Istanbul
Just wanted to let you know how great our tour in Istanbul was.
We had an excellent guide - Yassim - who gave us an excellent tour. We are
trying to plan a trip next year. Maybe to the Baltic. Will absolutely look into
your tour company if we do go. Thank you again for your help.
Susan M., Brewster NY - November 2009
French Riviera
"Hello.....I just need to thank you so much for the
wonderful private tour we booked with your company this past week. We enjoyed
our day trip with Yanik very much. He was fun to be with, was waiting for us
when we arrived off of the tender in VilleFranche. We appreciated all the extra
info he gave us regarding the French Riveria, and we got to see all the places
we asked to see. He gave us extra time at the flower market in Nice, and gave
us great tips on where to have our lunch. Everything was perfect, including the
warm sunny day. We only wished we could have had more time. I would recommend
your company to anyone interested in a private tour. Thank you very much for making
our day in the French Riviera the best!!"
Carolyn D., Omaha, Nebraska - November 2009
French Riviera
"We were very pleased with the arrangements you made for
us. All positive comments, no negatives."
Bettyjane S., Allentown, PA - November 2009
Marseille, Villefranche, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Naples
“Our experience with your company's tours was exactly what we
wanted. The drivers all spoke wonderful English, were prompt and very
knowledgeable. We loved the little restaurants they directed us to and enjoyed
the vacation immensely. Thank you for your help.”
Carol G, Upland CA - November 2009
Naples, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Barcelona, Villefranche,
Santorini and Piraeus
“Well, we have returned from the most marvelous vacation of all
time!!! I want to let you know, our shore excursions were perfect! The tour
guides were the best, the motorcoachs very clean and comfortable, everything
was just wonderful.
Even when we had a problem in
Barcelona on the day we were to depart, Annabelle, helped me with our dilemma.
We actually arrived into port late, and we all missed our flights home, so I
had to transfer everyone to a hotel and then rearrange all the flights. It was
a headache for me, but everyone else enjoyed themselves on the beach for three
days!!!!
Once again, thanks for all you help
and information you relayed to me. I will definitely be using your services in
the future and I have already told several agent friends of mine about Private
Shore Trips.”
Kathleen P,
Maryville IL - October 2009
Villefranche, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Naples, Athens and
Istanbul
“We cannot thank you enough for the shore trips you arranged for
the five of us. We had so much fun and all of your drivers and guides were
excellent. Let us begin with Pascal who drove us through Monaco, Monte Carlo,
Nice, Gourdon, St. Paul de Pence, and to the Chapel of the Roses by Matisse. He
was very informative throughout.
Next came Florence with Sylvia our
driver who made sure some of us had time for shopping. The highlight was
Elizabeta, our guide through the Accademia. She made the visit to the David
come alive with her knowledge of art history. She spent 45 minutes pointing out
the many subtleties of David and the artistry and craftsmanship of Michelangelo
in executing this famous statue. She was equally knowledgeable about the Doumo
and baptistery. Sylvia took us to Michelangelo Piazza where we had a good view
of Florence before leaving. Our final stop was at Pisa where we had ample time
to explore and view the leaning tower from all angles.
Constantino was our driver and
guide for the trip into Rome both days. He was fun and considerate of
everyone’s needs and treated us to some special insights of Rome including a
neighborhood restaurant for dinner on our first evening when he did the Rome at
Night Tour. Alfredo was our guide for the Coliseum, Forum, Capital Hill and
Pantheon on the first day and the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St.
Peter’s on the second day.
Then on to Naples and the Amalfi
Coast with Rosario who provided us with a spectacular drive along the coast on
winding, steep roads topped off with an absolutely fabulous lunch at a
restaurant on the mountain above Positano.
During the afternoon we visited
Pompeii.
Next came Athens with Alexandra as
our guide. She was most informative and kind during the visit to the Acropolis,
Agora, Plaka and the Acropolis Museum.
