Private Driver for Amalfi Coast tour

Amy,

I'm not familiar with Sorrento Limousine, but the cost sounds reasonable for a full day trip. Monetti Taxi in Sorrento is usually recommended in the Guidebook, but I haven't used them either (not really cost effective for one person).

Regarding the gratuity, I'd probably base the amount of the level of service that was provided during the trip. If the driver provides exemplary service, then I'd probably tip 15-20%. However, if the overall service is "less-than-expected", I'd adjust the amount accordingly.

Happy travels!

We are in Sorrento at the moment and our hotel is advertising 170 euro for a 5 hour private car trip with extra time at 35 euro per hour. I would tip 10% if the driver is an employee rather than owner. If owner I would tip nothing.

Amy, is that price for an 8-hour day? If so, that's definitely a fair price. We hired a private driver as well (also extremely highly rated on Trip Advisor) and we paid 50 euros per hour. I personally would not negotiate on that price as it's lower than most of the quotes that I got when I was shopping around for a driver for this past September. As for tipping, 10% is definitely fine. I actually tipped more but our driver was really outstanding and I felt that he deserved more. I know hiring a private driver is a big expense but we were not sorry that we did. We saw way more in 8 hours than we would have on our own and I didn't have to worry about the logistics of getting from town to town and dealing with standing room only on the crowded, hot bus, etc. It was worry-free and very enjoyable. Our driver made great suggestions regarding where to stop along the coast for sightseeing opportunities, lunch, etc. Have a great trip.

Hi Sheron,
That price was for a 7 hour day -- 9am- 4pm, with hotel pick up and drop off. I agree with you, from all the information I have read, the decision to pay for a private driver seems to be a good one! It will be so nice to have someone who knows where to go for the best pics and offer suggestions throughout the day to make our trip to the Amalfi Coast that much more enjoyable and stress-free.

Thanks to everyone for the helpful info!

Wanted to add another vote for Monetti Taxi. Raffaele took very good care of us picking us up in Sorrento, driving to Pasteum, then back up the Amalfi coast. It was a very long day, he was with us about 2 hours longer than we had agreed. I recommend them unreservedly.

That does seem acceptable. I have to say, though, that traveling by bus and boat on the Amalfi Coast is SO EASY that I would save a car and driver for the drive to and from the airport, when you have luggage to haul around.

Another vote for the Monetti's. We spent day with Raffael Monetti, who picked us up at our hotel in Sorrento, then drove along the Almalfi coast, with stops in Positano and Almalfi Town, then on to Paestum to see the Greek ruins. 10 hours was 360 Euros. It was like going for a drive with a friend as your built in local tour guide. Well worth it!