tour guide vehicle

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Tour Guides

Tour guides & sightseeing operators.

Niagara Parks is committed to providing our guests with a quality, friendly and positive experience while visiting the Niagara Falls area. A key initiative in this regard is the consistent enforcement of Licensing Rules and Regulations that govern sightseeing operations on Niagara Parks property.

Annual or daily permits are required to operate tours or sightseeing vehicles on Niagara Parks property. Guided tours inside Niagara Parks attractions are permitted by Niagara Parks staff only.

A Niagara Parks Guide Licence is required to conduct tours anywhere on Niagara Parks property. A scheduled sightseeing vehicle must have a licensed guided on-board at all times. Learn More

Sightseeing Operators

A sightseeing vehicle is a vehicle used for the transport of persons for compensation. All sightseeing vehicles must have an annual or daily permit to operate. Learn More

The following resources are available to assist with licencing information, applications and test preparation.

• Tour Guide Licence Application – A Niagara Parks tour guide licence is required to conduct tours on Niagara Parks property. Applications and tests can be submitted online. View Online Application
• Sightseeing Vehicle Licence Application – Sightseeing vehicles must have an annual or daily permit to operate on Niagara Parks property. Class 1, 2 and 3 Sightseeing Vehicle Permits are available for purchase online and class 3 permits are also available for purchase in person.
• Bus Licensing Bulletin – The Niagara Parks Bus Licensing Bulletin provides important information about licensing, fee changes, requirements and exemptions. [Bulletin PDF for 2022-23 Season] | [Bulletin PDF for 2024 Season]
• Niagara Parks Tour Study Guide – All individuals conducting tours on Niagara Parks property must write the guide test and have a passing grade of 80 per cent or greater. To prepare for the test, the study guide is available in four languages: [EN] [FR] [MAN] [KR]
• Niagara Parks Tour Study Guide Niagara Glen Addendum – All individuals conducting tours within the Niagara Glen must write an additional test. To prepare for the test, the study guide is available in four languages: [EN] [FR] [MAN] [KR]

Licensed Tour Guides

Niagara Parks is committed to providing its guests with a consistent, quality experience. To achieve this, all tour guides operating on Niagara Parks property must obtain a Niagara Parks Tour Guide Licence, which includes a written test demonstrating knowledge of the Niagara Parks brand and its products and experiences.

The process for obtaining a tour guide licence involves an online application, licence fee payment, and online knowledge test. A score of 80% or higher is required to pass the test. Guides who pass the test on their initial attempt are exempt from re-writing for two subsequent years. All guides must still submit an application and licence fee annually.

Upon submission of the guide application, you will receive an email with instructions to submit the licence fee payment. Within 2 business days of payment receipt, a licensing representative will contact you with an invitation to write the guide test, available in English, French, Korean and Mandarin. Fees may also be paid in-person by cash, credit, debit or cheque.

Sightseeing Vehicles

All vehicles transporting persons for compensation on Niagara Parks property must carry an Niagara Parks Sightseeing Licence. For the purposes of sightseeing licences, vehicles are separated into four classes:

• Class 1 – a sightseeing vehicle designed to carry one to six passengers, operating on a regular schedule (2 days per week or more) approved by Niagara Parks and excluding groups being conveyed from schools. (Apply now)
• Class 2 – a sightseeing vehicle designed to carry seven or more passengers, operating on a regular schedule (2 days per week or more) approved by the Commission and excluding groups being conveyed from schools. (Apply now)
• Class 3 – a sightseeing vehicle not operating on a regular schedule (less than 2 days per week) and excluding groups being conveyed from schools. (Buy Online)
• Class 4 – a sightseeing vehicle that conveys passengers on a trip from a school.

For your convenience, Class 3 permits can be purchased online or in-person at Table Rock Bus Management (year-round); Grand View Bus Management (seasonal); Butterfly Conservatory (year-round); Old Fort Erie (seasonal); Whirlpool Aero Car Gift Shop (seasonal); Floral Clock (seasonal); McFarland House (seasonal). Please check hours of operation for specific times and dates.

Niagara Parks has provided a procedure for absorbing the fee for non-profit organizations under strict criteria and guidelines. To qualify, the non-profit group must apply in writing (letterhead preferred) or e-mail with the details of the organization’s name, address, phone number and purpose and declaring that there is no fee charged for the group attending the Niagara Parks. In addition, any bus service provider must be donating their services to the group, or, failing that, the group must be operating on a strict cost recovery basis and not profiting from the trip. If your application is approved you will receive confirmation in writing. That letter must be presented on the day of your visit at one of our bus management locations to receive a daily permit with the fee absorbed by Niagara Parks.

Niagara Parks Licence Office

PO Box 150, 7400 Portage Road, Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2E 6T2

905.356.0943

Hours of Operation

For the 2023 season, guide tests are only available online .

Class 1 and 2 Sightseeing Vehicle Licence

Please submit the following form to apply for a Niagara Parks Class 1 or Class 2 Sightseeing Vehicle Licence. You will receive a payment link by email when your application is reviewed.

Before you are provided with the submission form, please read The Niagara Parks Commission rules and regulations.

• I agree to comply with the rules and regulations of The Niagara Parks Commission.
• Owner's Name *
• Other Contact Name *
• Email Address * Enter Email Confirm Email
• Province/State *
• Postal/Zip *

Sightseeing Vehicle Roster

• Vehicle 1 make/model
• Number of seats
• Plate province/state
• Plate number
• Vehicle 2 make/model
• Vehicle 3 make/model
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• Vehicle 5 make/model
• Vehicle 6 make/model
• Vehicle 7 make/model
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• Vehicle 15 make/model
• Vehicle 16 make/model
• Vehicle 17 make/model
• Vehicle 18 make/model
• Vehicle 19 make/model
• Vehicle 20 make/model

Supporting Files Upload

• Vehicle ownership(s) * Drop files here or Select files Max. file size: 1 GB. empty to support CSS :empty selector. -->
• Proof of insurance coverage * Drop files here or Select files Max. file size: 1 GB. empty to support CSS :empty selector. -->
• Rate schedule * Drop files here or Select files Max. file size: 1 GB. empty to support CSS :empty selector. -->
• Tour itinerary (including minimum 60 minute stop scheduled at Table Rock) * Drop files here or Select files Max. file size: 1 GB. empty to support CSS :empty selector. -->
• Photos or artwork of vehicle advertising for approval Drop files here or Select files Max. file size: 1 GB. empty to support CSS :empty selector. -->
• I have read and agree to the Niagara Parks Code of Conduct . I will further ensure that all of my employees entering Niagara Parks property have been provided with a copy of the same and agree to abide by it.

AWAY YOU GO!

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Fully Guided Tours & Trips

TourRadar has collected the best Fully Guided trips. There are 30843 adventures to choose from, visiting 193 different countries. Tours range in length between one day in length, and 131 days.

250+ Fully Guided trips with 253,359 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

3 Days High Atlas Mountains and Sahara Adventure

The tour was incredible Ali was such a great guide, so knowledgeable, funny and kind he showed us some amazing places and we had a great time. Couldn’t recommend more !

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• In-depth Cultural

5 Days Private Golden Triangle India tour from New Delhi

I have booked a Golden triangle tour of India for my self and 5 other friends from 3-7 March(5 days).. from the start of the booking to the end of our trip all was well organised and very efficiently managed. We had a very good driver Mr Yasmin for the all trip,who couldn’t do enough to be helpful and attentive,we had 4 tour guides in all,and all of them very helpful and professional..The tour company that organised the actual tour in India was based I think in Agra.. the in charge person I think was Ahil and always available for resolving any questions.Will be using tourradar in the future as I know they do tours all over the world..a 5 star experience..Thank you..Vincenzo

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Morocco Tours 9 Days Tour from Casablanca

Great trip! So much variety, beach, mountains, dessert and beautiful cities, Amazing guide as well!

7 Days Morocco Tours From Casablanca

This was one amazing trip. Within two weeks we?ve seen so much of Morocco and explored so much. At the same time it still felt like a relaxed vacation and not high-paced at all,

4 Days / 3 Nights SAHARA EXPERIENCE

I recently had the pleasure of taking The 4 Days And 3 Nights Sahara Experience and Camel Trek into the Sahara and it was truly an experience of a lifetime! My tour guide, Said, was absolutely amazing and I can confidently say that he was one of the best tour guides I've ever had! The tour started in Marrakech and we began a scenic drive through the Moroccan countryside stopping at various sites along the way to the Sahara desert. The views were absolutely breathtaking! After two days of driving, we arrived in Merzouga where the camel trek into the Sahara desert began. This was definitely the highlight of the trip for me. Riding on the back of a camel through the sand dunes and spending the night in a desert camp under stars in the Sahara desert was a truly unforgettable experience. Not to mention, the Sahara sunsets were incredible! On the way back to Marrakech, another highlight was Ait Ben Haddou. It's an ancient city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's also where some scenes from the movie Gladiator were filmed. Overall, I can't recommend this tour enough. Said was an excellent tour guide and the entire experience was truly unforgettable. If you're looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Morocco, this tour is definitely the way to go!

Cambodia to Vietnam: Night Markets & Noodle-Making

The tour was alot of fun and we saw alot of places. Time between places in buses was long and there is not alot included in the price of the tour.

5 Day Cusco Travel Package: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Maras Moray.

This tour operator is top class! Although I booked a 5-day tour in Cusco and Machu Picchu only like a month before my trip, they worked quickly and efficiently and achieved to organise everything as described. Hotels, transfers and guides are all first class and I felt completely safe as a solo traveller. Although I did not speak Spanish, I never left out since all our tour guides spoke also English. Waldir, the mastermind of the whole organisation, contacted me daily and was ready to help if needed and give useful tips and advice regarding the itinerary. The communication was perfect. The itinerary was absolutely balanced and exciting! As Waldir told me on the way back to the airport, it is not customary in the traditional language to say goodbye, only "until we meet again". Thank you Waldir and the whole team of Kantu Perù Tours for the incredible moments and the once-in-a-lifetime experience, and until next time!!!

Bali Bucket List Original 10 Day Tour

This tour was really a trip of a lifetime! It was a really good balance between guided tours and time to explore solo or with the group. We hit all of the Bali highlights and it was a blast. Our tour guide Alex was amazing! He was kind, helpful, accommodating, and he really cared about our experience! I would 10/10 recommend this trip and try to get Alex if you can!

• $61 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Golden Triangle Tour - 3 Days

I had a really great adventure overall. My favorite experiences were On Day 2 in Agra. My Tour guide, Hilal was an incredibly kind, patient, knowledgeable and genuine person to share the day with across Taj Mahal, Red Fort and the many beautifully skilled spaces of local craftspeople. I’m very appreciative for his attentiveness; always being available to answer my questions, sometimes even before I could asked them. Hilal took some of the best photos of me from my entire trip. Which, as a solo traveler, can be such a luxury to have. And for Sunil, he’s the coolest driver! Very personable and very professional! He made the experience all the more comfortable, safe and timely. He went above and beyond helping me check into each hotel, always making sure I had water/food during our travels and plenty of rest stops for bio breaks. I also noticed that he was protective of the vehicle, not allowing some pedestrians to beg for money if the surrounding circumstances made it likely. In turn, I felt very comfortable and grateful traveling with him through all three days. Not to mention the convenience afforded to my tour guides and I, being dropped off and picked up directly in front of each destination. Thank You! Thank you! Thank you!

Queen Cleopatra - 7 days

In general, we can say that it was an amazing adventure, which included not only hiking to the points with the main attractions, but also acquaintance with the historical culture of Egypt. You can see not only the pyramids, but also take a walk through the amazing and very peculiar markets. The tour itself seemed a little unbalanced due to the large amount of information and attractions that you will visit in the short period of time that you have. Be prepared that if you want to get as much information as possible, visit as many attractions as possible, you will need to pay extra for this. In terms of food, in general, the food in hotels and cruises is not bad, but the food is more in European and American styles, which was very boring. We had our tour at period of Ramadan and some of the restaurants were closed, so before visiting the pyramids, we had to grab our lunch at a local diner and eat it on the way. And that was really good and what was missed along the next tour days. And indeed, throughout the tour, you can only eat local food a couple of times - this lunch in Cairo in front of the pyramids and in the Nubian village. It is worth noting, that our tour guide Eman was very good. She told us very interesting stories starting from the pyramids and ending by the history how the tombs were discovered. She tried to make us see as much as possible and it is clear that she likes her job and gets a lot of pleasure from it. This greatly affected the quality of the tour. However, not everything was smooth. Not only amazing discoveries are waiting for you, but also a huge number of people who are trying to deceive you in every possible way. There was a moment when a girl from our group was surrounded by children who tried to extort money from her for their goods, which she did not need. It was very difficult to discourage them, but the locals quickly coped with it. There was a moment when people in the market literally fought for our attention, which was also a little unpleasant. Be sure to include the pen in your checklist, because it will be useful to you at the airport several times, and they won't give it to you there. It is recommended arriving at Cairo/Luxor Airport at least 2 hours before your departure, because there is complete chaos and you may just miss your flight.

• Hiking & Trekking
• Mountain Hikes

Everest Base Camp Trekking

For those seeking an adventure of a lifetime, we wholeheartedly recommend the trek to Everest Base Camp. It is a journey that pushes your limits, rewards you with stunning landscapes, and provides a deep sense of accomplishment. If you have an adventurous spirit, this trek is an absolute must-do!

INCA ADVENTURES - 7 Days (Lima and Cusco) with Domestic Flights

It was truly a trip of a lifetime! It is a mixture of culture, history, adventure and relaxation! All tour guides were great but Ronald was EXCEPTIONAL! Not only was he knowledgeable of the Peruvian culture, history, and attentive to everyone’s needs, he truly had a LOVE for his country and it showed, which made us love it even more! If I could, I would have Ronald be my guide around the world. Thank you so much Robald for making our girls trip a trip to remember for a lifetime! ~ Jin Yip

Morocco 7 Days Tour From Casablanca

Hakim was awesome. He is a great bloke and looked after everyone, Highly recommend!

Wanderlands Bali & Lombok - 13 Days

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the trip! Our travel group felt like a little family, and our tour guide was exceptionally kind and funny. I wished we could have gone out to party more often and stayed longer at some of the activities. Despite being sick for three days, it was still a fantastic experience!

• $145 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

5 Day Skye & Highland Fling

My trip with my wife was so amazing. Our tour guide Branka was so fascinating, funny, informative, and interesting. Each day was a true adventure, following both an itinerary and improvising based on weather, location and time of day. We met really cool people on the tour and had fun with them when we had some free time to roam around. Cool part was you can hang with them or just do your own thing with no problem. This trip was one my wife and I have never done before. Yet I would certainly recommend it for those who want to experience a unique and fun trip filled with awesome adventures throughout Scotland!

What people love about Fully Guided Tours

Ali was an incredible guide and I would thoroughly recommend booking with Morocco Joy Travel. We travelled with our 2 kids (8 &9) and Ali made it such a wonderful adventure for our family. He was so warm and kind, knowledgeable and thoughtful. We opted for the luxury accommodation and it surpassed our expectations. There was a lot of driving but the vehicle was very comfortable and Ali was so knowledgeable and a pleasure to tour with. We are left with wonderful memories of sunsets, fossil digging, sand dune exploring, camel riding, drum playing, spectacular scenery, delicious meals…thank you Ali…we cannot wait to visit again!

Well organised and great guides - different guide in each city

Our tour guide, Hamid, was wonderful! He gets 5 stars!! About the tour….. READ CAREFULLY! If you are a lover of history and historic sites, this trip is for you! If you enjoy long car rides through the country, this trip is for you! You will stay in a different riad (hotel) almost every night, so pack lightly. You will drive to each new city every day for 3-9 hours depending on where you are headed. The riads are beautiful- bring your own wash cloths and wipes. There are several tours throughout the day. Sometimes tours end with a visit to the showroom with the expectation that you will purchase goods. The food is delicious! The Sahara Desert was the most memorable! The camel ride was an experience of a lifetime. The vendors sell the most beautiful goods. Try to get shopping done with the tour guide to avoid pushy vendors. Learn how to bargain and understand their money. I enjoyed Marrakesh and definitely want to go back there! My recommendation to Morocco Tours is to communicate more up front. Provide names of hotels, tour guide, phone numbers and changes ahead of time. More communication!!! Again, we LOVE Hamid!!!

Destinations

• Africa (5749)
• Asia (7804)
• Australia/Oceania (539)
• Europe (6792)
• Latin America (1900)
• North America (1136)
• Western Europe (6579)
• Mediterranean (3677)
• Far East (3013)
• East Africa (2789)
• Middle East (2694)
• North Africa (2534)
• Central Europe (2486)
• South East Asia (2208)
• Indochina (1967)
• South America (1901)

Top Countries

• India (2365)
• Nepal (1771)
• Vietnam (976)
• Sri Lanka (353)
• China (296)
• Japan (283)
• Thailand (261)
• Cambodia (223)
• Israel (223)
• Jordan (201)
• Indonesia (190)
• Bhutan (178)
• Mongolia (121)
• Pakistan (100)
• Malaysia (72)
• 3 Day Tours (2310)
• 7 Day Tours (6242)
• 10 Day Tours (6718)
• 2 Week Tours (4727)
• 3 Week Tours (3353)
• 4 Week Tours (556)
• 1 Month+ Tours (217)

Starting from

• from Kathmandu (1644)
• from New Delhi (1085)
• from Cairo (984)
• from Nairobi (791)
• from Hanoi (658)
• from Arusha (602)
• from Casablanca (446)
• from Marrakesh (442)
• from London (380)
• from Istanbul (369)
• from Athens (335)
• from Rome (316)
• from Madrid (312)
• from Amsterdam (299)
• from Moshi (292)
• from Cusco (292)

• [email protected]
• 202-600-2488

Our Vehicles

There are several options for selecting the type of vehicle of your tour.  Let us help you choose what is ideal for your group. Individuals and couples will be comfortable in an executive sedan. For groups of three to five people we suggest a full size SUV (Escalade or Suburban). While some couples might opt for a full-size SUV because of its height, for those who do not like a big step to get in and out, the sedan is preferable. 

