Amalfi, besides RIL tours?

[kbubbles]

I can highly recommend Amalfi Coast Destinations. We have used this service twice and both times we had an exceptional day. Roberto will tailor your day to your requests, while suggesting some experiences that we never would have discovered on our own. For example, he suggested a place for an authentic meal in a town that I could find no info on at all. It was such a treat to feel like we had discovered the undiscovered.

By the way, I should mention that he is the mayor of Amalfi!!

Last October he charged 400 euros for a full day for 4 of us.

His contact information is www.amalficoastdestinations.com

Enjoy your time, I believe you will have a most memorable day no matter who you select!

[Cruzinbabe06]

We had a group of eight friends, and used Joe Banana Limos for three tours in Italy, including Amalfi Coast. The cost was 420€ for the group. It was my favorite stop on the cruise. Our driver, Mario, was fantastic..lunch above Positano at La Tagliata, stops in Sorrento, Amalfi, Priano, etc. I highly recommend them. Can't say about the ferry, tho. I've heard that if you try to do it all in one day, you'll miss something, not to mention possible problems getting back to the ship on time. We were docked in Salerno.

 

We also have all 3 tours booked with Joe Bananas. For Naples we have Pompeli with guide, then we're going up the coast to Positano, lunch at La Tagliata and then Sorrento. The price for our group of 8 is 420 euros.

 

How did you like La Tagliata? What foods did they serve you for lunch? Was it

worth the 25 euros.

 

Also, what made you like Mario so much? His knowledge, personality? Maybe I should request him for our group.

 

Thanks in advance

[Mammoth Cruiser]

I have used both RIL and AP Tours. Honestly, AP Tours is just as good as RIL. The only difference is that the pricing at AP Tours is more reasonable. Our Amalfi Coast tour with AP Tours this past May was excellent. We were able to visit, Ravello, Positano, Amalfi, and Sorrento. Our driver arranged for us to take the ferry back from Sorrento to Naples. He helped us purchase the tickets and made sure the ferry departed on time before he left. I will certainly use them again in the future.

[ShellDil]

I have used both RIL and AP Tours. Honestly, AP Tours is just as good as RIL. The only difference is that the pricing at AP Tours is more reasonable. Our Amalfi Coast tour with AP Tours this past May was excellent. We were able to visit, Ravello, Positano, Amalfi, and Sorrento. Our driver arranged for us to take the ferry back from Sorrento to Naples. He helped us purchase the tickets and made sure the ferry departed on time before he left. I will certainly use them again in the future.

 

For those who have used AP Tours, when you take the ferry back to Naples, do you find this to be more of a convenience and just a boat ride back to the ship? Or is it more of a unique part of your day with beautiful views? I suppose what I'm asking, is there a reason to do the ferry as compared to the drive back to the port? Was it crowded? Or was it an enjoyable experience? I think the ferry might be a nice change from being in a van again on the way back. But maybe I'm wrong!

 

Also, AP Tours offers two different tours from that include Pompeii and the Amalfi coast. One includes Ravello and the other doesn't. They indicate that the one that does seems to be a more intense day - but you get an additional town. Does anyone have opinions on one vs. the other? Pompeii, Ravello, Positano and Sorrento. VS Pompeii, Positano, Sorrento, and Amalfi. The second one is noted on their site as spending more quality time in each place. What is in Ravello that would be missed?

 

Thank you!

[cruisemom42]

For those who have used AP Tours, when you take the ferry back to Naples, do you find this to be more of a convenience and just a boat ride back to the ship? Or is it more of a unique part of your day with beautiful views? I suppose what I'm asking, is there a reason to do the ferry as compared to the drive back to the port? Was it crowded? Or was it an enjoyable experience? I think the ferry might be a nice change from being in a van again on the way back. But maybe I'm wrong!

 

Also, AP Tours offers two different tours from that include Pompeii and the Amalfi coast. One includes Ravello and the other doesn't. They indicate that the one that does seems to be a more intense day - but you get an additional town. Does anyone have opinions on one vs. the other? Pompeii, Ravello, Positano and Sorrento. VS Pompeii, Positano, Sorrento, and Amalfi. The second one is noted on their site as spending more quality time in each place. What is in Ravello that would be missed?

 

Thank you!

 

One of the best reasons for doing the ferry, IMO, is to avoid the horrible traffic on the roads. Depending on your route, it can take a LONG time to get from Sorrento to Naples and the port by car, especially in peak tourist season. I'd feel a lot more comfortable taking the ferry in terms of time when you have to get back to the ship.

