Hi everyone!

I am planning a 7-day road trip to the Amalfi Coast from June 14th to June 21st. Since it’s my absolute first time visiting this part of Italy, I could really use some expert advice. Local travel agencies haven't been particularly helpful or reliable, so I’ve decided to put this itinerary together myself (with a bit of help of AI).

We will be staying at a hotel located in the Massa Lubrense / Sorrento area, which will serve as our base for the week. Since we'll have a car, I tried to build a schedule that balances driving, sightseeing, and relaxation, but I want to make sure the logistics from this specific location are realistic.

Here is the detailed breakdown of what I have in mind:

The Itinerary

• Day 1 (Sunday, June 14): Arrival & Settling In
  • Arrive at the airport, pick up the rental car, and drive to our hotel in Massa Lubrense.
  • Spend the evening unpacking, exploring the immediate neighborhood, and having a relaxed dinner nearby to kick off the trip.
• Day 2 (Monday, June 15): Exploring the Sorrentine Peninsula
  • A relaxed day to get used to the local pace. Explore the town center of Sorrento (Piazza Tasso, the lemon groves, and the viewpoint at Villa Comunale).
  • In the afternoon, drive around the quieter corners of Massa Lubrense (like Marina della Lobra or Sant'Agata sui Due Golfi) for some great views away from the massive crowds.
• Day 3 (Tuesday, June 16): The Jewel of the Coast – Positano
  • Drive from Massa Lubrense to Positano early in the morning to beat the worst of the traffic.
  • Spend the day walking down the narrow, cascading streets, browsing the boutique shops, and relaxing near Spiaggia Grande.
  • Head back in the late afternoon/evening.
• Day 4 (Wednesday, June 17): Island Escape to Capri
  • Leave the car parked at our base or in Sorrento, and take a morning ferry/boat tour over to Capri.
  • Explore Capri town, Anacapri, and ideally take a boat ride around the Faraglioni rocks.
  • Return by ferry in the evening.
• Day 5 (Thursday, June 18): Amalfi Town & The Heights of Ravello
  • A bigger driving day: heading further down the coast past Positano to Amalfi town. Explore the historic center and the iconic Duomo di Sant'Andrea.
  • In the afternoon, drive up the winding roads to the peaceful hilltop town of Ravello. Visit the cliffside gardens of Villa Rufolo or Villa Cimbrone for those famous panoramic views.
• Day 6 (Friday, June 19): History & Scenic Drives (Pompeii or Sorrento Coast)
  • Keep this day somewhat flexible. The current plan is to drive inland to visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii in the morning while it's not too hot.
  • Alternatively, use this day for a scenic drive down toward the southern end of the peninsula, or just enjoy a beach day if we are feeling fatigued.
• Day 7 (Saturday, June 20): Relaxed Farewell
  • A completely open day to revisit a favorite spot, do some last-minute souvenir shopping (looking at you, Limoncello), and enjoy a nice final dinner on the coast.
• Day 8 (Sunday, June 21): Heading Home
  • Check out of the hotel, drive back to the airport, return the rental car, and catch our flight back.

A few specific things I’d love your feedback on:

1. The Driving & Chokepoints: Is driving from Massa Lubrense to places like Positano and Amalfi manageable in mid-June if we leave early enough? I’ve read about the alternate license plate rules and heavy traffic—does that apply to rental cars?
2. Capri Logistics: Is it better to take the ferry to Capri directly from Sorrento, or are there good boat tours departing closer to Massa Lubrense?
3. Parking Strategy: Should I pre-book parking garages in Positano and Amalfi ahead of time, or is it a matter of "show up and pray" in mid-June?
4. Pacing: Does day 5 (Amalfi + Ravello) feel too packed with the driving involved, or is it doable?

Any tips, tweaks, or insider secrets would be massively appreciated. Thanks in advance for helping a first-timer out!