Suite 16

Juliadlf -

For the last several years, tired of cruise line excursions with the waiting, shopping, etc - I have lined up private tours for all of our ports of call. When I found Driver Guides, we were traveling with 3 couples - a Med cruise. I found all of our drivers/guides for all ports on the internet - usually typing in Private Driver/Guide, English speaking or something like that. When I come up with some possibilities, I try to check with local tourist bureaus to check on the reliability of the companies. That's what I did with Driving Guides. The other couples, seasoned travelers, were very pleased, to my great relief! Especially with Driving Guides - our ship was three hours late arriving in Livorno due to high winds, but our driver, Gianni, was waiting for us! The ship cancelled all tours to Florence, and it was too late for passengers to plan for the train, so we were among the very few who spent the day in Florence.

We often travel with our family of 13, and I am glad to report that we have never been disappointed with the privately arranged tours - and with that many of us, we have saved a lot of money, and have been able to plan to do just what we want. In November, we are going on a Mexican Riviera cruise, and have arranged private tours at all ports. The Cruise Critic Boards (cruise line, or Ports of Call) are a great way to learn about private tours, what to see, what to do, etc. Just ask a reasonable question, and usually you can learn a lot, as you are doing now.

Good luck with selecting transportation.

Juliadif -

Just type in Italy Independent Travel Team

When the list comes up - I think it is the second on the list - click. It will give you information. We arranged our transfer/sightseeing by internet, with Paolo at the Dguide@ats.it email address.

We used Driving Guides --- dguide@ats.it - to go from Livorno to Florence and return. Will provide either transfer, or tour. Contact Paolo. We were very satisfied.