Port day · PRIVATE SHORE EXCURSIONS

15 Private Shore Excursions Worth Booking Over the Ship’s Tour

191 tours  ·  from $11 a head

A private car costs more than a coach seat and buys back the two things a port day is short of: your own start time and a return you can hold someone to. These 15 are the ones travellers rate highest, with prices for the whole party where the operator quotes it that way.

FOR CRUISERS: Skip The Lines PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR &On Time Return - The House of the Virgin Mary
Ephesus Shore Excursions, Kusadasi Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions in Kusadasi, Private Shore Excursions in Turkey, Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions with a Guaranteed Return, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey Shore Excursions

FOR CRUISERS: Skip The Lines PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR &On Time Return

1.Skip The Lines PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR &On Time Return

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8,527 reviews · 4 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $39Our pick

Meet your English-speaking guide at Kusadasi cruise port and ride in a private, air-conditioned van to Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Temple of Artemis. Guides such as Fatih, Dicle, Tuna, Banu, and Zeynep have tailored visits to different ages, walking abilities, and interests.

“Fatih was one of the best tour guides we ever had. He was brilliant, spoke perfect English, made us feel safe about where we were and that we would get back to our ship on time. He was thoughtful and responsive. I would love to see more of Turkey, especially if he was our guide.”

Check availability →Read our full review

PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR FOR CRUISERS: On-time Return and Skip-Line - Walking the marble streets of Ephesus
Ephesus Shore Excursions, Kusadasi Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions in Kusadasi, Private Shore Excursions in Turkey, Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions with a Guaranteed Return, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey Shore Excursions

PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR FOR CRUISERS: On-time Return and Skip-Line

2.PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR FOR CRUISERS: On-time Return and Skip-Line

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,807 reviews · 4 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $29

Meet your guide at Kusadasi Cruise Port, then visit Ephesus, Mary’s House, and the Temple of Artemis in a private air-conditioned van. Guides such as Fatima, Nilay, Mehmet, and Ismail tailor the pace to your group. Add Terrace Houses or a Turkish lunch if time allows.

“This company uses local guides to show us around and this really adds to the quality of the trip. Our guide, Fatima was excellent. She asked for our input in choosing what types of things to see and visit. I strongly recommend Viator and ask for local guide, Fatima.”

Check availability →Read our full review

PRIVATE TOUR FOR CRUISERS: Mary's House (Meryemana) and Ephesus - Walking through Ephesus from the Senate to the Great Theatre
Ephesus Shore Excursions, Kusadasi Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions in Kusadasi, Private Shore Excursions in Turkey, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey Shore Excursions

PRIVATE TOUR FOR CRUISERS: Mary’s House (Meryemana) and Ephesus

3.PRIVATE TOUR FOR CRUISERS: Mary’s House (Meryemana) and Ephesus

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,349 reviews · 4 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $29

Meet your licensed guide at Kusadasi Cruise Port for a private half-day tour of Ephesus, Mary’s House, and the Temple of Artemis. Guides such as Fatima, Josh, Ozzy, and Filiz tailor the pace, explain the ancient sites clearly, and can add local food or craft stops.

“Fabulous tour with a great guide Valerie who was so informative and a lovely person to spend the day with. Our party of 4 included 3 ladies in their 80s, and Valerie was very sensitive to our needs in terms of walking, shade, stops to sit/ rest, avoiding crowds where possible & getting us back to the ship in really good time. Our driver was so professional, and never kept us waiting for him. The communication beforehand from the tour company was great, very clear & we knew what to expect from the day. Early start, our ship docked at 7am, our guide was waiting for us, so we were…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Private Tour in Ephesus and Traditional Turkish Bath from Port - A private van makes a port day less tiring
Ephesus Shore Excursions, Kusadasi Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions in Kusadasi, Private Shore Excursions in Turkey, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey Shore Excursions

Private Tour in Ephesus and Traditional Turkish Bath from Port

4.Private Tour in Ephesus and Traditional Turkish Bath from Port

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 675 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $42

See Ephesus with a private English-speaking guide, including the Celsus Library and Grand Theater, then enjoy Turkish lunch and an optional hammam. Guides such as Fusun, Seyhan, Gozde, and Alper have tailored visits for families, cruise passengers, and guests with special needs.

