Cash in on the hyper-local trend with shore excursions your clients will love.

1 A taste of Tuscany

Highlights: A scenic horse-drawn carriage journey around a remote family-run Tuscan wine estate, followed by a visit to the cellar to see production and then lunch of typical local treats – plus a glug-load of good wine.

Who’s it for? “This is a good excursion to recommend to someone who’s been to Pisa before and wants something different and calm, away from the onboard bustle and city tours,” says cruisingexcursions.com’s Simonne Fairbanks.

Who does it? cruisingexcursions.com

2 Chilling with Embera Indians in Panama

Highlights: Take a trip back in time to this traditional Embera Indian village, whose inhabitants are committed to preserving a traditional lifestyle. A native guide leads tours to discover the abundant flora and fauna, while giving enthralling titbits of information about local rituals and medicinal plants.

Who’s it for? Nature lovers and wannabe explorers will be thrilled by this excursion.

Who does it? Shore Excursions Group:  shoreexcursionsgroup.com

3 Backstreet gourmet in Athens

Highlights: This trip takes your taste buds to sample the city’s lesser-known gourmet delights. From bakeries to sweetshops, pie stores to spice emporiums, this is Greece on a plate.

Who’s it for? With the popularity of TV cookery shows growing, this tour is a great one to recommend to budding chefs.

Who does it? Alternative Athens, The Delicious Athens Food Tour: alternativeathens.com

4 Wine with the makers in Australia

Highlights: Guests spend the day learning about local wines at the family-run Hunter Valley Resort, in the heart of Australia’s oldest wine region. After wine tutorials and a wonderful wine-pairing lunch, they take off shoes and get hands-on (or feet on) experience as they tread a vat of grapes.

Who’s it for? This tour is suitable for wine novices and families who want to have fun as they meet locals while learn all about local wines at the same time.

Who does it? Norwegian Cruise Line: ncl.com

5 Feel the vibe in Tallinn

Highlights: Guests will learn a host of fascinating facts on this four-hour walking tour to discover Tallinn’s bohemian districts and industrial areas, stopping en route to sip and sup at local haunts.

Who’s it for? Anyone who really wants to get under the skin of this vibrant Estonian city will love this tour.

Who does it? Visit Tallinn, Tallinn of The Locals tour: visittallinn.ee

6 Grape tales in the Med

Highlights: Five new shore excursions, designed in partnership with international TV series The Wine Show, include the chance to discover Spain’s rich winemaking tradition near Barcelona, explore the world of Greek wine on Santorini and learn about the wine of one of Italy’s oldest noble families.

Who’s it for? Budding sommeliers who seek an insight into the stories behind some of the world’s most revered wine producers will adore this tour.

Who does it? Celebrity Cruises, The Wine Show:   celebritycruises.co.uk

7 Heritage and Hawker food in George Town

Highlights: Burn off the calories as you explore the foodie delights of George Town, the capital of the state of Penang in Malaysia, by bike.

Who’s it for? “This tour is a great way to explore this historical city and is a fun and exciting day to spend with friends out in the fresh air.  It’s also a good option to recommend to anyone who mentions keeping fit on a cruise and likes exercise,” says Simonne Fairbanks.

Who does it? cruisingexcursions.com

8 Burial grounds and bark juice in Barbados

Highlights: Get spooked and sip traditional local bark juice (Mauby) as you learn about Barbados’ more obscure traditions on this tour, which takes you to burial grounds and haunted vaults.

Who’s it for? Families looking for something out of the ordinary will have a whale of a time on this spook-themed tour.

Who does it? De Grave Yard Walk: toursbylocals.com

9 Disappearing Trades in Singapore

Highlights: Visiting one of Singapore’s oldest bakeries, finding out more about the Chinese art of paper house making and enjoying kopi at a traditional coffee roasting house are just some of the highlights of this hyper-local tour.

Who’s it for? Guests who want to learn more about Singapore’s rich history while delving into this interesting city’s traditions.

Who does it? Disappearing Trades Tour: worldexpress.com.sg

10 Fish for crabs in Alaska

Highlights: Trips don’t get more authentic than this sea crab fishing trip that’s been featured on the Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch. Guests set out on a working boat to discover the stunning landscapes of Ketchikan and learn more about the dangers of crab fishing in the Bering Sea.

Who’s it for? Not for weak stomachs, this exclusive tour will appeal to adventure lovers looking for unique pics for their Instagram feed.

Who does it? Shore Trips: shoretrips.com

SALES TIP

Impress your clients by having a good working knowledge of the range of shore excursions available at different ports.