I will be a cruise ship that docks in Naples for a day.

I have read that traffic on the Amalfi Coast can be very bad, expecially if there is an accident.

For this reason I was going to book the shore excursion throught the cruise line.....until I heard the price. Now I'm thinking of a private tour which will be customized for me.

I am interested in Pompeii, Postanio and Sorrento, and maybe a quick city tour of Naples.

Also, I understand that the larger tour buses cannot go to some places on the Amalfi Coast.

Which would you chooose and why?

Thanks.

When we docked in Naples for the day 2 years ago there was a lot of traffic along the Amalfi Coast. I was so glad we were NOT on one of those tour buses!

We chose Salvatore Lucibello of Drive Amalfi (his email address, assuming it hasn't changed, is [email protected]). He was wonderful! His family has lived in Amalfi for dozens of years so he had lots of great information for us.

We divided the cost of the tour with another family from our cruise and that worked out very well.

Carole

You can also walk out of the dock area around the corner and take the boat for Amalfi for about 15e. then take the Sita bus when your done up the coast to Sorrento(3e)allow 1 hour and then train from Sorrento back to Naples for another 3e. That way you get to see the coast and if you have time you could even squeeze in a short stop at Pompeii though that would be pushing it. From the Naples Termini the #1 bus will take you right back to the dock 1e. total less than 25e a head. or you can:
Take the Ferry to Sorrento, take the bus down to Amalfi, take another ferry to Capri and back to the port. Either way long busy days but doable.Here is link to ferry site. http://www.italyheaven.co.uk/campania/ferries.html

cawhide and JoanneH, thanks for the feedback.

I just want to clarify when I said I was interested in booking the shore excursion, I meant in case there was a traffic jam, the ship would wait if I was on a tour arranged by the cruise company.

If I arrange my own tour and there's a delay the ship will not wait.

Therefore, my question is- am I stuck with the cruise ships shore excursion, or how should I arrange a private excursion, with Plan B to make sure I am able to return to the ship on time.

If that is your worry then book private. There are several operators working out of naples and they know the ship routine you have to be back by x time. Most run about 400e for 4 so you could try and hook up with some one on ship making it more affordable.