ekscrunchy

You can take a taxi to Ravello from Amalfi for about 20 Euro one way.

The bus is really simple, too.

You could spend a lovely day just wandering a round the town of Amalfi, taking a taxi up to Ravello (you would see lovely views along the way and, of course, from Ravello) and back to Amalfi. And from there, time permitting, you can bus or taxi to Positano and wander around there...

There is no need for a guide. Most of the appeal is visual. And much of the appeal is seeing the towns and coastline from the water. Many people in the area speak English so there is no chance of getting lost.

Also, think of these places (Amalfi, Positano, Ravello) as towns rather than cities.

Do you know how long the ship will be in port?

wordsmith

Thanks ekscrunchy---have decided to taxi around and see the sights and save alot of $$$. According to our cruiseline, we dock in Amalfi port from 8 until 6. I will contact them again to clarify what I was told re: Amalfi port docking.

Thanks everyone for your help on this.

zwho

Hi Wordsmith, When are you taking the cruise? What is the ship? The reason I ask is, touring the Amalfi Coast (anyway) when a cruise ship is docked there is not for the faint of heart. There are too many people all over and you basically have to out manuever the crowds to have any quality time there. We have stopped 2X's, but both times were in Naples. The first time we took a Taxi to Pompeii, (very quick) but whatver they say the cost is, bargain for half and be firm!! From Pompeii we took the train to Sorrento and then a Hydrofoil back to the ship. Really fun and we didn't feel rushed at all, or even like we missed something. The second time we hired Aldos Taxi, (a limo & tour guide service) and he picked us up drove us to the end of the line, Ravello and we worked our way back to Naples. It worked out great, because we were always on our way out when a giant bus of cruisers drove up and we were headed wherever they had just come from. This system worked well. Also was 400 Euros for a 7 seat Merceded Mini Van and he had great info on the economy of Southern Italy and the agriculture and history of the area. Having said this, we preferred Pompeii & Sorrento. Each of these towns are lovely, but Sorrento's close by and lovely and just easier to get to. We didn't have to rush and we had plenty of time to sit and have wine and lunch and soak up the atmosphere. On the Amalfi Coast ride we spent what seemed like 15 mins. in each town and while the ride was just incedibly beautiful, the stops were quick and stressful. There are giant buses and crazy cabbies on this tiny twisty road and even just riding in the car is at times scary! I imagine the cabbies are expensive too, because they can be. Whata you gonna do? You pay $$$ or ride the bus which is always crowded and only stops ( when it stops), so you're on their schedule. I assume the same is true of the ferries. A private driver & tour guide is your best bet, but it will cost you. Now that I've done it, I would only go back when I have more then a day. Stick with the easiest option.

nytraveler

These are not cities that you're talking about - they are small towns,and cut into the side of a cliff - with a small flat area at the bottom and the rest fairly perpendicular. There is no way a sizeable cruise ship (how many passengers are there?) could dock here. It might stand off the coast and send passengers in by launch. I'm not sure even howbig a ship you can dock in Naples.

If they are dropping you in Amalfi itself you canbe in the other towns by bus or cab in 20 minutes or so (except in August whan the road is completely clogged). Then you would be better off taking a ferry (not very big) along the coast

wordsmith

Thanks. I will call Oceania again tomorrow

ekscrunchy

..and please let us know what month your will be there..

One comment about the post above by ZWHO: Ravello is not the"end of the line" on the Amalfi coast. It is a small town in the hills above the coast. It is not on the Amalfi Drive, but about 20 minutes by bus from the Ravello/Scala turnoff of the Drive.

ekscrunchy

In addition to the public, SITA bus, you also have the possibility of the red, hop on/hop off bus that makes several circuits from Amalfi; take a look:


http://www.sorrento.city-sightseeing.it/eng/index.htm

ekscrunchy

If that link does not work, try this and click on flag to find English translation:

http://www.city-sightseeing.it/index_italy.htm

abram

When we were on an Oceania Med cruise, we were supposed to tender into Amalfi, but due to high seas, we docked in Naples, instead. If we had known that, we probably would have planned to go to Pompei and see the Archeological Museum in Naples.

Gioovanni was waiting for us in Naples, and we definitely thought he was worth the price. He pointed out things we never would have known about, and answered lots of questions for us. We spent time in Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, and Sorrento.