Excursions from Your Cruise Ship: The Truth About What to Expect from Major Ports in Italy
June 2017 Newsletter

Shore excursions in Italy have been something that have been on my mind for a long time now. As we gear up for the spring season and get ready to bring some clients into more rural areas of Italy, I’ve been thinking about what a shame it is that so many people coming off cruises don’t get to visit these places when the fact is that some of these areas are much more convenient to visit than the big city centers. The truth is, I believe because of a lack of education the cruise ship industry has been profiting off of millions of people every year by not providing customers with up-to-date information about what to really expect in terms of wait times, traffic and group sizes, in many locations all over the country. Does a small group to you mean 25 people? Not to us. And, particularly here in Rome, Italy’s busiest port, do you know that the transportation time between the port and the city center is often over an hour and a half in each direction not with standing traffic?!?!

My suspicion is that you didn’t know that, because most people don’t. With a 1.5 hour drive each direction, this means travelers have less than 5 hours to enjoy Rome proper. We are talking about 5 hours to see one of the most important centers of Western Civilization. We are not saying it’s impossible. It is definitely possible – if you are running! However it is not only the fact that these excursions are often so very rushed, it is that for a family or a group of 4, a tour like this can run upwards of 850 Euro with the VIP skip the line tickets to enter places like the Vatican & Colosseum, which given time restrictions are an absolute MUST. So, while you may be able to afford the cost of doing a day tour like this, my question is, why would you if you knew there were so many other great alternatives to consider? You could save that 850 Euro and spend a couple of nights in Rome – Florence – Venice – Positano – wherever you’re most curious about. However, to stay and visit I do believe is far better than visiting these places off a cruise ship.

Not only in Rome, but out of Naples, Sorrento, Livorno, Palermo, Messina, Venice, Genoa all over Italy we have some fantastic ideas that will not only save you money and time, but also provide you and yours with a more laid-back and in depth experience away from the cruise crowds, the noise and the lines For more information about this subject and many other questions you may have about travel in Italy, get in touch with the experts: team@italygroupspecialists.com or 1-866-779-2565.

Jesse Andrews, Owner and President

What To Know Before You Go & Why It’s Important
	In the past decade cruising has become one of the most popular ways for people to vacation. It is now estimated to generate over 2 Billion dollars annually. With the growth of this industry, the ports where the cruises enter have essentially become subservient and dependent to the large numbers of tourists that are brought in each year. In each of the ports, the cruise lines offer various excursions that are usually very limited and frequently bring customers to shops owned by the cruise-line share-holders themselves. Essentially, the tours and the cruise lines offer shopping and run-of-the mill tours at exceptionally low prices, while essentially shielding people from the authentic and local traditions Italy and other countries are famous for. It may, no doubt, cost more to do a private tour, however it is one of the only ways to actually experience real local flavor and culture and for families, groups of friends and couples who can divide the cost of the tour among themselves our tours can actually end up costing the same or less than some of the large group tours offered by the cruise lines. Read More
Extraordinary Excursions Away from the Crowds

We’ve been busy putting together our spring line up and have various options not offered by the cruise ship lines available from different ports here in Italy and we suggest you have a look at our section on Private Italy Shore Trips.

Not only in Rome, out of Civitavecchia, but in every other major port throughout Italy we are doing many things differently and offering not only exceptional sightseeing opportunities, but also meals at local farms where farmers are producing their own cheese, wine, olive oil and local crafts. The local, sustainable farming methods, places we visit and people you can meet here in Italy during your time with us will leave a lasting impression.

Siracusa, Sicily

Diamante, Calabria

Island of Ischia

We are the leaders in customized itineraries and vacation packages in Italy. Our headquarters are in Rome very close to Vatican City. Our team of experts can assist you in creating a dream holiday in Italy and providing you with exceptional sightseeing experiences in every region throughout Italy. Get in touch with the experts at team@italyvacationspecialists.com today for a fast response!