For those who have taken this tour, in what town did you spend your two nights on the Amalfi Coast? Would you have rather stayed in a different town? Did the tour offer any included sightseeing seeing to other towns on the coast other than Sorrento or did you have to make your own arrangements? How did you like this tour?
Posted by
Minnesota
683 posts
Love, love, loved this tour! Our group stayed in Maiori (2024), but I don’t know if all groups stay there. This was a great town to stay in - not nearly as crazy crowded as some other locations, but still having some lovely restaurants and a beach.
We had a “vacation from our vacation” day there, meaning a completely free day to do what you like. Our guide gave us a good orientation, lots of ideas for things to do, and information about how to do them. I took the ferry to Amalfi to see the sights, have lunch, etc. I had a wonderful day, but was glad to get back to much more peaceful Maiori! Other people took similar excursions and some hiked near Maiori.
Although it’s always helpful to look at a guidebook in advance to get some ideas about what you might do, it’s not absolutely necessary as the guide had many good suggestions. Also there no real need to make arrangements ahead of time unless you want to do something much more elaborate like hiring a private guide. The ferries run regularly and are pretty easy to navigate.
Posted by
AZ 🌵
3423 posts
South of Italy was my first RS tour— loved it! In 2019 we spent two nights in Positano. Also two nights in Sorrento. It was my understanding at the time that the hotel in Positano decided not to host RS tours any more, and then there was Covid…I don’t remember the name of the hotel and my notes are filed away.
We had a free day in Positano to explore Amalfi and Ravello. Sorrento had a 1/2 day in Pompeii and a day free time.
I found Positano too touristy. But liked Sorrento.
Posted by
Walnut Creek, CA
799 posts
When we took the tour, the tour stays in Maiori and that is a good place to stay.
You will be given free time the next day to visit Positano and Amalfi. You take the ferry boat from Maiori that visits both Positano and Amalfi. This is on your own. The RS tour does not go with you on the local ferry boat.
If you want to visit other towns by bus or taxi, you can do that, but you will make your own arrangements. Frankly, the buses are always crowded.
From Maiori, the ferry goes first to Amalfi, then to Positano. I would stay on the boat and visit Positano first
the highlight is to see Positano from the water., which means from the boat
Frankly, we HATED Positano. It was so crowded., the small beach is dirty. The stores are all tourists shops. We walked around and couldn't wait to take the ferry out of there.
Those that seem to love Positano are those who are staying at the expensive hotels in the hills with great views.
We got off the boat at Amalfi
Amalfi was worth walking around the town.
Then took the boat from Amalfi to Maiori.
The hotel that RS uses in Maiori has its own private beach. We had time that day to go to their beach, use the hotel lounge chairs and umbrellas. and there were lots of other tour members that did the same thing.
The tour goes to Sorrento and stays 2? nights. So there is no need to visit Sorrento from Maiori.
From Sorrento, it's easier to visit Capri.
We were so glad that RS stays in Maiori. It's a nice, uncrowded beach town on its own. And plenty of good restaurants.
Posted by
Seattle
249 posts
Another fantastic RST that does such a great job of a varied and quick dive into a very large area covering 4 Italian regions, visiting for 2nt stays with a total of 6 stops. You move along smartly and get to experience the less-touristed Adriatic coast along with the supremely popular Amalfi Coast; bus rides are particularly scenic on this tour. That Roman road along the AC (completed in 1854 under Bourbon king Ferdinand II of ah-mazing Naples) is so tee-rific to enjoy with someone else doing the driving. Paestum, Herculaneum, cow spa; there are so many incredible visits that are beyond entertaining. We stayed in Positano waaayyy back in the day and since we were there in mid May it was totally fine being in such a small, over-loved coastal village. This tour and the Best of Sicily are my favorite Italy tours out of the 5 I've taken (9 total with RST). If you manage to have Ann Long as guide, you are in stupendous hands. She provided all the necessary details to take a day jaunt to Capri as well as Ravello. Went to the teeny public beach in Sorrento which was absolutely local and easy to walk to from the tour hotel. I give SOIT the highest recommendation possible. Buon viaggio.