which is advertised at the top of the cruise critic page periodically? I've posted on my roll call asking to share shore excursions and have had no response. Our cruise is in July and we are past final payment so I would think people would be making their arrangements. Unfortunately, our roll call is very quiet and does not have a lot of posts. I'd like to plan shore excursions for Rome and Florence and there are just the two of us so 900 euros for both is expensive.
I went to www.shareashoreexcursioninitaly.com and it appears very straight forward. They have a banner ad here so I guess they are reputable. I've searched for posts regarding this company but cannot find any. Has anyone successfully used them? Thanks!
The Insignia docked at Livorno on Nov 1 where our guide Daniele was waiting dockside. Arrangements had been made for a tour to San Gimignano and Volterra. We had been to Florence and Pisa on an earlier cruise. Our experience with this organization was outstanding. There were 2 of us and we shared a van with 6 other people reducing the price the ship asked for a similar tour by half.
Daniele did a great job. He suggested we make a stop at Lucca on the way as there was enough time.... This was not part of the listed itinerary but well worth the visit. The ship offered a seperate tour to Lucca at additional cost.
Driving through the Tuscan countryside, Daniele told us about the history of the area, it's importance and numerous stories of a humorous nature. Nothing boring on this trip. On the way to San G, we talked about what to do for lunch. It was suggested that we visit a winery for a "tasting lesson" while we ate. We all agreed to take advantage of this unexpected opportunity.
Daniele made a quick phone call and shortly thereafter we were at a family owned estate winery where the owner, Pierluigi welcomed us. The vineyard was in his family since 1720 and was magnificent.
You would have to be there to appreciate the experience. Numerous wines to taste while enjoying a salad, cheese, cold cuts, home baked bread and dessert. Luigi provided the entertainment as we went through the proper method for wine tasting. It was like being present at a medieval comedy. Oh what fun we had! After hugs and kisses for the girls, we continued on our way to San Gimignano, singing songs and telling jokes along the way .
After visiting San G, we proceeded on to Volterra passing vineyards and people harvesting chestnuts. A simply amazing day. We were back at the ship before those going to Florence returned. This day was one of the best memories of the trip. I only regret that I hadn't discovered Share a Shore Excursion in Italy earlier and used them in other ports-of-call on our journey.
I am posting this here so others can enjoy the same kind of day that our small group did. Now, it's time for a glass of wine from the Tenuta Torciano Winery. The case I ordered from Luigi arrived today. Ciao ~~ Laughsalot
Has anyone used shareashoreexcursioninitaly.com
in Italy Ports
Posted
The Insignia docked at Livorno on Nov 1 where our guide Daniele was waiting dockside. Arrangements had been made for a tour to San Gimignano and Volterra. We had been to Florence and Pisa on an earlier cruise. Our experience with this organization was outstanding. There were 2 of us and we shared a van with 6 other people reducing the price the ship asked for a similar tour by half.
Daniele did a great job. He suggested we make a stop at Lucca on the way as there was enough time.... This was not part of the listed itinerary but well worth the visit. The ship offered a seperate tour to Lucca at additional cost.
Driving through the Tuscan countryside, Daniele told us about the history of the area, it's importance and numerous stories of a humorous nature. Nothing boring on this trip. On the way to San G, we talked about what to do for lunch. It was suggested that we visit a winery for a "tasting lesson" while we ate. We all agreed to take advantage of this unexpected opportunity.
Daniele made a quick phone call and shortly thereafter we were at a family owned estate winery where the owner, Pierluigi welcomed us. The vineyard was in his family since 1720 and was magnificent.
You would have to be there to appreciate the experience. Numerous wines to taste while enjoying a salad, cheese, cold cuts, home baked bread and dessert. Luigi provided the entertainment as we went through the proper method for wine tasting. It was like being present at a medieval comedy. Oh what fun we had! After hugs and kisses for the girls, we continued on our way to San Gimignano, singing songs and telling jokes along the way .
After visiting San G, we proceeded on to Volterra passing vineyards and people harvesting chestnuts. A simply amazing day. We were back at the ship before those going to Florence returned. This day was one of the best memories of the trip. I only regret that I hadn't discovered Share a Shore Excursion in Italy earlier and used them in other ports-of-call on our journey.
I am posting this here so others can enjoy the same kind of day that our small group did. Now, it's time for a glass of wine from the Tenuta Torciano Winery. The case I ordered from Luigi arrived today. Ciao ~~ Laughsalot