PRIVATE SHORE EXCURSIONS

ACROSS EUROPE'S TOP CITIES

See All Countries

Your Day, Your Way

Skip crowded cruise ship buses and large group tours in favor of a handpicked local guide, a private vehicle, and a day designed around what you want to see.

4.9★
TripAdvisor Rating
40+
Countries Served
100%
Back-to-Ship Guarantee
10K+
Happy Travelers
Simple & Stress-Free

How It Works

From first click to final wave goodbye at the port — here's how we make your shore day effortless.

1

Choose Your Port

Browse 200+ curated tours across 40 countries.

2

Customize Your Day

Every tour can be tailored. Want to add some shopping time or skip the museum? Just tell us. It's your day.

3

Step Off & Explore

Your local guide meets you at the port, hotel or airport with a private vehicle. No crowds, no rushing, no stress.

Top Destinations

Most Popular Shore Excursions

Our most-booked ports — each with expert local drivers and guides who know every hidden gem.

Italy
Rome & Civitavecchia
Colosseum, Vatican, Trastevere & the Amalfi Coast — all from Rome's cruise port.
20+ tours available →
Spain
Barcelona
Gaudí masterpieces, Gothic Quarter tapas tours, and Montserrat day trips.
12+ tours available →
Greece
Santorini
Oia sunsets, volcanic beaches, wine tastings, and iconic blue-dome villages.
8+ tours available →
Croatia
Dubrovnik
Walk the ancient city walls, explore hidden coves, and taste Adriatic wines.
6+ tours available →
France
French Riviera
Nice, Monaco, Èze, and Saint-Paul-de-Vence — the glamour of the Côte d'Azur.
15+ tours available→
Turkey
Istanbul
Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus cruises, and Ottoman palace tours.
10+ tours available →
Explore All

40+ Countries →

Our Back-to-Ship Guarantee

We know exactly how cruise schedules work — because it's what we do. If your tour ever runs late due to something in our control, we'll arrange private transport to your next port at our expense. Zero risk, total peace of mind.

What Travelers Say

Real Reviews, Real Experiences

Don't just take our word for it — hear from cruise passengers who chose us.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"We've used Private Shore Trips on three different cruises now. The guides feel like old friends — knowledgeable, flexible, and genuinely passionate about their cities."

Margaret & David R.
Mediterranean Cruise — Rome, Barcelona, Santorini
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Our guide in Dubrovnik adjusted the entire itinerary when we mentioned we love wine. We ended up at a family vineyard overlooking the Adriatic that no big tour bus would ever find."

The Chen Family
Eastern Mediterranean Cruise — Dubrovnik
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"As a travel agent, I send all my cruise clients here. The back-to-ship guarantee seals the deal every time. Not once has there been an issue — and my clients always come back raving."

Jennifer L., CTA
Travel Agent Partner — 5+ Years
Award-Winning Service TripAdvisor 2025 Travelers Choice Award - Private Shore Trips Read Our Reviews on TripAdvisor
Common Questions

Everything You Need to Know

Q Will I get back to my ship on time?

Absolutely. Our guides are cruise-port specialists who monitor ship schedules in real time. We include our back-to-ship guarantee on all qualifying tours — if we cause a delay, we cover the cost of getting you to the next port.

Q Can I customize my tour?

Yes — every tour can be tailored to your interests. Want to swap a museum for a boat ride? Add a scenic photo stop? Just let us know and we'll make it happen.

Q How many people will be on my tour?

Our tours are private, meaning it's just your party. Whether you're a couple, a family, or a group of friends traveling together, the vehicle and guide are exclusively yours.

Q Where will my driver or guide meet me?

Your driver or guide will be waiting at the cruise port exit, hotel entrance or airport arrivals with a sign bearing your name. No hunting for meeting points, no confusion — just meet and go.

Q How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking as early as possible for the best guide selection and while tickets are available, but we accommodate last-minute requests whenever possible. Popular tours in the summer fill quickly.

Q Do you offer flexible touring for slower-paced groups?

Yes. Many of our tours can be adapted for slower-paced groups, gentle walking, mobility considerations, and multi-generational travelers. We are happy to customize the pace and sightseeing schedule to match your group’s comfort level.

Private Shore Excursions Across Europe

Your Time in Port Is Limited.
Don’t Spend It Following the Crowd

Private guides, flexible pacing, and customized touring designed around your interests, your pace, and your preferred language — with the freedom to adjust the day as you go.

✉ [email protected] ⚓ Serving 200+ cruise ports across Europe

Private Excursions and Tours for Cruise and Hotel Guests

When your cruise ship docks in a new city, every hour counts. That's why thousands of cruise travelers choose Private Shore Trips for their port days across the Mediterranean, Baltic, and beyond. Unlike the large group excursions sold onboard your ship, our private shore tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace with a dedicated local guide who knows every cobblestone street, hidden trattoria, and breathtaking viewpoint.

We operate in over 40 countries and 200 cruise ports, from iconic destinations like Rome, Barcelona, and Santorini to lesser-known gems across Croatia, Montenegro, and the French Riviera. Every tour is fully customizable — whether you're a history enthusiast who wants to linger at ancient ruins, a food lover seeking authentic local cuisine, or a family with young children who need a flexible schedule. Our guides adapt to you, not the other way around.

As a TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice award winner, we hold ourselves to the highest standard of service. Our back-to-ship guarantee means you never have to worry about getting back to your cruise on time, and our dedicated support team is available to help you plan the perfect port day from start to finish.