Tours & Transfers Main | Private Shore Excursions

Please contact JDB Reservations for 2010 rates.

Private Shore Excursions are available daily from the ports of Livorno, Civitavecchia, Naples, Sorrento, Amalfi, Palermo, Messina and Naxos (Taormina). When booking Shore Excursions, please provide the name of the ship, with arrival and departure times from the port. Most vehicles used for shore excursions are Mercedes E-class, V-class & 16 seat minibuses. However, JDB Ground retains the right to substitute a different vehicle type if necessary.

Tour itineraries are subject to change due to site closings, inclement weather, strikes or other unforeseen circumstances. JDB Ground reserves the right to substitute a venue or site during a tour in the event the scheduled site is not available. Entrance fees to museums and exhibits are not included in the rate unless indicated, nor are gratuities for drivers and guides.

Should the client miss the scheduled Shore Excursion for any reason, the client will be charged the full fee and is not entitled to a refund. Please advise at the time of booking if the client has a physical disability or if there are children needing a car seat.

Custom Shore Excursions from the ports of Livorno, Civitavecchia, Naples, Sorrento, Amalfi, Palermo, Messina and Naxos (Taormina) can be arranged by emailing your request to italyground@jdbhotels.com or calling JDB at 800.346.5358.

IMPORTANT: Please read our Payment and Cancellation Policy and Pickup Procedures.

Includes transportation and expert guide, and on the full day tour entry fee to the Palatine Chapel.

Cefalù and Castelbuono
8 - 9 Hours
Meet your guide and driver at the port for the drive to Cefalù, a medieval seaside town on the northern coast of Sicily dominated by "La Rocca," a huge rock promontory that was once the site of a temple of Diana. The town is accessible only by foot, so enjoy a relaxing walking tour to include the remains of a medieval washhouse and the town's cathedral, considered one of the finest Norman cathedrals in Sicily. Then depart along a scenic road lined with beautiful views and olive trees towards Castelbuono, a charming town set in the heart of the countryside. Visit the famous Castle with its Palatine Chapel, and then enjoy a tasting of the local pastries that are produced only in this area. There will be free time for lunch on your own.

Includes full day transportation and guide, along with admission fee at the Palatine Chapel and tasting of local pastries.

Selinute and Olive Oil Tasting
8 Hours
Depart from Palermo port with your driver and guide, to one of the most important Greek colonies in Sicily, Selinunte. Take a guided tour of the vast archaeological area with its Necropolis and important Greek temples. Then drive to the Becchina Estate, situated in the gentle uplands of south western Sicily and an ideal location for growing olives. Here the owners have restored the ancient groves and now produce one of the finest Extra Virgin Olive Oils in Italy. Tour the property and olive oil mill, and then enjoy a tasting of this "liquid gold" on local specialty bread, accompanied by an assortment of local products such as roasted Sicilian almonds, Pecorino cheese with fig compote, fresh Ricotta cheese with orange blossom honey, olive patè, and gourmet herbed olives.

Includes full day transportation with private guide, admission fee to Selinunte archaeological area, tour and tasting at the Becchina Estate.

Agrigento's Valley of the Temples
7 - 8 Hours
Depart the port with your driver for Agrigento, an hour and 50 minutes from Palermo, to meet your expert guide. The Valley of the Temples, founded in 581 BC and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes the Temple of Concord, one of the best preserved Doric Temples in all the Greek world. Built between 450 and 440 BC, it is a masterpiece in style and has survived virtually intact. The Temple of Hercules, built about 510 BC is the oldest of the Agrigentine temples, and set high on the summit of the temple hill is the Temple of Juno, with a large altar for sacrifices. Following the tour, proceed to the city of Agrigento where you will have time for lunch on your own before returning to Palermo port.

Includes driver, expert guide at Agrigento (2 hours) and entrance fees to the Valley of the Temples.

Greek Segesta and Medieval Erice
7 - 8 Hours
Depart the port with your driver and guide, passing Mt. Barbaro, to Segesta's archeological area for a tour to include its famous unfinished and remarkably preserved 430 BC Doric temple, and striking amphitheater that dominates the surroundings and coastline. Proceed onwards to Erice for a walking tour of this delightful 5th century medieval village, perched on a cliff 751 meters above the sea. See the town's highlights, including the Norman city gates and the Virgin Mary Church. Then walk up to Balio Gardens and Venus Castle where you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view over the plain. There will be time for shopping and lunch on your own before returning to your ship.