We are going on a western Mediterranean cruise. Don't want to be herded like cattle on the cruise line excursions. Can anyone recommend reasonably priced private excursions for two people in Provence, Nice, Florence, Rome, Naples? Must be picked up at port!
Posted by
Vancouver, WA
9 posts
You might try looking for information on http://boards.cruisecritic.com/. There are specialized sections for port information including tour operators for the major ports of call. You might trying commencing your search there.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Reasonably priced is always the problem define reasonably. Part of the reason ship excursions are expensive is because the ship does all your homework for you. If not taking the excursions then you have do all that work yourself. Steves' guidebooks do a pretty good job of covering major cities and will often id private guides available in those cities. Our next stop is always the TI which often have a variety of guides and tours available. We google the ports for additional reference. When you hit the ground outside the ship there will be lots of people offering private tours. That can be hit or miss so ask a lot of questions. Another option is to hire a taxi driver for a half day. We have always had good luck with this option. Talk to them, ask question, what will they show you for 50E? test their English. We generally asked for a good overview of the city for a couple hours and then drop us at a nice place for lunch. Then we spend the PM backtracking to some places on our own or maybe find an afternoon walking tour from the TI. Find another couple to share the taxi. From our experience on six European cruises only about half of the ship takes the ship's excursions so there are lots of people doing the exact same thing you want to do. But it does require a fair amount of work on your part to research each port call and deciding what you want to see and do.
Posted by
OP
Edgewater, MD, U.S.
2 posts
Thanks, Frank and Tom, for your great suggestions!
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12315 posts
Check out cruisecritic.com. There are reviews from lots of people who use private guides. You can see which ones are reviewed favorably and an idea of the price. Normally, I use guide books and create my own itinerary for each port of call. The only problem I've run into is ATM's aren't as convenient around ports as they are in airports, train stations and town centers.