Finally came Istanbul with Murat as
our guide. We made a stop at the Spice Market which was a wonder to those of us
who ventured there – so much to choose from and so little time. Our tour
through the Topkapi Palace was wonderful. And, we enjoyed the dinner and show
in the evening; the belly dancers were very good. The next morning we were
amazed at the Blue Mosque (it’s not all blue, that red carpet!), Hagia Sophia which
is undergoing restoration; the hippodrome and finally the Grand Bazaar. Our
best shopping trip happened at the Grand Bazaar.
Would we recommend your company to
others, absolutely! We already have. We had great drivers and guides and
enjoyed our trip so much. When we compared our excursions with others, we found
that we got to see so much more and at a better pace. Again, thank you very
much.”
Janet, Ross,
Jane, Laurie and Kevin, San Diego CA - October 2009
French Riviera
"Your driver/guide was wonderful. He took us to all of the
important places, was very knowledgeable and spoke excellent English. Our trip
was wonderful and I have two sets of friends who are planning this same trip
next April and May and I have given them your name and raved about how efficient
your company handled my request. Thanks again and if we plan another trip I
will surely contact you."
Lynn W., Metairie LA - October 2009
Athens
"Thank you so very much for booking our Athens tours. They
were absolutely unbelievable. We are so impressed with the service we received.
Elsa our Guide and Kostas our Driver were amazing. I will definitely be
referring you business and hope to utilize your company for myself in the
future. Once again for the great service."
Margriet H., Langley BC Canada - October 2009
Athens
"The tour was great as was the tour guide. The cruise was
fantastic and this shore excursion worked really nicely. I will keep you in
mind for any further excursions!! Thanks again."
Sue H., Tamarac, FL - October 2009
French Riviera
“We had an amazing trip and the excursion your company provided
in Villefranche was outstanding. We had more than ample time for all stops and
never felt rushed. After some initial confusion about pick up in Villefranche,
we were escorted to Nice to meet our driver/guide. He was wonderful and got us
to Vence just as the Matisse Chapel opened, so we were the first there to
listen to the sisters describe every inch of that beautiful chapel. It was then
suggested we visit a non - touristy town nearby called Tourrettes, which turned
out to be the stunningly enchanting center for violet production in the south
of France (tried violet ice cream!)
From there we spent almost 2 hours
at the Fondation Maeght, which was having a special Miro exhibition-what a treat!
We visited Galimard and toured the factory for Fragonard before ascending to St
Paul de Vence, where we had lunch at a place suggested by our driver that was
excellent and very scenic. Colombe d'Or left the impression of being rather
pretentious, so we were not sorry to have missed eating there.
We finished in Eze with a drink at
Chateau Eza - at the highest point overlooking everything! This was a
suggestion by the British couple dining at the table next to us in St Paul, who
have a house in Antibes. We told them about the amazing town of Tourrettes, and
they said they have been wanting to visit!
Spent a bit of time in lovely
Villefranche before returning to the ship. Seeing it in writing, I can't
believe all that we did, but I know it was a wonderfully relaxing day! Thank
you for your services. We will definitely think of you when we return to Europe
- hopefully soon!”
Karen and Len
P., Parkland FL, October 2009
French Riviera
“The Cannes tour was excellent. The mini bus arrived at the
dock on time. We had to take a small boat from our ship to the dock, but it was
no problem as NCL had it all worked out. The tour guide spoke very good
English. The weather was perfect. I would say don't change the tour--its
perfect. We visited the Church in Monaco and although we visited many churches
on our trip, this was my favorite. The view from the Eze was spectacular. We
stopped several times during the tour to view Nice and Monaco and take
pictures. It was the last tour on our trip and we couldn't ask for a better
ending. I have many grandsons and someday God willing I hope to take them to
Europe. Thanks for all your help and cooperation. I certainly would use your
services again.