If you are traveling with 6 to 12 people, we recommend the Mercedes Sprinter van. These Sprinters have high roofs making them easy to get in and out, and the large windows make them an ideal tour vehicle. For groups ranging from 13 to 30 people, an executive mini bus is the right choice. Groups of 30 to 55 people will be comfortable in a modern motor coach outfitted with a commode and equipped with power outlets and WiFi. 

You are not limited to SUVs, sedans, and coaches; we also have stretch limousines and a limousine Mercedes Sprinter. A popular choice when the weather is nice is the Convertible Mercedes sprinter which has a glass retractable roof.   

No matter what you choose for transportation, all of our vehicles are late models and luxuriously well equipped. Our vehicles are impeccably maintained with clean and comfortable interiors.  All of our tours are private and we do not combine groups.  

We are equipped to serve tourists with disabilities. We have coaches and mini buses with ADA lifts and a minivan with a ramp. We also can supply a folding wheelchair or for those who might need a little extra help. Please let is know about your needs so that we can be as helpful.   

Our drivers and tour guides work together as a team to make your tour as efficient and effortless as possible. They share the same goal to make your tour an enjoyable and safe experience.  

Custom Tours of DC – A Private Tour Agency

Custom Tours of DC arranges private tours and plans custom itineraries for individuals and groups.

1030 15th Street N.W., #212 Washington, DC 20005

Book Your Tour

Send us details for your tour. Be sure to include dates, times, number of participants and your tour interests. We’ll contact you as soon as possible.

TAKE AN OVERLAND ADVENTURE

Grab a sleeping bag and fuel up your truck - let's explore Appalachia! A weekend of rich history and unique cultures await as take you on a journey through remote territories of WV, VA, TN and NC shadowed by the Appalachian Mountains.

Mountain State Expeditions is a vehicle-based guide service operated by the team members and friends of the Mountain State Overland video series on YouTube. Since 2013, our team of guides have logged over 100,000 miles of adventures in the US and Canada and we'd like to re-discover many of our more local routes with you.

Our trip packages vary in length, mileage and difficulty. All of our trips are photographed, filmed and released on on the Mountain State Overland YouTube channel. Each trip we lead includes a gift bag, discounts from partnering brands and a digital route file.

We keep the groups small to preserve your experience and manage our impact on the ecosystems and communities we pass through. Our trip offerings include Weekenders and Super Adventures. Weekenders start when we rendezvous at camp on Thursday night and ends on Sunday morning. Super Adventures are a bit longer starting on Thursday evening and ending the following Tuesday morning.

All trips we offer require guest vehicles to have 4WD and guest drivers must be over 25 years of age. Unlike other tour services, your passengers are included in your trip fee. Bring your friends or your family and let’s all have a blast exploring together!

Recount your adventure in the Appalachian Mountains with friends and family on YouTube. Every overland adventure we take you on is filmed and released as part of our yearly video series called “We Guide.” We capture your memories so you can focus on making friends and soaking in the experience.

• Preplanned tours
• Daytrips out of Moscow
• Themed tours
• Customized tours
• St. Petersburg

Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.

Kyoto Private Car Tour

A kyoto private car tour: arashiyama, kinkakuji, fushimi inari & more.

Maximum comfort and convenience as you explore some of Kyoto's most renowned sights.

See the Sights in Kyoto by Private Car

Japan may be famous for its trains, but some of Kyoto’s most popular sights are best visited by car. Explore the iconic Arashiyama District and tour Fushimi Inari during this insightful journey across Kyoto with your local guide who is fluent in English. We will pick you up at your central Kyoto lodging and take you to some of our favorite temples, gardens, and old neighborhoods. 

Since this is a private tour of Kyoto, we can certainly make modifications! Just let us know if there is something special you’d like to do that isn’t on our standard itinerary. 

If you’re not staying in Kyoto, check out our options for a Kyoto day trip from Osaka or a Kyoto day tour from Kobe . Need any help planning your tours? Feel free to contact us to clarify any details. We’ve also got a very popular, small group Kyoto Food Tour that you should definitely check out!

Exploring Kyoto by Car 

If you’re staying in Kyoto, you can certainly enjoy many of the city’s popular sights and attractions on foot or by public transportation. In fact, we have several Kyoto tours that do just that! But getting to certain destinations is just more convenient and comfortable by private car.  

On this tour, we visit some of our favorite temples, shrines, neighborhoods, and unique places where most tourists don’t go. Join us to see it all in Kyoto!

Pinpoint Traveler  has an average score of  4.7⭐ across over  500  reviews on  multiple review sites . Below is a sampling of some of our most recent reviews for Kyoto Tour by Private Vehicle

Historic Landmarks

There are few places in Japan that can rival Kyoto in historical and cultural landmarks. Visit some of the best on this private tour.

Professional Guide

Real English, real skills, and great personalities. Our guides have the knowledge and expertise to provide you with interesting, fun, and memorable tours.

Fully-Narrated Tour

Our tours never leave you to wander about on your own. Your guide stays with you the whole time to answer questions, offer insights, and share plenty of laughs.

Easy Access

This tour starts at your central Kyoto lodging. Doesn't get easier than that!

Kyoto Private Car Tour Overview

You could (and quite possibly should) spend several full days touring Kyoto, but we feel a stroll around Arashiyama and a Fushimi Inari tour show you two must-see Kyoto destinations. By public transit, however, they are quite inconvenient to get between, which makes this Kyoto private car tour even more appealing! Driving between these two popular locations allows us to richen the experience, with great stops in places like the Gion.

An Exceptional Arashiyama Tour 

When visiting Kyoto, you might expect to see grand temple buildings, gardens, bamboo groves, green tea, and maybe even rickshaws. Good news! Let your expectations run free because all those things exist in full force in Kyoto’s Arashiyama district. 

Tenryuji and Bamboo Groves

We begin at Tenryuji, which easily goes back to the 14th century and the garden is said to date back further still. We will stroll around these lovely grounds, first with a walk around the largest temple building. With its sliding doors wide open, it’s easy to see everything on the inside, immaculately spartan as it intentionally is. 

Then we will visit the breathtakingly gorgeous, classical main Japanese garden. We will happily explain the elements of traditional Japanese garden design, but it’s also important you take in the scene at your own pace and interpret it as you will. 

We can spend as much or as little time as you’d like before walking to the famous bamboo groves of Arashiyama. You’ve almost certainly seen pictures of this famous sight, with its dramatically towering bamboo lining a path that goes up a slope. Don’t fear, as it’s not too much of a climb, and you’ll be pleasantly distracted by the surrounding scene.

Okochi Sanso, with Matcha

When you’re ready to move on, your Kyoto private car tour takes you into the pristine realm of Okochi Sanso. Few guides (and few visitors in general) visit Okochi Sanso, which is unfortunate because it is a special place. 

The estate was built primarily in the 1930s by a famous Japanese actor, with guest rooms scattered about the property and a large central home commanding an expansive view over and across the city of Kyoto. 

The estate’s gardens are lovely for strolling, and there’s sure to be a “matcha” (powdered green tea) break along the way, enjoyed with a Japanese small sweet (included in the price of admission).

Arashiyama Town Center

We continue employing our crowd-avoidance tactics as best we can by walking a path less traveled down to the Hozu River. We’ll walk along the river and then on over to the shopping area. 

If you have an interest in Kyoto crafts or foods, we are happy to show you to some stores we recommend. If not, we’ll skip it and move along.

Visiting Ryoanji (extended tour only)

After a customized lunch stop based on your preferences, it’s time to continue your private tour of Kyoto by car. We will head first to Ryoanji, known to be the oldest Zen rock garden.

We will walk along the shoreline of a large, pastoral pond and then ascend a few steps to enter the rock garden’s viewing area. What you see is a matter of a personal interpretation, but there are some commonly-held beliefs about what the design represents that we can share with you once you’ve had a few minutes to take it all in. This is a lovely property and it is never overly crowded. 

Kinkakuji: The Golden Pavilion (extended tour only)

Next, we will head to one of Kyoto’s most-visited sights: Kinkakuji. Often referred to as the “Golden Pavilion,” this shimmering structure is artfully placed on the shore of yet another pond. Though the pavilion’s history does not run particularly deep (at least not as such a golden standout), Kinkakuji’s presence is writ large over Kyoto. 

A Stop in the Gion District

From Kinkakuji, we will drive into Kyoto’s popular Gion district. Generally speaking, the Gion comes most alive at night, but as we drive into the area in broad daylight, we’ll be better poised to appreciate the architecture and natural features. We’ll stop here for a brief primer on the area, plus a great photo op as you take in this lovely scene that brings back memories from an earlier time.

You might want to check out our Kyoto food tour to see the Gion at night and learn even more!

Fushimi Inari Tour

From the Gion, we carry on to our next stop in this private vehicle Kyoto tour, and it’s one we consider to be a must-do in the city: a tour of Fushimi Inari. This Shinto shrine fascinates like no other. 

Shintoism was Japan’s primary religion (alternately referred to as a “series of teachings”) before Buddhism arrived in Japan in the 7th century. Shinto’s supremely famous shrine in this ancient city of Kyoto is without a doubt Fushimi Inari, and it would be a mistake to pass up a visit. 

Fushimi Inari famously boasts thousands of red gates, small and large, rising up the hillside. This looks even more impressive in person than in the pictures you might have perused online. But there’s much more to explore on a Fushimi Inari tour beyond those red gates. 

Your local guide’s insights and stories will offer much greater depth than a basic Insta-worthy stop.

Do Even More on Your Kyoto Private Vehicle Tour

If you’re interested in adding even more sights to your private tour, we have an Xtra Large (extended tour) option, adding two hours to your experience. We have plenty of ideas on how to best use that extra time, including visiting Nijo Castle, the Imperial Palace (which predates the Tokyo one by centuries, and you can see much more of it here), or some downtown food market exploration at Nishiki Market. 

If you want to visit another spot not mentioned here, simply let us know and we’ll make it happen!

Tenryuji is both a perfect and duly auspicious start to our Kyoto private car tour. We’ll walk around a stately temple and gardens that are both gorgeous and have a commanding presence. Then, we proceed to the famous Arashiyama bamboo groves. History rarely seems as vibrant and relevant as this. We spend about one hour here.

While still walking the Arashiyama area, we explore Okochi Sanso, the estate of a famous early 20th century Japanese actor. The grounds are no less than resplendent and are artfully dotted with impressively-constructed historic buildings. We’ll also take a matcha (powdered green tea) break here. We spend around 45 minutes here.

A fifteen-minute stroll down to and along the placid Hozu River takes us back into the central Arashiyama town area. We’ve got more than a few suggestions for Kyoto shopping and restaurants. If you’re not so interested in shopping, we can breeze on by. We often spend about an hour or so here, but this can vary.

The oldest Zen rock garden in existence is reason enough to visit this verdant oasis, but there’s even more to absorb once you get there. We plan on around 45 minutes to an hour here.

Old storefronts line this historic part of the Gion district, and the stream running through it makes for an even more atmospheric experience. This will be a brief stop of about 15 minutes.

Routinely ranked as one of Kyoto’s top things to do, our Fushimi Inari tour will take you above and beyond the simple act of merely walking through the famous red gates. We do our best to get away from the crowds (we’ve got some side paths we like to show you), and we’ve got great stories and history to share with you here. Most visitors like to spend a little over an hour here.

Looking to add even more to your eight-hour tour? Consider our Xtra Large option when you book. Read more about some of the possible additional stops in the “Do Even More on Your Kyoto Private Vehicle Tour” section of the full tour description shown above.

Quick Tips for Our Kyoto Private Tour by Car

• Please come in a pair of comfortable shoes. This is a car tour of Kyoto, but there is still a fair bit of walking around. For those wishing to avoid excessive walking, simply let us know and we’ll change up the plan as makes sense.
• Kyoto weather can dramatically swing over the course of the day and into the early evening, so wear appropriate clothing. You can always leave an extra jacket or umbrella in the car when it’s not needed.
• Enjoy all the exciting stops described above and more on this private vehicle tour! The plan described is a model course, and there is the possibility for change based on our guests’ interests. Timing and external factors (such as traffic conditions) may force deviations from this model course.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Kyoto
• All vehicle costs
• All guide costs
• Food and drinks
• Admissions (expect to spend 2500 yen per adult on the standard tour, around half that for kids in primary school and younger)
• Pickup if you are outside central Kyoto. Almost certainly your lodging will be central, but let us know if you aren’t sure.
• Going “Xtra Large” gives you two more hours of touring.

Historic and Cultural Landmarks

There are few places in Japan that can rival Kyoto in historical and cultural landmarks. Part of this is due to the merciful lack of WWII bombing in Kyoto. But, even putting that aside, Kyoto has always stood tall as a bellwether of indisputably impressive religious sites and entrancing landscapes. Fushimi Inari, Ryoanji, Tenryuji, Kinkakuji, and the Gion are all deeply historic and culturally rich.

We come to you, making for an easy and convenient start to the day. Just let us know where you are staying in central Kyoto.

Large Group Tours

Join us on the ultimate adventure! 🚐 Whether your squad is big or small, we’ve got the wheels to match. From a fleet of cars for large groups to a mini-bus for an epic journey, we’re here to turn your group tour into a memorable experience. Let’s make memories together and fill every seat. Book your group adventure now! 🌐✨

Our Tour Guides

We've got around a dozen guides at your service. Here we showcase a few of our most active ones.

Not profiled here are guides who speak Spanish (Kyoto, in addition to Dan in Osaka), French (Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo), and German (Kyoto and Tokyo).

Pickup Point

We'll pick you up from your central Kyoto lodging.

Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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• Testimonials
• Travel Tips

Moscow Metro

Introduction of moscow subway system (metro).

Nowadays the Moscow Metro has 12 lines, light subway and monorail. All stations are unique and beautiful in their own way. Unfortunately, in order to visit them all, you need to spend many days. I invite guests to visit the ones that have the greatest cultural and historical interest from my point of view. Among them are the Revolution Square, Arbatskaya, Kievskaya (Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya Line № 3); Kievskaya, Belarusskaya, Novoslobodskaya, Komsomolskaya (the Ring line number 5). Let us dwell a bit on each.

Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya Line

Subway station "revolution square".

Most recently - in the year 2008-2010 – the Eastern lobby was renovated. Because of the terrorist attacks in the Moscow subway that took place several hours before the planned opening of the East lobby after renovation, the solemn part of the event was canceled.

Subway station Arbatskaya

Subway Arbatskaya is located on the same subway line as the station "Revolution Square." It was founded in 1953. It received the name in honor of the Arbat Street. It has one ground lobby (Western). Initially, the lobby was in a separate building, but the new building of the General Staff of the Ministry of Defense started, the lobby appeared to be in its atrium. The old exits were bricked up; a new entrance was built into the building of General Staff of the street Vozdvizhenka. There is a huge frame with a missing portrait in the ground lobby - until mid-1950 there was a portrait of Stalin. According to some reports, it survived, but closed with plaster.

The lobby was restored and partially reconstructed in 2007-2008.

The depth of the station is 41 meters.

Pylons are finished with red marble at the bottom, decorated with bouquets of flowers made from ceramics. The floor is laid out with gray granite. The walls lined with glazed ceramic tiles, white top and black bottom. The station hall is illuminated by massive bronze chandeliers in the form of rings.

Subway station Kievskaya

There are several subway stations "Kievskaya" in Moscow, located on different branches. This name is quite popular. It comes from the capital of Ukraine - one of Russia's nearest neighbors - the city of Kiev. The name is fully consistent with the idea of the subway station. The interior the station devoted to Soviet Ukraine and the reunification of Ukraine and Russia. The station is decorated with a large number of paintings .Twenty four murals depicting workers of Soviet Ukraine are placed on the arch above the pylons. The wall from the side of platform also contains frescos, mainly with images of fantastic plants. Pylons are decorated with light marble and additionally decorated with colorful ceramic cornice. The butt of the station has a large mosaic, depicting festivities to celebrate the 300 anniversary of the reunification of Ukraine and Russia.

Opened in 1953, this subway station for a long time was the final (1953-2003).

The station has one lobby, combined with the station ring line and located in the building of the Kievskaya railway station. The diameter of the central hall station is 9.5 m, the diameter of side one is 8.5 m. The depth of the station is 38 meters.

= Ring Line Subway =

It opened in 1954. The station received its name after the Kiev station, and locked the Ring line. During the construction of the station many projects were proposed, but the victory in the competition won the Kiev architects who made the construction of the station. It is the only station of the Ring Line which is not located in the Central Administrative District of Moscow.

The station has a pylon structure. Eighteen pylons are decorated with mosaic panels of glazes, decorated on the theme of Ukrainian history and friendship between the Ukrainian and Russian peoples, which started in the mid-17 century.

On the front wall of the central hall of the station a large panel with molding in the form of flags and a mosaic portrait of Lenin in the center are located. There are lines of the Soviet national anthem around the portrait, and under the portrait - the words of Lenin. One of the ways out of the station was designed by French architects modeled on the Paris Subway in 2006.

At one of the mosaics – “The Struggle for Soviet power in Ukraine "- modern passengers observe a mobile phone and PDA in the hand of one of the guerrillas, and on his knees - a laptop. In fact, he uses a field telephone, which was really a heavy thing (guerrillas holds it in two hands), and thing that people see a laptop is the lid of a box with a telephone. However, these phones have begun to produce only in the second half of the 20-ies of XX century. We must assume that the mosaic depicts a foreign field telephone transmitter.

Subway station Belorusskaya

The founded of the station was in 1952. It received the name after the Belarusian railway station nearby. The station has two ground-based lobbies. The Western one goes to Tverskaya  Zastava. It is decorated with beautiful carvings. The Eastern one leads to Butyrskiy shaft and Forest Street. The Eastern lobby is known for its majolica panels.

The station Belorusskaya is located at a depth of 42.5 m below ground. The diameter of the central hall is 9.5 meters.

Pylons are faced with light marble. The walls lined with white ceramic tiles, the floor is covered with ceramic tiles, gray, white and red colors. Lamps placed on pylons, in the form of vases made of glass and marble. The theme of decoration is economy and culture of Belarus. Decorative pattern on the floor repeats the theme of traditional Belarusian embroidery. Decorations of the ceiling consist of stucco decorations and 12 mosaic panels depicting the life of the Belarusian people.

