In the travel world tours can sometimes get a bad rap. When they are bad they can be spectacularly bad. Viewing the sites from a bus window or straining to hear the museum tour guide over the 50 other guests being squeezed into each room? Eh, no thanks.
But when a tour is good?
They can open your eyes to the wonders of our natural world, let you get a glimpse into another culture or allow you to explore the flavors of a destination. A good tour can be life changing. With that in mind I reached out to a few of my fellow travel bloggers to see what tours were most memorable for them.
Stephanie Mayo
I’ve done plenty of tours around the US and in Europe and enjoyed many of them. But my most memorable tour was The Golden Circle Classic tour in Iceland! Everything about it was amazing! Our tour guide was actually a fellow Canadian who had fell in love with Iceland and been living there for 40 years and knew everything about its sights, history and landscape. But it was his pure passion about the country that made you too fall in love with it and his easy storytelling and wit that kept us all entertained. The all day tour hit many of Iceland’s astounding sights from Þingvellir National Park to Gullfoss Waterfalls and Geysirs to Kerid Crater but offered plenty of time to explore each sight. Iceland is full of natural wonders and even if you are pressed for time it is still possible to see much of its magic. With so much to do and see in Iceland, unless you rent a car, a tour is a great way to take in the breathtaking country and enjoy what it has to offer.
Find Stephanie at her blogs The World as I See It and Lady of the Zoos
Tamara Gruber
You don’t need to take a food tour to find good food in Rome, but you do if you want to find the best places that only the locals know about. When we were in Rome we had a few must dos – avoid tourist traps, eat great food, and explore new neighborhoods. A Daylight Trastevere Food Tour from Eating Italy was the perfect combination. It was the most enjoyable four hours of non-stop indulgent eating and exploration of our five days in Rome.We ducked in and out of neighborhood haunts and family-owned businesses, filling our stomachs with delicate profiteroles, homemade pecorino-romano cheese, cheese stuffed suppli, fresh sliced porchetta, cantaloupe and prosciutto, margherita pizza, biscotti, “real” gelato, ravioli, risotto, gnocchi, crème Brule and wine. All along the way, our energetic guide educated us about how the food was prepared, and its history. On top of it all, we were able to explore the twists and turns of the historic, sometimes gritty, often trendy, always quaint neighborhood of Trastevere. When we weren’t busy eating and drinking, I couldn’t stop taking pictures of this charming village within a city. Next time I’m in Rome, not only would I want to explore another neighborhood with Eating Italy, I look forward to eating my way through other cities in Europe.
Read more about Tamara’s family adventures at We 3 Travel
Sarah Ricks
A private walking tour of the gorgeous city of Krakow, Poland, was a highlight of our family’s trip. It helped us get a sense of the city’s layout and a taste of its fascinating – and tragic – history. Our guide took us up the hill to see Krakow’s Wawel Royal Castle, which overlooks the city and houses a museum. We toured Jagiellonian University, founded in 1364, and the site of the Nazi’s mass arrest of the faculty. We walked along the green strip of parkland that lines the perimeter of the city in place of the moat and city wall that once stood there. Just in time for lunch, we ended our morning tour in the trendy neighborhood that was the Jewish ghetto under the Nazi occupation, and now has a variety of cafes and restaurants.
Our excellent guide (Jacek Gladki) was happy to answer all of our questions. One question we had: Why the ubiquitous images of Pope John Paul II? We learned that Pope John Paul II is revered in Krakow because he was the first Slav to become Pope, he was hugely important to the Solidarity movement, and he is credited with helping to end Communism in Poland. He is also a local boy made good: he was the Bishop of Krakow.
Sarah Ricks is Philadelphia Traveling Mom on the Traveling Mom website, http://www.travelingmom.com/ and Very Hungry Traveller on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/VeryHungryTraveller.
Richelle Gamlam
I have never been a huge fan of large group tours. I normally prefer to travel at my own pace, and plan the trip myself. That said, I absolutely loved my tour in Tibet! Due to government restrictions, foreigners can’t visit Tibet without a tour guide. I didn’t want to pay thousands of dollars for a large tour, and I wanted a Tibetan tour guide, rather than a Chinese company.Eventually a friend referred me to Tibet Shaman Tour. Run by a Tibetan man named Lumbum, this tour group specializes in small custom tours at affordable prices. You pay out of pocket for accommodation, food and temple fees, so it’s up to you how much you want to spend. I went with three friends and had an absolutely amazing time.
Our tour guide’s name was Denzin, and he was a young Tibetan man in his late twenties. He was also a practicing Buddhist, so he was very knowledgeable, and taught us everything we could possibly want to know about Tibetan Buddhism. Traveling with a Tibetan guide was also very enlightening, because we were not given the party line propaganda, unlike the Chinese tours. While my guide was careful not to say anything bad about the Chinese government, he had no problem filling us in on the fact that he is never allowed to leave China.Our tour lasted for eight days, as we traveled from Lhasa to the border of Nepal. I saw beautiful temples, viewed incredible landscapes and met amazing people. I’d love to go back again someday and do a trek to the Everest Base Camp. Of course I’ll be using Tibet Shaman Tour!
