Best London to Amalfi Coast & Capri Trip Itinerary

Want to see London and Italy? Come along on our action packed itinerary as we explore London to Amalfi Coast and Capri.

When to Visit London

My husband and I have been to London multiple times over the years. We usually prefer to travel during the months of March through May, since the weather begins to feel like spring. On this particular trip, we decided to pick a some London destinations we had not been to before we headed to the Amalfi Coast.

If you haven’t been to London before, I would recommend checking out: the Tower of London and Westminster Abby on Day 1 or 2 of your London trip. These are just a couple of locations that are well worth a visit, but keep in mind each will take about 2 hours or more to see.

Arrive at London Hotel – London to Amalfi Coast Trip

Since we just flew in from the United States, our first stop was the hotel to clean up. Despite it only being 10 am, the hotel understood our exhaustion and promptly got us an early check-in.

The most direct route is to go by train either to London Bridge and Uber the rest of the way from the airport, or Uber the entire trip from the airport (the first alternative would be more cost-efficient).

Andaz London Hotel

London is so vast and many great hotels in the area. I highly recommend basing yourself in an area that is relatively close to where you plan to spend most of your time.

Andaz London Liverpool Street was a fantastic 5-star hotel experience. I filled out their reservation form prior to arriving, and let them know we were celebrating our wedding anniversary. The hotel surprised us with a bottle of wine and a delicious dessert!

They also had a complimentary cocktail hour in the lobby during our stay. The customer service was truly outstanding, and they had free WiFi. We liked that it is close to the train station so we could limit our commute time around London.

Here are a few of my other favorite hotels in London:

Sea Containers London – 5-Star Modern Waterfront Hotel | Great waterfront views with outdoor seating
The Savoy London – 5-Star Luxury Hotel with Old World Charm | Great waterfront views of the London Eye
The Montague on the Gardens – 4-Star Charming Edwardian House | Great location, next to the British Museum

Churchill War Rooms & Tower of London

We then headed go see Churchill War Rooms.  Make a reservation online prior to, and avoid long wait times. For any WWII or military buff, this had some amazing details and was worth the visit. I most enjoyed the museum attached to the war rooms. Here is Churchill War Rooms official website to book advanced tickets.

Late afternoon we enjoyed a meal at The Scolt Head – an authentic Gastropub where the locals eat. We tend to look for places that are not overly touristy and give us a local flavor. This neighborhood has some charming homes with beautiful gardens. I especially love wisteria, and how it accessorizes the exterior of a house!

London – The British Museum

On Day 2 we were busy seeing family and friends, along with checking out some of the best London hidden gems.

However, we made time to see the iconic British Museum and afterward checked out shopping on Oxford and King streets.  The British Museum has some of my favorite exhibitions of Egyptian artifacts. Many people come to see the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon Marbles, it’s also one of the more educational things to do with kids in London.

I didn’t make it to Hampton Court, although it has been on my list. Just know, you will need to plan ahead for a full day there with the commute and all the things to do.

Dinner in London

Sushisamba – Here’s a fun restaurant to get some sushi. This high-rise has amazing views, even in the bathroom! At night it becomes like a nightclub with a lively atmosphere. While I realize this restaurant is a chain, it was one of my favorite meal experiences in London.

London to Amalfi Coast – Destination Capri, Italy

How to get to the Amalfi Coast from London? The best route is direct flights from London to Naples International Airport. You could fly into Rome, but it would be a further train ride than Naples. London to Naples by plane will roughly take approximately 2 hours and forty minutes.

On day 3 of our trip, we left London and took nonstop flights into Naples, Italy. I highly recommend flying into either Naples or Rome. London to Naples is the most efficient flight option, Rome would just be a longer train ride to the Amalfi Coast.

Cheap flights from London to Naples are still easy to find with plenty of last-minute deals. If you have extra time to plan, set price alerts for when plane tickets go on sale.

Traveling to Capri from Naples or Direct to Amalfi Coast

There are several ways to get to Capri. I have done both train and ferry direct from Naples. My recommendation is to go by ferry if the goal is to get to Capri quickly. Research from the websites recommends not to book ferry tickets in advance, especially with unsure travel times with flight and taxi ride traffic delays across town to get to the ferry.  Ferry schedules also change as well due to bad weather.

Make sure your taxi goes to the Naples Molo Beverello Ferry location.  The journey time is approximately a 20-minute taxi ride from the airport. I would recommend this strategy after the very long lines the day we visited the airport customs and border checks.

