Private Shore Trips

Private Shore Trips by Travels with Friends is the best way to see your destination, especially if you only have a day in port. Read on to see what makes us different. Ready to look at the shore tour excursions? Just use the links to the left.

Our Philosophy- We believe that your European experience should be personal and interactive. If you are visiting a port from a cruise ship, we want you to visit the sites that interest you with a local who can unlock the secrets of their culture and city.  Why sit on a bus filled with strangers and listen to rapid-fire announcements? Stop being a tourist and become a local guest enjoying Travels with Friends.

Pick Your Port

Why Take Private Shore Trips?

You're smart - While the masses are taking tours with hundreds of other passengers, travelers in the know arrange private tours. Get the information you need and experience your destination like an insider.

You're in control - You choose the time of your tour. You decide which sights interest you the most. You decide when to stop to rest, shop, eat or explore in further detail, all at your own pace, with your guide always ready to give advice.

You're engaged - You can get closer to details and enjoy personal conversations geared directly to your interests. 

You're inspired - Local guides love their cities and cultures and want to share that love with you.

You're a guest - That's our philosophy! You'll stop being a tourist and become a guest.  It's like having a friend in Europe to take you under their wing and show you what only the insiders know.

You're value conscious - If you are a small group, it's maybe a little more expensive than the cruise line's bus ride, but so much more worth it! If you have a large group, a private tour is always the best value. 

You won't be fooled - With large tour groups you are stuck to their schedule, right down to the forced gift shop visit. Sometimes they pass up the most interesting details about a sight because it would be impossible for everyone in a large group to see it.  And if you can't hear the guide, or you fall behind because the pace is too fast, you're just out of luck. On your own you walk around with your nose in a guidebook.  None of this happens with a private tour!hem with you. 

You're satisfied -  You get the experience of a lifetime because your private shore tour excursion is personalized just for you and like no one else's.

These tours are chauffeured tours and depending on your port include a tour leader, a driver guide or a licensed guide, all of whom speak fluent English. In many cases we can also arrange a tour in Spanish. These private tours are operated with luxury non-smoking, air conditioned, sedans, minivans, minibuses or full size coaches. So we can handle a private tour for two or a family reunion trip for sixty or more.