Follow Richelle at Adventures Around Asia
and me, your friendly Casual Travelist!
I have to admit I spent the majority of my twenties as a travel snob, and not in the way that only expensive wine and 600 thread count sheets would do. No, instead I looked down my nose at tours, tours are for tourists right? I was a “Traveler”, so nothing less the most authentic experience would suffice. So when I was planning a visit to Alaska’s Kenai Fjords National Park I knew that the only way to really experience the area was an overnight sea kayaking trip that involved camping next to glaciers (and possible grizzly bears). Never mind that I hate being cold and enjoy a shower at the end of the day.
Julia Dimon I am not.
Well that overnight sea kayaking trip was also prohibitively expensive and I knew I needed to experience Kenai Fjords from the water. I was hesitant to book a glacier and wildlife cruise, having been in the US Navy I had already had my fill of being stuck on a boat with a bunch of strangers. On the insistence of my friend who lived in Alaska who had been on the cruise 3 times (and was also in the Navy), I went ahead and booked that 6 hour cruise.
You know what? I loved every minute of it. Within 5 minutes of setting sail the wildlife came out almost on cue. Humpback whales and orcas, seals and sea lions, puffins and sea otters. With naturalists and a National Park Ranger aboard the staff were not only adept at finding the wildlife but were extremely knowledgeable. We pulled along side a glacier just in time to see it calve and form the world’s newest iceberg. I was enthralled.
This single cruise completely changed the way I viewed tours and opened me up to many great experiences I would later have. I have since shed my “Traveler” mindset, there is no right or wrong way to travel and a wide array of ways to experience the world. When a tour is good it not only highlights the best of a destination but also leaves an indelible mark on your memory. I hope you use these stories as inspiration to go make new memories of your own.
Brenda says
I completely agree. I don’t like tours with more than 12 people, more than that, you start to feel like cattle.
Brianna says
I think having a personal touch is the key to a successful tour
Erin | No Ordinary Nomad says
I think that sometimes a tour can make the destination. My favourite (and most recent!) tour was a trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal. Our guide was amazing and we became good friends with both him and our porters by the end. It just wouldn’t have been the same incredible experience if those guys hadn’t been a part of it!
Brianna says
I agree, especially with a tour where you really get to know your guides and they show you parts of an area that few people get to experience.
Monique@The Urban Mum says
I recently spent a fantastic day on a Private walking tour in Hong Kong – I too used to be a “tour” snob…not anymore, if you choose carefully (like you and your fellow bloggers did) then you can experience an insiders version of a place you might otherwise have missed. I’m investigating a longer Tour for next year – Vietnam….
Brianna says
I’ve heard amazing things about Vietnam, especially if you get to visit with one of the hill tribes
Stephanie Mayo says
Great work Brianna! I know tours get a bad rap but I love tours, I always learn things I wouldn’t have otherwise.
Brianna says
Exactly, you really get to see a side of a destination that you otherwise wouldn’t.
Tamara says
I’m planning a trip to Iceland next year so I’m glad to read Stephanie’s favorite tour! Thanks for including my experience with Eating Italy.
Rachel says
I haven’t had chance to go on a proper tour yet, but my best memory of one so far was at Eilean Donan in Scotland. True, if you wanted to see inside the castle you HAD to go on the tour, but it was really enjoyable. The guide was incredible knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and we learnt a hell of a lot more about the history of the castle than if we had been able to wander around on our own.
Brianna says
I had a similar tour in Monticello in Virginia. The guides were very engaging and really help you understand the historical context of the grounds.
Alejandra Gil says
Great post! I have been in some amazing tours, others not so good, but theres nothing like a great tour, it can change your perspective, and isn’t that one of the points of traveling?
Brianna says
I agree! Sometimes its the best way to get to know a destination.
Stephen & Jess says
It was great to hear from all of those travel bloggers and each one had their own little take which constructed a really interesting article.
Brianna says
Thanks! These ladies are some great bloggers and I was elated that they wanted to contribute.
Natasha Amar says
I’m definitely not a travel snob and have taken tours when they are more convenient or a cheaper option. I’d love to visit Tibet with Tibet Shaman Tours, it sounds like the kind of experience I would enjoy. 🙂
Brianna says
I know, that looks like an amazing experience!
Jenn of Who Needs Maps says
Your Alaska trip is a bucket list trip of mine! your pics are amazing and its great to hear you enjoyed your trip! I cant wait to go!
Brianna says
I’ve been to Alaska twice, the enormity of the landscape just takes your breath away!
Esther says
Aww, look at those cute little puffins! I have been on some interesting tours myself. The most intense one was probably to one of the concentration camps, it has stuck with me till this very day, even if it’s already over 7 years ago. Last year I did a food and wine tour in Budapest which I highly recommend.
Brianna says
A tour of Auschwitz or Dachau would be a very chilling and emotional experience. I was surprised how much I enjoyed the cuisine of Austria and Prague so I’m sure Hungary has some wonderful food as well.
Anne Klien ( Meaanne) says
when I went to canada couple of years back,joined a tour and up to now its the best tour ever I had 🙂
Brianna says
Where did you go in Canada?
