Thinking of hiring Smile Travel for trip from Sorrento to Amalfi stopping at Positano for 2 hours. Cost 160 euros (3 of us with luggage travelling). Wondering also whether or not to hire a driver like them to go from amalfi to naples, just to take us to our hotel (cost 120 euros). I know this seems quite expensive, but it seems like no one suggests renting a car and travelling on our own to naples from amalfi. For the convenience, lack of frustration, etc. is it worth it to also hire Smile Travel for this trip? i tried to hire Monetti but they are too busy, and this forum suggested Smile. Any suggestions/thoughts? thanks so much. PS if you can let me know where you are from that would be helpful too. We are Canadian. Thanks.
Posted by
Carmel, CA, USA
2456 posts
Hello Istall9, I'm writing from California, since you ask. I don't quite completely understand. Will your Smile tour end in Amalfi, or more likely, take you back to your starting point in Sorrento? If Sorrento, you then basically have two choices: (1) get dropped off at the Circumvesuviana station, lug your bags, pay minimal train fare to Naples, take a not very comfortable 1-hour train ride, then lug your bags again and get to your hotel either by walking or by taxi or, unlikely by public transport. Or (2) go directly by private car, ideally the same Smile car which would save time and hassle. This would take you right to your hotel door in Naples. From Sorrento to Naples by taxi would probably cost about €100, maybe less if just an add-on to your current day with Smile. Especially with three people and baggage, I'd take a car or taxi in a heartbeat.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thanks for earlier reply, suggesting we just use Smile Travel for the 3 separate "tours" we will be taking visiting Naples-Pompeii-Sorrento-Amalfi - returning to Naples from Amalfi - all within 3 days. Have others used Smile for these services? Do you prepay or pay part, and how much to tip...and preferred /easiest method of tipping for this type of service. For the convenience, this sounds like the choice to take "in a heartbeat". thanks for your prompt reply.
Posted by
Carmel, CA, USA
2456 posts
Actually, until your earlier question and the responses, I had never heard of Smile Travel, and was just responding about the concept of a private car service v. train to Naples. I just now looked up Smile Travel on TripAdvisor. They have 75 reviews there, many very recent, and all 75 are "excellent". Look for yourself. I have no idea what payment arrangements they make, but a deposit or partial payment would seem reasonable for this kind of service over several,days. Good luck, you should have a great, if brief, visit to that area!
Posted by
Hendersonville, NC
105 posts
In my experience with Smile, I made a deposit (PayPal) upon making the reservation. Then we paid the driver with cash when we completed our drive. There were 4 of us and we all chipped in for a tip.