[TMLAalum]

For those who have used AP Tours, when you take the ferry back to Naples, do you find this to be more of a convenience and just a boat ride back to the ship? Or is it more of a unique part of your day with beautiful views? I suppose what I'm asking, is there a reason to do the ferry as compared to the drive back to the port? Was it crowded? Or was it an enjoyable experience? I think the ferry might be a nice change from being in a van again on the way back. But maybe I'm wrong!

 

Also, AP Tours offers two different tours from that include Pompeii and the Amalfi coast. One includes Ravello and the other doesn't. They indicate that the one that does seems to be a more intense day - but you get an additional town. Does anyone have opinions on one vs. the other? Pompeii, Ravello, Positano and Sorrento. VS Pompeii, Positano, Sorrento, and Amalfi. The second one is noted on their site as spending more quality time in each place. What is in Ravello that would be missed?

 

Thank you!

 

One of the best reasons for doing the ferry, IMO, is to avoid the horrible traffic on the roads. Depending on your route, it can take a LONG time to get from Sorrento to Naples and the port by car, especially in peak tourist season. I'd feel a lot more comfortable taking the ferry in terms of time when you have to get back to the ship.

 

Hi- we did a half-day Pompeii-Sorrento APT tour in June, taking the 4;25 ferry back to port. I agree with cruisemom42's reason for the ferry return. As far as scenery, we weren't close to the coastline but did enjoy views of Vesuvius and the relaxation of being on the boat after a hot day touring. Sorrento was just ok for me, especially since we headed the wrong direction after lunch toward the more commercial, newer area and many shops were closed for siesta. We really liked how APT arranged for us to be meet by another driver at the ferry who had tickets in hand and escorted us to the boat.

[texancruzer]

We have done both with APTours.

 

On our first trip we did the first option. Ravello is a very cool village up in the mountains with wonderful views. Some light shopping too. One of my favorite villages. We took the ferry back and enjoyed it as it was relaxing and a different perspective of the area. We were on the ferry not the hydrofoil and it was mostly locals going home from work to Naples. To me Sorrento is more of a big town or city and lacking the charm of the villages......

 

On our third visit we did the same tour again, with friends who hadn't been to the area. There was a fire on the coast road and it was closed just as we were approaching (between Positano and Sorrento) so we had to turn around and a different route back. We did go up into the mountains and then take the freeway road back and it was somewhat scenic but would have preferred the ferry...... and we got back in plenty of time because APTours knows the area, the roads, stays in touch with the office who keeps them current on traffic, any accidents etc. and plan accordingly.

 

PS: you do know that you can customize your tour......... it is a private tour and if possible, they will do what you want. Like leave out one village other than how they have it listed...... We actually opted to NOT have a sit down lunch (which takes a lot of time) and spend more time in each place.

[Nebr.cruiser]

We did the first tour with AP--and I thought Ravello was really scenic and charming. Our group opted out of a sit-down dinner too and grabbed something quick at Ravello. We also chose to just drive through Amalfi and stop for photos to maximize our time.

 

Yes, including all those towns did make for pretty quick stops in each one, (and our driver gave us several options as to which towns and how long we stayed in each), but all in our group wanted an overview of the area; who knows if we'll ever get back again. I hope we will--stunning--but who knows?

 

I thought Sorrento was just so-so, but we only had about 45 minutes there for a quick stroll through a shopping area and some gelato. Our driver than excorted us to the ferry, gave us tickets, and made sure we got on the ferry.

 

We found the ferry to be relaxing. You don't really see the Amalfi coastline, except when leaving Sorrento, as the ferry heads across the bay to Naples, but we did get wonderful views of Vesusvious.

 

It's my understanding that if you take the car back to Naples you skip the Amalfi drive, as it takes too long, and go back via 4-lane highways, which I assume are more inland. I'd do the ferry again. I thought it was the best use of our time, and something different.

[Seabreeze8]

We are looking to do the Amalfi coast from Naples in July 2013. I have been looking through boards and I see that RIL is highly recommended. We are most likely going to use them in Rome and Livorno, but would maybe like to use somebody else that is cheaper for Naples.

 

I have came across Simply Amalfi, All Around Italy, and Sorrento Limo. Does anybody have good experience with these guides? If so, can you recommend a driver and about how much it costs?

 

We want to do Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, & Ravello and take the ferry back to see the sea view of the coast. Also, it looks like RIL does not allow for a trip to Sorrento, which is where we would take ferry from. Any input?

 

Thanks in advance, everybody! :)

 

Check out Sorrento Silver Stars, it's highly rated on Tripadvisor and Rick Steves. We took a tour with them to all 4 places and had a great time. Our van holds up to 8 passengers but there were only 7 of us. We got to places that big buses couldn't get to and saw lots more than the ship's excurison.

