Viking newbie excursion question

[Poulsbo Cruisers]

We will be doing our first Viking voyage in September. We stop in Porto from 8am to 6pm. There is an included walking tour that lasts several hours. My question deals with this port as well as others. If we do the included tour are we obligated to stay with the group until it returns to the ship? Or may we leave the group at the end of the walk and make our way back to the ship on our own? It would seem like a waste to spend so little time in the city. 

[CCWineLover]

1 hour ago, Poulsbo Cruisers said:

We will be doing our first Viking voyage in September. We stop in Porto from 8am to 6pm. There is an included walking tour that lasts several hours. My question deals with this port as well as others. If we do the included tour are we obligated to stay with the group until it returns to the ship? Or may we leave the group at the end of the walk and make our way back to the ship on our own? It would seem like a waste to spend so little time in the city. 

Hi Poulsbo!  We were just in Seattle!

we did included in Porto and you are Not obligated to go home with the rest.  You can stay in town and come back on your own.   Many ports Viking has shuttles also for the independent walkers to get a ride back.  Check with the ship!

[Hockeyump]

Just make sure you tell your guide when you leave the group so they know not to be waiting for two missing people!

[CILCIANRQTS]

Plus, the included in Porto that ends in a port tasting uses a VERY touristy tasting room with mostly other cruise ship passengers and offers only two poor quality ports. Do a tasting on your own!

[Clay Clayton]

3 hours ago, Hockeyump said:

Just make sure you tell your guide when you leave the group so they know not to be waiting for two missing people!

I would also recommend telling another guest who is staying with the tour that you’re leaving (perhaps folks sitting across or behind you in the bus) just in case the guide forgets.  

[Twitchly]

We did the included tour in Porto and then wandered on our own. No problem at all getting a ride back to the ship.

[hbtraveler]

On our excursions, when we were in proximity to the ship or a Viking provided shuttle, we told the guide that we were going to walk back or take the shuttle and there was no problem.  However, if you don’t get back to the ship on time, they may not wait.  Then you would be responsible for getting to the next port.  As long as you keep track of time and know when the last shuttle leaves, you should be fine.  

[CDNPolar]

We have often left the guided excursion.  As others say, just ensure that you tell the guide that you are leaving and ensure that you know the back onboard time and don't miss it.