“Sayham was amazing. Very knowledgable and had a lot of history to share. The only downside was the carpet pitch, could’ve done without it but this tour is so worth your time. The Turkish bath was a great treat. 10/10”

Check availability →Read our full review

Civitavecchia Private Transfer: Rome to Civitavecchia Cruise Port - The ride to Civitavecchia
Cruise Port Transfers, Cruise Port Transfers in Italy, Cruise Port Transfers in Rome, Italy Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions in Italy, Private Shore Excursions in Rome, Rome Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews

Civitavecchia Private Transfer: Rome to Civitavecchia Cruise Port

5.Civitavecchia Private Transfer: Rome to Civitavecchia Cruise Port

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 669 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $141

Travel from your Rome hotel to the Civitavecchia cruise terminal in a private, air-conditioned vehicle for up to eight people. Drivers such as Eduardo, Ali, Melissa, and Stefan have helped with luggage, traffic, and port drop-offs. Allow extra time beyond the one-hour estimate.

“Professional and timely. Easy trip from our Hotel to the airport. Our driver spoke English very well and a pleasure to ride with.”

Check availability →Read our full review

FOR CRUISE GUESTS:BEST SELLER EPHESUS PRIVATE TOUR/On Time Return - The Virgin Mary’s House, a peaceful first stop
Ephesus Shore Excursions, Kusadasi Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions in Kusadasi, Private Shore Excursions in Turkey, Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions with a Guaranteed Return, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey Shore Excursions

FOR CRUISE GUESTS:BEST SELLER EPHESUS PRIVATE TOUR/On Time Return

6.BEST SELLER EPHESUS PRIVATE TOUR/On Time Return

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 614 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $39

Meet your English-speaking guide at Kusadasi Port, then visit Ephesus, the Virgin Mary’s House, and the Temple of Artemis. Private transport lets you adjust the pace and add Sirince. Guides such as Nesli, Murat, Eda, and Hakan are praised for warm, personal tours, though shopping stops may take time.

“This was the best tour in our 9 day trip. It was truly a private tour with a large luxury Mercedes van and a driver. The tour guide Neslie, was sensational, she was knowledgeable, personable and spoke perfect English. She made sure that we saw all the important sights in and around Ephesus. She arranged a wonderful typical meal for us to experience at a cost of $10 each and would not allow us to buy her meal. I can't say enough about our wonderful guide and friend, she made this tour memorable and the highlight of our trip. Thank you!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Santorini Must-See Highlights: Private Shore Tour - Firostefani and the Three Bells viewpoint
City Highlights Shore Excursions, City Highlights Shore Excursions in Greece, City Highlights Shore Excursions in Santorini, Greece Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions in Greece, Private Shore Excursions in Santorini, Santorini Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours

Santorini Must-See Highlights: Private Shore Tour

7.Santorini Must-See Highlights: Private Shore Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 569 reviews · 3 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $48

Travel across Santorini with a private driver-guide such as Aphrodite, George, Babis, or Nikolas. Visit Oia, Firostefani, Megalochori, Red Beach, and Perissa, with time for wineries, Akrotiri, lunch, or sunset. Pickup is available from hotels, the airport, and cruise ports.

“This is an amazing tour of the island filled with so much information and history as to how it became what it is. You stop at some of the most beautiful spots for pictures and breathtaking views. Our driver, George, was top notch! I highly recommend using him if you can.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Skip-the-Line Istanbul: Private Tour from Cruise Ship & Hotel - Meeting your guide at Galataport
Istanbul Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions in Turkey, Shore Excursions, Skip the Line, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey Shore Excursions

Skip-the-Line Istanbul: Private Tour from Cruise Ship & Hotel

8.Skip-the-Line Istanbul: Private Tour from Cruise Ship & Hotel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 536 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $280

Spend about six hours with a private English-speaking guide, private driver, and air-conditioned Mercedes van. Meet at Galataport or your hotel, then walk Istanbul’s Old City sights, with prearranged Hagia Sophia entry, a visit to the Basilica Cistern, and time in the Grand Bazaar.

