Amalfi Coast Itinerary Help

Hi Shelli,
Will you be flying home from Naples too? If so, stay in Campania the whole time and sleep in Sorrento and Naples.
On arrival day go to Sorrento and visit Capri, Ischia, Positano and Amalfi from there. From Naples visit Pompeii, Paestum and a day trip to Rome.

We broke up our trip by staying in Salerno one night. It was an enjoyable, albeit short visit, and was so convenient for Paestum.

It sounds like you’re interested in ancient ruins and treasures. While in Naples, do also see Herculaneum, as well as the National Archaeological Museum, with most of the artifacts that were in Pompeii before it got buried.

You don't give a budget ballpark, but you should note that Sorrento (perhaps the least "lovely" of the attractive places you named) is the only one that has anything like "excellent" transportation options. Make sure you have ferry schedules for the weeks you are traveling, because you're just ahead of high season. Have you used the Search box here to read about Circumvesuviana annoyances? Also that ferry services can sometimes be disrupted by high seas.

Of course, lots of extremely wealthy people stay many days in Positano or on Capri, but they don't care how much their car service (or other transportation solution) costs.

Since many people describe (historic, art-filled) Naples as "a crowded, gritty city", I'm afraid you may find it disappointing or disorienting after weeks of open-air, sunshine, and sea breezes! That would be too bad.

It's very much a personal response, but we found a daytrip to Positano to be enough. To us, it had attractive vistas, but was too cramped (late May) and too many of the same international fashion boutiques you can see in Rome (or on Capri) or elsewhere. The pebbled beaches were crowded and hot, the water cold. We did not get a feeling of wealth and glamour, even though we went for a drink on the pool deck of La Sireneuse.

In contrast, we thought Ravello (... on the same 8-hour car and driver from Sorrento) was lovely. But it is too isolated and does not have enough (except during the annual music festival) to do. I would only sleep there at a high-end hotel with an affiliated beach club way down at the shoreline, and a hotel shuttle to that, proprietary, beach club. (I know you said you're not interested in beach time, I'm just talking about the isolation of Ravello.)

For Positano and Capri, make sure you know how far you will have to walk on foot to your hotel, and what baggage transfer arrangements may be, if the hotel is not close to an auto or bus road.

Only because you specifically asked, I'll say that we slept five nights in Sorrento, because we went on a daytrip every day. But Sorrento is a purpose-built, postwar cliffside (not beach-side) resort town, mostly reinforced concrete. Your plans do not suggest an extended stay in such a place - unless you can only afford public transportation.

I totally agree with Tim. Naples was a bit disappointing and yes, a bit dirty. I'd recommend Sorrento and not Naples to spend a night or two. Definitely visit the ruins! We used Rick Steves tour and it was perfect.
We loved Sorrento and Ravello ( beautiful gardens) , it was one of my favorite places to visit. Quiet, quaint and views are outstanding!
Positano is beautiful, but a lot of walking up and down streets. We used Positano as a base, but really enjoyed Capri, Sorrento and Ravello.
Getting a driver to Positano is the way to go! Then, use the ferries to visit other areas.

Have a wonderful time!

Time is the greatest asset if you want to really enjoy and explore this area, and you have plenty of it. You have a good outline, so I just have some random thoughts:

Sorrento is a logical stop, and I would use it as a base for Pompeii. Pompeii is pretty close to Sorrento via the Circumvesuviana. A second night here to visit Herculaneum isn’t a bad idea, though Herculaneum can be visited pretty easily from Naples as well. Don’t try to see Pompeii en route, give yourselves some time and room to breathe.

I feel like there’s some overlap between Capri and Ischia, but hey you have the time. They had some devastating mudslides on Ischia this year. It’s worth double checking on, though I imagine by spring things should be well recovered.

My main observation would be for an Amalfi Coast trip there’s not much Amalfi Coast in it! Take those extra days and put them on the AC. Staying on the AC is really the best way to see it. The bulk of the crowds are day trippers. By staying on the coast, your schedule is always ahead of theirs. The mornings and evenings are great, and without the crowds it can be downright magical. Amalfi town has superior bus/ferry connections which makes it ideal for exploring the towns nearby. I think that’s your best option. Ravello is a must imo, but you’ll have time to check out plenty of the nearby towns (Priano, Minori, Midori, Positano.) There’s a cooking class in Ravello that has come up a few times here, you might be able to find more info searching this forum.

Salerno is nice. Nicer than it gets credit for, but I wouldn’t trade an extra coast night for it.

Naples is maybe not everyone’s cup of tea, but I consider it an essential stop. The Archeological Museum is amazing. A stroll down Spaccanapoli is a unique experience. Museo di Capidimonte has some wonderful paintings. Naples is everything everyone says it is, and more besides.

OK, I just returned from a similar trip and we had an outstanding time. Our intentions were to hike (we are not hikers) and did manage the 1700 steps to Ravello and the Path of Gods but weather prevented more hikes.

On arrival we took the fast train to Salerno. Loved it. No crowds, lovely waterfront, outstanding Minerva Gardens, and make sure you go downstairs at the Dumo to St. Mateo's Crypt. We visited Paestum the next day and it was very impressive.
We ferried to Amalfi and stayed 3 nights in Atrani, next door. Amalfi is crazy with crowds and the transportation hub for the coast. I could only see shopping in Amalfi and Positano. Crowds were so thick in early October, cannot imagine "in season".
Next we ferried to Capri and immediately were met by our B&B and drove up to Anacapri, a little less crowded than Capri Town. Take the chairlift to the top and perhaps walk up to Villa Lysis and/or Tiberius Villa, does not get any prettier.
Finally, we ferried to Sorrento enjoyed a great food tour and Pompeii. This was my 5th visit to Italy and definitely the most beautiful.
Enjoy