Hi All,

I think I have most of my itinerary figured out. I tweaked it some so I can have one whole day to take a bus/ferry tour to see Amalfi, Ravello, and Positano on July 4th.

Some last questions, I found several bus tour companies that will pick up from my hotel at 7 and return around 5 and will go to the 3 major areas. We are in our early 30’s…..should we use the SITA/Metro del Mare system or go with the bus tour (31E pp). I believe the lunch stop is in Amalfi. Due to cost, we are not hiring a private driver.

Thanks.

I would be tempted to go with the tour, only because you have a guaranteed seat on each leg of the trip - especially if you can get on the view side.

We took SITA for all 3 of these towns, in Oct. It was fine, and very cheap, but we didn't do the 3 towns all in one day and there was a fair amount of waiting around for buses, and some were quite crowded, even in Oct.

In July I'm guessing you will wait even longer and deal with even more crowds - with only one day it's probably worth the extra expense to gain more sightseeing time. Hopefully you can do your own thing in each town & won't have to follow a tourguide around.

I would not take a bus tour, I would take a van or car tour with a private guide/driver. May be a little more money but you can make it your own.

With a bus tour you will most likely be stuck going into preplanned shops and restaurants.

Hi P,

I wouldn't take a planned tour.

What if you want to dawdle at a particular place, and the bus is going to leave?

What if they take you somewhere that doesn't interest you?

Also, a bus won't let you see the coast from the water.

From where are you starting?

Hi P,

I also would not take a bus tour. Yes, it would be convenient, but you will get stuck at places you may not want to go, specifically a ceramics store along the way (and i know just the one tours stop at).

In July, the SITA buses will be hopeless. Go by boat, beautiful and pleasant, and ask your hotel if advance res are needed during the busy season.

Buon viaggio!

I agree with the other posters. These tours will stop at every music box and ceramic shop along the way. UGH.

Take the boat ( much nicer and much less cramped than the SITA bus,) from the marina in Sorrento early in the AM. If you plan your trip in advance, you'll have plenty of time to see Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello ( although for this, you'll need a bus or cab from Amalfi).

Have a great time!

Because you only have one day to devote to seeing all three towns I would opt for the organized tour. You have said your budget doesn't allow for a private driver which I can relate to as we have often had to "pick and choose" what we can afford to do.

I wouldn't want to use precious time of my only touring day waiting around for buses either. I remember spending more of our time waiting for the bus to and from Ravello than we would have liked.

At least with the tour you know you will get to each of the towns that you have decided are important. If you have your day well planned you should be able to do the highlights of each town even on a bus tour. Have fun, Deborah

Thanks. I think I'll go with just taking the SITA/ferry. Here's a description of what the bus company sent. They were goingto pick us up at il Nido:

The “Amalfi Drive” is said to be the most spectacular road in Europe and from Sorrento, the winding cliff top road offers breathtaking panoramic views at every bend. Each spot is a world of its own, a fantastic world which dazzles the imagination and inspires unforgettable impressions. First stop at Amalfi, which gives its name to the whole coast on which it lies. Once a thriving Marine Republic, powerful and prosperous and now a thriving holiday resort. The unmistakeable cluster of white tightly packed houses rising up the hillside is dominated by the beautiful Cathedral, which stands superbly on the top of a great flight of steps leading up from the main square. Housed in the magnificent Cathedral are the remains of the Patron Saint of Amalfi and also Scotland – Saint Andrew. From Amalfi we visit Ravello, which nestles eleven hundred feet above the sea in the hillside. We visit the Villa Rufolo which gave the musician Richard Wagner the inspiration to create one of his most famous operas, Parsifal.

OPERATED: Mon - Tues - Wed - Thur


It does sound as if they give plenty of time to stop in each area, but i would be very upset if they make me go into touristy shops that I do not want to be in.

If I do go on my own, how does this sound....

Leave il nido around 7:30/8 am and take the Bus (or ferry?) to Positano, wander around (8 am-12). Lunch in Positano or Amalfi?

Next go via bus or ferry? to Amalfi (12-3), and then go to Ravello (3-7) and visit the gardens with a meal at Cumpo Cosimo. Take bus back to Amalfi and ferry to Sorrento.

P,

What town are you staying in? It would help if we knew where you were starting from....

Sorry, Sorrento.

Hi again P,

My experience in Sept using SITA buses was:

Arriving at Sorrento train station. Bus leaving right then was jammed full. Had to wait another hour for the next one. Did get a seat! On to Praiano.

