While cruise ship excursions can be convenient, there are several compelling reasons to consider booking an independent private guided tour for your shore excursion.

Situated along the southernmost part of the Dorset Coast site lies the fabled island of Portland. This natural harbor was used for over 500 years by the British Royal Navy, and when breakwater construction was performed between 1848 and 1905, it created one of the largest man-made harbors in the world. An important launch site during both World Wars, the harbor was used for naval exercises until 1995, after which the waters became popular for tourism and were used for the sailing events during the 2012 Olympic Games. The tiny limestone island is home to the Abbotsbury Swannery, the only place in the world where you can walk freely through colonies of nesting mute swans, and is a perfect jumping-off point to visit the stone ruins of Corfe Castle, built by William the Conqueror. Take in the nearby magnificent Salisbury Cathedral, and experience the ancient mystery of the somber plinths of Stonehenge. Just four miles long by a mile and a half wide, Portland is ruggedly beautiful, with endless vistas and wild, natural landscapes. Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral is a very popular excursion from Portland and make a wonderful sightseeing day (source Princess Cruises)

WINNER: BEST ‘CRUISE SHIP TOUR OPERTATOR’ 2023 – UK NAUTICAL TOURISM AWARDS

PRIVATE GUIDED TOURS FROM PORTLAND:
This service is designed for customers who’s ship is visiting Portland as a port of call for the day, giving you the opportunity to visit Stonehenge and some of the exciting destinations the South West has to offer, before returning back to the ship in time for its evening departure.
A private tour is far more convenient and most likely more economical than joining a larger coach group and includes a ‘meet and greet’ service at Weymouth (Portland Port). Our company has special permission to park and personally meet you on the quay side as you walk off the ship saving you lots of sightseeing time.

Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset play host to some of the country’s richest historical cities and landmarks, so easily accessible from Portland’s beckoning harbour.

This private tour service is available on all cruise ships dates including: Disney Cruise, Royal Caribbean, Oceania, NCL, Celebrity, Azamara, Cunard, Norwegian Star, Carnival & Princess cruise ships visiting Portland. Service also available to passengers on other ships not listed when dates and arrival times coincide with ships listed. Please note you will need to make your own way to the ship we are servicing on that date.

Our private, Portland Port of Call tours offer:

• Exclusive use of a luxury touring vehicle and expert driver / guide
• Expert staff on hand to help plan your itinerary & ensure you make the most of your visit
• Create your own tour itinerary or take any of our regular tour routes – the choice is yours

Some tour examples and recommendations of places to visit are below – please remember this is only a small selection of popular requests. If your requirements differ from this please contact us and we will be happy to provide a quotation and suggested itinerary.

Morning or afternoon half day option(s) you will have time to visit one of these locations.

• Stonehenge – Visit one of the greatest mysteries of the prehistoric world.
• Salisbury Cathedral – See an original copy of the Magna Carta from 1215.
• Durdle Door and Corge Castle
• Weymouth & Portland

Full day option(s) you will have time to visit these locations.

• Bath & Stonehenge – Enjoy the Roman splendour of Bath followed by the mystery of Stonehenge.
• Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta
• Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove & Corfe Castle

Every tour itinerary is specified to each ship’s docking time. We will do our best to show you as much as possible depending on your requirements.

We will get you back in time for the ship’s departure time. We always allow some extra time for any unforeseen happening for our return to the cruise terminal.

PRIVATE TOUR PRICES:
1-4 Passengers From £295
4-7 Passengers from £395
8 – 16 Passengers from £695

The Portland Cruise Ship Experts
Visit our website for more details on our tours