Donald C., Carmichael, CA - October 2009
French Riviera
“We had a great time in France. Our tour guide was Stephaine and
she was fabulous. We invited her to lunch with us which was a good thing as she
helped with our ordering of food. She was prompt and informative and fun!!!!
Also one heck of a good driver!!!! I have already given your name out to a
couple others on the ship who wanted to know who we used!!! We will call you again
when we need another tour”
Joanne A.., Richmond, VA - October 2009
French Riviera
“We had a great time, the driver guides were excellent, and
we all enjoyed it”
Raj G., Morton Grove, IL - October 2009
French Riviera
“Guido was certainly the most amazing guide I/we had on our
European tour. He certainly set a standard for the other guides we had, who did
not even come close to him. We had fun, we felt very special and he showed us
things that would have escaped us had we done the tour on our own or even with
another tour guide. We will definitely call you should we do another tour and
I’m sure we will because we love Europe so much. Many thanks for a wonderful time.”
Kim & Garry G., Glenda & Mike B. Scarborough, Ontario -
September 2009
Villefranche, Civitavecchia, Naples, Livorno
“Mainly you need to know how wonderful ALL of the guides were
for each of our ports of call. Their devotion to their jobs, their cities and
their culture was honest and fresh! And they were just down right GREAT
DRIVERS!!
We never felt that we were a
"job" for them. They were excited about the day. They had great
energy and were excited to show us the same places that they had shown so many
others before us. Over all, for me, the thrill of the drive was worth every
penny!! These are "professional drivers" in places where there are NO
rules! (Italy) Wow!
Aldo (our driver in Naples and
Amalfi coast) is quite like a "rock star" around the Sorrento area.
He is very well known by everyone. It was so much fun!! Aldo was my favorite as
he was larger than life! He allowed me to see everything I wanted to see that
day. The lunch at the Caruso was not to start for another 2 hours so we went on
down the way to Positano for our lunch. This was a place were a lot of the
guides brought their clients for lunch. It was called La Tagliata. It had a
great view and the food was outstanding!!! And did I mention it was very well
priced for the amount of food we got - at least a 15 course meal. Aldo was once
again - a "rock star" at this place. We felt very special to be seen
with him!!
Lucca, our driver in Rome was known
as the "Gladiator" and yes he was!! He could get anywhere in Rome in
no time flat! No matter the traffic. He knew every short cut and back alley. We
never walked more than 30 feet to the site of what he wanted us to see. He
pulled right up to the very front of every place we went to in Rome. He showed
us so many different things that we didn't even ask to see. We saw double the
amount of things listed on the original itinerary - just because he was such a
good driver guide.
Sylvia, our driver in Florence was
my father's favorite. The drive through Chianti was well worth it even though
there was some fog in the beginning of the day. It cleared while we were in
Greve and the sky was clear for the rest of the day. Florence was beautiful as
we saw it from the park on the hill when we came into town. Our guide in the
Uffizi museum was Sylvia (the same name as our drive guide). We were able to go
slow and have her talk about the history of the museum and the history of the
art in the museum. We learned so much! She was a fabulous teacher. We loved
talking about art with her. We wanted to stay in Florence and be with her for
several days.
Our guide for the Nice tour was
Pierre. My husband, Victor, fell in love with Pierre. He was calm and laid
back.. He took us to a beautiful place that was a state park. This park was on
the highest mountain behind the town of Eze. It was perfectly clear that day
and we could stand on top of this mountain and see: To our right down the
coast, past Antibes, to St. Tropez . To our left past Monaco far into Italy.
This was a huge surprise to find this pretty park. It was an amazing view. We
were so grateful that he had decided to take us there. We would have never
known to ask to see something like this. The view was spectacular. He also took
us to see the row of Billionaire Yachts in Antibes. He had us walk down the
long dock that held all of the ships for the very rich. They were also amazing.
