How Much Do Private Tours Cost in 2025? A Complete Guide by Country

What a Private Tour Looks Like

A private tour is a customized travel experience led by a local guide who builds a plan tailored to your interests. Unlike group tours, private tours offer flexibility, deeper cultural connections, and often access to places not covered by standard routes. Whether you're discovering ancient ruins, enjoying local cuisine, or exploring lesser-known neighborhoods, having a dedicated guide enriches the journey.

Many travelers also opt for local experts—individuals who aren’t officially licensed but are deeply knowledgeable and passionate about their city. These local hosts often charge $60 to $120 per day, and provide an authentic look into Jordanian life, customs, and cuisine.

Key Factors That Affect Private Tour Prices

Several things influence how much you'll pay for a private tour:

Location: Popular cities and tourist-heavy countries often have higher guide rates.

Tour duration: A half-day private tour will cost less than a full-day or multi-day experience.

Guide qualifications: Licensed, multilingual, or topic-specific guides (such as food historians or photographers) generally charge more.

Included services: Some tours include transportation, admission tickets, or meals—others charge separately.

Guide type: In many countries, passionate local experts who aren't officially licensed offer tours at more budget-friendly rates.

Private Tour Costs by Destination in 2025

Southeast Asia: Affordable and Personal

In Vietnam, a half-day tour costs between $30 and $60, and full-day experiences are typically $70 to $120. Multilingual or specialized tours (like street food walks or trekking) may reach $200 per day.

In India, you’ll find city tours starting at $20 to $40 for a half-day, and $40 to $80 for full-day services. Niche tours like Bollywood, slum walks, or heritage sites may be priced at $100 or more.

In Thailand, private guide prices in cities like Bangkok or Chiang Mai range from $50 to $100 for half-day tours and $100 to $200 for full-day options. Floating markets, temples, and food tours are especially popular. English-speaking guides are widely available, and many offer pickup services.

Bali is one of the most sought-after destinations for customized private tours in Southeast Asia. Half-day tours to temples or beaches usually cost $40 to $80, while full-day guided adventures—including volcano hikes, waterfalls, or cultural villages—range from $90 to $150. Many private drivers also act as guides, providing a convenient and cost-effective option for travelers. For more immersive experiences (like traditional Balinese cooking or spiritual cleansing ceremonies), expect to pay $120 to $200 per day.

East Asia: Personalized Tours and Local Immersion

In Japan, the private guiding scene is highly professional. Full-day rates range from $250 to $500, with luxury or customized experiences priced up to $1,000. These guides are often certified and offer deep insight into Japan’s history, culture, and etiquette.

China offers a wide range of private tour options, especially in top destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, and Chengdu. Half-day tours typically cost between $50 and $100, while full-day guided experiences usually range from $100 to $200. More specialized or multilingual guides—especially those who include transportation—may charge $200 to $300 per day.

In South Korea, private tours are increasingly popular among travelers looking to explore Seoul’s dynamic neighborhoods, historic palaces, and food culture. A half-day private guide in Seoul or Busan typically costs $70 to $120, while full-day tours range from $150 to $250. For destinations like Jeju Island, where transportation is essential, prices can climb to $300 per day, especially if car service is included.

Middle East & North Africa: Rich History and Diverse Adventures

Israel offers certified private guides for $300 to $500 per day, depending on specialization and whether transportation is included.

Morocco remains a popular choice, with city tours in Marrakech or Fez starting at $20 to $100. Full-day desert trips can range from $50 to $200, and multi-day Sahara adventures up to $600 per person, often including lodging and meals.

Jordan is a growing hotspot for private tourism, especially around Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea. Licensed private guides in Jordan typically charge $150 to $250 per day, depending on the route and whether a vehicle is provided.

Dubai and the broader UAE have become high-demand destinations for premium private tours. Half-day city tours with a private guide typically cost $150 to $250, while full-day excursions into the desert, including camel rides or luxury 4x4 safaris, can range from $300 to $500+. Many guides cater to VIP and multilingual clients.

Turkey offers diverse private tours, with half-day walking tours in Istanbul—covering Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar, and Bosphorus—priced between $70 and $150. Full-day tours range from $150 to $300. In Cappadocia, private day tours to rock formations and underground cities cost $200 to $400, with hot air balloon rides priced higher. Popular destinations like Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Antalya have private guides charging $120 to $250 per day.

In Egypt, private guides in major cities such as Cairo and Luxor generally cost $150 to $200 per day, covering major sights like the Pyramids, temples, and museums. Transportation and entry fees are often extra.

In Mauritania, guided tours are less common but growing in popularity. Expect to pay $225 to $300 per day for private tours, especially in desert regions or heritage towns.

South Africa offers a range of private guiding options, from wildlife safaris in Kruger National Park to cultural tours in Cape Town. Prices typically range from $150 to $400 per day depending on the type of experience.

Europe: Diverse Options for Every Travel Style

Italy remains a classic destination for private guiding. Half-day walking tours in Rome, Florence, or Venice generally start around $150, with full-day options ranging from $250 to $400. Specialty experiences like Vatican access, cooking classes, or wine country trips in Tuscany can cost up to $500–$600.

In Portugal, private tours in Lisbon or Porto often start at $100 to $150 for a half-day and $200 to $300 for a full-day. Unique offerings include Fado music tours, Douro Valley wine trips, or excursions to Sintra and Cascais.

In France, private city tours range from $200 to $300, while specialized wine or history-focused tours can reach $600. Guides often have certifications and multilingual abilities.

In Spain, travelers enjoy everything from short flamenco experiences at $24 to $70, to full-day heritage or castle tours that may run up to $500.

In the UK, guided visits to iconic sites like Big Ben or Windsor Castle typically cost $150 to $200, while full-day countryside excursions (e.g., Cotswolds, Stonehenge) may range from $600 to $1,000+, especially if the guide offers transportation.

Germany offers private walking tours from $120 to $200, with options like beer-focused, WWII, or art history tours available at higher rates.

Why Some Travelers Choose Non-Licensed Local Experts

In many countries—especially in regions like Morocco, India, Jordan, and parts of Eastern Europe—non-licensed local experts offer private tours at more accessible rates. While they may not hold official certification, many are university students, artists, photographers, or simply passionate locals with deep knowledge of their cities. They often provide unique, authentic experiences and flexible schedules at prices starting from $20 to $100, depending on the location.

How to Find the Right Guide for Your Trip

• Book early, especially during peak travel seasons.

• Confirm what’s included, such as meals, transport, or attraction fees.

• Communicate your expectations in advance.

• Compare licensed professionals vs. local experts depending on your budget and trip goals.

Where to Book Trusted Guides and Local Experts

Whether you’re looking for a certified professional guide or a passionate local ready to show you their favorite hidden gems, platforms like FindGuide make it easy.

FindGuide connects travelers with trusted, verified local guides around the world—both licensed professionals and knowledgeable enthusiasts. Whether you’re exploring hidden temples in Asia or historic sites in Europe, it helps you find someone who speaks your language and matches your travel style, so you can create truly unforgettable travel experiences.