FAQ, Frequently Asked Questions about Private Tours
What is Guides4Me?
Guides4Me connects travellers with trusted local guides for private and personalised tours around the world. We currently offer experiences in more than 250 destinations across 78 countries, helping travellers explore beyond the typical tourist routes.
Are your tours private?
Yes. All Guides4Me experiences are private tours designed around your interests, schedule, and travel style. Whether you are travelling solo, as a couple, or with friends, your guide focuses entirely on your group.
What is a Guides4me shore excursion?
A Guides4me shore excursion is a private, personalised tour designed for cruise passengers who want a more authentic and flexible experience in port. Instead of large group bus tours, you explore destinations with friendly local guides who tailor the experience to your interests.
How are Guides4me tours different from cruise ship excursions?
Guides4me focuses on small, private, and customised experiences rather than crowded group tours. You get personal attention, local insights, flexible itineraries, and a more relaxed pace.
Can the tour be customised to my interests?
Absolutely. Your local tour guide can adapt the itinerary based on your interests, pace, and preferences, whether you want famous landmarks, hidden gems, local food, culture, or off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Will the guide meet us at the cruise port?
Yes. Guides4me guides can meet you directly at the cruise terminal or port, making the experience convenient and stress-free.
Will we return to the ship on time?
Yes. Guides4me local tour guides understand cruise schedules and carefully plan excursions to ensure you return to your ship on time.
Are your guides local experts?
Yes. Guides4me works with carefully selected friendly local guides who have deep knowledge of their city, culture, and hidden attractions.
Do Guides4me guides speak English?
Yes. ALL Guides4me friendly local tour guides speak English and often multiple languages to help international travellers feel comfortable and connected.
Are Guides4me tours suitable for solo travellers?
Yes. Guides4me is especially ideal for solo travellers who want a safe, friendly, and personalised experience with a trusted local guide.
Are your excursions suitable for families and couples?
Yes. Guides4me tours can be tailored for families, couples, friends, solo travellers, and small private groups.
What destinations does Guides4me cover?
Guides4me offers tours in destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and the Americas, including popular cruise ports like Barcelona, Rome, Athens, Dubai, Auckland, Reykjavik, Cape Town, and many more. Click here to use our interactive worldwide destination Map.
Which cruise lines work with Guides4me?
Guides4me supports travellers from many major cruise lines including MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Viking, Cunard, and more.
Why choose a local guide instead of a large bus tour?
A private local tour guide gives you authentic cultural insights, flexibility, hidden local spots, and a more personal connection with the destination. You avoid crowds and enjoy a more meaningful travel experience.
Are Guides4me excursions affordable?
Yes. Guides4me promotes affordable private experiences that often provide better value and more flexibility than traditional cruise ship excursions.
Is safety a priority?
Yes. Guides4me carefully selects guides based on professionalism, local knowledge, communication skills, open-mindedness and traveller safety awareness.
Can Guides4me help us discover hidden gems?
Definitely. Guides4me specialises in authentic local experiences beyond the standard tourist attractions, helping travellers discover places many visitors miss.
Do you offer LGBT-friendly guides and experiences?
Yes. Most Guides4me destinations and guides openly promote LGBT-friendly experiences to help travellers feel welcome and comfortable.
Is booking a Guides4me shore excursion easy?
Yes. Guides4me aims to provide a simple and stress-free booking process with personalised support and flexible tour planning.
What kind of experiences can we expect?
You can enjoy sightseeing, cultural experiences, local food tours, scenic drives, nature adventures, hidden local spots, and personalised city exploration depending on the destination.
What is the main philosophy behind Guides4me?
Guides4me believes travel should be personal, authentic, and human. Their goal is to help travellers experience destinations through local eyes while creating genuine connections and unforgettable memories.
Are airport pickup and transportation included?
This depends on the destination and tour package. Many of our guides can arrange airport transfers, private transportation, or local drivers upon request.
Can I customise my tour itinerary?
Absolutely. Our local tour guides can tailor your itinerary based on your interests, including:
• Food and nightlife
• Historical landmarks
• Hidden local spots
• Nature and adventure
• Photography tours
• Cultural experiences
• Shore excursions
How do I book a private tour?
It’s as Easy as 1 – 2 – 3 – 4
Booking a personalized travel experience with Guides4me is simple and secure. We handle the logistics so you can focus on the adventure.
Step 1: Choose Your Destination
Explore our interactive map or browse our Destinations list to find a private local tour guide in over 250 cities worldwide. Whether it’s for a solo trip or a private shore excursion, we have the perfect match for you.
Step 2: Secure Your Booking
To reserve your guide, a booking fee of $39 per day is payable in advance. This ensures your guide is dedicated to your requested dates. We accept:
• Credit/Debit Cards (via PayPal)
• Bank Transfers (Wise, Revolut, Monzo)
• Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more)
Step 3: Personalize Your Itinerary
Once the booking fee is confirmed, we provide you with your guide’s direct contact details. You will work with them one-on-one to plan your day, share your interests, and set a meeting point.
Step 4: Explore and Pay Locally
Meet your guide and enjoy your tailor-made tour! After your experience, you pay the remaining balance directly to your private local tour guide in local cash.
