5-Day Amalfi Coast & Capri Itinerary – Living La Dolce Vita

Book this 5-day Amalfi Coast & Capri itinerary with a belmond stay and a private boat day to start living La Dolce Vita from day one. This plan is worthy of a sun-soaked escape, built around early transfers, calm mornings, and late dinners on cliff-edge terraces. You’ll move along coastal towns by ferry and private car, with just enough time to be prepared for the next highlight. Still, you have room to linger over a limoncello after dinner.

Day 1 centers in Sorrento and Positano: arrive by 10:00, check into a sea-view room, and enjoy a special lunch at a family trattoria. If the sea is calm, take a quick swimming to refresh, then stroll the lanes to shop for lemon products and hand-painted ceramics. The harbor hums with vocals from street musicians, and a bass line from a passing duo anchors the mood.

Day 2 climbs toward Amalfi and Ravello, with a coastal drive that takes you past terraced gardens and whitewashed courtyards. Reserve a lunch on a balconied terrace and save time to meet a local chef who shares a quick cooking tip. For the afternoon, choose a quiet beach cove for swimming, or linger in a chic shop window to snatch a special high-waisted linen piece from a local boutique.

Day 3 ferries early to Capri, where a private boat excursion hugs the island’s south coast. You’ll be swimming near Green Grotto if weather cooperates, then anchor for lunch on the Marina Piccola side. In the Piazzetta, a singer’s vocals mingle with the waves; stand on the bow and feel the breeze move you toward the Blue Grotto entrance when doors open later in the day.

Day 4 returns to the Amalfi coast, with a sunset dinner in Positano and a final morning for lemon-shop browsing. On day 5, squeeze in a lemon-scented farewell walk, a last achingly steep set of stairs, a final strength workout on the steps, and a return to Sorrento. You’ll believe this escape can become a lifelong habit, your pace lighter and your heart ready for another visit later.

A practical, day-by-day guide for the Amalfi Coast and Capri, plus a Paris love list

Book a dawn ferry from Sorrento to Capri and swim in the calm coves near Marina Grande before the day begins. mcnulty would tell you to enter Capri with a light bag, because a quick change in your hotel room makes the day feel lighter and more unique.

Day 1: Arrive in Positano, stroll the bell-arched lanes, and do some shopping including handmade ceramics. Hire a boat to Fornillo and Li Galli for a refreshing swimming stop, then return to Positano for a sunset drink at a small bar. If you booked a hotel with a terrace, you’ll want to linger there before dinner and let the moment sink in.

Day 2: Head to Amalfi, then up to Ravello for gardens and a tower-like view from Villa Cimbrone; take a short hike along the Valle dei Mulini, and listen to articulations of local musicians in the town square. Have lunch on a terrace overlooking the coast, and in the afternoon visit a pottery studio or a boutique. If you love music, a local singer might perform at a trattoria; otherwise, sip limoncello while watching the sun drift toward the sea.

Day 3: Capri is yours from dawn; if the weather cooperates, enter the Blue Grotto to see the shimmering light; otherwise, swim from Marina Piccola and enjoy the turquoise waters. In Anacapri, ride the chairlift to Monte Solaro for a gentle ascent and a panoramic moment. The Faraglioni towers frame the harbor as you wander and shop, and a pianist or singer may entertain at sunset bars; if you’re subscribed to a boat club, you can arrange a private tour to avoid crowds.

Day 4: Tackle the Path of the Gods as a brisk morning hike, starting in Bomerano and finishing in Nocelle; pack water and a snack, then dip into small coves for swimming along the trail. Return via Praiano for lunch and a rest on a sun-drenched terrace. lets plan a post-hike drink in a cliffside bar before a late dinner, and note how the coast reveals another shade of blue at dusk. if you loved the hike, you can do it again with a private guide within a shorter route.

Paris love list: Enter Paris with a plan to chase romance from the Seine to Montmartre; where to go: a Seine sunset cruise, Île Saint-Louis, Montmartre’s stairways, Le Marais for small bakeries, Saint-Germain for a bookshop, and rooftop bars with a view. actually the singer in a cafe can lift the moment; if you’re subscribed to a city app, you’ll discover pop-up galleries and a quiet corner by the river. That unique mix of pastry shops and hidden courtyards makes you love the city even more. lets book a private dinner in a hidden courtyard and finish with a late-night jazz set.

Day 1: Arrive in Positano – pick a cliffside hotel and sunset stroll along the coast

Book a cliffside hotel with a private terrace the moment your flight lands; Amalfi views and a sea-view room set today’s mood. Le Sirenuse and Il San Pietro di Positano offer terrace suites that catch the light at sunset and give your stay a distinct style. No-one steals this first moment; head straight to the hotel lounge or villa terrace to soak in the coast before you head out. If youd prefer a quieter corner, request a corner room with a direct balcony and a view toward Capri so you can head out to the terrace in minutes.

