Pompeii deserves unhurried time. The coast deserves slow wandering. Combining both works when road time and stop count are controlled.
Positano adds meaningful driving. Amalfi or Ravello may produce a better-balanced finish than forcing every coastal headline.
Ship departure overrides the planned itinerary. Drivers may reorder stops for traffic and return safety — plan with that flexibility.
Our Signature Pompeii and Amalfi Coast tour offers recommended balanced and full-highlights itinerary options with operational honesty built in.
Editorial verdict
Choose a structured Signature or small-group day that pairs Pompeii with one well-chosen coastal town. Reject brochure promises that add multiple Amalfi stops without acknowledging summer driving reality.