Joe Banana

[Jeni1781]

If you used Joe Banana how was it not have someone guide you around the sites. I get that they are drivers and not tour guides. Specifically thinking about Rome and Pompeii. In Rome we want to see all the highlights (from the outside), but will we want or need a tour guide? Same with touring Pompeii? Thanks.

 

[KDG]

You are correct that the drivers are not tour guides, however, the Joe Banana company will arrange private guides if requested. We had a guide for the Vatican and Pompeii that JB arranged for us. Of course, we tipped both the guides and the drivers.

Our driver for Pisa and Lucca was local to Lucca and he gave us suggestions of what to see and where to go when dropping us off, which was appreciated.

Our Naples driver lived in the hills around Sorrento and offered nice stories and information about the area. We didn’t go exploring on this excursion because he took us directly to the farm/restaurant and back to Pompeii and back to the dock.

In Rome, the driver took us to the sites we wanted to see and waited by the van while we spent time in each area. Once we reached the Vatican, he left with the van after we met up with the guide and came back for us a few hours later to take us back to the port.

 

[KatieKepic]

We used Joe Banana for Naples. Our driver was great and provided so much information before he dropped us off at each place and came with us to our pizza making. He also stopped in several spots for photos. We did opt to pay extra for a guide for Pompeii and it was worth every penny. I personally wouldn’t do Pompeii without a guide. We loved JB and would highly recommend them.

 

[Mommb]

I agree with the above. Pompeii and the Vatican really benefit from a tour guide who can describe exactly what you are seeing and figure out a route around the other tourists.

You can get a guidebook (or several) that gives you information about other specific sites in Rome. We use the Rick Steves guides when we are on our own.

In the Amalfi coast, the point is less the specific locations and more the overall vibe, which the driver’s descriptions will give you. The driver will also stop at particularly scenic spots for picture taking.

 

[ladyofthetramp]

We used Joe Bananas in Naples. For the Sorrento/Capri part he drove us around. Dropped us off at certain points including lunch. For Pompeii he dropped us off, but we had arranged for a guide through them. Well worth it

 

[Donna3271]

I booked them to take us to Rome after the cruise. It stated it was a sight-seeing tour and they are dropping us off at our Villa afterward. I was assuming there was a guide. Can someone elaborate? It is just a driver dropping us off at sites? I need to go back and review what I booked. sigh...

 

[KDG]

I would contact JB to clarify this. The representative I corresponded with was very prompt about answering my questions. We emailed back and forth several times.

 

[Mommb]

I booked them to take us to Rome after the cruise. It stated it was a sight-seeing tour and they are dropping us off at our Villa afterward. I was assuming there was a guide. Can someone elaborate? It is just a driver dropping us off at sites? I need to go back and review what I booked. sigh...

There are specific regulations in Italy around tour guides -- to be considered a guide, someone must be officially licensed. On my experiences in Italy being driven to sights, the driver told us about the sites we were near but did not go in with us.

 

[Donna3271]

Thank you!