Dave Cole says
I love those walking tours of cities. Getting to move around a bit and have an expert point out spots you would not usually notice or know about it such a treat. That cruise would have been perfect too – nice when you can concentrate on the photos and let the boat do the motoring!
Brianna says
Food tours are some of my favorites they can be a great way to get a taste of an area in a short amount of time.
Karen Warren says
I like to go round independently but sometimes a tour is the best way of doing things. Walking tours of cities are good too because your guide can often show you things you wouldn’t have found yourself.
Brianna says
Sometimes having a local show you around is the only way to see the hidden gems of a destination.
Mary {The World Is A Book} says
Great to see other travelers’ perspective on tours. We used to stay away from tours too especially when traveling with kids. But, we’ve found that when we’re short on time in a city, it really is the best way to get a local’s perspective or see many things. One of our favorite tours was a walking tour of Munich. We saw and learned so many things and time passed so quickly. I loved the sound of your Alaska tour!
Brianna says
The wildlife and nature cruise was phenomenal and would be great for kids!
Mindi @ 2foodtrippers says
Although we’re not big tour people, we have done some great tours like the walking tour we did this summer in Chicago. It really comes down to the tour guide and the other tourists.
Brianna says
I agree, I love it when you really get a sense that your guide is passionate about what they are doing. It makes all the difference.
Marissa says
I think Richelle’s would be first on my list! Although they all seem like amazing tours!
Brianna says
Nepal for sure would be a bucket list trip!
Kristen Sarra says
I took the same tour in Iceland as Stephanie Mayo and had an amazing experience as well. But the best tour I ever went on was the nighttime food tour through XO tours in Ho Chi Minh. We hopped on the backs of motorbikes and went to the best food stalls in several different districts. The best meal was in the poorest and least safe district that I never would have seen had I not gone on that tour.
Brianna says
That reminds me of when I was in St. Thomas and asked our taxi driver to take us where he likes to eat. We ended up at a little roadside BBQ stand with the most amazing ribs!
Revati Victor says
I think food tours are the best! Because while you can still find your way around, having a local show you the best food and teach you to appreciate the flavours is just something else. Good to see so many familiar faces here!
Tim says
I was a tour guide for many years and after I finished with that chapter of my life I decided I didn’t want to take a tour lead by anyone else. I have made some exceptions, Tibet and Botswana, but generally I am happy when doing it myself. That said, how tough can it be to relax and let someone else do all the work. Maybe I too am a bit of a snob when it comes to that and maybe I will grow out of it 🙂
Steph @Every Steph says
I know what you mean by being a tour snob! I’ve never really comsidered taking a tour kind of trip because I’ve always thought they were mostly for older people, but now my friend returned from one so enthusiast that We are thinkig about doing some kind of tour during our upcoming trip to Vietnam and Laos!
Brianna says
There really are some great tour experiences out there to be had!
Elena says
My absolute favourite is Richelle Gamlam and her Tibetan tour 🙂
Brianna says
Wouldn’t that just be amazing?
Ale says
I’m not able to choose!! I’ll love all of them and really wish to do all!! Italy included, since I’m Italian and can not vote for that journey!! 😀
Brianna says
Who wouldn’t love eating their way through Rome?
Bailey K. says
Great account on why and how tours can be good! I’ve actually never been on a tour, though I travel a lot. I think I’d take them when I feel most out of my comfort zone.
Brianna says
Tours are perfect when you have a short amount of time in a destination.
Sumit Surai says
Great compilation. I personally like walks over traditional bus / car tours. To know a city you need to explore it walking
Brianna says
Oh yes, bus tours are not for me!
christine says
Great post! I’m bookmarking it! It is really helpful to know what kind of tours are good in all different places 🙂
Brianna says
Wonderful, I’m glad this will be of help to you! Any tour in particular that you’re interested in?
Carolyn {Holidays to Europe} says
These tours all sound amazing. Two I’ve the best tours I’ve done were a city tour of Cesky Krumlov run by the Toruist Office and a private (and free) tour of Bled run by our hotel’s concierge. Both were a lot of fun as well as informative, due to both the small number of participants (I hate large group tours, too) and the passionate guides.
Brianna says
Both of those sound like fun, Bled has been on my list for a while.
Adrienne Mazeau says
Intimate tours are the best – especially food tours. We did a great food tour of NYC – and paired it with the Tenament Museum – excellent!
Brianna says
Food tours are some of my favorites :), a great way to sample a lot of food in a short time.
Shilpa Bala says
The Tibetan part is wonderful. I have never taken a tour except for in Egypt. But a tour that i was really looking forward to was the one in Tuscany, they take you around San Gimignano , lunch and wine tasting by the countryside. But because of the time constraints, I missed it. So I believe 4 out of 50 tours might be a little different.
Brianna says
There are some great tours out there but you really have to search through all the mediocre ones to find them.
Sarah Ebner says
Love this post. I think you can definitely set something different from a tour – I like a mix, exploring myself, but also getting other people’s input, which can be terrific.
Brianna says
That’s how I like to travel too.