Venture AshoreReviews of ventureashore.com

Booked with Venture Ashore for 3 italian excursions in one package: Florence/Pisa, Rome, and Sorrento and Pompeii with a drive along the Almalfi Coast. Venture Ashore is about 1/3 the cost of the cruise line excursions so we were very skeptical. We even had plans in case these excursions fell through. We were amazed and very happy with all 3 of our experiences. All three of our guides met us exactly where they said they would be and provided us with unbelievable tours. Francesca in Florence took us on a walking tour of the historic sites in Florence. She was extremely informative. Suzy, our tour guide in Rome was amazing. We saw everything from the Trevi fountain, Spanish steps, to the Coliseum and the outside of the Vatican, all in one day. Lastly, Gabriel, our "celebrity tour guide" was the best tour guide I have ever had. We walked the streets of Sorrento, took beautiful pictures of the coast line and finished the day in Pompeii. He was energetic, fun, filled with information and made the whole experience the trip of a lifetime. I read a lot of bad things about Venture Ashore and I think it may differ from port to port. But you also have to do some research ahead of time. Make sure you are in the correct spot at the correct time. In Italy, there are MANY different excursion companies. When you get off the ship, you have to look for the guides because it is VERY crowded. There are a few hundred people so don't expect your guide to come to you. You need to ask around, walk around and look for signs. By the way, at one port, everyone who booked with Shore Excursions, Viator, and My Tour Guide along with three other companies, all went on the same tour bus. Everyone uses third party vendors and I mean everyone! The guides are local and have a great deal of knowledge of the sites. I would not hesitate to use Venture Ashore again!

We have used various other tour Companies over the years and never had a problem. However, the 3 tours we recently enjoyed on Madeira and in the Canaries were outstanding. Brilliant, knowledgeable and entertaining guides. Top class transport supplied. Could not have asked for more. A breath of fresh air. We shall be with them on every cruise from now on.

Transport first class

Venture Ashore had a nice dive trip available during a cruise stop in Tahiti with Fluid Tahiti. The two dives were nice and the staff at the dive shop were very helpful. It was a very good experience

Great excursion to maho beach. Left in time in a comfortable air conditioned bus. Driver was friendly and amusing in his commentary. Very easy to find excursion desk would recommend to anyone to use this company.

Meeting the guide was easy. A personal and informative tour. Highly recommend

From the start Venture Ashore offers exceptional tours and service. Choosing and reserving online was a breeze. Quick response for confirmation and vouchers for excursions. The 'meeting place' instructions are literally step by step - sort of starts the excursion with a treasure hunt. Knowing these private tour company's meet off property, the meeting instructions can be stressful. Once on the tour, the guide was a local resident with tons of information and wiling to share his life on the island. Overall - I will continue to book with Venture Ashore.

Expected up to 12 people on trip but my wife and I were the only two. Venture Ashore still took us with a driver and guide so it was like a private excursion. Our guide Sezer Ulupinar (Pinar) was excellent. She was so friendly and courteous and particularly helpful to my wife who had limited mobility and her knowledgeable input about Ephesus and the surrounding areas was exceptional.