[sculpture man]

Last October my wife and I were fortunately booked on a private shore excursion, when we visited Naples. The tour was operated by Joe Banana Limos - http://www.joebananalimos.net, and our driver Giovanni, the owner of the company.

 

He was at the Port before the prescribed time, holding a sign with the name of our group on it. He took us to many of the usual places on the Amalfi Coast and before heading back he took us to a restaurant. The restaurant was located on the side of a cliff, affording us some amazing views and great photo ops. The meal was three courses, dessert and all the wine you could drink. I can say without reservation that it was some of the finest Italian fare I have ever eaten and all for under 22 EU p/p. During and after the meal a band was brought in to entertain us, along with a troupe of dancers; amazing!! The highlight of the afternoon was when Mama, the owner of the restaurant came out of the kitchen and began singing & dancing for us. This tour was one we shall never forget, thanks to Joe Banana Limos.

 

We are scheduled to go on a Trans Atlantic cruise in April, 2013 and already have a booking with Giovanni when we tour Florence & Pisa. When we are in Italy, we will only use Joe Banana Limos.

 

Best regards,

 

Bernie (sculpture man)

[Matcodixon]

We used AP Tours for our Naples port as well as Rome and highly recommend them. The Naples tour included Pompeii, Positano and Sorrento and included an excellent guide for Pompeii. Price was good, service was great. They are open to being flexible in regards to the itinerary for the day.

[Gordo]

We would highly recommend Simply Amalfi for Naples (also known as Simply Firenze for Florence/Livorno). As a tour operator they had great pre-cruise communication, followed up by great tours and service. Katharine was a wonderful contact and she showed great concern about our entire experience.

 

With Simply Amalfi we went to Cinque Terre out of Livorno. What an amazing adventure. We were able to enjoy the beauty of the five different villages which are carved into the mountains. A true paradise. We hiked, took a train and then a ferry, to enjoy all the beauty of this amazing area. Our tour guide, Marco, did a fantastic job. He provided a wonderful tour of this unique area. We had an amazing day and would highly recommend that you visit.

 

We also booked Simply Amalfi in Naples for a tour of the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii. It was great to meet Salvatore and we were excited about our day when he reviewed the agenda. On top of all the sites we would visit, he planned to cook us lunch at his home. How awesome.

 

We just wish the weather had been better. We got about twenty minutes out and a torrential rainstorm hit the area. There was massive flooding with water pouring down from the ramps above. Salvatore voiced concern with the conditions based on weather (found out after the fact that there were mudslides, road closures, and Pompeii was very muddy - while disappointed we were better off being safe).

 

Our group decided to return to the ship, which was a safe approach. Salvatore refused to charge us for any part of the tour, so we all gave him a tip. A very class act.

 

We hope to return to the area and will definitely tour with Simply Amalfi again so we can see these beautiful locations in better weather.

[maryann ns]

If I get to go again, I would be like Hank and using Hertz or Europcar, etc. Just be sure to go to the furthest point first and leave lots of time for getting back. I would probably just go to one town or village and find a great spot for lunch.

 

Last time we had eight people and I arranged for a private tour with Marcello of seesorrento dot com We got to choose what we did. The highlight was an outdoor lunch high up in the hills near Ravello. The food was fantastic and so was the wine. The view was wonderful too.

[Cruzinbabe06]

Last October my wife and I were fortunately booked on a private shore excursion, when we visited Naples. The tour was operated by Joe Banana Limos - www.joebananalimos.net, and our driver Giovanni, the owner of the company.

 

He was at the Port before the prescribed time, holding a sign with the name of our group on it. He took us to many of the usual places on the Amalfi Coast and before heading back he took us to a restaurant. The restaurant was located on the side of a cliff, affording us some amazing views and great photo ops. The meal was three courses, dessert and all the wine you could drink. I can say without reservation that it was some of the finest Italian fare I have ever eaten and all for under 22 EU p/p. During and after the meal a band was brought in to entertain us, along with a troupe of dancers; amazing!! The highlight of the afternoon was when Mama, the owner of the restaurant came out of the kitchen and began singing & dancing for us. This tour was one we shall never forget, thanks to Joe Banana Limos.

 

We are scheduled to go on a Trans Atlantic cruise in April, 2013 and already have a booking with Giovanni when we tour Florence & Pisa. When we are in Italy, we will only use Joe Banana Limos.

 

Best regards,

 

Bernie (sculpture man)

 

We are booked with Joe Banana also. Going to Pompeli and then Positano and Sorrento. We are having lunch at La Tagliata. That's probably the same place.

