Aug 11th Nautica Amalfi/Positano excursion

[dolciani]

I know that the boat anchors in Positano, which means that we must take a tender (a smaller boat) into the harbor. With the "revised itineary" we will be losing 4 hours off the original plan to visit this port. We now arrive at 12 PM and depart at 8 PM. So I have a few questions for those "in the know":
1) What time will we be allowed to leave the boat and what time will we have to return?
2) How long will it take to sail the smaller tender into harbor? What time will we have to be back to catch the tender?
3) How long will this leave us to complete any land excursion?
4) Is there enough time for a private driver to take us to Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and Pompeii (listed in order of preference) and still return to the tender in time to leave w/ the ship?
I'm annoyed at the change in plans which drastically affected this particular port.

[roothy123]

Hi. I'm scheduled to anchor near Amalfi in early October, and I think the schedule calls for 12 - 8 there. I was just curious what you ended up doing there. I know the tenders are pretty quick and run often, so I'm not worried about that. I will probably just take a bus to Positano and back, but was wondering if there's anything more I can do without hiring a driver. Amalfi looks nice but small. SO - I was just curious what you ended up doing? (We're also going to be in Sorrento, but I think I'll do Pompeii that day - or if not, Capri.) Thanks.

[shoshona2]

Dear Roothy,

I don't know the logistics about Amalphi, but if you have a choice between Capri and Pompeii, if you don't do Pompeii, you will miss a fantastic experience. We have traveled worldwide for over 36 years and always remember walking through Pompeii. It is up there with our memories of Machu Picchu in Peru, the Mayan Ruins in Mexico and Ephesus in Turkey.

Sheila

[conan]

Hi Roothy123:
We are also in Amalfi in early October. We're on the Nautica which stops in Amalfi on October 5, but we're there 8am-6pm.

Look at drive-amalfi dot com for a shore excursion from Positano to Ravello. I'm told the Villa Rufolo stop in Ravello is quite scenic and worth the admission.
There are about 15 driver/guides in the area. Google the Sorrento website.

Ciao

[talyanka]

If you are lucky enough to be anchored actually in Positano and hire a driver you will have enough time to visit all small towns on your list – Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. All these towns are small, quite picturesque and located on steep hills so be ready to climb. The most impressive part of the Amalfi drive for me was not these towns themselves but beautiful mountain road winding along the coast. Every curve there opens another great panorama. We had this tour with Salvatore from Drive Amalfi and he made our day absolutely wonderful.
Salvatore Lucibello ************************ (************************)

By the way we scheduled to be anchored in Amalfi but because of the weather forecast this plan was changed at the last moment when we were in Sorrento and our ship was diverted to Naples instead of Amalfi. So be ready for such possibility too. We e-mailed to Salvatore about itinerary changes and he came and picked us up in Naples. Our tour lasted from 9am till 5 pm and we visited Positano, Amalfi, Emerald Grotto, and Ravello and had lunch in a beautiful small village with a great view away from touristy places.
It doesn’t look realistic to add Pompeii to this tour as Pompeii located close to Naples in the opposite direction so you have to decide what will be your preference.

[conan]

I know that the boat anchors in Positano, which means that we must take a tender (a smaller boat) into the harbor. With the "revised itineary" we will be losing 4 hours off the original plan to visit this port. We now arrive at 12 PM and depart at 8 PM. So I have a few questions for those "in the know":
1) What time will we be allowed to leave the boat and what time will we have to return?
2) How long will it take to sail the smaller tender into harbor? What time will we have to be back to catch the tender?
3) How long will this leave us to complete any land excursion?
4) Is there enough time for a private driver to take us to Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and Pompeii (listed in order of preference) and still return to the tender in time to leave w/ the ship?
I'm annoyed at the change in plans which drastically affected this particular port.
An idea from one of the parties on the Sept26 Nautica cruise.. Look at the website francescomarrapese dot com. Select the "Tour" choice on the left side. Francesco has a map of the Amalfi drive with times on it. This will give you an idea of the time requirements. By clicking on the time, you get a picture of what is to be seen at that spot. Francesco is already booked for Oct 5.

Ciao