Subway station Novoslobodskaya

Built in 1952, Subway station Novoslobodskaya got its name from the eponymous street:  the station is located at the very beginning of it.

Novoslobodskaya is pylon station of deep foundation (its depth is 40 m) with three arches.

Exit to the street is through the ground lobby with column portico, located on Novoslobodskaya Street lined with gray marble. Pylons of the underground station are faced with marble from the Urals. Thirty two spectacularly illuminated stained-glasses, placed inside the pylon and bordered by steel and gilt brass are splendid decoration of the station. A remarkable mosaic "World Peace" is located at the end of the central hall. The picture depicts a happy mother with a baby in her arms; it was the face of Stalin at the picture: the child gave a hand to him. But in times of Khrushchev the face of the former leader of USSR was removed from the panel. The walls are lined with bright marble; floor is covered with white and black granite slabs, placed in a checkerboard pattern.

Subway station Komsomolskaya

The station was built in 1952 and named in honor of the Komsomolskaya Square, which is situated nearby.

This subway station is the station of the deep bedding. Its depth is 37 meters. The station has column and three- arched design. Cast iron decoration is used in the construction, monolithic slab used as a tray for a collapsible finishing. The length of the boarding hall is 190 meters; width of it is 10 meters. There are 68 octagonal columns at station.

The main theme of the interior of the station is the fighting of the Russian people for their independence. The ceiling is decorated with eight station mosaic mural made from glazes and precious stones. Six of them represent the Alexander Nevsky, Dmitry Donskoy, Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky, Alexander Suvorov and Mikhail Kutuzov, the Soviet soldiers and officers at the walls of the Reichstag.

 Two other panels, depicting Stalin ("Victory Parade" and "Presentation of the Guards Banner"), were replaced after the dethronement of Stalin's personality cult in 1963. New panels depict Lenin's speech in front of the Red Guards and the Motherland on the background of the Kremlin's Spasskaya Tower.

The yellow ceiling is decorated with mosaic and moldings. The hall is illuminated by massive chandeliers hanging between the panels; platforms are illuminated with smaller chandeliers. The columns are decorated with marble capitals and trimmed with light marble, as well as the wall station. The floor is laid with pink granite. There is a bust of Lenin at the end of the hall. At the opposite end of the escalator is a large Florentine mosaic of the Order of Victory with red banners on the background. The ground lobby of the station is decorated with bas-reliefs.

In conclusion...

Each of the stations of the Moscow subway is attractive and interesting in its own way. Each has its own long and fascinating history and is beautifully decorated. The Moscow subway is a whole world, which can be talking about for hours. I suggest you short - no more than one hour and a half - and a fascinating journey through the world of the Moscow subway. The pleasure is guaranteed!

Sculpture Park "Art Muzeon"

Mausoleum and necropolis.

• Bombing in Moscow Metro On March 29, 2010, another tragic event happened in Moscow that shocked not only the citizens of the Russian Federation, but also many people from countries that oppose the threat of terrorism. In the early morning rush hour, two women bearing suicide weapons blasted themselves in the subway trains of the Moscow Metro.
• The Best Redesign of Moscow Metropolitan Map 2013 Russia's leading internet and graphic design agency has won an online vote for the best redesign of the Moscow Metro map. Art. Lebedev Studio is a design company in Russia, founded in 1995 by Artemy Lebedev. They redrew the Moscow Metro map for a second time in three years, with even cleaner graphics and a raft of new details and won more than 50% of the online vote.

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About Me in Short

My name's Arthur Lookyanov, I'm a private tour guide, personal driver and photographer in Moscow, Russia. I work in my business and run my website Moscow-Driver.com from 2002. Read more about me and my services , check out testimonials of my former business and travel clients from all over the World, hit me up on Twitter or other social websites. I hope that you will like my photos as well.

See you in Moscow!

• Russian Visa Invitation Letter Support
• Moscow Airports: A Virtual Guide (Written by a Real-life Guide)
• Exploring Moscow for the First Time? A Personal Guide is What You Need!
• Don’t miss a great chance of seeing fairy-tale town of Suzdal

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Develompment of the Skolkovo Innovation Center, the modern scientific and technological innovative complex located in the Mozhaysky district of the Western Administrative District of Moscow of an area of approximately 400 hectares.

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People walking up and down Nikolskaya street in winter twilight decorated with LED creating a festive atmosphere in any season. The picture is taken near GUM building (at the right) and Red Square.

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Your Route 66 Adventure Starts Here

A Route 66 adventure for everyone

Now offering our exceptional car caravans and a new bus tour. (This has replaced the "ride along" option.) Whether you want the thrill of driving or want to sit back and relax, we have the right option for you.

Guided Route 66 Car Caravans

Bring your own vehicle (or rent one) and follow your tour guide in a caravan of no more than 15 cars.

Route 66 Car Caravan

Chicago to Los Angeles

Guided Route 66 Bus Tours

Join fellow travelers on a comfortable motorcoach for a hassle-free adventure

Route 66 Bus Tour

Chicago-Las Vegas-LA

Two Lane America has created a masterpiece road trip on the mother road, Route 66. My wife and I traveled in June 2019 from South Florida to discovered how important Route 66 was and still is to this wonderful country

Our #1 bucket list trip was absolutely perfect, thanks to Austin Coop. The planning and research can be a bit overwhelming. With Two Lane America you can relax and just enjoy the trip as everything has been planned for you.

Charlayne H.

We were strangers from Ohio, Wisconsin, Virginia, Arkansas, California, and Holland, soon to become friends as we caravaned in our own vehicles from Chicago to Santa Monica on much of old Route 66 with 2LaneAmerica. We worried about nothing except buying gas or incidentals.

Celebrating 19 years of Wine Tours, since 2005.

Your own personal driver. Be driven in the comfort of your own car.

We Drive Personal independent Drivers and Tour Guides for Your Vehicle or Rental in the Wine Country. Drivers are fully insured for your personal or rental car! We are rated #1 on TripAdvisor out of 434 companies. Please be aware of other sites trying to clone our name and business to mislead you. We are the original and only We Drive!

Choose your starting Location

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Livermore Wineries

San francisco, santa barbara, paso robles, welcome to we drive.

We Drive is a Referral Service to some of the top talents. We will refer you to a local wine tour driver. We Drive your car for Wine Tours! Driver rates start as low as only $45 per hour! You can choose your wineries or your driver can make great recommendations. Drivers are fully insured and operating since 2005!

We Drive Overview

The drivers provided on our website are independent Wine Tour Guides. They can save you the expense of chartering a limousine or sedan by driving your vehicle. Wine Tours customized for you has never been easier. You already have a car, so why pay to rent another one? 

Planning a trip to the Napa wine country is not easy. Over 500 wineries to choose from. Mapping out directions and making reservations, hoping you made them at the right times. 

But now you do not have to worry. We Drive started all the way back in 2005 and has over 20 local independent wine tour guides. We are unlike the strict schedule of a wine tour or party bus. We Drive allows you to spend as mush time as you want at any location. A more convenient and stress-free wine country experience. 

More Details

• Your personal vehicle or rental car will be driven for the tour.
• Drivers are independent tour guides
• 6-HOUR MINIMUM – Gratuity not included. Gratuity at Your Discretion!
• Drivers are fully insured
• Extend your time if needed, just pay for the additional time.
• Tasting fees not included
• Pick up and final drop off must be at the same location
• We will meet you at your lodging
• Customized itinerary wine tasting. You pick or we can choose.

Rated #1 Wine country Drivers in Napa Valley! ★★★★★

A must in Napa Valley. It's a bit overwhelming when planning what wineries to visit, especially if it's your first visit. Rick, our driver, was very helpful and gave great recommendations and helped plan our day. He kept us on schedule and is extremely personable and polite. My wife and I look forward to using We Drive on our next visit to Sonoma and Napa. Highly recommended!

Good experience overall. Our driver, Rick, safely got us to all our destinations the two days he helped us out. Months before, he even was willing to get on the phone with me for an hour to consult on the wineries worth checking out before we landed on the perfect itinerary each day. Once I shared the final plan, it couldn’t have gone smoother.

Linda was wonderful! We wanted someone to drive us around so we could enjoy the wine and we lucked out with Linda! She was friendly, knowledgeable, a wonderful photographer and so kind. We highly recommend!

Use the WeDrive service! We have since our first pilgrimage to wine country. We were driven by Rick Spadoni on Saturday. Outstanding! Book with him and contact before booking wineries if you want recommendations from a knowledgeable guide.

Great time with Linda Colleen as we visited two wineries and a vodka distillery in Sonoma. Linda was a safe driver, extremely knowledgeable with many fun facts about the area, and overall a great personality which led to a very fun day. Looking forward to our next trip back and will certainly look to schedule Linda again at We Drive.

Had a wonderful experience in Napa with Linda Colleen and We Drive. Linda did more than just drive us around to the wineries. She is extremely knowledgeable about the area. She helped us plan our visit - suggesting and making reservations at vineyards and restaurants. It was spectacular. We will definitely call Linda again if we are in the area. I cannot recommend her enough.

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The Doulton Fountain, Glasgow

Home 〉 Guide Services 〉 Driver Guides

Driver Guides in Scotland

Our Driver Guides take your guests out in the guide’s vehicle for the ultimate Scottish private tour.

Ready to Book?

Submit a booking request now, or contact us to discuss your tour guide requirements further.

Driver Guides for private, driver-guided tours

Book an accredited driver guide with us to conduct your private driver guided tour. The guide conducts the tour and drives the vehicle, allowing your guests to fully relax and enjoy the tour.

Take your driver guided tour anywhere in Scotland that is accessible by road vehicle. Use for day tours, city panoramic tours, extended tours, shore excursions, transfers, and more.

Driver guided tours are available to start across Scotland, including in and around:

• Orkney & Shetland

Suitable for small groups of up to 7 passengers per vehicle: VIPs, FIT, MICE, families, small groups, transfers, and more. Vehicles available include Mercedes V-Class, Vito, VW Transporter, and Land Rover Discovery.

Your tour, your way. We book your driver guide to work precisely to your requirements.

Driver Guides available in 16 languages.

We offset carbon for every booking made with us as part of our Net-Zero Carbon policy .

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a driver guide cost.

The exact total price for Driver Guide services varies depending on the group size, itinerary, and other requirements of the tour or service. Learn more about guideline tour guide prices / fees or please submit a booking request to get an exact cost for your walking tour.

How many passengers can driver guides carry?

Our driver guides carry a maximum of 7 passengers.

Is it possible to have a one-way tour / driver guide service?

Yes, it is possible for the Driver Guide to start your tour in one location and finish in another. In these cases travel expenses may be charged in addition to the standard driver guide fee. Please submit a booking request to get an exact cost for your one-way tour. 

How much Luggage Can Driver Guides Carry?

Available luggage capacity varies depending on the vehicle used for your tour. Please ensure that the vehicle you book with us is sufficient for your luggage space requirements.

I would like a driver-guided tour, can you create an itinerary for me?

Subject to availability we can provide basic itinerary ideas for driver guided day tours. For everything else, you must provide us with the full itinerary for the tour you require.

Are your tour guides suitable for VIPs?

Yes, absolutely. Our guides have worked with a wide range of VIPs including members of the UK Royal Family, heads of state, politicians, diplomats, athletes, elite sports teams, Holywood stars, and more. Please be specific about your requirements when booking so that we can pick the right guide for you and ensure that your clients are in excellent hands. 

How do you pick My Driver Guide?

We work directly to your requirements to carefully hand-pick expert tour guides in Scotland for you. We believe that every tour is different and therefore selecting the right guide is crucial to its success. Our staff hold extensive knowledge of our vast pool of guides and we use this to pick the right guide for you and your clients. Please tell us as much as you can about your tour, it’s theme, itinerary, and objectives to help us pick the perfect guide for you. 

Can you arrange venue tickets for my tour?

Yes, we arrange entrance tickets for various venues across Scotland, including Edinburgh and Stirling Castle, the Royal Yacht Britannia, Palace of Holyroodhouse, and more. We supply your guide with the tickets to facilitate easy and convenient entry during your tour. 

Do your guides conduct tours in [venue]?

Our tour guides conduct tours in various venues such as Edinburgh Castle, Urquhart Castle, museums, and galleries. In venues that have their own guides such as distilleries, experiences, and Edinburgh underground tours, our guides will hand over the group to the venue guides who will conduct the tour. 

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Travel Home > UK Tours > Scotland

Private Tours of Scotland

Expert private guides, luxury vehicles, flexible rescheduling, experience scotland with your own private driver-guide.

Discover why we like to say Scotland is the greatest ‘wee’ country in the world!

Choose from our selection of private tours, or  l et us know where you want to go on your Scottish vacation and let our tour planning specialists get to work designing a completely custom vacation with your driver guide . Whether you wish to explore the awesome natural beauty and landscapes of the Highlands, tour our majestic medieval castles and historic landmarks, visit cultural events like the Edinburgh fringe or relax on a golf and whisky-based tour we can arrange it all for you.

Our private driver guides are officially licensed and chosen for their outstanding knowledge, charming storytelling abilities, and friendly character, to contribute to providing a tour experience of Scotland that you will cherish forever.

Popular Private Tours of Scotland

Our guided tours of Scotland are all completely customizable, so please take a look at some of our popular tours below and if you would like to alter or change anything you see, then  simply get in touch by sending us an online inquiry and we will design a bespoke tour for you .

Outlander Tour of Scotland With Your Private Guide

Private Guided Ancestry Tours of Scotland

Private Golf Tours of Scotland

Scottish Whisky Distilleries Tours

Create Your Perfect Custom Tour of Scotland

Scotland Highlands & Islands Private Tour

Scotland Castles Tours

Multi-day scottish tour itinerary ideas.

7 Day Castle Tour of Scotland

18 Day Private Tour of Scotland & Ireland

25 Day Grand Private Tour of The UK

14 Day Golf Tour of Scotland & Ireland

6 Day Scottish Golf Tour

5 Day Tour of Scotland

4 Day Harry Potter Tour of Scotland

7 Day Private Driver-Guided Tour of Scotland

10 Day Private Whiskey Tour of Scotland & Ireland

10 Day Golf Tour of Scotland & Ireland

The Best Choice For Your Guided Tour of Scotland

We believe that we provide the best private tours of Scotland available because of two core reasons:

The first is that due to our officially licensed status and  decades of experience guiding our guests  around this beautiful country of ours,  we feel that no one knows Scotland better than us . This enables us to craft the perfect itinerary for your vacation here. Once you let us know of some of your tastes and interests we will fill your calendar with activities and locations that will be of particular interest to you, and given our local knowledge, we can even include  exclusive, off the beaten tracks and otherwise not commercially available activities   just to meet your interests .

The second is the  passion , depth of knowledge, and importantly the  friendly nature of our qualified driver guides . While you can visit some of the same locations on larger group tours, or on your own using a guide you have found online, the experience of having your driver-guide explore the locations with you as they reveal the centuries of history and tradition to you through story, legend (and the occasional myth!)  elevates the whole experience to a new level of understanding and enjoyment .

Other Benefits of Choosing Luxe For Your Private Tour of Scotland

When you choose us to plan your vacation & arrange to travel the country with one of our private driver guides you will benefit from:

Fully Customizable Tours

Discover Scotland your way! We can pick you up from anywhere & work to your schedule to visit all sites & locations you desire & avoid the time-wasting associated with bus or group tours

Complimentary Tour Planning Service

As many changes and revisions to the itinerary as required until you are 100% happy with it. If staying overnight we will help you find the most suitable accommodation

Explore In Comfort, Style, & Safety

Our chauffeur cars are luxury models with air conditioning & comfortable seats. All our tours are private so you will only be traveling within your bubble & our executive vehicles are sanitized daily with antibacterial gels & wipes onboard

Superior Driver-Guides

Officially licensed guides that are passionate about sharing their love of Scotland with you

Contact Your Private Tour Guide in Scotland

To discuss any of the guided tours above, or to get in touch and find out how our team can craft the perfect private driver-guided experience of Scotland for you then simply send us an online inquiry using the form below.

Our travel specialists are ready to get started creating the itinerary of your dreams for no extra charge.

Let us know your questions!

Call our team

+1 (424) 766-5955

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We're here to help!

Rated 5-Star on Google & TripAdvisor

Qualified Guides. Certified Excellence.

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Search luxe tours, experiences, and destinations, or start planning your perfect tour itinerary today.

Or contact our team directly today at +1 (424) 766-5955

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Destinations, popular itineraries, scotland tours, luxe destinations, contact our team.

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Tour Details

Moscow metro tour: architectural styles of the subway.

Duration: 2 hours

Categories: Culture & History, Sightseeing

This metro tour of Russia’s capital and most populous city, Moscow, is your chance to get a unique insight into the beautiful and impressive architecture of the city's underground stations. Admire their marble walls and high ceilings representing Stalin's desire for glory after World War 2, and see first-hand how the interiors change with the rise of new political eras. Your guide will lead you through the complex network, which is one of the most heavily used rapid transit systems worldwide, with over two billion travelers in 2011.

Opened in 1935, Moscow’s underground system, now 190 miles (305 km) long with 185 stations, is today one the largest and most heavily used rapid transit systems in the world. On this Moscow metro tour, discover the impressive architecture of Moscow’s underground stations and learn how they reflect the Soviet era.

Getting around by metro, your local guide will take you through parts of Moscow’s infamous history. Stop at stations built during the time of the USSR (Soviet Union) that are praised as one of the most extravagant architectural projects from Stalin’s time. After World War 2, he was keen on establishing Stalinist architecture to represent his rising regime and a recognized empire. Learn how when his successor started the de-Stalinization of the former Soviet Union in 1953, the extravagancy of the architecture was toned down.

Discover how the unique character of each station reflected several different eras. While stations like Kievskaya and Slavyansky Bulvar have pompous halls and high stucco ceilings brimming with extravagant decorations, those built later, like Volzhskaya, are lightly adorned with sparse furnishings. Architect Alexey Dushkin and painter Alexander Deyneka were just two of the many artists who made these magnificent landmarks possible.