“We had a great day with our guide. We saw the highlights of Istanbul and even had an authentic lunch which really immersed us into the culture and experience of the day. We enjoyed the shops and every part of our day!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ephesus Small Group - Semi Private Shore Excursion - Entering Ephesus through its monumental streets
Ephesus Shore Excursions, Kusadasi Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions in Kusadasi, Private Shore Excursions in Turkey, Shore Excursions, Small Group Shore Excursions, Small Group Shore Excursions in Kusadasi, Small Group Shore Excursions in Turkey, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey Shore Excursions

Ephesus Small Group – Semi Private Shore Excursion

9.Ephesus Small Group – Semi Private Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 406 reviews · 4 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $27Best value

Meet your guide at Kusadasi Port and ride in an air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinter to Ephesus, Mary’s House, and the Temple of Artemis. Guides such as Ahmet, Tas, Taylan, and Nage are praised for clear English and flexible pacing. Lunch and a carpet demonstration are included, but entrance fees cost extra.

“Our tour guide Ahmet was wonderful. He was knowledgeable and was prepared for everything. He reshuffled the schedule bc we were early and took us to the Ephesus before the crowd. there was several sites that was not on the itinerary which he stopped by and let us see. Lunch was wonderful in the carpet demonstration was very cool. I would definitely recommend it..”

Check availability →Read our full review

Best of Private Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion from Cruise Port - Independence Palace and the moment Saigon changed
Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions in Vietnam, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, Vietnam Shore Excursions

Best of Private Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion from Cruise Port

10.Best of Private Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion from Cruise Port

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 364 reviews · from $115

Travel from the cruise port to Ho Chi Minh City in a private vehicle with a guide such as Kain, Liam, Sarah, or Shane. Visit the War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, Chinatown, markets, temples, and colonial landmarks, with a Vietnamese lunch and time to tailor the day.

“We enjoyed our day with Dorothy she was so full of energy and took us around to see so many things in Saigon. We would definitely want her to be our guide if we ever returned to the city”

Check availability →Read our full review

Naples Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi - Positano: Beauty, Stairs, and Limited Walking Time
Italy Shore Excursions, Naples Shore Excursions, Pompeii & Amalfi Coast Excursions, Private Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions in Italy, Private Shore Excursions in Naples, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours

Naples Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi

11.Private Tour to Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 352 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $328

Travel from Naples port in a private, air-conditioned car or minivan with a driver, adding an English-speaking guide if you choose. See Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Praiano, and Conca dei Marini, with flexible stops, photo breaks, lunch suggestions, and a guaranteed return to your ship.

“Wonderful way of seeing Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi in one day. We were picked up just outside the port in an air conditioned minibus and a driver with minimal English (would highly recommend getting the tour with the English speaking guide). The driver was absolutely excellent - those narrow windy roads were very difficult to manoeuvre but he had no issues! We spent around 50 minutes in Sorrento and Positano but then we were stuck in traffic because of an accident which resulted in us only having about 25 minutes to wander around Amalfi. Only downfall was that we stopped at a restaurant along the way and it was incredibly…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Private Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions in Vietnam, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, Vietnam Shore Excursions, Vung Tau Shore Excursions

Private Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion from Phu My Port

12.Private Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion from Phu My Port

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 333 reviews · from $119

Travel from Phu My Port to Ho Chi Minh City in a private air-conditioned minivan with a personal guide. Visit the War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, French colonial landmarks, Chinatown, markets, and a secret weapons cellar. Coffee, lunch, port pickup, and drop-off are included.

“It was a great day trip, we got a very good impression of Ho-Chi-Minh-City and Vietnam. Peter is an excellent guide, we can highly recommend the tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cozumel Shore Excursion: 5-Hour Sightseeing Tour with Private Driver - Fuerza Aérea and Cozumel’s wartime connection
City Highlights Shore Excursions, Mexico Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions in Mexico, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours

Cozumel Shore Excursion: 5-Hour Sightseeing Tour with Private Driver

13.5-Hour Sightseeing Tour with Private Driver

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 325 reviews · 5 hours (approx.)

Explore Cozumel with a private driver such as Gerry or Sergio, stopping for Maya chocolate, tequila tasting, San Gervasio, east-coast scenery, and Playa Palancar. You choose from several departure times, travel in an air-conditioned minivan, and return to the cruise or ferry pier.

“Sergio was wonderful! Very welcoming and knowledgeable. We highly recommend him and will request him on our next trip! We enjoyed the cigar company, the tequila company, the chocolate company and the great restaurant that he shared with us!”