Our guide in the Vatican was
Daniella. She was fabulous. The Pope was speaking that morning so our Vatican
tour of 3 hours turned into a 5 hour tour. She took us to see everything. She was
extremely smart about art and history. Victor and I loved every moment of these
museum guides as we are very interested in art history.”
Maggie M.,
Norman OK - October 2009
Civitavecchia and Cannes
We enjoyed our excursions with your company very much. The
drivers and guides were professional, punctual, friendly and well-informed. The
vehicles were comfortable, clean and generally of a superior quality. You and
your staff were very helpful and responsive to our inquiries and requests; and
your reservation information was complete, professional, and helpful. We will
be sure to work with you in our future trips to Europe and abroad.
Nancy K., San Antonio TX - October 2009
Livorno, Villefranche and Malaga
”The tours were GREAT! Thank you so much for all your
patience, help and assistance. I also spoke to Joanne A. and their tour with
you to Monaco, Eze, etc. was wonderful also. We ended up having extremely
spacious busses and great drivers and guides at all of the stops. I am more
than happy to continue to refer your company to my family and friends that are
traveling in Europe. We do not have plans to return until late next summer but
we may be in touch again at that time.
Debbie D., Richmond VA - October 2009
Athens and Istanbul
“I would like to thank you so very much for your excellent
cooperation and attention, it has been a real pleasure working with your
company and you can be sure that we would recommend your services to other
friends and relatives, as for us, next time we travel, be sure I will contact
you”
Maggie d. S., Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - September 2009
Civitavecchia
"Our private shore trip in Rome was the best part of our
vacation. Out driver/guide Luca was just great - very professional,
knowledgeable and we had a lot fun spending the day with him. We managed to
visit all the places we were planning to and more thanks to Luca. I'd
definitely recommend your service to all my friends. It was a great experience.
Thank you very much for making our vacation even better and please send Luca
our thanks as well."
Emily B., Brooklyn, NY - September 2009
French Riviera
"I wanted to thank you for arranging our tour of the French
Riviera. It was a wonderful tour and we had a wonderful guide. Thanks again”
Anne G, Cincinnati, OH - September 2009
French Riviera
"We enjoyed our tour and Stephanie was great! We would be
pleased recommend your company."
Marjorie R, Kingwood TX - September 2009
French Riviera
“We most definitely enjoyed our European cruise; it would
rate up there as the best vacation ever. We also had a wonderful time on our
Monte Carlo Private Shore tour. Our guide was fantastic. We will definitely
recommend your services to our friends and family traveling to Europe. Thanks
again for your help, responsiveness and professionally it was most
appreciated.”
Theressa F., Olympia Fields, IL - September 2009
French Riviera
“On behalf of all my friends, we want to send you a very big
thank you for an incredible day we had in Monaco / Monte Carlo /Nice while on
our cruise vacation. Our driver-guide for the day was Pascal and hats off to
him. Everything about the day and what he planned for us will be forever
remembered. Everything we wanted to do and see we did. His knowledge of the
country and suggestions for lunch were right on. I will certainly pass along to
cruise critic what a great organization you have and will recommend you for
furture excursions to this unbelievable city as well as others. Take Care,
Thank you again for everything.
Garrett Group, Baton Rouge LA, Tillson NY and Flushing NY-
September 2009
French Riviera
“Absolutely Incredible! We had put together several other
private tours in Florence, Bruges, and Lisbon. All were good tours, but the
tour we booked through you was by far the best. The guide provided, Stephanie,
was excellent. She was extremely knowledgeable, warm and personable. With her
outgoing and friendly personality, it was more like she was part of the group,
rather than a guide apart from it. She kept us on track time wise, and made
sure we saw everything as planned. Put simply, she was very informative and
lots of FUN! This tour was everything a private tour with friends should be. We
could not have asked for more!”