Revel in Moscow's glory days, as well as the years of scarcity, on this fascinating Moscow metro experience. Conclude your tour at one of the central stations in Moscow. If you're lucky, you may even find the secret entrance to the unconfirmed Metro-2, a parallel underground system used by the government -- a mystery which has neither been denied nor confirmed today.

Nearby tours

Soviet-Era Walking Tour in Moscow: Lubyanka Square and the Gulag History Museum

If you love history, would like to know more about Russia’s past, or just want to take an interesting walk, book this guided Moscow walking tour of Soviet-era sites. With your expert guide, walk through Lubyanka Squ...

Walking Tour of Moscow's Kolomenskoye Estate

On this walking tour through the Kolomenskoye Estate in Moscow, immerse yourself in Russia’s interesting royal history. Walk around the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ascension Church, built in 1532, and enter the Hou...

Moscow Cultural Walking Tour: Red Square, Kitay-Gorod and St Basil's Cathedral

Take a guided walking tour of Moscow's cultural highlights, like the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage-listed Red Square, said to be the central square of Russia. Walk through the adjoining district Kitay-Gorod, one of ...

Kremlin Grounds, Cathedrals and Patriarch's Palace Tour from Moscow

A great three hour tour exploring the Kremlin Grounds, Cathedrals and Patriarch's Palaces in Moscow! The small city in the center of Moscow, once the residence of Czars and Patriarchs, contains Russia's main cathedra...

Moscow City Tour

The Moscow City Tour covers all the highlights and most beautiful places in the enchanting Russian capital. The tour begins with a stop at the Red Square and St. Basil's Cathedral, the architectural masterpiece and w...

Culture Shock Rating

We have a wide range of tours designed to give you an insight into the destination you're travelling in and there is something for everybody. The culture shock ratings considers the destination visited, transport used, activities undertaken and that "Wow, I'm really not at home now!" factor. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

This is the least confronting of our tour range. Transport used on the trip is either private or a very comfortable public option, the activities included are usually iconic sites and locations that are not all too confronting.

The tour can include a mix of private and public transport providing a level of comfort that is slightly below what you would experience at home. Sites visited are usually iconic sites, tours can also include market visits, visits to communities etc that provide the traveller with a fantastic insight into destination.

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether it's a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, a visit to a local market, a local community, you are sure to have an experience that is very different from what you're used to at home.

The comforts of your home town and the environment you are used to are more of a rarity. Expect some challenging transport options, visits to local sites and areas that don't resemble anything at home.

You're out there in the global community! You are likely to be exposed to the elements, travel in whatever means of transport is available and basically take it as it comes, whatever comes! It can be tough.

Physical Rating

Our physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

These tours have very limited physical activity. Usually climbing in and out of the transport provided, walking through sites, markets etc included in the itinerary.

These tours have a bit of physical activity but nothing that should challenge you too much. This could be climbing on and off public transport through to a walk through the destination you're travelling in, they can include walking only tours or a combination of walking and transport.

These tours involve a bit of physical activity from walking up and down hills in the destination you're travelling in or the surrounding areas. Climbing on and off local transport or riding a bike up to 30 kms along predominantly flat terrain or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

These Tours will provide you with some solid physical activity. Whether its bike riding, walking, trekking, kayaking or riding on public transport you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour.

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. These tours are our most challenging and involve some serious walking, hiking or bike riding. Can involve step climbs by foot or pedal and some challenging public transport options in the destination you are travelling.

Luxury Rating

Some trips are like a stroll on the beach, while others have you trekking alpine passes. Some of you thrive on camping out on the savannah, while others may prefer a hot shower and a comfortable bed in a lodge. Follow the grading systems below to find the right trip for you.

To help you choose the trip that's right for you, we've broken all of our trips down into four service levels. Measuring the comfort level of the accommodation and transport. So whether you're travelling on a budget and want to save money by using public transport, or prefer upgraded accommodation and are happy to pay a little more, then we have a level for you.

This is grassroots travel at its most interesting

Authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home

For those who like to travel in comfort

All the unique experiences wrapped up with a gold ribbon

Port Pick-Up: Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide＆ Vehicle

• Guided , Naha , Private Tours , Tour Reviews

In a city teeming with travelers and bustling ports, finding a personalized and exclusive tour experience can be quite a challenge. However, the Port Pick-Up: Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide＆ Vehicle offers exactly that.

With a licensed guide and a comfortable vehicle at your disposal, this tour promises a hassle-free and immersive exploration of Naha.

But what sets it apart from other tours? What can you expect during this 6-hour journey?

And how can you reserve your spot? Join the discussion to uncover all the details and discover why this tour is a top choice for travelers visiting Naha.

Great News! You can reserve your spot for free with Viator. You can easliy cancel any time up to 1 day before without paying anything.

Quick Takeaways

• The tour price starts from £357.31 per group and there is a lowest price guarantee.
• Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund.
• The tour duration is approximately 6 hours with a licensed guide and private vehicle.
• Convenient pick-up and drop-off options are available at Naha Port or nearby hotels, allowing for easy access to popular tourist attractions in Naha.

Not for you? Here's a few more great tours and experiences nearby.

• Mobile Wifi Rental With Pickup at Naha (Okinawa) Airport
• North Okinawa Bus Day Tour Manzamo Kouri Island Ocean Expo Park American Village
• Private Transfer From Naha City Hotels to Nakagusuku Cruise Port
• Full Day Guided Boat 2diving in Kerama Islands（License Required）

Pricing and Booking Details

The pricing and booking details for the Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide & Vehicle are straightforward and flexible.

The tour price starts from £357.31 per group, with a lowest price guarantee.

To book, travelers can select their desired date and check availability. The option to reserve now and pay later allows for flexibility, ensuring that your spot is secured.

Payment options are convenient and varied.

It’s important to note that cancellations can be made up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. However, cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time aren’t eligible for a refund.

It’s recommended to check the weather conditions, as they may affect the experience and provide an alternative date or full refund in case of cancellation.

Cancellation Policy

Moving on to the cancellation policy, travelers should be aware of the guidelines for cancelling the Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide & Vehicle.

The policy states that cancellations made at least 24 hours before the experience start time will receive a full refund. However, no refund will be given for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the experience start time. It’s important to note that changes made less than 24 hours before the experience start time are also not accepted.

The cut-off times for cancellations and changes are based on the local time of the experience.

Plus, the cancellation policy takes into account the effect of weather conditions on the experience. In case of cancellation due to weather, travelers will have the option of choosing a different date or receiving a full refund.

The reservation and payment process for the Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide & Vehicle is designed to be flexible, allowing travelers to reserve now and pay later.

Tour Duration and Description

During the Naha Private Tour, travelers can expect to enjoy approximately 6 hours exploring the city with a licensed guide and private vehicle. Here are some tour highlights and local attractions that participants can look forward to:

• Shuri Castle: Discover the rich history and cultural significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was once the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
• Kokusai Street: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Naha’s main street, lined with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
• Makishi Public Market: Experience the hustle and bustle of a traditional Okinawan market, where you can sample local delicacies and find unique souvenirs.
• Peace Memorial Park: Pay tribute to the victims of World War II at this peaceful park, which features monuments, memorials, and a museum.
• Tamaudun Royal Mausoleum: Explore the final resting place of the Ryukyu kings and queens, and learn about their fascinating history.

With a knowledgeable guide and comfortable transportation, participants can make the most of their time in Naha and discover the city’s hidden gems.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations

Participants of the Naha Private Tour can expect convenient pick-up and drop-off locations at either Naha Port or nearby hotels, ensuring a seamless start and end to their exploration of the city.

Naha Port serves as a primary entry point for cruise ships, making it a convenient spot for travelers to begin their tour. From there, they can easily access popular tourist attractions in Naha, such as Shuri Castle, Kokusai Street, and the Okinawa Prefectural Museum.

Plus, participants have the option to be picked up and dropped off at hotels near the port, providing flexibility and convenience. This allows travelers to easily access transportation options and continue their exploration of Naha after the tour concludes.

Reservation Restrictions

Reservation restrictions for the Naha Private Tour include limitations on the number of reservations per group and the inability to combine multiple reservations. This means that only one reservation is allowed per group, and multiple reservations can’t be combined. It’s important to keep this in mind when booking the tour to ensure that the group size is accounted for correctly.

Plus, when making a reservation, it’s crucial to consider the payment options available. The tour offers the option to reserve now and pay later, allowing for flexibility in securing a spot. This payment option ensures that you can secure your reservation without having to make an immediate payment.

Additional Information and Contact Details

For additional information and contact details regarding the Naha Private Tour, please refer to the provided contact information for Viator

If you have any questions or need further clarification about the tour, Viator will be able to assist you. They can provide you with details about the pricing and booking process, including the tour price starting from £357.31 per group (up to 2) and the option to reserve now and pay later.

Viator can also provide you with information about the cancellation policy, which allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

If you have any concerns or need to make changes to your reservation, Viator will be able to guide you through the process.

Terms and Conditions

After familiarizing yourself with the additional information and contact details for the Naha Private Tour, it’s important to understand the terms and conditions associated with this tour experience. Here are the key terms and conditions and the cancellation policy for the Naha Private Tour:

• Tour price starts from £357.31 per group (up to 2)
• Lowest Price Guarantee
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
• Full refund for cancellations made at least 24 hours before the experience start time
• No refund for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the experience start time
• No acceptance of changes made less than 24 hours before the experience start time
• Duration of the tour is approximately 6 hours
• Private tour designed for travelers coming to Naha by cruise ships
• Guide and taxi will pick up and drop off at Naha Port or hotels near the port
• Only one reservation per group allowed, no combining of multiple reservations

It is important to review and understand these terms and conditions before booking the Naha Private Tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Naha Private Tour if I Am Not Arriving by Cruise Ship?

Yes, you can book the Naha private tour without arriving by cruise ship. Anyone can join the tour regardless of their mode of transportation.

Is There a Minimum Number of Travelers Required to Book the Tour?

There is no minimum number of participants required to book the tour. The tour booking requirements allow for a private tour/activity, meaning only your group will participate in the experience.

Are Entrance Fees to Attractions Included in the Tour Price?

Entrance fees to attractions are not included in the tour price. Travelers will need to pay for their own entrance fees separately. It is recommended to check the specific attraction’s website for ticket pricing.

Can I Customize the Itinerary of the Private Tour?

Yes, customers have the flexibility to customize the itinerary of their private tour. They can discuss their preferences with the licensed guide and make necessary adjustments to ensure a personalized experience.

Is the Tour Guide Fluent in English?

Yes, the tour guide is bilingual and there are no language barriers. They are fluent in English and can effectively communicate with the participants throughout the private tour.

To sum it up, the Port Pick-Up: Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide & Vehicle offers a convenient and personalized tour experience for travelers arriving in Naha by cruise ships.

With a reputable travel company backing the tour, you can expect exceptional customer service and flexible booking options.

The exclusivity of the tour ensures a tailored experience, with insightful commentary and recommendations from the licensed guide.

If you’re looking for a memorable and hassle-free exploration of Naha, this tour is a perfect choice.

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🏯 The 5 Best Private Guided Tours of Tokyo [2024 Reviews]

If you’re looking for a kaleidoscope of flavors, cultures, and experiences, Tokyo should be at the very top of your list. However, if you really want to take advantage of everything this magical city has to offer, you need to do it right.

If you want an experience that’s as unique as the city itself, then you should sign yourself up for one of these top private tours of Tokyo .

This melding of neon lights, hidden alleyways, and skyscrapers is filled with untold stories and secrets that your guide will let you in on. If that sounds like fun to you, let’s jump right in!

Be sure to see our reviews of Tokyo Food Tours , Mt Fuji Day Trips and Tokyo Bike Tours .

Best Tokyo Private Tours by Locals

Quick answer: the 5 best private tokyo city tours for 2024.

• Tokyo Private Chauffeur Driving Sightseeing Tour – English Speaking Driver
• Tokyo: Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide
• Tokyo Private Custom Walking Tour with Local Friendly Guide
• Tokyo Private Tour by Car/Van – Guide Option Available (up to 13)
• Private Custom Tour: Tokyo in a Day

Tokyo City Private Tour Reviews

1. tokyo private chauffeur driving sightseeing tour.

• Duration: 7 to 9 hours
• Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Departure Time: 9:00, 9:30, 10:00 AM
• Includes:  Bottled water, driver, pocket Wifi, Private tour, transport by private vehicle

This first tour will take you right into the heart of the vibrant Tokyo metropolis, offering up a sensory overload bound to leave you feeling like you’re in some sort of dream.

The Tokyo Private Chauffeur Driving Sightseeing Tour – English Speaking Driver  is one of the best choices you can make if it’s your first time in the city, taking you on a deep dive right into the center of it all.

If that wasn’t good enough, the staff is so professional, knowledgeable, and planned everything perfectly to make for a seamless tour.

First on our list is the grand dame herself: the oldest and most prominent temple in Tokyo, called the Senso-ji. This Buddhist temple is nearly 1400 years old, making it not only a gorgeous sight to see but a journey back in time.

Next up is the Tokyo Skytree, which is an architectural marvel towering 634 meters, completely redefining the term “city lights”.

Now head down into the Tsukiji Fish Market, where street food stalls burst full of energy, mouthwatering scents, and all kinds of interesting flavors.

Expand To See More See Less

It’s one of the most renowned fish markets in the world, spanning everything from food stalls to upscale restaurants serving all kinds of seafood. After you’re all fueled up, it’s time to travel to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace where the Edo Castle ruin tells plenty of stories on its own.

The Meiji Jingu Shrine is a serene haven amidst a wild urban sprawl, offering a moment for peaceful reflection in the middle of your tour. Don’t forget the Shibuya Crossing, which is the busiest intersection in the world and is often compared to New York’s Time Square.

Finally, pay a visit to Takeshita Street, where Harajuku’s avante-garde spirit thrives as a breathing masterpiece of youth culture.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other experiences you may enjoy:, 2. tokyo full-day private tour with nationally-licensed guide.

• Duration: 6 hours
• Departure:  Hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Departure Time: Anytime between 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
• Includes: Licensed local guide, free photos

If the first tour really caught your attention but you’re looking for something shorter, we have you covered. The Tokyo: Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide  is a few hours shorter yet still packs a punch in terms of learning and excitement.

If you have the morning or afternoon available and would like to see Tokyo’s top sights in one day without the hassle of doing it yourself, this is a great option for you.

What always kind of made me avoid tours in the past was the idea that I’d get herded around with a bunch of strangers like cattle, just ticking off a generic list of sights to see.

By now, I’ve learned that that’s not always the case – you just have to know  which  tours are the good ones to take. This tour is one of the best, as it lets you completely customize your itinerary, letting your guide create a schedule perfectly tailored to your needs.

Take some time here before strolling through the Imperial Palace’s Outer Garden, complete with seasonal flowers, original moats, entrance gates, and guardhouses. At lunchtime, you’ll enjoy a Harajuku meal where “kawaii” and “trendy” blend like soy sauce and wasabi.

Speaking of beautiful contrasts, we’ll then hang out in the Meiji Jingu Shrine: a forest oasis settled between the chaos of Shibuya and Shinjuku. Time seems to stand still here, and it’s a wonderful sanctuary for those who need a break amidst the hustle and bustle.

Overall, if you’re looking for a Tokyo masterclass, I highly recommend you consider this tour!

3. Tokyo Private Custom Walking Tour with Local Friendly Guide

• Duration: 4 to 8 hours
• Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off available
• Departure Time: 9:00 AM
• Includes: Professional local guide

Walking tours are something really special, offering you that up close and personal experience that you simply can’t get in any other format.

If you want an authentic way to see this amazing city, the Tokyo Private Custom Walking Tour with Local Friendly Guide  is one of the best, creating an intimate experience where you get a knowledgeable guide to lead you around.

Based on your and your party’s interests, your itinerary will cover some of the most fascinating landmarks in all of Japan.

This full-throttle immersion into the vibrant city’s heart seamlessly combines the modern marvels with ancient wonders, in a way only Tokyo is able to pull off.

The cultural compass of a guide was packed full of fun facts, anecdotes, and intricate pieces of knowledge that only enriched the experience further.

In order to make the most of your time and really experience Tokyo like a local, you’ll be navigating its labyrinthine metro system with your guide who has your back.

The first stop on the tour is the largest fish market on the planet: Tsukiji Market. It’s an explosion of colors, scents, sights, and flavors where you’ll be able to try all kinds of seafood that you’ve never even seen before.

Then there’s Asakusa, where tradition meets modernity in the shadow of the beautiful time capsule that is Sensoji Temple.

The Meiji Shrine is next on the list, which serves as a tranquil oasis amid the urban frenzy, where you’ll be able to take a mental break before heading to Takeshita Street in Harajuku. You can choose to check out the Imperial Palace’s East Garden, or the electric atmosphere of Shibuya Crossing.

The Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo Skytree, Odaiba waterfront, and various others are available to add to your customized itinerary.

4. Tokyo Private Tour by Car/Van – Guide Option Available (up to 13)

• Duration: 10 hours
• Includes: Gas, highway tolls, English-speaking driver, air-conditioned vehicle, Wi-Fi hotspot onboard

If you’re traveling with more than just a few other people, I can’t recommend this next tour enough. The Tokyo Private Tour by Car/Van – Guide Option Available (up to 13)  will let all of you travel together while skipping the hassle of waiting for strangers at places you aren’t as interested in.

This tour lets you completely customize your itinerary based on your schedule and personal interests, so you can maximize your tour experience!

Starting off at 9:00 am, you’ll be picked right up from your hotel lobby so you don’t have to worry about scheduling separate transportation or waking up earlier to meet your driver.

The vehicle is not only air-conditioned but comes with Wi-Fi so you’re never without connection in case you’d like to send photos and videos in real-time to loved ones. Make sure to let them know what you’re most interested in so they can build the ideal schedule for you.

Check out the Senso-ji Temple, which has been standing as a living testament to Tokyo’s history for nearly 1400 years. You’ll learn just a fraction of the countless stories this landmark has seen, but they’re incredibly fascinating.

There’s the Tokyo Skytree, which is a monolith piercing the skyline like some kind of vaporware dream we all imagine when thinking of this city.