 

My question is, I see you went in October. How was the weather around that time?

 

Thanks in advance

[Luanne]

We used AP tours September 11th and they were great! We had a really good driver who knows a lot about the area. He was so nice too. We did the same tour with the ferry to the ship and he said we made a good choice so that we could see the land on the way back to the ship. He walked us right down to the ferry and already had our tickets printed for us and told us to make sure we were on the right side of the ferry to see the shoreline. It was 370 Euros for our group of 6, so we split that by 6 and then everyone just put in extra if they wanted. The ferry ticket was 12 E extra. It was a great value for our whole day. He also told us his two favorite places to eat lunch. We would use them again if we ever went back. We also had really good luck with All Around Italy at Livorno.

[Lookingforfacts]

People who took the 4:25 ferry from Sorrento to Naples. What time did your ship leave Naples? My ship leave at 6p and I'm concerned that's not enough time.

[TMLAalum]

People who took the 4:25 ferry from Sorrento to Naples. What time did your ship leave Naples? My ship leave at 6p and I'm concerned that's not enough time.

 

Ours left at 7pm. There is an earlier ferry if you choose to do a half day tour which is an option with APT.

[Lookingforfacts]

Ours left at 7pm. There is an earlier ferry if you choose to do a half day tour which is an option with APT.

 

I have a full day tour booked, AP taking me back to Naples. I don't know if the 4:25 ferry will work. How long a walk from the ferry dock to the cruise ships?

[Nebr.cruiser]

We left at 6:30 PM and got back in plenty of time, taking the 4:25 ferry. I suppose a 6 PM departure, which means probably on board at 5:30, might be pushing it. It seems like the ferry trip was 30-45 minutes, but my memory is already foggy.

 

The ferry stop was quite close to our ship (Celebrity), just a couple of blocks, or less. The tour company should be able to tell you if the 4:25 ferry will be ok for you departure; they will have dealt with this before.

[texancruzer]

The ferry takes about 40 minutes from Sorrento dock to Naples dock.

 

It docks right next to the ship dock but..... you must walk up to the street area and then through security check and then back to the waterfront since the area near the ship is a secure dock area. Meaning there is a big fence ! Took us maybe 5 minutes to walk. If there was no fence it would be 1 minute.

[jarand]

We use joe banana tours and were Very pleased. Paulo was our driver. He was probably our favorite driver of the whole trip (we did a B2B cruise totaling 24 nights so we had lots to compare)! Our trip excursion was to Pompeii (we hired a special Pompeii guide there, which I'd highly recommend). Then we went along the incredible Almalfi coast and to Positano. Paulo took us to a special restaurant high on the mountainside called Tagliata. 25 euros each for a huge meal with wine served family style. It was definitely a highlight. The tour price was lower than RIL and we would use joe banana tours with Paulo again in a heartbeat.

[Carolyn R]

I have used All Around Italy for several different ports in Italy and have them booked again for next year. To say I highly recommend them would be an understatement. In Positano, Fabrizio took us to da Costantino for a fabulous family-style lunch with wine and limoncello. We had booked tours with All Around Italy for all three of our ports in Italy and received a 10% discount.

[Debathome]

We had a wonderful time with Mario from Joe Banana limos. The price was very good compared to RIL and all of us loved the tour. We went to Positano, eat and visit Sorrento and finished our day at Pompeii. I told Mario that I love to take pictures and he found me great spot to do it. Mario asked us what kind of diner we wanted and we opted for a quick meal. We asked him recommendation as he live in Sorrento. we went to a authentic pizza restaurant and the price was very affordable (56E for 7 people).

 

 

If you want to see my pictures of the tour, look here:

 

http://IsabelleCyr.zenfolio.com/p708934229/slideshow

 

 

Your photos are beautiful. I can't wait to see it all for myself!! Thanks for sharing.

[photorere]

I recently used Aldo Limos from Sorrento. We were only 3 people and I thought the price to be very good (discount for paying in Euros). Our driver, Pasquale, was terrific and half way thru the tour, he felt like family. We had many laughs (he has a great sense of humor) and we all enjoyed his passion and love for his country. The Amalfi coast is beautiful and Pasquale made it even more special for us. It was a great day!

[coolpopp]

We also used AP Tours, for Rome,Naples and Florence where we did Cinque de Terre, very professional, knowledgeable and would recommend them highly. We went to Pompei, Sorrento, Lunch at LaTreglita, and then positano where we took the boat back to save some time and got back to the ship in plenty of time, our tour driver suggested we do that because we

hit so much traffic on the way up