Amalfi Coast day trip-suggestions for private driver/car

I have recently received two quotes for a private driver for the Amalfi Coast, each for 400 Euros. We have decided against it, so others might have better feedback. But, I mention it, just to give you a sense of the expense, just in case you're not already aware.

The day trip from the Cruise line is $350 each so a private driver appears to be a relatively good deal for two-four persons.

Steve,

Email Mariano at info@pleasantravel.com for a quote. I use Mariano whenever possible, he's the best. I hired him for three days earlier this month and he was worth every penny. He lives in Sorrento and knows the Amalfi coast like the back of his hand. He will take you to places no one has ever heard of.

Greg

continued; last June docked at Naples my wife and I took the excursion from the ship for the Amalfi coast. The cost was 127.00 each and we didn't see half of what Mariano showed us for just a few dollars more.

Greg

I contacted Mariano, and he seems like such a nice guy! He quoted us 250 Euros, which is significantly less than the 400 I was quoted by 2 other drivers, for a 6-7 hour day. And, he was the most helpful, giving me a complete description of how we could spend the day.

We have been strongly considering doing the drive ourselves, or using the bus or a combination of bus/boats. But, we just might splurge and use Mariano.

Thanks for the helpful tip!

We have been intending to do the Amalfi Drive ourselves. The drive itself does not bother us, but what is now concerning us is whether, when we see something that we want to explore, we will be able to park. This would be unacceptable to us. So, we're now leaning in favor of using a driver.

Can others who have driven the Amalfi Drive themselves address this? I prefer not to hear why we should or should not do the actual drive ourselves, but instead hear about the impact that having a car will have on our ability to explore and thoroughly enjoy the day.

Some other questions: If parking is an issue for tourists, isn't it also an issue for private drivers? Or, do they have special parking permits?

Lastly: If you stop for a meal or snack with a driver, are you expected that you also pay for them? And, what kind of tip?

Thanks!

Leslie, I'll try and answer your questions based on my experiences mostly in Rome with drivers.

A car is great in Amalfi as it provides you much freedom - and it's a great trip if you do not have to focus on the road. The advantage of having a driver is that these services do have special "parking" and "driving" passes. In Rome, these private drivers have an "NCC" sticker which allows them to drive AND park in restricted areas - OR JUST ABOUT ANYWHERE THEY WANT!

If you stop to shop or eat, the drivers stay with the car. You do not feed them, although you can offer - but they are there to provide a service and most will professionally refuse.

Tips vary, but in general we've tipped at 10-15% of the fee. Usually 10% is about the norm. Of course, all tipping is at your discretion.

Hope that answers your questions...
Ciao,
Ron

Steve-
We also did our own shore excursion when stopping in Naples and used Benvenuto limos (recommended by Rick Steves.) We actually used them several times for shore excursions including: Livorno and Sicily. They were great and everyone in our group (and we had some complainers) were very satisfied. I believe their website is: www.benvenutolimos.com and they have tours and prices listed. You can also customize your tour any way you like. Oh- and it was way better than using the cruiseline.

Thanks, Ron. That is extremely helpful. We have decided to go with a private driver, starting early afternoon (enjoying the beach at our hotel in the morning and, hopefully, avoiding some of the tourist craziness), for a ~6-7 hour day.

I would highly recommend L & G Limouservice. Luigi is based in Sorrento and uses Mercedes sedan and minivans. He and his drivers speak English. We used Luigi to take us to the town of Bisaccia, east of Naples, on a genealogy search. HE was able to translate for us, was very congenial, very knowledgeable. He is from Sorrento, so is very familiar with that area. His website is www.lglimoservice.com.

I highly recommend Antonio Prudente and his company for a private driver. They are wonderful. His email is: jps@blu.blu.it

We are also cruising from Venice to Barcelona 12 days with stops. We have hired a car and driver for all stops in Italy including Naples. The driver will take us to Pompeii, Positano (for lunch) and down the coast. Picking us up at the gangway and returning us to the ship. 430 EU for 4. web site bestlimosinrome.com