Imperial Palace’s East Gardens are like stepping straight into a history book, followed by a delicious trip to the Tsukiji Fish Market. As a haven for foodies, you’ll love fueling up here before exploring the Meiji Jingu Shrine, the swirling vortex of lights that is Shibuya Crossing, the Odaiba District, and so much more.

This is a beautiful adventure that’s perfect if you really love getting down to the raw culture and spirit of a place.

5. Private Custom Tour: Tokyo in a Day

• Duration: 8 hours
• Includes:  Meet-and-greet service at hotel (if by public transport), professional guide, transport by private vehicle (if by private vehicle), transportation fares (if by public transport), lunch (full-day option only), snacks

If it’s your first day in Tokyo, do yourself a favor and instead of heading to the hotel for a nap, take this tour instead. After just a few minutes of venturing through this magnificent city, you can rest assured any jet lag will disappear.

The Private Custom Tour: Tokyo in a Day lets you explore at your own pace and set your schedule! Navigating Tokyo as a noobie is no joke, so I highly appreciated the fact that our guide came right to our hotel lobby to pick us up.

Your transport will be by comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicle or by public transport if you choose to go with the regular option. Either way, you’ll have your guide there to lead the way and fill you in on interesting tips and historical accounts at each location.

The fun part comes when you tell your guide about your personal interests, so that you can either come up with a half-day or full-day sightseeing itinerary that goes based on them.

Whether you’re a foodie, passionate about Japanese culture, history, or love the outdoors, they are experts at creating memorable tours that honor those interests. However, there are certain spots that most people would like to visit, regardless.

The Tsukiji Market is one of those, which is the most renowned and biggest fish market in the entire world. The Hama Rikyu Gardens are the perfect example of a traditional Japanese garden, making for a serene escape and great photo ops in the middle of this bustling landscape.

If you’re into shopping, Ginza is a youthful, trendy place famous for its brand names and traditional shops.

With such genuinely cool, knowledgeable tour guides, I’d trust them with my eyes closed to create a customized itinerary for me. Whatever you end up doing, you can rest easy knowing you’re going to have a great time.

FAQs About Visiting Tokyo

What will i see on a guided tour of tokyo.

• Tokyo National Museum – This is Japan’s largest and oldest museum. There is a huge collection of art and artifacts from ancient times to modern day. You will see samurai armor and swords, Buddhist scrolls, kimonos, pottery, paintings and lots more.
• Shibuya Crossing – Probably the world’s busiest intersection, here you can watch the crowds of people cross the street in all directions, it’s truly a sight to behold! You will find no shortage of shops, restaurants and cafes for you to try.
• Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden – This large and beautiful park is in the heart of the city. It has not only a variety of Japanese gardens but also French and English as well. There is also a greenhouse with a variety of tropical plants. Stroll the paths and admire the flowers and trees or better yet have a picnic on the lawn.
• Tokyo Skytree – This is the tallest tower in the world! Take an elevator to the observation decks where you will have a panoramic view of the city with lots of photo opportunities.

Tour Guides

The Tokyo Private Chauffeur Driving Sightseeing Tour is our Editors Choice for the best private guided tour of Tokyo

Krysha Thayer

Related articles, the 5 best taj majal tours from new delhi [2024 reviews], the 5 best halong bay cruises [2024 reviews], ▷ the 5 best hanoi city tours [2024 reviews], ▷ the 5 best mekong delta & cu chi tunnels tours [2024 reviews].

All of our transactions and projects are listed below

California Wine Tours owns and operates the largest and most diverse fleet of luxury vehicles in Northern California.

Our fleet of luxury vehicles are maintained by our own team of certified, highly trained mechanics to insure vehicle safety and reliability. Each one of our vehicles are detailed and sanitized daily, to provide a clean and comfortable experience. The California Highway Patrol audits our fleet several times per year. During these inspections, our vehicle and driver records are analyzed to make sure we are compliant with state laws and regulations.

Our drivers are highly trained in road and vehicle safety, and in addition provide our clients with in-depth information and understanding about the Wine Country. Their comprehensive knowledge, combined with their courtesy and obligation to satisfying our customers has made California Wine Tours the leader in transportation.

Lincoln Continental

• Air-conditioning
• Tinted windows
• AM/FM/CD/Bluetooth Stereo
• Rear Controls
• Professional Chauffeur
• Bottled Water.
• Sedans can accommodate up to 4 passengers, comfortable for 2

BMW 7 Series

• Professional Chauffeur/tour-guide

Corporate SUV

• (Suburbans can accommodate up to 5 passengers)

Stretch Limousine

• Complimentary Champagne.
• 6 Passengers Max
• California Compliant

Presidential Jet Sprinter 1

• Tinted windows, USB Outlets, 110V
• Captains Chairs (heated, reclining, Massage chairs)
• Premium Sound
• Complimentary Champagne and waters
• Streaming TV
• Fiber Optic Lighting
• (6 Passenger with Luggage capacity)

Presidential Jet Sprinter 2

Jet Sprinters

• Captains Chairs
• (8 Passenger with Luggage capacity)

Limousine Sprinter Party Van

• Wrap around leather coaches
• Complimentary Champagne and Beverages
• Champagne flutes ad low ball gasses
• TV’s/DVD Players
• P.A. System
• (Limo Vans models range from 10-12 Passengers)

Executive Sprinter Van

• (13 Passenger with Luggage capacity)

Luxury Touring Van Seats 9

• Leather forward facing bucket seats
• CD/DVD/TV’s
• Air Conditioning
• Luggage Compartment
• Tinted Windows, and Privacy Shade
• (Models range from 9-14 Passengers)
• Ice chest and bottled water avail. at request

Luxury Touring Van Seats 14

Convertible Mercedes Sprinter

• (Models are 18 Passengers)

Limousine Party Bus 28 Passenger

• Leather Sofa Seating
• CD/AM/FM/Bluetooth
• Champagne flutes ad low ball glasses
• Privacy Shades and Tinted Windows
• Luggage compartment (some of the models)
• (16 and 28 passenger models available)

Limousine Party Bus 16 Passenger

Luxury Mini Buses

• AM/FM/CD/Bluetooth
• Tinted Windows
• Luggage Compartment (some of the models)
• (21, 23, 27 Passenger models available)
• note: 27 Passenger has no luggage for airport

Luxury Mid-Size Bus

• DVD and TV's
• (31, 35, 41 and 49 Passenger models available)
• Note: 31 and 35 Passenger vehicles have no luggage

Luxury Motor Coach

• AM/FM Bluetooth stereo & DVD (with 6 TV’s)
• Air-conditioning and Window shades
• Luggage compartments
• Reading lights and Individual Reclining seats
• (38-passenger models available)

• (56-passenger models available)

Vehicle List:

Lincoln Continental BMW 7 Series Corporate SUV Stretch Limousine Presidential Jet Sprinter 1 Presidential Jet Sprinter 2 Jet Sprinters Limousine Sprinter Party Van Executive Sprinter Van Luxury Touring Van Seats 9 Luxury Touring Van Seats 14 Convertible Mercedes Sprinter Limousine Party Bus 28 Passenger Limousine Party Bus 16 Passenger Luxury Mini Buses Luxury Mid-Size Bus Luxury Motor Coach

Tour Guide Insurance

Get an insurance policy by the hour, day, or month in 60 seconds.

4.4/5 stars from 1695 reviews on Trustpilot

Featured in

Why do I need Tour Guide Insurance?

As a professional tour operator, you’re tasked with knowing the ins and outs of your blank. We say “blank,” because you could be a tour company guiding people through a city’s downtown, elating taste buds on a wine tour, or growling and roaring with lions on a children’s jungle safari tour at a zoo. Knowing everything about your blank means being able to wax poetic about all the best facets of your blank. But it also means knowing all the worst parts about it too.

“Insurance” is our blank. We know the ins and outs of this industry and why tour guides absolutely need to protect themselves with general liability insurance and professional liability insurance .

Imagine, poor weather in the forecast threatens to cancel the tour. Without a cloud in the sky, and knowing how excited guests are for your tour, you decide to ignore the warning and continue without canceling. Near the end of the tour, a flash of rain douses the entire group. In an attempt to get to cover, two of your tour members collide and an ambulance needs to be called. Both parties conspire to hold you responsible for the medical bills and for negligence on continuing the tour despite the forecast.

It’s the simple factors, often outside of your control and done with the very best of intentions that can escalate to needing insurance. Our Tour Guide General Liability and Professional Liability Insurance was made with the worst-case scenario in mind.

Ensure you have Thimble’s Tour Guide Insurance and keep your business on the route to success.

Quick thinking insurance for small businesses.

What does Tour Guide Insurance cover?

Unforeseen circumstances or an accident shouldn’t spell the end of your business. Thimble’s Tour Guide Insurance is designed to protect tour guides from situations like the below:

Third-party, non-employee bodily injury

At the final stop on the wine tour, a particularly lively guest leans too far back in their chair. Unable to catch themself, they fall backward and catch the corner of the table directly behind them. The paramedic in the ambulance suspects it might be more than a concussion. The guest then expects you to cover any costs that arise from this.

Third-party property damage

Part of your city tour involves renting electric scooters. Though you’re an expert on two wheels, you’ve never dealt with a bee flying into your eye. Losing control, you steer right into a car, leaving a sizable dent. Unfortunately, this wasn’t “just a car;” it was a brand new Rolls Royce. The owner expects to be paid in full.

Defense costs

A family has booked your tour months in advance. They’re flying across the coast for a vacation and this tour has been the only thing their son has talked about. When an unexpected thunderstorm rolls through your city, you’re forced to cancel. The son is devastated, and the parents are especially litigious. Despite having no control of the weather, you need a lawyer, because they’re suing you for a breach of contract.

Errors & omissions

You’ve advertised a new tour for a while, with multiple tour guests waiting patiently for the expedition. Once you set out with your group, one of your clients decides that the excursion doesn’t live up to expectations. They then sue you for false advertising.

How much does Tour Guide Insurance cost?

Our Tour Guide Insurance policy rate reflects the risk factors that are related to your niche. Wine tour guides and museum tour guides, for example, need personalized coverages, and neither party wants to pay for anything they don’t need. That’s why we customize your policy rate to the location you work in, the size of your crew (if you have one), and the coverage limit required.

Thimble’s Tour Guide Insurance is on when you’re working and off when you’re not. Plus, you can add as many Additional Insureds as you’d like for free. That’s game-changing flexibility. That’s insurance done right. Get your free Tour Guide Insurance quote now.

Tour Guide Insurance FAQs

How quickly can I get a Certificate of Insurance?

Quicker than you can say “And if you’ll look to your left.” When you need Tour Guide Insurance, you can get a free insurance quote, and then purchase that policy all within 60 seconds. The COI (Certificate of Insurance) will be sent to your inbox immediately.

Did your friend ask you to cover for them while they’re on vacation? While you’ve never worked for their company before, you decide to accept the job. The manager in charge asks for your Certificate of Insurance. Thanks to Thimble, you can hop on the app and show them your COI within seconds.

With Thimble, you can schedule your coverage up to six months in advance, and if your friend’s plans end up changing, you can cancel your policy penalty-free up to an hour before the coverage was expected to begin. That’s fast and flexible insurance.

If any changes need to be made, consider them done. Add and modify your Additional Insureds at a moment’s notice, right through the Thimble app.

What are the Tour Guide Insurance policy limits?

There are two Tour Guide Insurance policy limits offered by Thimble: $1 million and $2 million. You can choose the one that protects your tour guide business best, depending on the risk factors you’re facing.

Are workplace injuries of my staff covered?

No. General Liability Insurance for tour guides only provides coverage when the injury happens to a third party. If you want to have three extra tour guides working for you, you may want to consider workers’ compensation coverage . In many states, you can only operate legally with workers’ comp in place.

Does Thimble’s Tour Guide Insurance cover damage to my equipment?

Also no. Thimble’s Tour Guide Insurance only provides this protection for third party damage. If you’ve purchased your own Segway to help maximize your efficiency, you may want to consider a commercial property policy to insure your gear.

How do I get Tour Guide Insurance with Thimble?

Getting Tour Guide Insurance has never been easier, thanks to Thimble. All you need is one minute and the Thimble app. Offer some details about your tour guide business, your ZIP code, and the length of your desired coverage (hourly, daily, or monthly), and we’ll send you a quote instantly. From there, click to purchase and you’ll receive your Certificate of Insurance instantly.

Quick-thinking insurance for fast-moving businesses.

Fewer questions. More options. Buy a policy online, in the app, or over the phone in minutes. Get to work before the other guys even call you back.

Any size. Every stage. Get coverage by the job, month, or year. Choose how you pay, then upgrade when business really takes off.

Total Control. Seamless edits. Modify, pause, or cancel instantly, whether work slows down or hiring picks up.

Get covered in minutes. (Then get to work!)

Japan Private Tours & Local Tour Guides

Plan a trip to japan with local tour guides, and tokyo, kyoto, osaka and more..

View all 14646 reviews

Popular Japan Tour Destinations

Popular Japan Tour Guides

Hi, my name is Takashi!! When I go abroad, I think that how nice it would be to have a friend there and hang out together. I want you to feel like you have a friend in Osaka and we can go around and explore the city. I was born and grew up in Japan. And I speak English, Spanish and Japanese. I can be the perfect guide for you.                                                                                                                                  

My name is Tateo. I am officially registerd English tour guide and introducing about Okinawa's history,culture, and nature.I am elderly person but have gone through lots of expericences that happened during US occupation after WW2. For the example, change of monetary system(US dollar to Yen),Change of traffic regulation(driving vehicle from right to left).The reversion of Okinawa to main land Japan was biggest historical event.The US administered Okinawa for 27 years. As a result, thing were Americanized in many aspects. Historically, Okinawa was once independent nation until 1872.During Kingdum era, Okinawa actively traded with China, South Asia Countries, Korea, and Japan. In the end, our culture is quite differ much from main land Japan. For instance, architectural technique, daily customs, and culture are also unique. Okinawa is the only prefecture belong to subtropical climate zone. Even winter time, it's neither hot nor cold. People can enjoy marine sport all through the year.Canoeing, Kayaking, Diving, and Snorkeling are popular. Besides, beatiful white sand beaches and attractive coastline are abundant. Green sea water and blue sky have been lured people from all over the world. Traditional music and dance are worth seeing. Please visit Okinawa and enjoy extraordinary trip. I will be looking forward to seeing you soon.                                                                                                                                  

Hi! I am Kazue. I am from Fukuoka and live in the central city. I spent almost 20 years traveling around the world as a cabin attendant. Meeting different people, different cultures and eating local food were best things in my career. This experience definitely widened my perspective and will help me in some way when I work as a guide. Since I spent half my life outside of Japan, I noticed our culture and traditions are very unique and became more interested in historical sites in Japan. For my personal life, I am a mom of twins. It is still a hard work but I am enjoying a lot with them. We take them around Kyushu whenever possible for their fun and experience. We all love traveling after all. I am looking forward to showing you around our hometown soon!                                                                                                                                  

My name is Shusaku. I was born and raised in Osaka, where I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the beautiful landscapes and rich culture of the region. During my travels to 10 different countries, I came to realize the importance of listening to the locals to truly understand the culture and charm of a place. This experience taught me that local knowledge and experiences are invaluable in building a deeper understanding and connection while traveling. In my tours, I make it a point to not only showcase the popular tourist destinations but also to share insights into the everyday lives of locals and the culture of the region. By incorporating stories and knowledge from locals, I aim to provide a more enriching travel experience. My mission in life is to foster a deeper understanding of the world through travel and to build connections with people from different backgrounds. I look forward to creating unforgettable memories and sharing new discoveries with all of you!                                                                                                                                  

New japan tour guides.

Nike guntur P.

Hi.. travelers, i am indonesian and my name nike guntur p, you can call me nike or guntur, i have lived in japan since 2015, i speak japanese fluently like a native japanese because i studied first before living in japan and studied japanese culture before marrying the japanese woman i love. i do this job because i like culture, art, food, traveling, and communicating with people i have never met. especially if you are a muslim, i am very happy because i know halal restaurants in japan, so don't worry, the same goes for places of worship (mosques), i will take you to the first mosque built in japan, and if you want to see the beauty of mosques in japan and performing prayers, i am happy to invite you to that mosque.                                                                                                                                  .

Hi everyone, I'm Marie, originally from France. Ever since I was a child I've felt a strong connection and attraction to Japan, and it has been a significant part of my life through various forms and activities like Zen meditation, Sumie,being a member of Franco-Japanese associations. In 2018, after over 15 years working as an IT Project Manager in Telecom, I completely changed my life by moving to Japan with new professional and personal projects. Since then, living in Tokyo, I've discovered amazing spots, hidden treasures, and fascinating stories that make this city truly special! I enjoy planning every detail of your Tokyo visit (as a good project manager would!) to ensure it's filled with excitement and discovery. I speak French, English, and conversational Japanese, and I bring a lot of positive energy. Let's uncover Tokyo's secrets together and create unforgettable memories along the way! Looking forward to meeting you soon! Marie ✩ ~~~~~ ✩ ~~~~~ ✩ Bonjour à tous ! Je m'appelle Marie et depuis toute petite, j'a toujours été attirée par le Japon il est a été présent dans ma vie à travers diverses formes et activités telles que la méditation zen, le sumie, des associations franco-japonaise. En 2018, après plus de 15 ans en tant que chef de projet IT dans les télécoms, j'ai complètement changé de vie en m'installant au Japon avec de nouveaux projets professionnels et personnels. Depuis que je vis à Tokyo, j'ai découvert des endroits extraordinaires, des trésors cachés et des histoires fascinantes qui font de cette ville un lieu vraiment spécial ! J'adore planifier chaque détail de votre visite à Tokyo (comme le ferait un bon chef de projet !) pour m'assurer qu'elle soit remplie de belles découvertes. Je parle français, anglais et japonais conversationnel, et je suis pleine d'énergie positive. Explorons ensemble les secrets de Tokyo et créons des souvenirs inoubliables ! Au plaisir de vous rencontrer bientôt, Marie                                                                                                                                  

Masayuki I.

