Sirena

Standard tours of Corfu run at a pace suited to those staying on the island, but if you’re passing through on a cruise ship, time is of the essence.

A private driver-guide shows you Corfu your way, typically the UNESCO-listed Old Town, the Paleokastritsa coastline and hilltop villages, on a half or full day.

Taste Corfu's Venetian-influenced food on a three-hour walk through the Old Town, with local snacks, sweets and drinks along with the history behind them.

Head down the coast to hilltop Taormina for its ancient Greek theatre and Corso Umberto, then up to the village of Castelmola for sweeping views of Mount Etna.

Ride a 4x4 up Europe's most active volcano to walk among craters and old lava flows, then taste Etna wines over lunch high on the mountain.

Eat your way around Messina with a local guide: arancini, focaccia messinese, granita and other Sicilian street food classics, adding up to a full meal.

Circle all of Antigua by speedboat, stopping to snorkel, swim at Stingray City and see Devil's Bridge and the island's quiet bays from the water.

A guided drive to the island's highlights, including Nelson's Dockyard, the view from Shirley Heights and some of Antigua's famous beaches.

Zip around Antigua in an open-air tuk-tuk, through the rainforest and on to a couple of beaches, for a fun, laid-back half day.