Ciao! We'll be in Sorrento in a week and wondering if the public bus and crowds will be terrible next week (first week in March 2024). I understand that the ride is unpleasant, so no need to comment on that. No need to suggest a private driver as our budget doesn't allow for a $400 euro/day private driver, as nice as that would be. (we are 70+) Grazie!
Posted by
San Diego, California
5649 posts
Did you check Mondo shared tours? Their prices are quite reasonable. RS recommends them. Check out their shared tour website.
Have a great trip!
Posted by
Michigan
477 posts
We were in Sorrento in April 7-12 2023, admittedly around Easter, so it was busy. Apparently the problem is not so much going to the Amalfi on the bus, as it is coming back. Lines at the bus stops were very very long, at some stops going down the side of the road that doesn't have much of a shoulder.
We used a shared tour recommended by Rick Steves, Mondo Guide (https://www.sharedtours.com/). Basically you get a private driver with a van and share with other people. We were in a minivan with 5 other people and our guide, went to Positano and Ravello and some stops in between. I think it was 65 euro, plus tip, for a full day. Our guide was great. You might consider something like that.
Posted by
OP
America's Vancouver and the First
111 posts
Thank you both! I will definitely check out the Mondo shared tours. That sounds great!
Posted by
5107 posts
Why bus when you can ferry? https://www.sorrentoinsider.com/en/ferry-schedule
ETA Sorry, I skipped right over that this is March!
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7233 posts
Not all ferries will be running in March.
Posted by
OP
America's Vancouver and the First
111 posts
Thank you for taking time to answer. I specified the first week in March. As one respondent answered, and I already researched, ferries aren't running at this time. We've bit the bullet and signed up with Mondo. They're must be a reason for the fee and I'm sure it's worth it.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8127 posts
I will just add my experience. The oft cited advice for the bus is to get in line early, then snag a seat on the Coast side. Worked for us 20 years ago or so, but a couple years ago, we dutifully stood in line, when the time came, it was just a big mob for the door.
We still garnered a decent seat, only to look out and see...They had plastered the entire side of the bus, including windows with paid advertising skin. The window sections did have a pinhole pattern, so you could make out what you were missing, but certainly no picture taking.
Point being, if you were looking to use that bus as a cheap driving tour, I would come up with another plan.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7233 posts
KayC
We really enjoyed our Mondo Guides tour to Capri and Pompeii in 2019. I don't think I have seen any bad reviews of their tours.
I hope it works out for you and you have a great day along the coast!
Posted by
OP
America's Vancouver and the First
111 posts
Wow, Paul, that is a very good insight and tip about advertising decals covering the windows of the bus. Even if I wanted to dealwork crowds, the convered windows would be irritating. This is making me even more glad for choosing to go with Mondo. Thank you for your well wishes!