Here is the link the check on current travel information, or book your ferry trip to Capri. I found this website to be particularly helpful when planning for commutes.

If you are going directly to the Amalfi Coast, traveling is best via train or car hire. The second option would be considerably higher in price but you could skip the hassles of public transport.

While in the Naples or Sorrento Area…

If you have time in your trip, Pompeii is well worth a visit (on the way to Capri if you take a train). However, plan to spend most of the day there to do it justice. I discuss my amazing past trip to Pompeii here.

London to Amalfi Coast – First Stop in Capri!

Capri is best seen in the early morning hours or evenings after the day tourists have returned back to the mainland. The island has a lot of unique qualities that make it a location I continue to return to over the years.

If you can make the time, I would recommend staying on Capri. If you can only day trip, that’s fine too! Just keep in mind it will be likely heavily trafficked by day tourists.

My Favorite Island of Capri Hotels

Hotel pricing varies greatly on the season. To avoid premium rates, the lowest prices are in the off-season.

Since I prefer warm weather, I tend to travel to Amalfi Coast and Capri in the shoulder season which is spring or fall. This particular trip was in May, and it was perfect weather. The off-season is also not ideal because a lot of small businesses close in the winter months.

Check Capri Hotel Availability – Booking.com

Booking.com

We chose to stay at Luxury Villa Excelsior Parco – Via Provinciale Marina Grande 179, 80073 Capri, Island of Capri, Italy.

Luxury Villa Excelsior Parco provides a delicious full breakfast served in the courtyard or in your room and free WiFi.

Car service is complimentary all day until 9 pm. Car hire or Vespa is not needed on the island with their service. The hotel is very prompt on their pickup/drop-offs.

We chose this hotel based on reviews, and it had private balconies with hot tubs on them. It is not located in the city center, but the transport provided was solid our whole trip with little to no wait. If you want to check out this hotel, here is more information.

Below is a photo that was taken literally from our hotel room. These views are just out of this world!

I looked at numerous hotels, one of my other favorites was Punta Tragara. It’s definitely worth a visit while in Capri, even if it’s a drink at their luxurious pool and spa. We did just that, and it was a memorable afternoon.

Punta Tragara has some of the most stunning views in Capri. There was a modeling photo shoot going on at the hotel at the time. The pool and views are just that nice.

I would like to add, this is the better location for a hotel in Capri. It is off the prestigious street called Via Tragara, closer to town but avoids the busy downtown tourist-packed area (that occurs during the day).

Villa Jovis – Walking Day Trip (3+ hours visit)

Stride out along paths lined with handsome white villas in flower-filled gardens to Villa Jovis from where Tiberius ruled the Roman Empire.

There’s enough stone left to impress and a fine view over the Sorrento peninsula. Open 10 am-7 pm, and it cost 6 Euro during my visit.

Be prepared for a long walk uphill, but there are restaurants and bars on the way there. It’s best to visit when the weather is pleasant out.

If your schedule permits, there is a narrow path to the right on exiting Villa Jovis which meanders around the cliffs to Villa Lysis. Built by the dissolute French aesthete.

Please verify their hours on their website. When I visited they were open 10 am-6 pm and closed Wednesday with an entry fee.

Following both tours, the plan was to head back to our hotel to relax in the hot tub.  But on our way back we had a quick stop to watch the glitterati walking through the Piazza Umberto while enjoying an espresso. This is a fun place to see – especially as the day tourists depart towards late afternoon and evening.

Dinner at Da Paolino in Capri – Eat Under the Lemon Trees

Da Paolino Restaurant – Located at Via Palazzo a Mare, 11 80073 Capri (NA), Italy | P. IVA 06527251216. 

I’m giving you the address to Da Paolino since it’s tucked away on a little side street. Dishes run on average 30 and up.  They are known for excellent pasta, seafood, lemon-flavored dishes, limoncello, and a full dessert buffet.

You will eat literally in a grove under the lemon trees. We most enjoyed the romantic scenery of the lemon trees surrounding our dining experience.

You can make a reservation in advance on the link provided. In May, there was a lot of availability, but this is a place that would book up in peak season.

Travel Advice to See the Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) has been on my list for years to see! Ever since watching, “It Started in Naples” with Sophia Loren when I was a little girl, I wanted to visit this beautiful place.

On our first trip to Capri, we did not get to see the Blue Grotto due to the high tides. Since we were on the island for a few days this trip, we made sure to go on a day with great weather!