Anthony M., Brooksville FL, September 2009
Dubrovnik
"Our recent trip in Dubrovnik was excellent. The guide was
well informed. The car and driver were good. They were waiting for us as we got
off the ship and got us back on time, We enjoyed our day! Thanks."
Lynda H., Stuart, FL - September 2009
Valletta
"We have been back from our trip to Europe for over a month
now. For all of my family is was truly a trip of a lifetime. The Malta tour
which you booked for me was a great tour to start with. I selected the three
old cities in Malta--Mdina, Mosta, and Rabat for our tour in Malta and it was a
good choice. The Our Lady of Assumption Church at Mosta was beautiful,
particularly the dome. St Paul's catacombs were really interesting and hard to
believe they did that by hand. Walking the streets of Mdina was also special.
The tour guide was very knowledgeable. She definitely was proud of her country
Malta. It was a great tour and someday God willing I'm going to take my
grandsons to Europe and Malta will certainly be one of my stops. Thanks for all
the help. You guys came up big.."
Donald C., Carmichael CA., September 2009
French Riviera
“We just came back from our cruise and I wanted to tell you that
the tour guide Stephanie was fabulous and my wife Merle who works for Post
haste Travel in Hollywood FL intends to recommend your company to her clients
in the future.”
Robert F., Hollywood FL, August 2009
French Riviera
“I would like you to know how much we enjoyed our tour in
Cannes. Our driver was Pascal and he was wonderful. He brought us to a scenic
overlook that took our breath away. I would highly recommend him and your
service. Thank you very much for being a part of our memorable European cruise”
Gail C, Middleton MA, Aug 2009
Monte Carlo,
Naples, Kusadasi, Katakolon and Piraeus
"Our cruise was amazing, we had the time of our life. All
our tours we had booked through Private shore went really well. They were all
on time and very informative. Great service and very flexible. I would like to
thank you and all the staff for helping us make this a great trip. Would
recommend Private Shore Trips to everyone.
Again many thanks. "
Franca D., Sydney Australia August 2009
Malaga, Livorno, Cannes, Barcelona, Lisbon, Vigo and
Civitavecchia
“I just want to let you know that all the tours were wonderful!
They were on time and the tour guides were very nice and informative. Thank you
so much for your help booking these tours and my family and I had an amazing
time in Europe. I will definitely recommend you to all my friends and family.
Thanks again!”
Khana F., New York, NY, August 2009
Villefranche and Naples
"So glad you asked for our feedback. The 2 tours were
awesome. The tour in Nice with Breece, our tour guide, was so beautiful and
relaxing. He was very knowledgeable and personable - we had a great time. The
best part was being able to spend more time in St. Paul de Vence and foregoing
another stop - we could make that decision "on the fly" because it
was just our group. Agostino in Naples was also very good. We spent no time
waiting in lines - he arranged everything and then stepped into the background
and let us do our thing! We ended up with a private boat tour around Capri, a
ride up on the chairlift to the top of the island, and a wonderful lunch at
Columbus restaurant. My husband had the best raviolis of his life! We would
definitely recommend Private Shore Trips to anyone who wanted to tailor their
tours to their own interests and did not want to be part of a large, impersonal
tour."
Dani M, Mission Viejo CA - July 2009
Villefranche, Naples, Civitavecchia, Livorno, Dubrovnik
"We're back home from Europe, we want to let you know that
we were very pleased with all the tours that you organize for us, it was a
great group of people (drivers and tour guides) they were always on time and
they were all extremely nice. It was a great experience and we will contact you
in future trips. Thanks."
Pilar G., Dominican Republic - July 2009
Athens, Kusadasi, Naples
“I can't describe the feeling I had when we arrived in Athens to
find Maria waiting for us with a big sign and a bigger smile. I felt relief that
she was there and that our journey could begin. Maria was incredible - whisking
us off to Cape Sounion and then through the Acropolis with her wonderful
story-telling and history lesson. She took us to a phenomenal restaurant at the
base of the Acropolis and by the entrance to the Plaka. The food, the perfect
weather and her lovely company made for a perfect day.
