Top-Selling Shore Excursions on ToursByLocals

Are you taking a cruise in 2024? Debating whether to take one of the ship’s tours, or strike out on your own at port? We offer a third option: the private shore excursion.

Private shore excursions are just for you, the friends or family you’re traveling with, and your local guide. They tend to take people to places the big tour buses can’t go – like smaller, family-run restaurants that only seat a few people, out of the way viewpoints, boutique wineries, and lesser-known attractions off the typical tourist route. And the local guides who lead these tours have a keen understanding of timing: they know how to plan a day and be agile enough to get to the highly desirable sights before those big bus-loads of tourists arrive, avoiding crowds and fitting more into your time on shore. Maybe most memorable of all is that a private shore excursion isn’t just about what you see, but also the conversations you have with your guide along the way. You’ll return to your ship having made a friend in a new part of the world.

Have a look at these shore excursions that are popular year after year with cruisers looking for special experiences at every port.

ToursByLocals Top-Selling Shore Excursions

1. See ancient Ephesus in Turkey with Zeynep

Discover the stories behind one of the biggest and most well-preserved ancient cities in the world, on this Ephesus shore excursion with long-time tour guide Zeynep from Kusadasi port in Turkey.

2. Soak up Santorini with Ephthymia

The Mediterranean vistas from this volcanic Greek island are legendary…and so are the crowds. Escape the masses and seek out Santorini’s beautiful corners with local guide Ephthymia.

3. Discover Athens with Dimitris

Discover the incredible depths of Ancient Athens on this day tour with Dimitris. From the Parthenon to the Temple of Zeus, he’ll bring history alive for you, then find you a fantastic taverna for an authentic meal.

4. Explore Bermuda with Dean

For more than 14 years, Dean has been sharing Bermuda’s pink sand beaches, turquoise waters and centuries old history with visitors. He loves to take travellers off the beaten path and share his favourite spots on this beautiful Caribbean island.

5. Alight in Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia with Jay

Nova Scotia is famous for its scenery and hospitality -- you'll get plenty of both on this day tour with Jay. Visit quiet coastal villages where people still make their living from the sea, see shipwreck memorials, fishing boats & lobster traps, ice age remnants and the notoriously rugged Atlantic coast.

6. Wonder at the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland with Michael

Take an amazing journey beyond Belfast and along the spectacular Antrim Coast of Northern Ireland, taking in the scenery, glens and villages along the way, with plenty of time for rollicking stories from your guide Michael.

7. Cruise the Amalfi Coast and uncover Pompeii with Marcello

It’s hard to think of a more satisfying day than delving into the 2000 year old history of Pompeii, then delighting in the exquisite coastal villages of Amalfi, Ravello and Positano. Local guide Marcello has planned the perfect shore excursion from Naples.

8. Have a whirlwind day in Rome with Giuseppe

Rome wasn’t build in a day, and you can’t see it all in a day...but you’ll certainly get close on this shore excursion with Giuseppe, planned to make the most out of just a short time in the ancient capital of the Roman empire.

9. Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico with Hector

San Juan is the second oldest colonial city in the western hemisphere, and local guide Hector loves sharing its history and present day charm with visitors. See Spanish colonial architecture, walk along cobbled streets and enjoy a sweet and refreshing pina colada along the way.

10. See Skagway and explore the Yukon with Sherry

For a truly unique experience, you can spend a day discovering the Yukon and visit an Iditarod Musher's summer camp. With Alaskan guide Sherry, you’ll stop off at Iditarod Musher Michelle Phillip's summer training camp, pet sweet sled dogs and get your puppy fix far away from where the big big tour buses can go!

Use our shore excursion planner to find the perfect day on shore for you and your family and friends!