• Hotel picks to consider: Le Sirenuse (cliffside with a famous terrace) and Il San Pietro di Positano (dramatic sea views) – both deliver a true Amalfi mood and fast access to the coast.
• Booking tips: ask for a sea-view terrace, confirm late check-in if your flight arrives late, and note your subscribed member status for potential perks or upgrades.
• What to pack: capris, comfortable sandals, sunhat, lightweight fabrics, and a small jacket for sea breezes on the terrace.
• Arrival plan: private transfer from Naples or Sorrento takes about 1.5–2 hours; use the ride to catch your first images of pastel façades clinging above the coast.

1. Sunset prep: head from the hotel toward Spiaggia Grande and begin a coastal stroll; in golden hour the colors pop, and the sea shows a deep blue that begs for photos–the kind of images you’ll want to save for your today memories.
2. Sunset stroll: walk the coastal path toward Fornillo Beach, catching the light on Positano’s cliffside lanes; pause on a terrace along the way to toast the moment with a cold drink and a view that feels timeless.
3. Dinner option: choose La Sponda (La Sirenuse) for a candlelit, garden-to-table experience, or a casual seaside meal at Chez Black to keep the party vibe relaxed–both easily bookable after a quick walk back from the coast.
4. Evening wrap: if birthday plans spark, ask the hotel to arrange a small dessert on the terrace with a sparkler; it’s a simple way to add a personal touch to your first Amalfi night.

Day 2: Capri by ferry – book Blue Grotto visit, ride Monte Solaro chairlift, and cap with Faraglioni views

Book the Blue Grotto slot first thing from Capri town and reserve a private boat if you can; it keeps you out of late-morning queues and assures you see the cave at its best. Catch a morning ferry from Naples or Sorrento to Capri; the crossing lasts 40–60 minutes and drops you near the famous islands built into dramatic cliffs. Move quickly when you dock and head toward the grotto pier where colorful boats await.

At the grotto, expect a short rowboat ride to enter; tickets run around €15–€20, plus a small boat fee. The blue glow is irresistible, a look that many travellers loved. If the line is long, theres a backup option with a nearby guide who can take you to other cave options along the coast. Wear fast-dry shoes; the water can splash, especially near the mouth.

From Capri town, take the funicular up to the main level and then ride the Monte Solaro chairlift from Anacapri. The round trip costs about €20 and lasts roughly 12 minutes; the design prioritizes unobstructed views, so sit on the right to catch the Faraglioni and the coast below. The top offers a gorgeous panorama over the islands and the blue horizon; look toward the far cliffs and feel the dolce breeze amidst the lemon-scented air.

Cap the day with a stroll along the paths that connect the Piazza Umberto I and the villa-lined skirts of the island. The views of Faraglioni from the belvedere near the piazza are famous, with Roman-inspired stonework and traditional houses built along narrow roads. If you want a shot with the rocks towering above, head below the cliff path and then back up via the funicular or a relaxing stroll; you will move with the light and the crowds, whether you stay for sunset or return for clear daylight photos.

After lunch, plan time on beaches such as Marina Piccola or the small coves near the Baths of Tiberio; a fine lunch near a piazza cafe plus a dolce at a seaside bakery makes the afternoon irresistible. If this is your birthday itinerary, Capri offers a refined, dreamy backdrop that Fitzgerald would have loved, a touch of york-inspired elegance in a roman hillside setting. Whether you linger on the beaches or explore the built architecture, you’ll feel a sense of local life and fine design amidst the cliffs below.

Day 3: Amalfi Coast highlights – Ravello terraces, Amalfi Cathedral, and scenic coastal towns

Begin in Ravello at Villa Rufolo, where the terraces spill toward the sea and the first light hits the gardens with a timeless glow. The Belvedere at Villa Cimbrone offers an original overlook that frames the coast, a moment that sets your day with charm. Walking between these viewpoints reveals Ravello’s quiet charm–stone stairways, lemon-scented courtyards, and sun-dappled corners. Getting there is easy by taxi from Amalfi or a short local bus ride, and at night the terraces glow with a different mood.

From Ravello, descend to Amalfi and enter the Duomo di Amalfi. The cathedral blends Gothic-Romanesque lines with the Cloister of Paradise, sheltering a cool, peaceful space. A mcnulty review told of the Cloister as a standout moment on the coast. Enter early to avoid crowds, climb to the cathedral terrace for a sweeping view of Piazza del Duomo, then stroll to bars and restaurants along the waterfront for a light lunch of seafood and lemon. The surrounding lanes and courtyards add texture to the visit and set up a memorable afternoon.