Fun fact: The Blue Grotto was used as a marine temple during the reign of Tiberius. Remains of the Roman statues found in the grotto are now on display in Casa Rosa Museum located in Anacapri.

The ticket price includes the entrance fee and the cost of the rowboat transport.  However, the rower expects a cash tip, as he or she often sings and assists you in getting inside the grotto which can be challenging depending on the waves.

I recommend taking the hotel’s complimentary shuttle to avoid lines via taxi and walking down to the Blue Grotto from the island. It was about a 5-minute wait for us, while others on tour boats waited a while. The experience itself will take about 10-minutes inside the cave.

If you have the time and money, a private boat is an ideal way to see the amazing views of the island and see the several grotto locations. Please note swimming into the grotto is illegal and can be hazardous due to the waves that can slam into and fill the cave to capacity.

Following the Blue Grotto, we explored Anacapri, seeing the shops and also stopping by the magnificent, Hotel Caesar Augustus on the edge of town. It has some great views, and is also known for its 5-star experience and remote location. I mention this hotel earlier as one of the best on the island to see or stay at.

Day 2 in Capri, Italy – Gardens of Augustus

Following breakfast, we headed to see the Gardens of Augustus open from 9 am-7:30 pm, for 1 Euro. It’s a small garden that only takes a few minutes to see. However, it has some of the best views in the city. Gardens of Augustus is a great spot to just sit and take in the scenery.

While near the garden, there are some great shops nearby. My personal favorite is a perfume store that makes its own products in Capri called Carthusia. Try on Mediterraneo, it has hints of lemon and green tea, and Capri of course is known for its lemons. I had to buy a bottle, and still, every time I smell its scent it brings me back to Capri.

Capri is also known for their handmade sandals. I was excited to shop at Amedeo Canfora since it was known for making sandals for Jackie O and other celebrities since 1946. But, I found the shoe store to be not as inspiring as some of the other shops in town. I purchased a pair of handmade sandals from Schettino di Capri because I most enjoyed their interaction and customer service. There are similar options at other stores.

I prefer to buy locally, and support local businesses whenever possible. The sandals and perfume are items I still use and appreciate. They make a lot of other great products on the island as well.

Lunch with a View in Capri

Pulalli Wine Bar – I absolutely LOVED our lunch on the private outdoor patio made for 2 people. Reserve this seat in advance if you want these views! The restaurant takes reservations by email. This was one of my favorite meals on our trip.

We have been to Capri before, and highly recommend taking the chair lift and seeing the sights in Anacapri. Click on this link to my previous article on chair lifts and other things to do in Capri and Anacapri.

Day 3 in Capri – Leave for Amalfi Coast

According to Capri.net current ferry times start at 3:10 pm and later for direct routes from Capri to Amalfi during my visit.  To get an earlier start, we had to go from Capri to Positano, and then from Positano to Amalfi.  Tickets during my visit were easily purchased same day.

From Positano, it will take approximately 45 minutes vs. ferry that takes 25 minutes to Amalfi, and then a 10-minute taxi ride to the hotel or complimentary shuttle.  We ended up missing our ferry ride due to weather issues and had to take alternative transportation. To make it more enjoyable, we decided to splurge on a taxi from Positano, directly to our hotel.

On a side note, if you want to see another amazing city, spend some time in Positano. I have been to the Amalfi Coast several times over the years and wanted to see Amalfi and Ravello on this trip.

However, I highly recommend seeing this enchantingly steep hillside town, even if it is just for a day trip.

Read Next: Best Boutique Hotels on the Amalfi Coast You’ll Absolutely Love

Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa

Next, we checked into our hotel, Monastero Santa Rosa, an luxurious remote location on the Amalfi Coast with outstanding service!

Built-in the 17th century as a Dominican monastery, it has some of the most unique architecture with some of the best views. It sits at the edge of a cliff overlooking the Amalfi Coast. It is widely considered it to be one of the best luxury boutique hotels on the Amalfi Coast.

Monastero Santa Rosa is located on the edge of the fishing village of Conca dei Marini, conveniently located between Amalfi and Positano.  This hotel strikes the perfect balance of seclusion without solitude to de-stress and relax in 5-star Italian luxury accommodations.

Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel

In the evening we then headed to Amalfi to see the city since it is a very short drive from the hotel. Amalfi sits below the steep cliffs from where the hotel is located. Amalfi is located in the province of Salerno. Between the 9th and 11th centuries, it was the capital of the maritime republic.

