Travelling is an enriching experience, and one of the most popular ways to explore new destinations is through tours, which offer a structured and informative approach to getting to know tourist and cultural spots. They are also one of the best ways to experience tourism. However, before embarking on a journey of discovery, it is important to consider the type of tour that best suits your preferences and needs.

Learn about the main differences between shared tours and private tours, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each, to help you make an informed decision when planning your next adventure.

Shared Tours

Shared tours, also known as group regular tours, are designed to bring together travellers with similar interests for a collective experience. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of this type of tour:

Advantages

• More affordable cost: Regular tours are usually more affordable than exclusive tours, as the costs are split between the participants.

• Opportunity to make new friends: When travelling on a shared tour, you have the chance to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures, sharing experiences and bonding.

• Simplified logistics: The organisation of the itinerary, lunch, transport (conducted by professional drivers) and other logistics are taken care of by the tour company, allowing you to focus on enjoying the trip without additional worries.

• Professional guides: Their mission is to guide you on your journey, offering valuable insights, in-depth knowledge and an authentic look at the destinations visited.

• Selected and specialised itinerary: You have the opportunity to explore each destination in a meaningful way, immersing yourself in the culture, history and wonders that make each stop an unforgettable discovery.

Disadvantages

• Lack of flexibility: In a shared tour, the itinerary is predetermined and all participants must follow the same schedule, with little or no room for personalisation.

• Less time at places of interest: Due to the shared nature of the tour, there may be less time available at each stop as the preferences of all participants need to be considered.

• Less proximity and privacy: In a larger group, it can be difficult to establish a closer connection with the tour guide and have less privacy than on a private tour, where groups are usually smaller.

Examples of shared tours

At destination/city: Full-day tour of Porto

From destination/city: Tour of Montserrat in the morning

Private Tours

Private (exclusive) tours offer a personalised, tailor-made experience designed to meet the specific preferences of a group or individual. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of this type of tour:

Advantages

• Flexibility: One of the main benefits of a private tour is flexibility. Itineraries can be tailored according to the interests and preferences of the participants, allowing you to choose the places you want to visit and the duration of each stop.

• Personalised and close: From the moment you make your booking to the private tour with a tour guide dedicated exclusively to your group, you receive individualised attention, and can ask more questions and get more detailed information about the places visited and experiences lived.

• At your own pace: On a private tour, you have complete control over the pace of your visit. You can spend more time in the places that interest you the most and avoid those that don't interest you as much.

• Privacy and intimacy: When travelling in a private group, you enjoy the privacy and intimacy of sharing the experience with people you know, without the presence of other visitors.

• More specific groups: It is ideal for small groups, or for larger groups in the case of corporate events.

• Transport: It's comfortable, with perks like Wi-Fi, with more frequent stops and accompanied by a professional guide and driver.

Disadvantages

• Higher cost: Private tours generally have a higher cost, as you are paying for exclusivity and personalised services.

• Less social interaction: If you enjoy meeting new people and sharing experiences with other travellers, a private tour may not offer the same opportunity for social interaction as a shared tour.

• More preparation of the itinerary and prerequisites: On a private tour, a period of further consideration and organisation of the tour is required.

Examples of private tours

At destination/city: Full-day private tour in Lisbon

From destination/city: Private day tour in Toledo from Madrid

Premium Tours: Combining Shared and Private Tours

An interesting alternative between shared tours and private tours is the concept of Premium Tours. These tours combine the advantages of a private tour with the dynamics of a group, offering a unique and enriching experience.

Whilst Premium Tours are not exclusively private, they do offer a more selective and exclusive small group approach. This option is ideal for those who want to enjoy additional perks and benefits without giving up social interaction and sharing experiences with other travellers.

Premium Tours, therefore, offer an attractive alternative for those seeking an exclusive small-group approach to travelling.

Example of a Premium Tour: Douro Valley Premium Tour

When choosing between a shared tour and a private tour, it is essential to consider your individual preferences and the type of experience you wish to have. While regular tours are more accessible and provide opportunities for social interaction, private tours offer flexibility and personalisation. Regardless of the choice, the essence of a tour lies in the expert guidance of the tour guide, who brings knowledge and context to the places visited, making each experience unique and memorable.