java_2012

I'd like to get an advise on the choice of 1 day shore excursion from Sorento, Italy. Is it better to take a 10.5 hours shore excursion with the following destination: resort isle of Capri and Sorrento and the ruins of ancient Pompeii or a 9.5 hours shore excursion that includes bus drive along Amalfi coastal area, and take a walking tour in Amalfi continue with a visit to the ruins of ancient Pompeii.
I will be on Serenade of the Seas cruise on June 16th that will make a day stop in Sorento.
Thank you.

Rubicund

It's not much of a choice IMO. Allowing for travel between the sites, you won't have much time in Pompeii, worth at least 4 hours on its own. Capri doesn't attract me for a short trip, as it's seen at its best when the day trippers have left. As part of a cruise excursion, it's a miss.

Of the two, if they are the only choices, I'd take the second one. Less hassled, although it does include a fair bit of road travel at a time when the roads in the area are getting busy for the summer. They're narrow and winding and a big coach won't be able to move too quickly. To travel along the Amalfi Coast and only stop at Amalfi seems to be a waste to me, but that's the peril of excursions.

Maybe you could arrange a car and driver and do your own trip? Pompeii first and as early as possible, then Positano, Amalfi and back to Sorrento.

traveller1959

I totally agree with Rubicund. Unless you want to shop at Gucci, Hermes and the like, better drive along the Amalfi Coast.

And yes, go to Pompei first, then drive over the ridge to Amalfi on this incredibly spectacular scenic coastal road. Stroll through Amalfi town, it is a charming old town with a beautiful market and a breathtaking cathedral. You may go swimming at the beach. Then drive back the coastal road, visit the grotta smeralda, the emerald grotto, and stop in Positano for a walk.

This said, it may be better to hire taxis or rent a car for a day. Find companions onboard or through Cruise Critics' roll call and divide the cost for the rental car / or the cab. Given the horrendous fees for shore excursions, you save a lot of $$$ and you will have a much better experience.

java_2012

Thank you for your great advice. No, I just want to enjoy my vacation away from my job and don't plan to buy any fancy stuffs but don't mind to wear myself down for all shore excursions on each country where the ship docked. How easy it is to rent a car once I am at the port? I drove around southern France on a tiny stick shift car 2 years ago. But then again the roads over there aren't too windy and I didn't have to stick to the cruise's schedule. If it is not that hard, I might have to take your advice and cancel reservation on the other shore excursions that I already made (Greece, other Italy towns, Turkey). I am just little bit concern to explore Kusadasi by myself.

WWK

You're going in June. There will be tons of traffic, lots of twists and turns, and very little parking. Sounds great, right? Not to me! I'd hire a driver and let them deal with the hassles if it's at all within budget.

java_2012

Yeah, you are right. I ended up join the Cruise Critics as suggested by tr1959 and try to find groups that will hire private excursions on each shore where the ship will docked.