My name is masayuki currently living in kyoto. everyone casually calls me massy. i grew up in a bilingual ( english / japanese ) background. i am a new entry in here, but i am already very well experienced in hosting and guiding. i like to explore things to discover all the hidden beauties and treasures off the beaten path and share with others. i would only show you to the places you really need a guide with no information in english. if you are interested in things truly unique known only to some locals, i am the one. i like to explore in nature and show my footsteps to everyone to discover new hidden ground. it is almost my natural instinct to avoid crowd. i am not into ordinary tourism of kyoto because i don't want to be another one of them doing the same guide in kyoto. i want to show you to a true state of sacred and beauty which is unharmed by commercialization and over-tourism. my itinerary cuts off overrated attractions from the view point of a local. in kyoto i mostly write about places never been introduced in english. i am not a licensed tour guide interpreter, but i have different field of knowledge to introduce things. i am more of an english-hosting guide without strict business manner. i am a professional in writing introduction pages mainly for north parts of kyoto in english. the courses are my own creation since i am the original one to write in english. i am a very open and friendly person who can communicate in english nearly as good as a native speaker. i was in canada and u.s. i once took a leading role of an international community as well as being an english teacher. my wife is from ukraine often assisting me to host my guests.                                                                                                                                  .

I was born and raised in Hiroshima, and my love for this city led me to switch from nursing to guiding. As a guide, I specialize in Hiroshima city downtown, Miyajima, Futaba no Sato, Onomichi, and Tomo-no-Ura. I also introduce secret photo spots and hidden gems. Using my experience as a nurse, I prioritize meticulous care and bring my natural brightness, aiming to provide a guide experience that allows you to fully enjoy Hiroshima.                                                                                                                                  

Popular japan private tours.

Personalized Tokyo Journey

This is a customized tour that is designed based on your interests. before you book me, let me know about you, your age, things you like, your interests etc.. if there is somewhere you want to visit in the city, or something you want to do, please let me know. let's make your journey memorable one together..

Tokyo tour à la carte

This tour covers my favorite places in tokyo.you can choose three places from the list of more than 30 places in tokyo, classified as temple&shrine, garden, shopping, observatory, museum, experience, and others..

Efficient One Day Tokyo Tour

Efficiently visiting various popular sightseeing spots in central tokyo like buddhism temple, shinto shrine, palace, park, market and entertainment district by using public transportation. schedule of this tour is flexible. below itinerary is a standard sample. it is possible to change the place to visit by requests of tourists..

1 day special customized tour in Kyoto

Kyoto has many beautiful places to visit. i especially would like to take you to the most exciting spots in kyoto in 1 day. please pick a few of the options from the following sightseeing places and i will take you as many places as possible at a reasonable price..

New Japan Private Tours

Tokyo Jazz Tours

Step into the rhythmic heart of tokyo's vibrant music scene with our immersive jazz tour in the iconic shinjuku district and neighboring areas. this unique experience promises an evening filled with soulful melodies, legendary jazz bars, and the electric atmosphere of a live jam session..

Découvrez le cœur culturel de Tokyo : les charmes intemporels de Ueno et Asakusa

Plongez dans de la riche histoire de tokyo au parc d'ueno, ancien complexe de temples d'edo. explorez les terres spirituelles du temple kaneiji et du cimetière de yanaka. poursuivez votre exploration vers asakusa, un quartier où les traditions ancestrales se mêlent à la vie moderne. visitez le temple senso-ji, la rue commerçante de nakamise, et découvrez les trésors cachés dans les ruelles couvertes et les stands de street food. imprégnez-vous de l'essence vibrante du cœur culturel de tokyo..

One day photogenic Kyoto Kimono Tour

Why not enjoy kyoto in kimono this tour takes you to the beautiful gardens of zen temples, the famous world heritage site kiyomizu-dera temple, maruyama park with its beautiful higashiyama mountains and the gion shirakawa river with its kyoto-style atmosphere, all in a beautiful japanese kimono. of course, guests are welcome to come empty-handed. kimonos, tabi (socks), underwear, sandals and bags can all be chosen and provided on the day..

Discover Tokyo's Cultural Heart: Ueno and Asakusa 's Timeless Charms

Discover tokyo's rich history at ueno park, once a grand temple complex in edo period. explore kaneiji temple's spiritual grounds and yanaka cemetery's serene heritage. transition to asakusa, blending ancient traditions with modern life. visit senso-ji temple, nakamise shopping street, and uncover hidden delights in covered alleys and food stalls, immersing in the vibrant essence of tokyo's cultural heart., popular japan private cars.

Mt. Fuji private customize tour with luxury van

Our drivers have extensive geographic knowledge of mt. fuji. starting from tokyo, we provide high-end exclusive chartered car reservation services for vips visiting mt. fuji individually or in groups. according to the time and requirements of vips, we provide professional mt. fuji customized tour services, allowing tourists to travel easily and comfortably..

Private Transfer from/to Haneda Airport（1-4pax.）

Arrange charter cars to pick up vips from or to haneda airports when picking you up from or to haneda airport, your exclusive driver will wait for you at the arrival gate or a designated place..

Tokyo private customize tour with luxury van(1-5pax.)

Our drivers have a wealth of geographic knowledge of tokyo. with tokyo at the center, provide high-end exclusive charter car reservation service for vips travelling as individual tourists or in groups across tokyo. according to the time and requirements of vips, provide professional customized travel services for tourists to travel easily and freely..

Private Transfer between Narita Airport and hotel in Tokyo

This is a private van transfer service between narita airport and your hotel in tokyo. our van can accommodate a group of up to 12 people and our service is available for 24h. if you are looking for a convenient charter service for your tour group, this is the right choice.

Japan Tour Reviews

Exploring Sapporo City attractions

“ A wonderful guide for Hokkaido ”

We had a wonderful time with Kumiko for two days. She showed us around in Sapporo for one day and in Otaru for another day. We not only enjoyed her knowledge about both cities and Hokkaido, but also the conversation and her energetic and joyful personality. She hikes and skies too and can guide you from cities to the mountains in four seasons!

Otaru highlight walking

Kobe One-Day Tour

“ Excellent! ”

Michiko was lovely - knowledgeable and with good English - ticks the boxes!. Recommended.

Uncover Japan’s secrets and gain travel knowledge with a local private tour guide. Unlock hidden gems, cultural immersion, and an unforgettable journey.

With a tour guide, you can get to the good stuff, like the ethereal Tottori Sand Dunes and quaint Kinosaki Onsen. From enjoying bespoke traditional ryokans, to navigating the busy streets of Osaka, a tailored journey through Japan’s wonders only gets better with a local expert leading the way.

Beyond the big ticket destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, getting a personalized itinerary transforms a simple tour into lifelong memories. Customized by a local guide, your itinerary can feature lesser known sites like the Shikisai-no-Oka flower fields, where stunning panoramic views of colorful flowers await.

Japan Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth getting a tour guide in japan gowithguide find your perfect tour guide at gowithguide. relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip, what month is best to see japan gowithguide find your perfect tour guide at gowithguide. relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip, how much does a private tour of japan cost gowithguide find your perfect tour guide at gowithguide. relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip, where should i go for the first time in japan gowithguide find your perfect tour guide at gowithguide. relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip, what i wish i knew before going to japan gowithguide find your perfect tour guide at gowithguide. relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip, what you should and shouldn't do in japan gowithguide find your perfect tour guide at gowithguide. relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip, latest japan articles.

Hiring A Guide In Kyoto: Pros & Cons

Kyoto, Japan

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Tourism In Kyoto Statistics 2024: Your In Depth Travel Guide

  it’s not just you. planning a tour of kyoto has gotten hectic over the past few years. the pandemic, tourism booms, and growing global interest kee....

Hiring A Guide In Tokyo: Pros & Cons

Tokyo, Japan

  Traveling to Tokyo is a once in a lifetime experience that should be filled with amazing memories, not worrying about the steep language barrier an...

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  if you’re planning a trip to tokyo, and it feels as hectic as solo navigating shibuya crossing (the busiest intersection in the world), we feel you..., the best tours and activities.

With a real local of your choice

The option to personalize your tour

Just contact your favorite local

Only private tours!

So no group tours with strangers

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• About this activity

Private Tour with Guide & Vehicle

• Free cancellation available
• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation
• Convenient way to explore Istanbul's sights & landmarks
• Experienced guide & driver offer advice on places to visit
• Special discounts & offers to major attractions around town
• Comfortable & private vehicle whisks you between stops
• Engaging commentary & insider info from your local guide

Activity location

• Istanbul, TUR

Meeting/Redemption Point

• Sun, May 5 -
• Mon, May 6 -
• Tue, May 7 -
• Wed, May 8 -
• Thu, May 9 $536
• Fri, May 10 $536
• Sat, May 11 $536
• Sun, May 12 $536
• Mon, May 13 $536
• Tue, May 14 $536
• Wed, May 15 $536
• Thu, May 16 $536
• Fri, May 17 $536
• Sat, May 18 $536
• Sun, May 19 $536

Private Tour with Guide & Vehicle (1-15 Pax)

• Activity duration is 8 hours 8h 8h
• Opening hours: Thu 9:00am-5:00pm

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included Private car and guide
• What's included What's included Discounts on attractions
• What's excluded What's excluded Admission to attractions along the tour route

Know before you book

• Maximum group size is 15 people.
• This tour is designed to take place in the city and includes fuel for a total of 62 miles (100 km) of travel.
• Discounts and special offers to some attractions are available with advance notice. Please inquire about deals when you call to confirm your reservation.
• Hotel pickup is available from most centrally located Istanbul hotels. Please arrange pickup from your hotel or a nearby location when you call to confirm your reservation.
• Please be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby 15 minutes prior to your scheduled pick-up time.

What you can expect

Explore Istanbul's Byzantine landmarks and bustling squares at your own pace as you cruise around town in a private car with your own guide. Get tips on the best attractions to check out, enjoy insider access to attractions you choose to visit, and listen to engaging commentary along the way.

Meet up with your car and guide directly outside your hotel at a time that works best for you. Hop in and chat about the day's itinerary, listing off places you want to go or letting your guide offer up advice on the city's top attractions and neighborhoods. You might cruise to the Byzantine architecture and resplendent gardens of the Hagia Sophia, pull up beneath the towering minarets at the Blue Mosque, or park outside the vocal vendors and colorful stalls of the Grand Bazaar.

Take time to jump out and investigate places as you go, returning to your car when you're ready to move on to the next place on your list. At the end of the day, enjoy convenient drop-off back at your hotel.

Cleaning and safety practices

Enhanced cleanliness measures.

• Vehicles and venues cleaned with disinfectants
• Vehicles and venues kept vacant between travelers
• High-touch surfaces cleaned and disinfected

Social distancing

• Contactless ticket redemption
• Social distancing measures in place
• Protective shields in place at main contact areas

Safety measures

• Masks required
• Personal protective equipment worn by staff
• Hand sanitizer provided
• Masks provided
• Individually wrapped food options available
• Temperature checks given to staff
• Temperature checks available

Kelley Blue Book

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Kelley Blue Book® Values and pricing are based in part on transactions in your area. Your ZIP code also helps us find local deals and highlight other available offers.

NADAguides Used Car Value vs. Kelley Blue Book

Thanks to the internet, information that was once hard to find is now easy to reach in seconds for anyone. Many websites will show you any information you could ever want to know about a car. For the car you own, you can find the value of the car if you trade it in or decide to sell it yourself to another person.

Many sites are competing for your attention. Most sites claim that they have the most accurate information. But how can you tell one site from another? Is there really a difference between NADAguides and KBB?

NADAguides Used Car Values and Kelley Blue Book (KBB) have a long history of providing values to consumers and businesses alike. Both sites calculate values using their own specific methods, which aren’t always widely known.

At Kelley Blue Book, we do think there is a difference. And we would love to tell you why.

Of course, if you are already ready to get the value of your car or research a new or used car, there’s no better destination than KBB.com.

What is NADAguides Value?

NADA stands for National Automobile Dealers Association, a name that reflects the company’s long-time status as a source that car dealers rely upon when making a deal. Today, they call themselves NADAguides, (without the “used car”) now that they are making their values available to the public and have added new car pricing to their used car values.

With a long history of valuation expertise, the NADA Guide has been around since 1933. Similar to Kelley Blue Book, the NADA Guide also provides values for cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans and works with professionals in the automotive, financial, government, fleet, and insurance sectors. For individual consumers, NADAguides is generally less well-known than Kelley Blue Book.

NADA also uses many data points from a variety of sources to give a value for a used car. They include wholesale transactions like auctions, retail transactions (actual vehicle sales at dealerships), and pricing information from sites like Autotrader. In addition, NADA uses data from the vehicle manufacturers themselves and from the companies buying and selling used cars to come up with their values.

When calculating a vehicle value, NADA uses many of the same considerations as Kelley Blue Book: MSRP and invoice (for new cars), mileage and general condition (for used cars), and assumptions about the equipment on the vehicle for all values. NADA may adjust the value of a vehicle based on macroeconomic and microeconomic forces, like supply & demand and the state of the market at any given time. It is unknown to what extent NADAguides provides specific values tailored for different parts of the country, as Kelley Blue Book does.

Based largely on condition, a used vehicle you own could be categorized as “Rough Trade-In”. “Average Trade-In”, or “Clean Trade-In”. For used vehicles you might be interested in buying, NADAguides has only one classification: “Clean Retail”. NADA Guides doesn’t show values for the private sale of a used vehicle, but it does show what it might cost to buy a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) version of certain used vehicles.

Long an important source for car dealers, banks, and other members of the automobile industry, NADA Guides now makes their values available to the public at their site www.NADAGuides.com.

NADAguides also offers values for motorcycles, powersports, boats, recreational vehicles (RVs, aka “campers”), and manufactured housing (often called “trailers”)

In 2017, J.D. Power bought NADA Guides and is now responsible for the data that drives its values.

NADAGuides and J.D. Power are not affiliated with Kelley Blue Book or Cox Automotive.

Valuation Comparisons

• Cars.com & Black Book vs. Kelley Blue Book
• Edmunds Values vs. Kelley Blue Book
• TrueCar Values vs. Kelley Blue Book
• CarFax Values vs. Kelley Blue Book
• CarGurus Values vs. Kelley Blue Book

About Kelley Blue Book Values

Kelley Blue Book got its start in 1926 when Les Kelley started publishing a list of the used cars he wanted to buy and how much he was willing to pay for them. Kelley Blue Book has had a continuous legacy of providing used car values for almost a century.

For most people, Kelley Blue Book is the gold standard for vehicle values and pricing. “What’s the Blue Book® Value?” is a key discussion point in many conversations between buyers and sellers. Whole families grew up with Kelley Blue Book – and today, KBB.com continues the legacy to new generations as the most trusted source for what a car is worth and what a buyer should expect to pay for their next car.

A lot of numbers and data intelligence go into our proprietary valuation process. Kelley Blue Book uses predictive analytics and industry and field analysis to review trends and provide the most current, market-reflective information. We utilize 250+ data sources with 3.0 trillion data points to provide objective, data-driven information that inspires consumer confidence and peace of mind.

As a testament to the quality of our values – and how trusted they are by consumers and dealers alike – Kelley Blue Book generates 40 million unique pricing reports every month.

Blue Book® Values reflect the automotive market, the season, and, especially, the part of the country where you might be located. Kelley Blue Book offers regionalized values and pricing for over 100 different areas of the U.S. Many of these differences may be subtle, but they help vehicle buyers and sellers come to a consensus about what the car is worth. Transparency helps create consensus – and consensus is good.

Let’s look at the available Kelley Blue Book reports.

Used Car Values and Prices:

• Trade-In Value : The amount you can expect to receive when trading a car in at a dealership.
• Private Party Value : The amount you can expect to receive when selling your car to another consumer. This value is typically higher than the trade-in value because, unlike dealerships, you don’t have costs like rent or salespeople to worry about.
• Used Car Fair Purchase Price (retail value) : This is the amount that a consumer would reasonably expect to pay to buy this used car at a dealership.
• Certified Pre-Owned Price (CPO) : For some newer used cars, the dealership may offer a factory-backed certification process. The price is usually about 10% higher than a conventional used car, but many people like the confidence of buying a certified car.

New Car Prices:

• New Car Fair Purchase Price (once called the New Car Blue Book Value) : This is the amount that a consumer would reasonably expect to pay to buy this new car at a dealership.
• Where to see these prices : These values are displayed, both on KBB.com and on dealers’ websites nationwide. Look for the Kelley Blue Book® Price Advisor. It has white, green, and red zones. If you see the price in the Green Zone of the Price Advisor, you can be confident that it is a fair price for both buyer and seller alike.

In addition to vehicles of all types, Kelley Blue Book also reports values for motorcycle s .

Kelley Blue Book is a proud member of the Cox Automotive family, giving us more data and more resources to drive results for both consumers and clients. Together our connected brands provide a comprehensive set of products and services that enable the smart, connected, and enjoyable experience all car buyers and sellers expect.

What is the NADA Used Car Guide?

The NADA Official Used Car Guide is available on the NADAguides website, but it is used by Industry professionals and provides 12 years of pricing for passenger cars and light-duty trucks and SUVs. You can get an annual subscription for $99. NADAguides have values available to the public and have added new car pricing to their used car values.

Which is Better, NADAguides or Kelley Blue Book?

The values between NADA and Kelley Blue Book (KBB) tend to differ because both organizations look at different v alues . KBB factors in the condition of the vehicle, local market conditions, and popularity of the vehicle, so their prices tend to be a lower than NADA. NADA values tend to lean higher because they assume cars are in good conditions. Insights can be gained from both values, but KBB looks at more factors.

Are Kelley Blue Book Values Accurate?

KBB leverages vast amounts of data including wholesale and retail sales transactions, which are then adjusted for local market conditions and seasonal trends, to determine a true value. Kelley Blue Book updates pricing at least weekly to reflect the market and give dealers and consumers the most up-to-date pricing.

What is Kelley Blue Book Value?

There are two values. The Kelley Blue Book Trade Value will give you the price range you can expect to receive when trading your car to a dealer. The Kelley Blue Book Private Party Value provides a fair price when selling the car to an individual. KBB values come from extensive data like sales transactions and auction prices. The data is analyzed and adjusted to account for seasonality and market trends.

