I was listening to a podcast from one of the cruisers. She turned me onto some private company. Then as I was researching further, realized that their cars and vans are Mercedes!
Can you imagine being chauffered around in Mercedes? Might make me feel

Moi? Never!
I quickly sent them a message asking for a quote since I noticed that they do a 9 hr tour of Pompeii, Herculuaneum and Mt. Vesuvius (?) which are all the spots I wanted to hit anyway. And
DCL only does Pompeii with Amalfi Coast which is a dead NO since I've read the blogs and Sorrento which is another no. DD was going to go on the Herculaneum tour and I really had wanted to do the Mt. Ves.... hike but had no takers. So here is the best of both worlds. And it's just as long as DCL. So I'm waiting to hear from them.
Also, At La Espezia - her podcast really recommended taking a private tour since you won't be at the mercy of a hot and overcrowded bus. And - her driver even was able to get them a specified time to climb the tower!

Everyone here has agreed that we must climb the tower! We aren't must of wine drinkers anyway so if they can beat DCL, why not - might make DH and DD and BFF less

(That icon is so appropriate!)