In Turkey we were met by Hakan, a
true character and delightful guide in Kudashi. He was so knowledgeable about
Ephesus and the Terrace Houses, we were rapt. He took us to a local restaurant
for lunch and off to learn about Turkish carpets...another wonderful
experience.
Finally, our last tour in Naples
started off in Pompeii. Our guide Agostino managed to get us through the
throngs of people and see the sights - managing to capture some shade along the
way. We were supposed to do the Amalfi drive to Positano and Sorrento but the
traffic was crazy so he took us through the mountains and off to Amalfi.
Unfortunately, on our way we received a call that one of our party (who
remained on the ship) was taken to the hospital in Naples. My brother- in -law
hadn't been feeling well and went to see the ship's doctor, who promptly sent
him to the clinic. We made the decision, heartbreaking though it was, to turn
around and go back to Naples. Agostino stayed on the phone, translating the
diagnosis from the doctors to our family. he had the driver, the wonderful
Nicolo, take us directly to the clinic and stayed with my father and brother
until they released my brother-in-law.
Though not the trip we had hoped
for, Agostino came through for us and made a bad situation more bearable. I
can't thank you enough for assisting us with our plans - I would have no
hesitancy in referring other to you for their shore excursion needs. All the
best”
Fay T, Bala
Cynwyd PA, July 2009
Livorno
"Francesco arrived early and the vehicle was a very nice
Mercedes mini-van type (we don't have this type in North America). I had chosen
the Chianti wine region tour which apparently is not the best choice for
first-timers to that area. Francesco pointed out that most tourists choose Pisa
and Florence as a first tour in the region. He gave us the choice but since our
teen daughter decided to come with us we knew she wouldn't be too keen on a 3.5-hour
wine tour drive through Tuscany. Francesco had the perfect solution - a trip to
Pisa, a tour of Florence, and still time to visit one winery. We enjoyed the
tower in Pisa, strolled through Florence and had lunch there (didn't get to see
all of it of course, that would be a day in itself), and Francesco arranged a
tour of a winery/olive oil producer in Tuscany. I scored a fantastic deal on
some premium organic olive oil that I would have paid a fortune for here in
Canada, and a couple of bottles of their Chianti as mementos of a great, great
day. We really appreciated Francesco's flexibility with the tour and his
eagerness for us to have an enjoyable time. He did mention that he was filling
in for the tour guide who was supposed to do our tour that day but was double
booked or something, so he didn't give us his card in order to keep things
honest. It didn't matter to us that he was a substitute as we thought he was
great anyway. Whenever we got out to see something he was always waiting with
the car exactly when and where he said he would. I would certainly recommend
him for anyone."
Monique M., Callingwood, Ontario, July 2009
Naples
"We had a great time. Pascual did A great job. We really
enjoyed it. Stefano also was a great help. Thank you."
Awilda L, Coral Gables FL - July 2009
St. Petersburg
"We had a wonderful tour and the guide you provided was
very good. She took us to all of the places we wanted to go, handled the
history of St. Petersburg well, and most importantly, gave us insight as to what
life for a Russian is like now that the Soviet Union is gone. I would recommend
your company and if ever you need me for a reference, do not hesitate to
ask."
Shirley L., San Francisco, CA - August 2009
St. Petersburg
"The tour was excellent, the guide was knowledgeable,
pleasant and flexible in meeting our requests (eg short lunch). Certainly
better than being in a big bus tour with all the other passengers. Thanks!”
Susan W., Cheshire, United Kingdom - July 2009
Belfast, Dublin, Cork and Le Havre
"Just returned from London yesterday. Just wanted to let
you know that all went well and the guides were outstanding. Had a fabulous
time and looking forward to working with you again. The guides were very
professional and on time. One was 30 minutes late, but we forgave him... He
turned out to be a very good guide. I think it was in Belfast. Leaving for
Honolulu for the month of August Wed, so have a lot to do before that date.
