Who Will Love This Tour?
If you’re looking for a small-group experience, craving a balanced mix of sightseeing and free time, this tour could be perfect. It’s ideal for those who want authentic moments, like wandering charming streets or tasting local food, without the chaos of large tours.
It’s especially suited for travelers who value personalized attention, scenic drives, and good value for money. Keep in mind the limited time in each village — if you’re a passionate explorer eager to uncover every corner, you might want to spend more days in each town independently.
The Sum Up
This Amalfi Coast minivan tour offers a practical, enjoyable way to experience one of Italy’s most iconic regions. For a fair price, you’ll enjoy stunning views, authentic villages, and free time to explore at your own pace. The small group size ensures a relaxed, personalized vibe, and the scenic drives are worth the price alone.
It’s a fantastic choice for travelers who want a taste of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello without the stress of planning or large crowds. The inclusion of a local driver and authentic stops makes this a memorable and worthwhile day out.
For those who want a comfortable, scenic, and well-paced trip with plenty of opportunities for photos, shopping, and simple pleasures, this tour hits the mark. Just be prepared for a whirlwind visit — but one filled with beauty, charm, and genuine Italian spirit.
FAQ
How early should I be ready for pick-up?
You should arrive at the designated pickup point about 5 minutes before your scheduled time to ensure a smooth start.
Are there specific pickup locations?
Yes, there are 22 pickup points around Sorrento, including hotels, shops, and landmarks, making it convenient to join the tour.
Is a guide included?
The driver speaks English and provides insights, but there is no dedicated guide or entry fee included in the package.
How long do we stay at each village?
You’ll have approximately 1 hour in Positano, 2 hours in Amalfi, and 1 hour in Ravello, with drive times in between.
Can I choose to include lunch?
Yes, lunch in a local restaurant is available if you select that option, offering good food and beautiful views.
Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?
No, the terrain and vehicle access are not suitable for wheelchairs, so consider this if mobility is a concern.
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