Itinerary for Naples/Positano and beyond
 

We have vacationed in Italy several times but never made it to Amalfi Coast and beyond. So we decided this is the year!

Fly into Naples (September 12, 2016)
Taxi or private transfer from Naples A/P to Positano (Hotel reservations made at Hotel Marincanto 4 nights. Not sure if my husband can handle the steps in Positano but booked the Marincanto hotel several months ago as to not get disappointed.

Next stop Salerno to pick up rental car. Drive to Maratea for 3 nights. Possible to visit Paestum on the same day???

Next stop Taranto (or somewhere TBD) 3 nights.

Drive back and drop car at Naples A/P
Fly home.

Any help or critique would be most appreciated.

The Marincanto is one of Positano's most beautiful hotels. It also has an elevator so you don't need to worry about stairs inside the hotel. If you want to go to the beach, just use the roadway as it slopes down and then take a left into the pedestrian part of the village. The hotel has its own stairs to the beach but they are numerous so if your husband has knee issues - the road is the best way down.
I would have trouble leaving the hotel as it's just so gorgeous and the infinity edge pool is beautiful. There are loads of good places to eat nearby - Bar Bruno has that quintessential view of Positano and good food. Head down to Chez Black on the beach or Tre Sorelle. The Hotel Buca de Baco has a sandwich bar under its shady pergola for a quick snack. More information is here
http://www.positano.com/

Next stop Salerno to pick up rental car. Drive to Maratea for 3 nights. Possible to visit Paestum on the same day???
Yes, and highly recommended!

I assume you have read about Taranto. Most will say how ugly the surroundings are--true, as it is heavy, smelly industry. I did not have the opportunity to visit the old town, but I am interested in getting to it one day to visit the archaeology museum. You may have your fill of temples after Paestum, but you will pass Metaponto if you are keen for another.

If you have not done much research yet and Taranto is not what you are after, then Matera would be a great choice.

Make sure you have enough time to get to Naples airport unless your flight is quite late in the day.

Read this about driving in Italy:

http://driventoit.blogspot.com.au/

"Next stop Salerno to pick up rental car.... Possible to visit Paestum on the same day???"

Probably, but do check your timing to make sure you will have sufficient time while it is open. And do consider making time for its small museum, which has some very unusual pieces!

Also consider a stop at Salerno's Duomo if time permits (it is closed for a LONG time mid-day, as I recall) -- it has some extraordinary features!

I take it you are skipping Naples this trip?