The Sant’Andrea Cathedral or Duomo di Sant Andrea is located in the city center. It is spectacular to look at, with its striped Byzantine facade. The Duomo is FREE of charge, and my favorite part of my visit to the town.

There is a museum attached, which you can visit for a small fee. Another site you may want to check out is The Museo Arsenale Amalfi, a medieval shipyard.

There are multiple restaurants in the heart of the town, but where we ate was nothing unique or special to mention. Afterward, we strolled and enjoyed the scenery.

Day Trip to the City of Ravello, Italy – Amalfi Coast

After a great breakfast off our room patio with coastal views at the Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel, we headed up to the city of Ravello. Hotel Monastero provided a complimentary ride to the city of Amalfi. From there, we took a taxi to the city of Ravello which is located approximately 3 miles up steep mountain roads.

This little village is one of the more picturesque hilltop locations that has attracted celebrities and dignitaries for centuries. Some of the more well-known visitors include Winston Churchill, Greta Garbo, and D.H. Lawrence (who wrote Lady Chatterley’s Lover in Ravello). No wonder why Greta Garbo said, “I just want to be alone.” Who wouldn’t want to be alone with these spectacular cliff views?

Places to See in Ravello

Enchanting Villa Rufolo

Villa Rufolo is located in the Ravello city centre. This former palazzo dates back to the 13th center and has views of the Duomo. It has beautiful gardens and majestic views of the Amalfi Coast. Take your time exploring the interior and exterior. There is a minimal entrance fee of around 6 Euros.

Villa Cimbrone Hotel & Gardens

Villa Cimbrone dates back to the 12th century being owned by wealthy and noble families, and centuries later it became part of Santa Chiara Monastery. The gardens are open to the public to tour from 9 am-7 pm, and tickets are 7 Euros.

Villa Cimbrone is now a beautiful 5-star luxury resort where you can stay longer and enjoy these special surroundings longer.

We decided to have drinks at Belvedere Restaurant at the Hotel Caruso in Ravello for outstanding views. Located at Del Piazza San Giovanni Toro 2, 84010, Ravello, Italy. 

Hotel Caruso is a 5-Star resort that also is pretty spectacular if you are looking to stay in Ravello.

Best Hotels in Ravello for a Romantic Setting

Ravello is known for being the best city on the Amalfi Coast for honeymoons. Here are four dreamy hotels that would make a lovely romantic getaway.

Interesting in a Hike in the Mountains?

Not much further from Ravello lies the oldest village on the Amalfi Coast called Scala.

Please keep in mind these mountains are steep and more for the experienced hiker. It is approximately 4.6 miles and on average it takes 2.5 hours to complete.

Dinner in Conca dei Marini

Le Bontà del Capo is located in the fisherman village of Conca dei Marini near our hotel (Monastero Santa Rosa) just an easy walk down the hill. It is known to be one of the more appreciated restaurants in the area. We noticed lots of locals eating there during our visit.  The seafood was very fresh, and they also have great views. You can email in advance for reservations.

Leaving Amalfi Coast – Flying Out of Rome

Leave Monastero Santa Rosa and take the ferry from Amalfi to Salerno.  The cost is much more reasonable than a taxi and runs around 100 Euros from Amalfi.  The ferry costs approximately 20 Euros, and we had more fun enjoying the scenery by water.  Costs are approximated to the current pricing.

We decided to take the fast train from Salerno to Rome, which is approximately 2.5 hours.  Naples is the closest airport, but we wanted to see Rome before we left Italy and Salerno had a direct high-speed train. By taking a new route, we were able to see new beautiful scenery. This photo is of the fisherman’s boats in Salerno.

Things to Do Nearby the Rome Airport

I had hoped to see Parco Archeologico Di Ostia Antica (Viale Dei Romagnoli 717, 00119 Ostia Antica, Italy) but didn’t allow enough time when we wanted to walk around Rome. For your reference, it is approximately 8 minutes from the airport, open from 8:30 am-3:30 pm. 

Similar to Pompeii, it is an old ruins of a port town.  This visit could be done easily from the airport if you are looking for one last exploration before heading home.

Have more time to see Rome? Here is my travel itinerary to a fantastic first trip to Rome.

Thank you for reading about my London to Amalfi Coast Trip! If you are looking for more suggestions on places to see on the Amalfi Coast, check out my other post on Capri to Positano.

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