When you think of luxury tours, you may imagine groups of strangers and a set-in-stone itinerary. But tours are changing. Many of the world’s best tour companies now offer luxury private tours that allow just you and your family to enjoy the benefits of traveling with an expert guide and exclusive access to some of the world’s most iconic sites. Even better, many luxury private tours offer some degree of customization, allowing you to see exactly what you want and skipping the sites you’re less interested in.
If you’re thinking about a private luxury tour in Europe, Asia, or even closer to home in the United States, here are five of the best tour companies that offer luxury private tours all around the world. And for some added travel inspiration, I’m also highlighting a bucket-list itinerary offered by each company.
Wild Frontiers
Travelers looking for a truly customizable tour will love Wild Frontiers, and the tour operator’s tailor-made vacations. Your tour planning begins with a phone call with one of the brand’s travel experts. Then within just a few days, you’ll have a suggested itinerary that you can tweak as needed to make your trip truly custom. After you arrive, you’ll be shuttled around by local guides and professional drivers so you can really dig in deep to your chosen destination.
Luxury Cambodia
12 days, starting at $17,899 per adult
Cambodia is a stunning destination, but learning about the country on a private tour makes it even more magical. This 12-day tour starts in Siem Reap, where you can explore ancient temples and local markets. The tour continues to Shinta Mani, where you’ll venture into the jungle to stay at a luxury property that highlights wildlife and conservation. Of course, no visit to Cambodia is complete without visiting Angkor Wat. You’ll see the stunning temple on a sunset cruise.
Intrepid Travel
Those traveling with kids and extended families can enjoy one of the new family trips from Intrepid Travel. Each trip is capped at three to five families. This is ideal for those traveling with larger groups and multi-generational families who don’t want to go through a custom planning process. Each tour is led by local guides, with activities that range from hands-on to educational. Additionally, there’s plenty of downtime built into tours, so your family can rest and recharge between exploring.
Costa Rica Premium Family Tour
Seven days, starting at $4,150 per adult
One of the best family-friendly destinations for a private tour is Costa Rica. The weeklong itinerary features a host of exciting moments, from spending time with the Maleku indigenous community, joining a local family for lunch, snorkeling and sailing along the Papagayo coastline, and even enjoying a hot spring at your hotel. Additionally, the trip includes a volunteer opportunity. Your group helps to make food and enrichment toys for the animals at the Proyecto Asis Wildlife Rescue Centre. The minimum age for this tour is 5 years old, and the group size ranges from two to 16 people.
Backroads Private Trips
Backroads is known for its active trips ranging from biking and hiking to multi-adventure tours that can take people all over the world. What makes Backroads so unique is that you simply pick one of the currently operating itineraries, which are honed down year after year. Whether your private tour is for two people or 12 people, it’s nearly guaranteed to go off without a hitch.
Utah’s Bryce & Zion Multi-Adventure Tour
Six days, starting at $3,899 per adult
Groups who love outdoor adventures and national parks will enjoy the tour that takes you through Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks. The round-trip adventure from St. George, Utah, has you biking through Snow Canyon and the floor of Zion National Park and hiking Bryce Canyon’s hoodoo spires. At night before settling down in your hotels, be sure to look up to the sky for optimal dark sky stargazing. Nearly everything from meals and trip leaders to gear and park entry fees is all included in the price.
Kensington Tours
Kensington Tours has expanded its portfolio to include super high-end luxury tours, dubbed Kensington Ultraluxe. The tours are for those who want access to exclusive experiences, privacy, and a tour that’s curated to their vacation ideas and style. Some of the itineraries include private jet tours around Thailand, private yacht charters around French Polynesia, and a tour around Italy that includes private access to the Vatican Museums early in the morning.
Elite Paris, Provence, and the French Riviera
10 days, starting at $48,933 per adult
While you can’t go wrong with any of the options from Kensington’s Ultraluxe collection, one that really shines is the 10-day Elite Paris, Provence, and the French Riviera tour. The trip starts in Paris, where you’ll spend three full days in the city experiencing everything from a private Michelin-starred culinary class to a private yacht dinner cruise down the Seine. Then the journey continues to Provence, where your group can enjoy winery visits and a vintage sidecar tour of Aix-en-Provence. The final part of the trip takes everyone to Saint-Tropez. Here, you can enjoy a private personal shopping session, wine tastings, and more. Of course, all of these activities are optional and customizable, so you’ll be able to ensure everyone gets what they want out of the trip.
Active England
Active England is a luxury adventure tour company that specializes in walking and cycling tours across the United Kingdom. Each luxury private tour includes local expert guides who were all born and raised in the region they represent, overnight stays in adorable accommodations, and easy logistics. Even better, if you’re traveling with kids, there’s plenty of opportunity to tailor your trip to their pace so no one gets tired too quickly.
Wales: The Wonderland Trail – Guided
Seven days, starting at $4,999 per person
One of the most beautiful destinations that Active England tours is Wales, and the private Wales: The Wonderland Trail tour is a fabulous guided expedition through the southern part of the country. The weeklong tour is themed around iconic UK stories, like Paddington, Alice in Wonderland, and more. The week starts with a hike to the top of Pen-Y-Fan, the highest peak in South Wales, then continues to St. Davids, the smallest city in the UK. Other highlights include a visit to the Blue Lagoon of Abereiddi and ending in Cardigan, where you’ll enjoy a private concert from a Welsh choir.
