The 3 Best Cruise-Port Day Trips Around the World

1.Costa Maya Shore Excursion: Chacchoben Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,109 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $64Our pick

Travel by air-conditioned minivan from Costa Maya to Chacchoben, where a local guide such as Ismael or Octavio explains temples, pigments, hieroglyphics, and jungle wildlife. Expect about an hour each way, 90 minutes at the ruins, uneven ground, steep steps, bottled water, and a timely return to the port.

“It's about a hour drive from the pick up point. You will walk on uneven surfaces and up the steep steps of the ruins. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions. It's definitely worth the experience.”

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2.Livorno Shore Excursion: Pisa and Florence Private Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 198 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $546

Travel by private Mercedes from Livorno to Pisa and Florence in about nine hours. See the Leaning Tower, Piazzale Michelangelo, Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, and Santa Croce. Add a private Florence guide with timed entry to the Accademia or Uffizi. Drivers such as Alessio, Donatello, and Alex are praised for flexible sightseeing and safe returns to the ship.

“Great day in beautiful Tuscany! Our driver was Donatello & our guide in Florence was Silvia. Donatello was there when we exited the ship, so we went right away to Pisa. Since we got there at 8:30am, nothing was open yet & we had the plaza with the leaning tower & church all to ourselves. We got some nice pics without the crowds! Next was the hour drive to Florence to meet our guide. Even though we had skip the line tickets, we still had to wait about 30 minutes to get in to see David. But he is magnificent & worth the wait! Then we did a 2-hour walk…”

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3.Cannes Shore Excursion: Private Day Trip to Monaco and Eze

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 59 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $487

Leave Cannes port with a private English or French-speaking driver-guide in an eight-seat Mercedes minivan. Visit Eze, Fragonard perfumery, Monaco-Ville, the Prince’s Palace, Monte Carlo, and the Formula One circuit. Guides such as Laurent, Catherine, Pierre, and Giorgio have tailored the day around families, cruise schedules, and mobility needs.

“Noah was an excellent guide. He took us to a lots of sites and was very informative. He was very personable and so nice. We would definitely recommend him.”

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