Thanks again."
Ed J. Ventura CA - July 2009
Marseille
Marie-Helene showed up on time with a very nice, clean Mercedes
mini-van type vehicle. She had gifts for us - two small bottles of a local
liquor and some French perfume samples. I thought this was a very nice gesture.
She had water bottles available for us throughout the day as well. She was
definitely the most professional of the 3 guides. First we went to a fortress
and after about 2 minutes we decided we had seen about one too many historical
structures by this point in our trip. It was the last day of our cruise and we
were quite exhausted. We just couldn't take any more photos or hear any more
history. I talked to Marie-Helene about this and asked if we could have a very
strange tour and could we locate a specific French sporting store that my
daughter loves because it sells a line of French equestrian equipment. Not only
did we do that (had to buy an extra suitcase for all the equipment we bought)
but upon hearing that my daughter does horseback riding Marie-Helene called a
friend of hers and we ended up going to her beautiful property in Provence
complete with horses and a show ring. The friend is an accomplished equestrian
herself and did a show for us. She even let my daughter ride her horse. Even
with the language barrier between us and the friend, it ended up being a day we
will never forget and by the end of the day we all considered Marie-Helene to
be our dear friend. After the riding show we went to Cassis and enjoyed a
couple of hours strolling around this beautiful seaside town and had lunch
there. We found a local market and bought some wonderful handmade Provencal
ceramics. Marie-Helene was always waiting with the car where and when she
promised. I'm quite sure Marie-Helene will never do another tour quite like
ours and I will never forget how she tailored the day to our needs and wants”
Monique M., Callingwod, Ontario July 2009
French Riviera
“The tour with Pierre was very good. Pierre did a terrific job
for us. He was informative, engaging, and accommodating.”
Russ M., Vancouver Canada, July 2009
French Riviera
“We were very happy with
the tour, and would not hesitate to use or refer your company in the future.”
Larry I., Woodbury NY July 2009
French Riviera
“We really enjoyed our tour. Our tour guide Yannick was
fantastic -- very courteous, knowledgeable and friendly. Will definitely keep
you guys in mind for future trips.”
Grace K., New York, NY, June 2009
Athens
"We were extremely pleased with the tour. Our guide was a
delightful and very informative lady. We all enjoyed it very much".
Jim L ., Ooltewah TN, June 2009
French Riviera
“We had great time on the tour. Our guide Brice was very
informative. We look forward to travelling with you again. Thanks”
Kruti C, Dover NJ - June 2009
Barcelona, Monte Carlo
"One of the very first things
that one should admire about a person or a company is integrity. Mr. Steven
Hurley and Travel with Friends certainly has that. Not everything goes well all
of the time. When my wife and myself had difficulties with a tour in Barcelona,
Spain that Mr. Hurley arranged for us, the details were verified and without
question or delay the issue was resolved. A few days later, Travel with Friends
had arranged another tour for us starting in Monte Carlo. Mr. Hurley went out
of his way to assure that this tour went 'without a hitch' - and it did. Thus,
via integrity alone, I would recommend Travel with Friends and would use them
again."
Walter F.
Zoller, D.M.D. Titusville, FL, June 2009
Piraeus, Kusadasi and Naples
“I can't describe the feeling I had when we arrived in Athens to
find Maria waiting for us with a big sign and a bigger smile. I felt relief
that she was actually there and that our journey could begin. Maria was
incredible - whisking us off to Cape Sounion and then through the Acropolis
with her wonderful story-telling and history lesson. She took us to a
phenomenal restaurant at the base of the Acropolis and by the entrance to the
Plaka. The food, the perfect weather and her lovely company made for a perfect
day.
