Private Sightseeing
Private and Small Group Tours
Fully refundable and amendable up until 14 days before travel
Booking a private tour with International Friends gives you the flexibility to visit your chosen destinations at your own pace, with the added benefit of expert advice and guidance when planning your trip. Our private, small group tours offer:
- Exclusive use of an executive touring vehicle for your full day tour (9-10 hours)
- Expert staff on hand to help plan your itinerary & ensure you make the most of your day
- Door to door service
- Optional service of an expert guide to accompany you for the day
- Create your own itinerary or take any of our regular tour routes - the choice is yours!
- Great option for private cruise transfers & shore excursions
- All vehicles deep cleaned daily
- Flexible booking guarantee
Our private tours can begin from a number of locations; all of which are detailed in the bookings box to the right hand side of this page. Tours can be booked as a 'round trip' e.g. where we collect you from your hotel for a days touring, and return you back to the hotel in the evening, OR as a transfer service e.g. take you from a cruise ship or airport to your hotel with sightseeing en route.
The duration of your vehicle hire is 9-10 hours depending on the places that you are visiting, and traffic conditions on the day. Our prices are based on 1 collection and drop off point. Our vehicles are based in London. If you require pick up or drop off from a different location the hire period begins when the vehicle leaves London, and finishes when the vehicle returns to London. If your requirements differ from this please contact us and we will be happy to provide a quotation.
What to book
-
Driver only
An experienced driver who is familiar with our touring routes but does not offer tour guiding
-
Driver/guide
An experienced driver who can also guide from the vehicle
-
Driver with guide
A driver and a separate guide who can lead walking tours in your destinations
Booking procedure
Once we have received your booking, our expert staff will create a tailored itinerary based on your locations and pick up address. We may make suggestions and amendments to ensure you maximise your time spent touring.
Occasionally additional fees may be applicable in order to accommodate all of your requests e.g where itineraries will require unusually early or late starts or finishes, or if additional pick ups and drop offs are required. If you do have any special requests we recommend you contact us before booking.
If you require additional services, such as meals or tourist attraction tickets, we will be very happy to help. We can offer unbeatable rates at tourist attractions, and work with a selection of amazing restaurants in stunning locations for meals. Details available on request.
Attraction Entries
Attraction entries and meals are not included in the prices for private tours, however we are very happy to take care of your entry tickets should you require assistance with this. We offer unbeatable rates at tourist attractions, and work with a selection of amazing restaurants in stunning locations for meals. Tickets may be subject to a handling charge, details are available on request.
Alternatively, you can book your entry tickets directly with the attraction using the links below. We will of course advise which entry time to book once we have finalised your departure time and itinerary. Please be aware that some attractions do not allow guiding inside the premises. If you have booked a guide to accompany you for the day they will assist you with your entry and give guiding commentary between attractions, but will have to adhere to the attractions guiding policy once inside.
Here are the websites for some of the most popular attractions:
Vehicle Capacity & Luggage
When booking private tours where you will have luggage (e.g. starting or ending at a cruise terminal or airport), please ensure you check below for information regarding vehicle luggage capacity.
- Booking 1-3 people, the vehicle will accommodate up to 3 large cases and 3 small (carry on) cases
- Booking 1-6 people, the vehicle will accommodate up to 7 large cases and 7 small (carry on) cases
- Booking 7-16 people, the vehicle will accommodate up to 12 large cases and 12 small (carry on) cases
Large cases must have a maximum weight of 23kg per case, small cases a maximum 10kg per case.
Please bear in mind that when booking the "Driver with Guide" service, you will need to allow a seat for the guide. i.e. booking for 7-16 people with a driver and guide, will allow seats for a party of 15 passengers plus the guide.
Should you wish to bring any mobility aids (wheelchairs or walkers) you MUST contact us in advance to let us know. We will require full dimensions and weight. These items must be able to be folded and stored in the luggage hold. Wheelchairs must be counted as 1 item of your hold luggage.
Limitations
All European coach and bus operators driving and working hours are regulated by law in the interests of your safety. Our standard scheduled itineraries are compliant with the current regulations. However, our driver guides will always advise you if they need to make time or route alterations depending on prevailing traffic conditions. Our office staff are also able to help you plan your route in advance, to help you get the most out of your day.
Please note: private tours with bespoke itineraries require detailed planning and preparation. As such, if you're looking to book a last minute private tour, please call us on on 01843 609699, so we can discuss your request.