Many things we’ve learned about booking our own excursions:
1- define “small group” with exact number of participants
2-are entrance fees for sights included?
3-check pick-up and drop-off locations carefully
4-read reviews on whatever site you are booking through and by looking up the company online as well.
5-be sure to triple check departure time and only do excursions that state return time is at least two hours prior to back on board time.
Will continue to book our own as the cruise lines add up to 100% to the price of the excursion, are often crowded large buses with sometimes sub par guides.