In Turkey we were met by Hakan, a
true character and delightful guide in Kudashi. He was so knowledgeable about
Ephesus and the Terrace Houses, we were rapt. He took us to a local restaurant
for lunch and off to learn about Turkish carpets...another wonderful
experience.
Finally, our last tour in Naples
started off in Pompeii. Our guide Agostino managed to get us through the
throngs of people and see the sights - managing to capture some shade along the
way. We were supposed to do the Amalfi drive to Positano and Sorrento but the
traffic was crazy so he took us through the mountains and off to Amalfi.
Unfortunately, on our way we received a call that one of our party (who
remained on the ship) was taken to the hosptial in Naples. My brother- in -law
hadn't been feeling well and went to see the ship's doctor, who promptly sent
him to the clinic. We made the decision, heartbreaking though it was, to turn
around and go back to Naples. Agostino stayed on the phone, translating the
diagnosis from the doctors to our family. he had the driver, the wonderful
Nicolo, take us directly to the clinic and stayed with my father and brother
until they released my brother-in-law.
Though not the trip we had hoped
for, Agostino came through for us and made a bad situation more bearable. I
can't thank you enough for assisting us with our plans - I would have no hesitancy
in referring other to you for their shore excursion needs.”
Fay T and
Howard G. Bala-Cynwyd PA - June 2009
St. Petersburg
“We had a wonderful Baltic cruise and stayed 4 more days in
Copenhagen. We enjoyed the fantastic St. Petersburg tour very much. Dasha is a
wonderful tour guide, she has explained the early Russian history to us well. I
will definitely keep you in mind for the future European cruise. I will arrange
another Mediterranean cruise to Greece and Turkey next year, will inform you
later for the dates."
Helen L., Placentia, CA June 2009
Livorno
"THE TRIP WAS GREAT, and I highly recommend using you.
Thanks again."
Jeff V., Henrietta NY, May 2009
St. Petersburg
“I would like to thank you for the wonderful tour you have
provided us in St.Petersburg. The bus was nice and very comfortable, the driver
is very good and the guide, Titiana was so nice and knowledgeable and also very
helpful. We are very happy with them and the tour.It was very nice and
St.Petersburg is wonderful.
I will recommend your company to
anyone and again thanks for the wonderful service. I hope to book for more
tours with your company in the near future. Sincerely”
Lucia P.
Mississauga, On. Canada, May 2009
Athens
"I just wanted to let you know that the tour of Athens
arranged through you and Private Shore Trips was (once again) fantastic!! Elsa,
our guide, was more than knowledgeable of the history and current ongoing
renovations. What a joy she was to be with for the day!! Please pass on our
compliments to her. Thank you for recommending that we take a few hours to tour
the Plaka... We had so much fun. Also, the driver, condition of the van, etc.
were all superb.
Thank you again for arranging a wonderful day of touring for
us. We will be sure to contact you next year when we make our travel
plans!"
John T., Easton PA, May 2009
Dublin
“We had a wonderful tour of Dublin. Our guide Mary and driver
Phillip were both very knowledgeable and accommodating. We were always dropped
off very close to the venue we wanted to see. Everything ran very smoothly and
we were able to see everything we had requested and more. We will be certain to
recommend your company in the future to any friends going to Ireland and hope
someday to make a return trip. Thank you again for such a pleasurable
experience.”
Gilda S, Jonesborough TN, May 2009
Marseille
"Magnificent! Loved it, loved it! Guide was wonderful. We
had William for both days and he was great!! Could not have been nicer, or more
helpful or pleasant to be around. We were quite pleased."
Debbie D., Richmond VA, May 2009
Istanbul and Piraeus
“The guide was absolutely superb. Alexandra was nice,
intelligent, and informative. We loved her. Turkey was also wonderful. I am
very impressed with the way you handled things. We had set up a couple tours
elsewhere with someone else and were not happy at all. Thanks for
everything."
Stephanie M.,
University Place WA - April 2009