Next morning tried to take SITA bus from Praiano to Amalfi and Ravello. Bus that was supposed to arrive at 8am didn't come until 8:45. Full, but did get a seat.

Changing buses in Amalfi to get up to Ravello - Hell. Waited for small bus that holds 30, along with about 70 people. Pushing, shoving, crammed in like sardines. Many did not get on (thank God). Then we stood in there, body to body, with no A/C for 20 minutes while the driver took a break.

When leaving Ravello - tried to take the 1:30 pm bus back down. Never came. Waited at bus stop for 1.5 hours for the 3pm bus - the last one on the schedule. Of course by then, there were about 80 impatient people trying to get on, knowing it was the last small bus.. Pushing, shoving, sweaty 20 minute wait, no A/C while driver has a smoke.

I took the boat from Amalfi to Positano. Best part of the day!

If you really want to take the bus oneway - take the very earliest bus available - with the locals commuting to work. Otherwise, I would highly recommend just using boats both ways.

Pay for a taxi to take you up to Ravello. You will be glad.

Hope this helps!

Dayle this (along with your other very informative posts) helps ME considerably as well. I am also now thinking now of day trips and what you write all but nixes the idea of taking the SITA bus to explore the coast! Does not sound like a pleasant way to spend valuable vacation hours!

Hi,

We're actally staying at Il Nido from the July 12th until the 15th--sounds like we're in the same boat (late 20s/early 30s, trying to stick to a reasonable budget,trying to see a lot, and not crazy about bus tours, etc.. In my dream world, we'd be hiring drivers; hopefully next time around when we have a bit more money spend Anyways, I'll be curious as to the feedback you get on your post. My understanding is that Il Nido has a shuttle to and from the hotel to some of the bus and ferry locations, so hopefully that comes in handy. How long will you be staying at Il Nido? What other sites do you plan on seeing? We're hoping to do a day trip to Capri and then also a day (or half-day) trip to Pompeii..Im hoping we can fit it all in but not feel too rushed at the same time. Looking forward to the responses you get!

Eks and P,

I've visited the Amalfi Coast twice. First time in March and riding the buses was a pleasure. The difference in Sept was amazing.

Check with your hotels to see if boat res are necessary (or possible) when you are going. The boat from Positano to Capri was full and many people had to wait for the next one 2 hours later. They were not happy. Fortunately, I had learned here on Fodor's that a res would be smart.

since you will be there at the very height of the tourist season, in no way could you take the sita bus and expect to see all the towns in one day. The buses don't stop when they are full and are not always on schedule.

Why don't you take the tour after all, you don't have many other choices if you can't spend the money for a driver. But you could try and split the cost with another couple and then bargain with a taxi driver down at Lauro Square where they don't have that much business.

Thank you. I like the idea of taking the first bus up the coast and then maybe taking the ferry back.

Has anyone actually gone on these bus tours?

GoJ-I also plan to visit Capri one day and Pompeii on another.

Thanks.

Hi P6--

Just wanted to pass this info along:

Out of curiousity, I emailed a few private drivers that had been recommended on the message boards. I've received some responses, many of the prices in the 280Euro ballpark. I did receive one email from Giovanni of tourofitaly.com; I believe he's a father (of a father/son team) and they get good reviews on fodors. His price as a driver was considerably less (150 Euro) from 9am until 5pm. He said you can split the cost with another couple, although it would be your responsibility to find another couple... Anyways, we may consider this option, but instead of heading back with Giovanni at 5pm, we may stay in the Ravello/Positano area for dinner, and then make our way back later in the evening.. (by ferry or bus, depending on what's available..)
If you want more info, let me know.

P,

Just to be clear, I was talking about taking the earliest SITA bus south, not a bus tour. Never been on a bus tour.

280 Euro for a day tour is 375 USDollars..quite costly. Do you mind telling us which drivers quoted that price? I would guess the price might vary depending on the time of year...(?)

It really does not leave that much option...I guess you could rent a car for a week for close to that amount of money.

I will have the same dilemma next spring. Since we will be on the AC only 3-4 days, I am guessing we can use a driver one day and use the boats the rest of the time. And maybe use a driver for transfer to Naples.

Hi P,

>I like the idea of taking the first bus up the coast and then maybe taking the ferry back.<

I would do it in reverse. The ferries stop running earlier than the buses. In addition, the ferries don't get stuck in traffic.

Also, Your bus tour is to Amalfi and Ravello. Positano is left out.

Finally, there is no guarantee that your tour bus will be able to stick to its schedule. You are going in high season, and the whole coast will be crowded.