We'll be based in Naples for 10 days in May. We do not drive, so I thought we'd go on one or two day trips with Viator or other company to visit the Amalfi Coast. Is is a weird idea? I have read and heard so many horror story about the difficulties of getting around without a car on the AC, that it seems to make sense to us. We don't want to do 4-5 villages in one day and that's why we're thinking of a couple excursions on different days, instead. Any thoughts?
I've done the Amalfi Coast twice, and never did an organized tour. I stayed in Naples and used the train, the Circumvesuviana, which is efficient and very reasonable (just hang on to your belongings, as my husband's pocket was picked on our way to Pompeii!). Naples is a wonderful base if you like big cities. You can take ferries everywhere! Everybody wants to go to Capri, which is lovely, but I'm a big fan of Ischia. There's a place there, Negombo Springs, that has 26 different hog and cold spring water stations. Bring a bathing suit, sandals, and some money (it's $30 or $40 but worth every penny). Best of all, try and spend at least one night in Ischia so that you can also visit the castle. For some reason not too many Americans go there, but settle on Capri, which is pretty but really just a high end shopping mall.
Pompeii is stunning. Herculaneum is my favorite, though. Smaller and more recently discovered. Go to both and make your own judgment.
Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Salerno, all can be reached by ferry, but you're better off hiring a driver to get the feel of the coast at least once. Hopefully you don't get carsick easily.
The other must-see is Ravello, which is best reached by either taxi or bus from Amalfi. It is the most beautiful town, by far, on the Amalfi Coast. Words cannot describe it. Is it touristy? Well yeah, other people have found it too! So what, don't miss it.
Naples itself, of course, is wonderful. Take a walk down Tribunali. Go to the museums. You're going to wish you had three weeks instead of 10 days!!
Enjoy. I want to go back. I LOVE the Amalfi Coast.