How can I find the value of my car?

You can find the trade-in value and the v alue of your car on Kelley Blue Book. KBB.com will take the data you provide on your cars features and current condition and provide the current value of your vehicle. Instant car offers are also available.

Who owns Kelley Blue Book Value guides?

The company is owned by the Cox Automotive, which is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. In December 2010, Kelley Blue Book was purchased by AutoTrader.com, which is also owned by Cox Automotive. Cox Enterprises is a value driven private corporation that invests in long-term growth. Cox was founded in 1898, has over 50,000 employees and bring in over $20 billion dollars a year in revenue.

New & Used Car Values

What’s My Car Worth

New & Used Car Pricing

Cars For Sale

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Vote for your favorite adventure tour operator!

USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

These 20 adventure tour operators — nominated by an expert panel — cater to travelers who crave excitement, challenge, and fun in their vacations. Whether you're looking for an individualized journey or group tour, they'll have something for you, with activities ranging from hiking and biking to rafting and kayaking. Which adventure tour operator would you most like to book with? Vote for your favorite once per day until polls close on Monday, May 27 at noon ET. The 10 winning tour operators will be announced on Wednesday, June 5. Read the official  Readers' Choice rules . 

These 20 adventure tour operators — nominated by an expert panel — cater to travelers who crave excitement, challenge, and fun in their vacations. Whether you're looking for an individualized journey or group tour,...   Read More

Best Adventure Tour Operator Nominees

Photo courtesy of Todd Mintz

Adventure Canada

Equipped with a fleet of small-scale cruise liners, Adventure Canada has mastered the art of both Arctic and Antarctic excursions. Across Canada, the Northwest Passage voyage highlights the idyllic beauty of Nunavut, while those hoping to spot polar bears in the wild should spring for a Heart of the Arctic expedition, with both featuring highly educated naturalists and archaeologists aboard the ship.

Photo courtesy of Tyson Mayr

Aurora Expeditions

A pioneer of Antarctic travel in the 20th century, Aurora Expeditions has evolved into a force within the industry that offers trips all across the globe. Polar voyages are particularly popular, with options ranging from the shores of Antarctica to the High Arctic, while other cruise routes include Costa Rica, Scotland, and Iceland.

Photo courtesy of Bindlestiff Tours

Bindlestiff Tours

Bindlestiff Tours specializes in small group adventures with a focus on the American Southwest, Alaska, and western Canada. Guests enjoy fully customized touring vehicles with enlarged viewing windows, free Wi-Fi at most campsites, and the myriad benefits of insider expertise, like the best spots to photograph a sunset or favorite local restaurants.

Photo courtesy of Kirstie Mullikin

Explorer Chick Adventure Co.

From snorkeling around the Galapagos to gorilla trekking in Uganda, Explorer Chick’s curated tours span five separate continents — and each one is crafted specifically by women, for women. Founded in 2014 by Nicki Bruckmann, this adventure company provides ample opportunity to explore gorgeous landscapes and forge new friendships all across the globe.

Photo courtesy of GomezDavid / E+ Getty Images

Frontiers North Adventures

While northern Canada may not be the most easily accessed region, Frontiers North Adventures is perfectly equipped for making your dream excursion come true. In addition to polar bear safaris and beluga whale watching, the company's Northern Lights and Winter Nights excursion offers an opportunity to catch one of the planet's most stunning natural phenomena in real life.

Photo courtesy of G Adventures, Inc.

G Adventures

Launched in 1990, G Adventures has earned acclaim for their wide array of high-end tours and strong commitment to positive social impact. Whether it's hiking in Iceland or biking in Vietnam, each trip is designed to reflect the company's G for Good philosophy, a concept that seeks to benefit all people and communities visited during a trip.

Photo courtesy of HX & Espen Mills

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) has earned widespread acclaim for their lavish cruises, with destinations ranging from the frigid depths of Antarctica to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. For wildlife lovers in particular, the company's Galapagos expeditions shine a spotlight on the rich biodiversity of the archipelago, while a Svalbard voyage is perfect for spotting polar bears in their natural habitat.

Photo courtesy of Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel

Toronto-based Intrepid is a treasure trove for small-scale sustainable tours, with more than 100 countries available to visit. With itineraries like lemur-spotting in the rural depths of Madagascar and cultural immersions across the Middle East, this storied adventure company is perfect for accessing some of the most remote corners of the globe.

Photo courtesy of Journeys International

Journeys International

Journeys International builds private and group trips to a variety of worldwide destinations, centering each adventure around the individual's or groups' travel goals. Each party is assigned an adventure specialist who makes personalized choices of locations and activities to include in the experience. All journeys are designed to give every person involved a special and unique trip of a lifetime.

Photo courtesy of Ralph Lee Hopkins, Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic

New Zealand, French Polynesia, and Greenland are just a few of the dazzling destinations frequented by Lindblad Expeditions, a storied tour operator that's been working in tandem with National Geographic since 2004. While warm weather destinations span from Baja California to the Amazon, the company has earned abundant acclaim for their immersive Antarctic expeditions focusing on native wildlife amidst stunning scenery.

Photo courtesy of KenCanning / E+ Getty Images

Maple Leaf Adventures

The spectacular beauty of Canada is on full display with Maple Leaf Adventures, a small-ship cruise operator that's been in the business since 1986. While the bulk of their itineraries focus on showcasing locations across western Canada, gastronomes can also join in on the fun with a curated Craft Beer Cruise or Wines And Islands excursion across British Columbia.

Photo courtesy of Karin Watkins MT Sobek Photo File

MT Sobek has been a leader in the adventure travel industry for more than half a century. Today, travelers can choose from some 200 journeys around the world. Each one is designed to inspire and exhilarate, with interest categories like multi-adventure, family adventure, wildlife and safari, adventure cruising, hiking and trekking, cultural discovery, and rafting and kayaking.

Photo courtesy of Nantahala Outdoor Center

Nantahala Outdoor Center

Beginning as a small-scale rafting tour company back in 1972, Nantahala Outdoor Center has expanded far beyond just the rivers of North Carolina, operating tours from southern Iceland to the Zambezi River. Though their scope has expanded on an international scale, the company still excels at domestic adventure, showcasing the incredible rafting opportunities across the Southern United States.

Photo courtesy of REI Co-op / REI Adventures

Adventure travelers have long turned to REI to outfit their travels; with REI Adventures, they’ll also find more than 100 fully curated experiences across the United States. These active travel itineraries might involve cycling near Zion National Park, hiking through Yellowstone and Grand Teton, kayaking at Point Reyes, or enjoying a weekend of backpacking close to home.

Photo courtesy of Stubborn Mule Travel

Stubborn Mule Travel

A perfect fit for all ages, Stubborn Mule Travel has curated a wide variety of itineraries designed specifically for traveling families. Destinations span across five continents, and as an added bonus, the company also offers unique itinerary stops based off of the interests of each individual guest.

Photo courtesy of 104kelly // Getty Images

Thomson Safaris

Best known as the home of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania has earned worldwide acclaim for its abundant natural beauty — a quality that Thomson Safaris has been highlighting for more than 40 years. While there’s no going wrong with a classic safari, the company also offers food-focused tours and even plane excursions, each one led by a team of expert local guides.

Photo courtesy of Urban Events Global Team

Urban Events Global

Kevin Knight founded Urban Events Global as a travel company for African American adventure seekers looking to explore with like-minded travelers. The company hosts regular camping weekends, as well as group tours to destinations like Ghana, Dubai, Greece, and Jamaica. They can also plan a custom trip itinerary for you.

Photo courtesy of Ren Fuller // Women High On Adventure

WHOA Travel

WHOA Travel works with women guides and business owners to build unique travel experiences. WHOA group adventures are scheduled all over the world, from Kilimanjaro and Peru to Iceland and Bavaria. 

Photo courtesy of Wild Women Expeditions

Wild Women Expeditions

Wild Women Expeditions specializes in “amazing outdoor adventures for all women.” The company leads trips to more than two dozen countries around the globe, with activities like canoeing, kayaking, cycling, hiking, surfing, sailing, and yoga.

Photo courtesy of Beth Peluse / Zephyr Adventures

Zephyr Adventures

Equipped with a roster of trips that span from strenuous mountain hikes to e-biking excursions, Zephyr Adventures offers a diverse range of options for your next getaway. For a glimpse into the beauty of coastal New England, the Acadia National Park Hiking Adventure is a top choice, while those who prefer a more laid-back itinerary can spring for the Czech Republic Breweries and Walking Adventure.

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Brandon withrow.

Brandon Withrow is a travel journalist based in...   Read More

Brandon Withrow is a travel journalist based in Northwest Ohio, covering ecotourism, wildlife, outdoor adventures, and eco-friendly stays, as well as the secrets of underrated cities. He appears in The Daily Beast, BBC Travel, Canadian Geographic, Business Insider, The Hill, and Sierra Magazine. You can find him at  www.brandonwithrow.com ,  @bwithrow  on Twitter, and  @bgwithrow  on Instagram.

Chez Chesak

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor...   Read More

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com .  

Dave Stamboulis

Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer...   Read More

Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer based in Bangkok. Born in Athens, Greece and growing up in the U.S., Dave first discovered Bangkok while on a 45,000-kilometer bicycle trip and moved there for good in 2005. Dave's photos appear in publications around the world. He's the author of Odysseus' Last Stand , which received the Silver Medal for Travel Book of the Year from the Society of American Travel Writers. In addition to updating the Fodor's Guidebook to Thailand, he is the author of 500 Hidden Secrets to Bangkok, and his travel stories and photography appear in publications around the globe. 

Jacky Runice

Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home...   Read More

Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). In her best Chicagoese, Jacky asks, "Who has the time or money to blow on hotels, attractions, restaurants, exhibits and activities that blow?"

Jamie Davis Smith

Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She...   Read More

Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She was born with deeply ingrained wanderlust and has visited 45 countries and counting. She often brings her children along for the adventure and is passing her love of travel on to the next generation. Jamie has written for   Insider,   Fodor's Travel ,   Yahoo ,  the Huffington Post , the  Washington Post,   Viator  and  Reviewed  among many other publications. Jamie is from Philadelphia and now lives in Washington, DC, where she takes advantage of everything the region has to offer.    Jamie can be reached at  [email protected]  and can be found on  Twitter ,  Instagram  and  TikTok .

Marla Cimini

Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion...   Read More

Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and guidebook writer, she has covered topics such as the Hawaiian islands (including food trends and luxury beachfront resorts), as well as European getaways and global destinations. Her articles have appeared in many publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is:  www.marlacimini.com  

Meg St-Esprit

Meg St-Esprit is a journalist based in Pittsburgh...   Read More

Meg St-Esprit is a journalist based in Pittsburgh who covers family travel, lifestyle, education, and parenting. With their four kids in tow, she and her husband love to travel anywhere and everywhere — but have a soft spot for camping and outdoor adventures. In fact, her kids are well on their way to achieving their goal of visiting all 124 state parks in Pennsylvania. Meg believes travel doesn’t need to be luxurious or costly to be valuable, and aims to share that with her audience. Meg’s work has appeared in publications such as  The New York Times, Thrillist, The Washington Post, Fodor’s, Yahoo, Good Housekeeping, Romper , and more. Follow Meg on Instagram and Twitter at @megstesprit or check out her work on  https://megstesprit.com/

Melanie Reffes

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in...   Read More

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers  the Caribbean for a variety of publications  including  USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com.  A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started  young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico.   An avid fan of spicy food,   Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She  holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto. 

Nicky Omohundro

Nicky Omohundro is the founder and editor of Read More

Nicky Omohundro is the founder and editor of LittleFamilyAdventure.com , the popular family travel & lifestyle website that inspires families to leave no child left inside. Since 2013 LFA has been providing inspiration to get families outdoors, eat well, and travel everywhere from their own backyard to around the world. Always up for a family adventure, she has traveled to 37 states and 6 countries to zip-line through a Costa Rican rainforest, see Finland’s Northern Lights, and go camping throughout the US. Nicky is the co-founder of Tourism WorX a travel consultancy group. Connect with her Twitter  and Instagram .

Olivia Christine Perez

Olivia Christine Perez is an outdoor + travel...   Read More

Olivia Christine Perez is an outdoor + travel wellness expert, author, and the creator of  O. Christine : a travel and wellness platform inspiring thousands of people to travel more and get outdoors for their wellness. Living with an autoimmune disease herself, Olivia helps people find wellness through the outdoors, self-care adventures, and mindful travel experiences. You can follow her work at  ochristine.com  and  instagram.com/ochristine.

Shea Peters

Shea Peters is a NYC based writer and frequent...   Read More

Shea Peters is a NYC based writer and frequent world traveler that looks to the history of a location in order to tell the story. Growing up in a Southern family that loves to travel, Shea has seen 44 of the 50 US states and believes that every place has a story worth telling, regardless of how populated or rural. She's currently a regular contributor discussing travel, culture, history, food, wellness, and business at Travel + Leisure, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Oprah Daily, Women’s Health, TripAdvisor, Cosmo, and Revolt TV. When she's not traveling, rooting for some unlikable sports team, or taking a pilates class, you can find Shea in her rooftop garden that is currently flourishing above the streets of New York City. You can follow Shea on  Instagram  and  Twitter .

Tamara Gane

Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best...   Read More

Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. She's based in Reno/Lake Tahoe and in addition to USA Today 10Best, her work has been published in Travel & Leisure, Fodor's Travel, The Washington Post, SF Gate, Houston Chronicle, Lonely Planet, and more.

10Best Editors

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,...   Read More

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

New Electric Vehicle Fast-Charging Stations Installed On Texas A&M Campus

Texas A&M University Transportation Services has installed four new electric vehicle charging stations that are available for public use in Lot 47.

Located at the northeast corner of the parking lot adjacent to Polo Road Garage, each of the stations can charge two vehicles at the same time. They’re the first Level 3 stations on campus, and officials say users can expect exponentially faster charging times.

“We are proud to be counted among an elite handful of colleges and universities to provide public Level 3 electric vehicle charging on campus,” said Debbie Lollar, interim associate vice president of Transportation Services. “We believe the implementation of these fast charge stations will provide a valuable service to our community, and to students, faculty, staff, guests and fans who bring electric vehicles to Texas A&M University.”

The 31 existing EV chargers on main campus — and the six at the RELLIS Campus — are Level 2 chargers. Byron Prestridge, manager for sustainable transportation at Transportation Services, explained that the Level 3 charging stations are different in that they convert alternating current (AC) power to direct current (DC) power. He said this allows for the delivery of more power to an electric vehicle at a faster rate — a Level 3 charger can deliver more power in 30 minutes than a Level 2 might deliver over several hours.

There has been growing demand for more EV charging options on campus over the past few years, Prestridge said. As of the end of March, 23,800 charging sessions have been logged at existing stations across campus.

“The DC chargers are a really big deal, because it’s an emergent technology,” Prestridge said. “You don’t see many of them around here in town.”

Lollar said the new chargers were made possible through a donation by former student H.W. (Bill) Clark ’74.

“We would like to express our gratitude to Mr. Clark for his generous donation contributed in honor of Hoyt C. Clark,” Lollar said. “His valuable support made the installation of these electric vehicle chargers on our campus possible, and is instrumental in advancing our commitment to sustainability.”

The new stations from provider EVGateway are the fastest charging options on campus with up to 120 kilowatt hours of power available from each of the four towers. Load management controls allow two vehicles to share a single tower, coordinating with each vehicle’s load management suite to deliver the right amount of power.

“We are thrilled to partner with Texas A&M to launch the new DC fast charging stations at Texas A&M University, marking a significant milestone in our journey towards a sustainable future,” said EvGateway President Reddy Marri. “At EvGateway, we are committed to accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles by providing state-of-the-art charging solutions that cater to the needs of today’s drivers. These fast chargers are not just about powering vehicles, they’re about energizing the community and propelling Texas A&M to the forefront of innovation in e-mobility. We are proud to play a role in shaping the future of transportation, making electric vehicle charging more accessible, efficient and convenient.”

The eight parking spots designated for the charging stations are open to the public and do not require a permit, but are limited to active charging only. The maximum allowed charging period is 90 minutes.

“Because these are so fast, it will be critical that when your charge is done, you come and move your vehicle,” Prestridge said. “You put your phone number in at the start, and as soon as your charging session is done, whether that’s through timeout or you’ve reached your maximum charge capacity, you will get a text message. Then you’re given 15 minutes to move your car.”

Users who do not move their vehicles within the 15 minute grace period will be charged an inactivity fee and/or be subject to ticketing.

There are three ways to initiate a session:

• Download the EVGateway app and sign up.
• Scan the QR code on the standard instructions decal sticker on the front of each charger and enter your credit card information.
• Call EVGateway’s 24/7 hotline support number at 949-945-2000 to start a charging session.

For more information about EV charging on campus, visit the Transportation Services website .

Media contact: Tad Fifer, Texas A&M Transportation Services, [email protected]

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Ratings and reviews are provided by customers who have either purchased a vehicle or visited a dealership for service.

How are ratings and reviews collected?

Customers are invited to participate in a survey administered by MaritzCX, an independent, third-party supplier.

Can dealerships edit or remove reviews?

No. Ford personnel and/or dealership personnel cannot modify or remove reviews.

Are reviews modified or monitored before being published?

MaritzCX moderates public reviews to ensure they contain content that meet Review guidelines, such as:

‣No Profanity or inappropriate defamatory remarks

‣No Personal Identifying information (e.g., customer phone number or email)

‣No Competitor references (e.g., another brand or dealership)

‣Dangerous behavior (e.g. threatening to harm employees or others)

‣Lack of adequate text (e.g., symbols, emoji’s and random letters)

Reviews on the product and not the customer’s Sales or Service experience

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Best Car Insurance Companies of 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

If you drive, you probably need car insurance. Nearly all states have liability insurance requirements for drivers. New Hampshire does not have these requirements, but don't mistake this for a free pass to get on the road unprotected.

Generally, it's a good idea to go beyond state minimums and opt for full coverage , which can be a mix of liability, comprehensive, and collision car insurance to ensure you've covered your bases in a wide range of scenarios. 

