First Trip to Amalfi - May 2016

Looks like fun.

Why sleep in Positano instead of Sorrento? You can day trip the Amalfi coast out of Sorrento. Getting from Positano to Naples won't be too easy. There are ferries but by bus it takes time, or you could hire a car and driver for the trip. We did that from Positano to Naples train station. Not cheap.

If you have time consider going to Herculaneum as well as Pompeii.

Sorrento is a good base for Pompei, Capri and also Amalfi coast as Gordon says. You don't have to be moving through several different hotels.

Thank you both. We will sleep in Sorrento our final night in the area, so reaching the airport in Naples is easier.

As a follow up, in addition to making stops in Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, when touring the Coast are there other smaller sites/town we ought to see? I have read Rick Steves' chapter on the Amalfi Coast and it seems those are only can't miss towns he recommends. We are opting not to visit Paestum as it seems a bit far.

I do think you are moving around a lot: 3 hotels in 5 days when you could stay in one or two hotels.

I am not a fan of Capri. IT is overpriced and overrated IMHO. VERY expensive, BTW. I would make that a day trip and stay in Sorrento. I can understand why Positano would catch your fancy so maybe:

Day 1 - proceed immediately to Positano and stay 3 nights. Might be worth a private transfer?
Day 2 - Positano/Amalfi Coast/Ravello
Day 3 - Positano environs
Day 4 - Ferry to Capri for day/Ferry to Sorrento to sleep, 2 nights
Day 5 - Sorrento/Pompeii
Day 6 - Depart

You are right: Paestum is a bit far and IMO there's more than enough to see and do without trekking so far.

Certainly there are many cute coastal towns: Atrani, Praiano, Minori.

Re: Pompeii, you are going in May. It will be hot (been there!). Try to go as early as possible, before the afternoon heat, and crowds. And, bring water!

Hi Daniel,

Just giving you my itinerary that worked out great for my daughter and I.
Will you have a car?
We did not have a car. We traveled to Sorrento by train from Naples. Made Sorrento our home base. Loved it! . Traveled to Positano by private driver who we hired down by the ferry area. Spent the day in Positano and took the ferry back to Sorrento. (Bought our return ticket when we arrived to make sure we had time we wanted)
Next day took the ferry to Capri, spent the day there and returned to S by ferry. Took a bus tour back to spend more time in Positano which also took us to Rafello. (Your hotel might be able to help you with a tour tickets etc, ours did) Spent the rest of our time leisurely exploring Sorrento; ending each day there with a wonderful meal and strolling around at night.
Went back to Naples the day before we flew out and stopped and did Pompeii on the way back via train. Spent last night in Naples so we didn't have to worry about getting to airport for flight home.
The Amalfi Coast is beautiful. If you wish to split your time; I would split nights between Positano and Sorrento and not in Capri. Less moving and then your last night is in Sorrento closer to train or driving to Naples. We had a fabulous time and I know you will too.