Europe has so much to offer travelers, so planning your trip can feel like an overwhelming task. Trying to see all the landmarks and experience European culture first-hand can feel impossible when planning your own trip. For this reason, many travelers choose to use the services of private tour guide.
To see all the hidden gems that Europe has to offer, you need an expert tour guide for your trip. But which one should you choose? To make your decision easier, this review lists the pros and cons of five of the best tour guide companies in Europe. Keep reading to find out which is the best match for your trip.
1. Guided Spain Tours: Best for Luxurious Guided Tours
Having the perfect itinerary tailored to your exact interests and needs provides a truly luxurious travel experience. Couple that with transfers in prestige, air-conditioned vehicles and you can enjoy the ultimate comfortable and luxurious tour. You will receive all of this and more when you choose Guided Spain Tours to take care of your travel plans.
Guided Spain Tours offers a luxury tour experience delivered by expert guides in all regions of Spain. A bespoke itinerary can be created just for you to destinations in Spain, France, Portugal, Morocco, England, Scotland and Italy.
Local experts will be available 24/7 to support you and provide any advice you may need. As well as providing you with a driver to guide you on your excursions, Guided Spain Tours can also offer accommodation suggestions to ensure that your trip is comfortable as possible.
| PROS | CONS |
| Bespoke service for travelers looking for a luxurious tour experience | May not suit travelers looking for a basic walking tour experience |
| Guides available in every region of Spain | |
| Licensed guides | |
| Air conditioned luxury vehicles for your tour | |
| Certified drivers | |
| Customizes itineraries | |
| Tours available to a choice of destinations in and out of Spain | |
| 24/7 support is available during your trip |
2. Rabbie’s Tours: Offers Storytelling Guides
If you like the idea of an immersive tour experience, Rabbie’s Tours may be what you’re looking for. Rabbie’s Tours’ storytelling guides take travelers off the beaten path to explore destinations across Europe in meaningful ways and to provide an authentic travel experience.
The tours are held in small groups, and there’s no minimum group number for it to go ahead. Private tours are also available at an extra cost. Rabbie’s Tours runs guided tours in Scotland, England, Ireland, Switzerland, and Italy.
| PROS | CONS |
| Storytelling guides bring destinations to life in a meaningful way | Fewer European destinations than some other tour companies |
| Last-minute availability and discounts sometimes available | |
| Discounts available | |
| Positive customer reviews | |
| 30 years of experience |
3. Firebird Tours: Offers a Travel App to Support Your Travels
Firebird Tours offers guided tours to a huge range of destinations across Europe and the wider world. There are more than 50 possible destinations to choose from, and these can be visited as part of a group, small group, or as a private tour.
Firebird Tours is the only tour guide company on this list with its own app. The Firebord App is designed to allow travelers to see details of their trip and manage their itinerary even when they are offline.
| PROS | CONS |
| Has a dedicated Firebird App for travelers to manage their trip even when offline | Some travelers report issues with the hotel accommodation provided as part of the tours |
| Private tours available | |
| Deposits can be transferred | |
| Flexible payment options | |
| More than 50 destinations are available |
4. The Touring Pandas: Best for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean Travelers
Taking a tour with a guide who doesn’t speak your first language can impact your travel experience. The Touring Pandas is the only tour guide company operating in Spain to offer tours in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and English for visitors from Asia.
Taking a tour with The Touring Pandas provides a more relaxed experience and the opportunity to get a closer, more authentic look at the area you are exploring. Tours are on foot, so travelers can see more of their surroundings.
The Touring Pandas offers guided tours in Barcelona, Rome, Seville, Madrid, and Paris.
| PROS | CONS |
| Only tour company in Spain with guides who speak Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and English | Not as many destinations as other tour guide companies |
| All tours are carried out in small groups | Tours are walking tours, which may not be suitable for travelers unable to walk long distances |
| Tours are at a relaxed pace | |
| Secures tickets to tourist attractions | |
| Cheaper price available when booked direct through their website |
5. Spain Private Guides: Offers Online Travel Consultations
If you’re hoping to take a trip to Europe, but have no idea where to begin your research, having an online travel consultation can be super helpful. Spain Private Guides offers online travel consultation slots, which are available to book as one hour sessions. This standalone service may be helpful if you don’t want a guide with you throughout your tour, but still want a travel itinerary that’s tailored to your exact tastes and needs.
As the company’s name suggests, Spain Private Guides offer tour services within Spain, rather than other European destinations.
| PROS | CONS |
| Online travel consultations available to book | Tours focus on the use of public transport, so may not be good for those with mobility issues |
| Focus on “slow tourism” to support local businesses and offer an authentic experience | Doesn’t offer tours to destinations throughout Europe, focused on Spain |
| Tailor-made itineraries available | |
| Can provide extra services, such as booking tickets to shows, and private transfers | |
| Private tours available |
Final Thoughts
Planning a trip to Europe is an exciting prospect, but with so many places to see, trying to create your own itinerary can be challenging. As you can see from the above list, there are many different private tour companies available in Europe to help you make the most of your travels.
Thinking about which of the above companies best suits your travel needs should help you enjoy a trip of a lifetime.
Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.