Check availability →Read our full review

ONLY FOR CRUISE GUESTS: Best Seller Highlights of Ephesus Private Tour - Ephesus: two hours in a major Roman city
City Highlights Shore Excursions, City Highlights Shore Excursions in Kusadasi, City Highlights Shore Excursions in Turkey, Ephesus Shore Excursions, Kusadasi Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions in Kusadasi, Private Shore Excursions in Turkey, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey Shore Excursions

ONLY FOR CRUISE GUESTS: Best Seller Highlights of Ephesus Private Tour

14.ONLY FOR CRUISE GUESTS: Best Seller Highlights of Ephesus Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 297 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39

Spend about 5.5 hours with a private English-speaking guide and driver, visiting Ephesus and Mary’s House from Kusadasi cruise port. Guides such as Ayse, Ekin, Alpha, and Marsy tailor the pace well, while optional rug, ceramic, food, and market stops may add local flavor.

“How do I give this tour more stars??!!! This was hands down the best tour we took our whole trip! Ekin quickly read our group as mom with three teens and gave us just the right amount of info and details at each site. He shared stories and local culture. He and our driver made sure we were safe and reached each destination strategically ahead of the crowds. If we could go back and take him with us to every city we would. I highly recommend this agency and Ekin!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Private & Mini Group 7-8 Hours Guided Istanbul Tour / Cruise Port - The Hippodrome and Istanbul’s imperial core
Guided, Istanbul Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions in Turkey, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey Shore Excursions

Private & Mini Group 7-8 Hours Guided Istanbul Tour / Cruise Port

15.Private & Mini Group 7-8 Hours Guided Istanbul Tour / Cruise Port

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 278 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $99

Meet your English-speaking guide at Galataport or your hotel for a 7 to 8-hour private Istanbul tour. Visit the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and Grand Bazaar in an air-conditioned vehicle, with skip-the-line tickets arranged by your guide.

“The best thing was getting ahead of the long lines with a small party private group. We skipped all the tourist lines, very much appreciated.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Private Shore Excursions

★ 4.9Private Sailing Experience from Port Olimpic18 reviews
★ 5.0Athens 8-Hour Private Shore Excursion2 reviews
★ 5.0Holyhead: Snowdonia Essentials Private Shore Excursion3 reviews
★ 4.5Athens Private Group Shore Excursion18 reviews
★ 4.5Al Hidd: Bahrain in a Day – Exclusive MSC Cruise PassengersFrom $9931 reviews
★ 5.0️ Keelung: Shore Excursion 8H Jiufen & Shifen Private TourFrom $1864 reviews
★ 5.0Ho Chi Minh City Private Shore Excursion from Cruise PortFrom $11518 reviews
★ 5.0Villefranche Shore Excursion: Private Day Trip to Nice Eze Villefranche La Turbie and Monaco27 reviews
★ 4.0Private Customized French Riviera Tour from Port Villefranche 6H24 reviews
★ 5.0Chianti and Tuscany Countryside Private Wine TourFrom $55356 reviews
★ 5.0Private Shore Excursion from Civitavecchia Rome Port to Rome and Vatican CityFrom $96117 reviews
★ 5.0Private tour/Shore excursion to Lake Bled and Ljubljana from Trieste24 reviews
★ 5.0Shore Excursion: 2-Day Private Beijing Sightseeing Tour from Tianjin Cruise PortFrom $4316 reviews
★ 5.0Private Great Wall Tour from Tianjin Cruise PortFrom $2488 reviews
★ 5.0Private Full-Day Classic Beijing Shore Excursion by Bullet Train from TianjinFrom $3886 reviews

Keep browsing

Small Group Shore Excursions32Cruise Port Transfers80Shore Excursions with a Guaranteed Return10City Highlights Shore Excursions122Shore Excursions with Lunch25
Scroll to Top

Explore by port day

Pick the call, or the kind of day you want out of it.

The big three

Ephesus from KusadasiFlorence & PisaPompeii & AmalfiAncient SitesCastles & Palaces

How you go

Private ExcursionsSmall GroupPort TransfersGuaranteed ReturnCity Highlights

On the water

Boat TripsBeach & SwimSnorkellingWildlife

Eating and drinking

Food & TastingWine TastingLunch Included