Drive the SS163 along the coast to Praiano, Atrani, Minori, and Cetara to see small towns that still feel intimate. In Praiano, stop at a belvedere above the marina for a blood glow sunset; notice the high-waisted sunglasses and linen outfits of locals and visitors alike. Atrani’s tiny lanes wind to a seaside square, while Minori offers a coastline promenade and a pastry shop with lemon pastries. Cetara, a working fishing village, serves fresh seafood and a sauce learned by locals for generations. Seen from these vantage points, the coastline looks gorgeous and alive, a scene you won’t forget. italys coast adds a dramatic backdrop to this afternoon. A note from pasks describes Praiano’s belvedere as ideal for night photography.

This day reveals the timeless charm of the Amalfi Coast: Ravello’s terraces, Amalfi Cathedral, and the intimate coastal towns create a living story you can taste, hear, and see. As night falls, your pace slows and the sea keeps telling its original, living story of italys coast.

Day 4: Path of the Gods hike or coastal drive – pacing, gear, and photo stops

Do the Path of the Gods hike in the morning for cooler air and clearer views, or opt for a coastal drive if you want flexibility and frequent photo stops.

Pacing: For the hike, allocate 3.5–4 hours to cover 7–8 km with roughly 450–550 m of ascent; keep a steady walking pace so you still enjoy every overlook and can chat with your group; some groups have reached the far overlook sooner, while others take a little longer depending on the light.

Gear: wear brand-new, sturdy hiking shoes; carry a lightweight rain shell; bring a sun hat, sunglasses, SPF 50, and 1.5–2 L water per person; pack a 15–25 L daypack, a compact camera or phone with a spare battery and a small roll of duct tape for quick fixes; include energy bars and a simple map or offline directions; protect your body with breathable layers and sun protection.

Photo stops: on the hike, the best overlooks come around Bomerano and stretch toward Capri; there are several pull-offs on the coast road near Praiano, Positano, and Amalfi for cliff-side views and vivid sea colors; the glass color of the water shines at golden hour.

Gelateria and favourites: plan a gelateria break near Praiano or Amalfi to sample favourites flavors like pistachio or lemon; the flavours often shift with the season and offer a refreshing pause.

Meet people: youre likely to meet fellow walkers; australian traveler paul told me his gear review and how the pace shifts with light; the moment feels like a stage to live the day, and many loved the way this route takes you from quiet terraces to sea-level views, with easy opportunities to connect near the next lookout.

Booking tip: book parking near Bomerano or arrange a shuttle from Praiano in advance, especially in peak season; include a buffer for delays and you can easily wrap the day with a sunset stroll or a quick stroll along the coast before you head back.

Paris Love List: The five things I most love about Paris

Grab a fresh morning croissant from a traditional bakery near Montmartre to begin your day. The aroma of butter and warm pastry lifts mood before the city wakes. Unlike italys cafe rush, Paris invites you to linger, letting flavor dictate pace. The response from locals is welcoming, and you can sip coffee as light spills across stone steps topped with ivy. That simple bite anchors much of what you’ll feel all day as you sample neighborhoods, shop little bakeries, and savor the morning air.

overlooking the Seine at dawn offers a calm that lasts all day. The light slides along stone, and a round glass of juice from a nearby café becomes a ritual. The main vantage points–Pont Neuf, Trocadéro, and the Île Saint-Louis–put the city in a gentle loop of color. There are many small joys tucked into ordinary corners, and the scene is much more quiet than you expect. The response from passersby is friendly, with many smiles and tips on hidden spots. It takes just a few steps to reach a quiet bank where you can savor the moment. That daily motion feels like a ballet, graceful and never rushed.

Shop the traditional markets and café terraces for a daily taste of Paris. Open stalls line cobblestone lanes, and you’ll find much more than souvenirs–local producers offer cheeses, olives, and fresh baguettes. The response you get from vendors feels warm, with many tastings that invite you to linger. If youre traveling light, you can shop without dragging luggage, and you’ll hear street bands nearby that lift the mood while you browse.

articulations of light guide you through the city’s corners. From the Louvre’s outer courtyards to hidden ateliers, Paris proves main streets can hold intimate galleries. The city’s museums shine with color and form, and you feel that art isn’t a show but a daily conversation. Morning light plays on marble, glass, and canvas, and you can imagine the artists who shaped the city–there’s a sense of time that feels tangible and personal.

Special moments show why Paris is beautiful in small details. In lively neighborhoods you spot girls in chic outfits, street bands play softly, and a café door opens to a sunlit courtyard. The main perks are that every corner has a story, and a quick chat with a baker or a violinist can add color to your day. The city offers much more than monuments; it delivers everyday grace that feels personal and true.