HAL's Private Vans through Shore Excursions

[idiebabe]

We're doing South America on the Zaandam in March and HAL is offering Vans (6 - 8 ppl) for private tours through Shore Excursions.

 

We booked the Mini-Van for a few Ports and were wondering if anyone has booked them and would appreciate hearing about your experience!

 

Thanks! :)

 

Eileen

[kazu]

We're doing South America on the Zaandam in March and HAL is offering Vans (6 - 8 ppl) for private tours through Shore Excursions.

 

We booked the Mini-Van for a few Ports and were wondering if anyone has booked them and would appreciate hearing about your experience!

 

Thanks! :)

 

Eileen

 

We did one for Rome - it was fabulous - just like a private excursion. Quality was superb. Tour was fabulous and the tour guide(s) were impeccable.

 

Wish HAL offered more of these.

 

Sorry it wasn't South America but anyone who knows me on the boards knows I can be critical of HAL tours and will often do private.

 

So, for what it's worth - we were very impressed and if they were offered would do them again :D

[CruiserBruce]

We have done these "semi private" tours (our nickname, as we do true private tours as well) in Athens and St Petersburg. Athens it was awesome- just an excellent day with a great driver and guide. Couldn't imagine it being any better.

 

In St Petersburg we got a relatively new guide, who struggled with English. She tried hard, but it was a bit of a challenge. The driver was good. The tour overall was good, but we wished we got a little more out of the guide.

[idiebabe]

:)

We did one for Rome - it was fabulous - just like a private excursion. Quality was superb. Tour was fabulous and the tour guide(s) were impeccable.

 

Wish HAL offered more of these.

 

Sorry it wasn't South America but anyone who knows me on the boards knows I can be critical of HAL tours and will often do private.

 

So, for what it's worth - we were very impressed and if they were offered would do them again :D

 

We have done these "semi private" tours (our nickname, as we do true private tours as well) in Athens and St Petersburg. Athens it was awesome- just an excellent day with a great driver and guide. Couldn't imagine it being any better.

 

In St Petersburg we got a relatively new guide, who struggled with English. She tried hard, but it was a bit of a challenge. The driver was good. The tour overall was good, but we wished we got a little more out of the guide.

 

Thank you Jacqui and Bruce for the very positive feedback! :) We usually prefer the smallness and flexibility of private tours, too, so after searching for private Tour Ops we decided to book the Vans through HAL.

 

Thank you again - appreciate it! :)

 

Eileen

[PSR]

We have done these "semi private" tours (our nickname, as we do true private tours as well) in Athens and St Petersburg. Athens it was awesome- just an excellent day with a great driver and guide. Couldn't imagine it being any better.

 

In St Petersburg we got a relatively new guide, who struggled with English. She tried hard, but it was a bit of a challenge. The driver was good. The tour overall was good, but we wished we got a little more out of the guide.

 

How is the tour route arranged? Does one have to know what places he/she wants to visit and tell the guide, or can it be preset by the mini-van company? I was always confused about this part of the booking. Can there be a mix of pre-set and guest choice, or they have a list of places to visit? Are you allowed to stop at some places for a bit, or do you just drive by everything?

 

Appreciate any info,

Penny