Best Car Insurance of 2024

• Best Customer Satisfaction: Amica Mutual
• Best Affordable Coverage: GEICO
• Best for Military: USAA
• Best for Teen Drivers: State Farm
• Best for Discounts: Farmers Insurance
• Best for Teachers: Liberty Mutual Insurance
• Best for Accident Forgiveness: Progressive

Compare the Best Car Insurance Companies

Auto insurance is a safeguard and can lessen the financial burden of a car accident, but only if you have the proper coverage. The best car insurance will offer solid coverage without going overboard on premium rates.

Here are the best car insurance companies of 2024.

Best customer satisfaction: Amica Mutual

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Many discounts and options to bundle insurance policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. high customer satisfaction according to JD Power's auto insurance study
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Long history in the insurance industry
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Not available in Hawaii
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. May not provide the most competitive rates for higher risk drivers
• Ranks high in customer satisfaction
• Discount for students and vehicle safety

Founded in 1907 as The Automobile Mutual Insurance Company of America, Amica Mutual Insurance Company is well-regarded in auto insurance. Amica Mutual was ranked number one in JD Power's most recent U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, factoring in the experiences of over 8,000 participants who had filed and settled an auto insurance claim within the previous six months.

Amica car insurance also has an A+ rating from AM Best, which looks at a company's financial stability. The more financially stable a company is, the more likely it is to be around to pay your claims when you need it. So its excellent AM Best ranking gives many consumers peace of mind.

Amica offers liability, collision, comprehensive, and other common types of auto insurance. It also provides gap coverage, which can be helpful if you get into an accident with a vehicle you're currently financing. This covers any difference between your car's value and your loan balance in the event of a total loss. The exact limits and terms may vary based on the plan you buy. As such, we recommend speaking with an Amica agent to ensure you understand everything you need to know.

You can also opt for roadside assistance or get its premium option, Platinum Choice® Auto. It comes with glass repair with no deductible, rental coverage, new car replacement, and more. Amica also offers a mobile app to manage all your insurance needs.

Read our Amica Auto Insurance review here.

Best affordability coverage: GEICO

Discounts for airbags, anti-theft system, military, good student, good driver, multi-car discounts, and bundling insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. National presence with coverage in all 50 states
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Buyers can bundle with homeowners, renters, and other insurance products
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers some of the most competitive auto insurance rates
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Claims adjusters may be able to reduce or eliminate deductibles on some claims
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Customer satisfaction varies across products
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Claims process may be longer than some competitors based on customer reviews

GEICO offers auto, homeowners, and life insurance. It's been around since 1936 and generally offers some of the lowest rates. However, customer satisfaction may be an issue.

• Discounts for safe driving, good grades, military, and more
• Available in all 50 states

If you want competitive and affordable car insurance rates, look no further than GEICO . According to the company website, you could save up to $500 by switching to GEICO. Customers can confirm the pricing in minutes with online quotes. With 85 years in the industry, GEICO offers affordable premiums and can be a good fit for those with poor credit.

To keep prices low, GEICO also offers numerous discounts to drivers, including discounts for safety devices like anti-lock brakes, seat belt use, defensive driving courses, and being a good student. In addition, policies can be managed online or via GEICO's app with 24/7 access to all policy documents.

The reviews we saw indicated GEICO's claims team was similarly quick, with a few mentions of adjusters who took additional steps to minimize or eliminate policyholders' out-of-pocket costs in a claim. From what we've gathered, rate hikes after an accident seem small compared to many other discount car insurance companies.

Read our GEICO Auto Insurance review here.

Best for military: USAA

Offers numerous discounts and get up to 30% off

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Low rates for eligible buyers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage is available in all 50 states and Washington, DC
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Auto policies can be bundled with other insurance plans and financial products
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only available to military, veterans, and their families.
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Claims may take longer than with some other providers

USAA Auto Insurance could be a great option if you're a current or former military member; no one else is eligible. Coverage is available in all 50 states, and premiums are generally affordable.

• USAA auto insurance is open to the military, veterans, and their families
• Discounts for safe driving and more

USAA offers financial products and services to the military community, including competitive auto insurance. Though USAA products aren't available to everyone, those eligible won't find cheaper coverage elsewhere. Drivers who switched to USAA could save an average of $725 per year, according to USAA's website.

USAA offers standard car insurance options like liability, collision, comprehensive coverage, and uninsured and underinsured coverage. Optional coverage includes roadside assistance and rental reimbursement. USAA also sells home, pet, and life insurance, to name a few. So bundling insurance products is extremely common for military members and their families.

USAA also has plenty of discounts that only make sense for military members. For example, you could get up to a 15% discount when your vehicle is parked in a garage on base. You can also qualify for savings if you store your car or drive infrequently (which may apply to active duty military members being deployed).

Bundling home and auto insurance coverage with USAA gives policyholders a 10% discount. Setting up automatic payments for your car insurance premiums can reduce premiums by an additional 3%. If you insure two cars or more or your teen driver has good grades, you may be eligible for other discounts. USAA also has an app and offers 24/7 support online. USAA is unique in that whether you have a strong driving record or tickets and DUIs, USAA will still beat the nearest competitor's quote.

Read our USAA Car Insurance review here.

Best for teen drivers: State Farm

Offers many discounts, including good student discounts for high school and college students

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Nationwide presence
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction rankings
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Discounts for bundling insurance products
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Quotes are only available through captive agents (who only quote State Farm)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pricing may be higher or products unavailable for high-risk drivers
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Rates may rise quickly for households with teen drivers

State Farm auto insurance offers coverage across all 50 states and Washington, DC. It has comprehensive, collision, and liability coverage along with less common options like rideshare coverage.

Given the increased risk factors, car insurance for teen drivers can be costly. Teen drivers don't have the same levels of experience behind the wheel and may engage in risky driving behaviors. In fact, car crashes are the top cause of teen deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) .

Experts recommend adding any licensed driver in your home as soon as you know they'll drive your car regularly. State Farm has excellent options for teen drivers. It offers a Good Student Discount of up to 25%. Also, you could get another discount if your teen driver is under 21 and takes a qualifying driver's ed course. There's also a unique option to save if your teen driver has a car at home but moved away for school through the Student Away at School Discount.

The Steer Clear discount offers young drivers below 25 up to a 15% discount with no at-fault accidents or moving violations in the previous three years. In addition, if you're willing to use State Farm's Drive Safe & Save app, you may qualify for up to a 30% discount.

Along with its liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, State Farm offers emergency roadside service, rideshare coverage, and other auto coverages. You can work with one of its many insurance agents nationwide to find the best coverage for you and your teen driver.

Read our State Farm Auto Insurance review here.

Best for discounts: Farmers Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Diverse coverage options for qualified buyers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Wide array of discounts and bundling options
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Available in all 50 states and Washington, DC
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Prices may not be competitive against many budget auto insurance companies
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Online quoting may not be as easy as some competitors

Farmers Insurance is a full-service insurer offering home, life, business, and auto insurance with a long list of discounts compared to other insurance providers. Farmers offers up to 23 discounts when many other providers provide fewer than 12.

Policyholders paying premiums in full, senior drivers taking safe driving training, California drivers driving hybrids or electric vehicles, homeowners, good students, and young drivers are just a few groups enjoying discounts on auto insurance with Farmers. You also stand to save up to 20% by bundling plans or qualify for another discount insuring multiple vehicles.

Along with liability, collision, and comprehensive, Farmers offers umbrella policies to boost coverage on multiple plans (if you're bundling). All plans can be managed through the Farmers app.

Read our Farmers Auto Insurance review here.

Best for teachers: Liberty Mutual Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Quotes can be obtained online or through a Liberty Mutual or broker agent
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Bundling discounts are available for interested buyers
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Discounts for young drivers may require more paperwork
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Rates may not be competitive for higher risk drivers
• Get up to 30% in savings with the RightTrack program
• Military members receive a discount
• Specialized coverage for teachers
• Required coverage for vehicles traveling to Mexico

Many teachers enjoy lower prices, more perks, and greater customer satisfaction with Liberty Mutual car insurance. The company has coverage for teachers, though some plans are unavailable in some states.

Perks include a $0 deductible on collision coverage if you get into an accident during school hours or while working (ex: a coach driving to another school for an after-school sports game). Teachers also enjoy up to $2,500 in personal property coverage if teaching items or school-owned items are damaged or stolen. In addition, Liberty Mutual automatically applies a $0 deductible when qualifying cars are vandalized on school property or when driving on school-specific business.

Through Liberty Insurance, you can get typical collision or comprehensive coverage. It also offers optional coverages like original parts replacement coverage, gap coverage, 24-hour roadside assistance coverage, rental car reimbursement coverage, and more.

Unlike competitors, Liberty Mutual also has a Liberty Mutual Deductible Fund®. You pay $30 toward the deductible fund each year, and Liberty Mutual drops your deductible by $100. If you file a claim, the fund can lower out-of-pocket costs. You can download the company's app to check in with your policy or file a claim.

Read our Liberty Mutual Car Insurance review here.

Best for accident forgiveness: Progressive

Offers personalized rate based on driving

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage available in all 50 states
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Discounts for bundling insurance products with competitive rates
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Highly rated with JD Power and AM Best
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Rates may jump significantly after your first accident or for higher risk drivers
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Mixed reviews on claims and customer service on sites like Consumer Affairs and TrustPilot

A highly ranked and long-standing insurance company, Progressive offers auto, home, motorcycle, and other insurance across the United States.

• Ranked #17 out of 18 in auto claims satisfaction
• Bundling, vehicle safety, and student driver discounts
• Name your price tool

Accidents happen, and the best car insurance companies can help. But rates inevitably rise after even a minor accident. Progressive notably offers accident forgiveness to qualifying drivers. Its three types of accident forgiveness coverage include the following:

• Small Accident Forgiveness. This option is available to new Progressive customers in most states through the Loyalty Rewards program and won't increase your premiums if your claim is at or below $500. This said, it's worth noting that when deciding whether to file a claim, you should always consider your deductible and how much your insurance will pay.
• Large Accident Forgiveness. Customers in most states may qualify for this option through the Loyalty Rewards program. Drivers eligible for Large Accident Forgiveness won't see increased rates even if claims exceed $500. You must be a Progressive customer for five consecutive years with no accident or moving violations within that time frame.
• Progressive Accident Forgiveness. You may qualify to have one accident forgiven in a specific period, but you can buy additional accident forgiveness through this program. In a sense, you are prepaying to keep your rates consistent if you're involved in an accident. Check if your state qualifies, as it's not available everywhere.

You can obtain liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage through Progressive. Interestingly, Progressive specifies if your pet is injured and you have collision coverage, your policy will cover some vet expenses.

It also offers gap coverage, rental car reimbursement coverage, custom parts and equipment value, rideshare coverage, and roadside assistance. Progressive also has a Name Your Price option that allows you to state your desired price, and the website will show what's available. You can also use their mobile app or contact Progressive agents for support.

Read our Progressive Car Insurance review here.

Best Car Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

State Farm is highly ranked in many JD Power surveys and maintains the highest market share of any auto insurance company in the United States. The company is known for exclusive insurance quoted only by State Farm agents. However, it is outperformed in some areas by smaller regional carriers. Some insurers are even limited to just one state, like 21st Century auto insurance , which only serves California.

JD Power's latest auto claims satisfaction study shows Amica Mutual earned the top spot. In JD Power's auto insurance study, regions were won primarily by smaller local carriers like Wawanesa in California and Erie Insurance in the mid-Atlantic. The best car insurance company may also vary based on the coverage you want.

The average cost of car insurance will vary depending on your location and other factors. Many auto insurance companies offer discounts for safe driving, especially if you're willing to install an app to track certain driving behaviors. Paying your premium in full instead of month-by-month also reduces rates. One of the best ways to reduce costs is by getting multiple quotes to compare quotes. 

The easiest way to compare quotes is by working with a licensed independent insurance agent. They can run quotes, compare prices and coverage so you know you're getting the best value. Some customers also prefer to go online. Companies like GEICO, Progressive, and Lemonade offer online-only quotes to give consumers back control.

For car insurance market share, State Farm's biggest competitor is GEICO. According to data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), State Farm has 16.84% of the U.S. auto insurance market share, the highest of any insurer. Next up on the list is GEICO, with 14.05% market share. Both insurers are available throughout the U.S.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Car Insurance Companies

To determine the best auto insurance companies, we compare numerous factors included in our insurance rating methodology . These include affordability, customer satisfaction, coverage options, optional coverage, benefits for policyholders, financial strength, and accessibility. No single factor accounts for everything consumers need; not all auto insurance companies are created the same.

We compared quotes, customer reviews, financial stability, and the company's history. With all these factors combined, we rate numerous competitors to see which companies rise to the top. 

Auto insurance, in particular, is primarily run on a state and regional basis. In short, most auto insurance providers are only licensed in some states. As such, the best car insurance companies for a driver in New York may differ from the best option for similar drivers in California.

We use numerous sources to get an objective view of each provider. Our reviews are not sponsored by the companies being reviewed. Each review reflects our opinion based solely on the facts gathered. Reviews may be updated as facts change (for example, JD Power rankings are updated when new reports are released). However, requests from insurers that conflict with public-facing websites are not factored into our reviews.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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Supercharged Housing Markets: The Top 10 Cities for Electric Vehicle Owners

Those looking for a home with a charging station for an electric vehicle might want to browse listings in Silicon Valley.

As Earth Day approaches and more folks are looking for ways to be more environmentally friendly, the San Jose, CA, housing market was named the most EV-friendly in the nation, according to a Realtor.com® and Cox Automotive analysis.

While only about 0.9% of homes listed on Realtor.com were rated EV-friendly , that was up from 0.1% just five years ago. And it’s poised to grow. A record of nearly 1.2 million electric vehicles were sold last year, according to Cox Automotive.

“We are definitely going to see more electric vehicle-friendly homes in coming years,” says Realtor.com economist Jiayi Xu . “There are so many government policies to support electric vehicles, including rebate programs. These are incentives for people to buy the vehicles and then there is higher demand for at-home chargers.”

More homes in pricey, high-tech cities tend to be equipped with vehicle chargers. That makes sense as buyers paid an average of $52,314 for an electric vehicle in February, according to Cox Automotive .

(Getty Images)

In San Jose, about 1 in 5 households in the metro drives one of these vehicles. It was followed by Salt Lake City and San Francisco. Thirteen of the top 20 metros were in the western swath of the country, with eight in California.

“These metros have higher shares of younger people,” says Xu. “Electric vehicles, while not new technology, are still new for many people. Some younger people are more interested in these vehicles.”

Not surprisingly, the markets where larger percentages of residents own EVs have higher rates of EV-friendly homes for sale. Having a personal charging station also tends to be more common in newer homes, built after electric vehicles became more popular, and homes with garages.

Luxury apartment complexes also tend to be more EV-friendly.

“Even in older homes, people can upgrade their electrical systems to make their homes more electric vehicle-friendly,” says Xu. She points out that having a charging station in a home won’t necessarily increase the home’s value , but “it will help you to reach more potential buyers.”

To come up with our findings, Realtor.com looked at the 100 metropolitan areas with the largest percentage of EV-friendly, single-family homes, townhomes, row homes, condos, and co-ops listed on Realtor.com in 2023. We teamed up with Cox Automotive, which also looked at the number of public charging ports for these vehicles.

The top 10 electric vehicle-friendly housing markets

1. san jose, ca.

(Realtor.com)

Median home list price in March: $1,481,000 Percentage of EV-friendly listings: 4.9% Number of EVs per charging port: 24

2. Salt Lake City

Median home list price: $580,000 Percentage of EV-friendly listings: 1.6% Number of EVs per charging port: 17

3. San Francisco

Median home list price: $999,000 Percentage of EV-friendly listings: 3.8% Number of EVs per charging port: 29

Median home list price: $880,000 Percentage of EV-friendly listings: 1.3% Number of EVs per charging port: 13

Median home list price: $768,000 Percentage of EV-friendly listings: 3.3% Number of EVs per charging port: 29

6. Durham, NC

Median home list price: $525,000 Percentage of EV-friendly listings: 1.7% Number of EVs per charging port: 20

7. Austin, TX

Median home list price: $550,000 Percentage of EV-friendly listings: 2% Number of EVs per charging port: 23

8. Los Angeles

Median home list price: $1.15 million Percentage of EV-friendly listings: 3.1% Number of EVs per charging port: 29

9. Washington, DC

Median home list price: $604,000 Percentage of EV-friendly listings: 1.6% Number of EVs per charging port: 19

Median home list price: $620,000 Percentage of EV-friendly listings: 1.6% Number of EVs per charging port: 20

11. San Diego

Median home list price: $998,000 Percentage of EV-friendly listings: 2.6% Number of EVs per charging port: 30

12. Sacramento, CA

Median home list price: $635,000 Percentage of EV-friendly listings: 1.9% Number of EVs per charging port: 26

13. Atlanta

Median home list price: $410,000 Percentage of EV-friendly listings: 1.3% Number of EVs per charging port: 19

14. Oxnard, CA

Median home list price: $1.065 million Percentage of EV-friendly listings: 2.9% Number of EVs per charging port: 40

15. Riverside, CA

Median home list price: $599,000 Percentage of EV-friendly listings: 2.6% Number of EVs per charging port: 33

16. Honolulu

Median home list price: $750,000 Percentage of EV-friendly listings: 2.1% Number of EVs per charging port: 36

17. Portland, ME

Median home list price: $622,700 Percentage of EV-friendly listings: 0.8% Number of EVs per charging port: 13

18. Portland, OR

Median home list price: $605,000 Percentage of EV-friendly listings: 1.7% Number of EVs per charging port: 32

19. Fresno, CA

Median home list price: $450,000 Percentage of EV-friendly listings: 0.7% Number of EVs per charging port: 14

20. Las Vegas

Median home list price: $470,000 Percentage of EV-friendly listings: 1.1% Number of EVs per charging port: 28

Clare Trapasso is the executive news editor of Realtor.com. She was previously a reporter for the Associated Press, the New York Daily News, and a Financial Times publication. She also taught journalism courses at several New York City colleges. Email [email protected].

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