Private Guided Transformative Tours & Trip Packages

Private Guided Transformative Tours & Trips

1,942 Private Guided trips. Tours from 639 tour companies. 1,313 reviews. 4.9/5 avg rating.

120 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Transformative
Zambia Family Safari Vacation
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Livingstone, South Luangwa National Park

Highlights

  • Zip-lining over the Zambezi River
  • Walking with a herd of elephants to their watering hole
  • Visiting a village school to meet their peers and learn the local handshake

Themes

Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Safari, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"Life changing! Alex our guide incredibly knowledgeable, caring and has a great sense of humor. If I needed a day to relax (and perhaps shop) it was totally encouraged and acceptable - Porto Fino amazing! The itinerary and hotels spot on! I’m ready to go back, maybe the Amalfi Coast!!! Don’t hesitate, book the guided trip now!!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Top Heritage Discovery
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Beijing, Chengdu, Guilin, Shanghai, The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Xian, Yangshuo

Highlights

  • Must-see sights in China - Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Army, Giant Pandas
  • Cruise on the meandering Li River & admire the essence of Guilin landscape
  • Have a once in a life chance to get close to the incredibly cute treasure - Pandas
  • Walk into a local Chinese family, interact & dine with the hosts in their home

Themes

Cultural, Family Friendly, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"TCGT is a company you need for an “all inclusive” trip in China. Emily arranged for us a perfect tailored itinerary based on our preferences. Hotel, transports and guides were professional, gentle and fluent English-speaking. We thank TCGT for such wonderful and perfect vacation in China and we highlight its services to everyone."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia Family Journey
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Angkor Wat, Da Nang, Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Luang Prabang, Saigon, Siem Reap

Highlights

  • Biking past rice paddies on the Mekong Delta
  • Getting a personal mahout lesson on an elephant
  • Visiting a floating village in Halong Bay

Themes

Cultural, Family Friendly, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Relaxing Retreats, Transformative, Sailing

What travelers are saying

"Life changing! Alex our guide incredibly knowledgeable, caring and has a great sense of humor. If I needed a day to relax (and perhaps shop) it was totally encouraged and acceptable - Porto Fino amazing! The itinerary and hotels spot on! I’m ready to go back, maybe the Amalfi Coast!!! Don’t hesitate, book the guided trip now!!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
China Golden Triangle Tour
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Beijing, Great Wall of China, Ming tombs, Shanghai, Tiananmen Square, Xian

Highlights

  • Must-see sights in China - Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Army
  • Walk into a local Chinese family, interact & dine with the hosts in their home
  • Try biking on the Ming Dynasty City Wall of Xi'an, or tour by electric car
  • Cruise on the Huangpu River to take in the impressive skylines of Shanghai

Themes

Cultural, Family Friendly, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"TCGT is a company you need for an “all inclusive” trip in China. Emily arranged for us a perfect tailored itinerary based on our preferences. Hotel, transports and guides were professional, gentle and fluent English-speaking. We thank TCGT for such wonderful and perfect vacation in China and we highlight its services to everyone."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Guatemala Explorer
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Tikal

Highlights

  • Explore Guatemala City
  • Discover Antigua
  • Enjoy visiting Santiago de Atitlan, Flores and Tikal Ruins
  • Explore Chichicastenango
  • Enjoy visiting fascinated places like Panajachel, Camino Real Tikal, Comalapa and San Juan la Laguna

Themes

Cultural, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"At first I thought, maybe it was just me. Maybe I just had a poor customer service experience with Adventure Life. On my recent trip to Antarctica I met several other passengers, including my roommate who booked through Adventure Life. Each time and immediately they expressed the same exact challenges and concerns when working with Adventure life that I experienced. Being supplied with broken links to resources and documents, vague responses to specific questions, lack of pro-actively from Adventure Life, and a plethora of other issues. But I would recommend using Adventure Life, call them to help find the best dates and trip for you. Then book directly through the tour operators. I met several people on the trip that were able to find and negotiate discounts by skipping the agency and going directly to the tour operator."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Fiji Escape
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.8/5 Excellent
64 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Snorkel over brilliant rainbow-colored coral reefs teeming with tropical fish and kayak through crystal-clear waters
  • Hike to sweeping mountain vistas with scenic waterfalls and go whitewater rafting on Class II and III rapids
  • Get off the grid with three days of relaxation in the unspoiled Yasawa archipelago
  • Share in the friendly Fijian culture as you join lovo feasts, watch traditional dances, and play with the local children

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"First, let me say our tour guide Tomomi S. is hands down THE best tour guide I’ve ever had - knowledgeable, fun and made great efforts to ensure that we were comfortable and happy (MTSobek tour guides are independent contractors. Tomomi also works for other Adventure/Tour companies) Secondly, Japan is beautiful, clean and the Japanese people are very welcoming. The hiking in the national parks was amazing. It could have been a truly five-star experience if MtSobek had not cut corners so egregiously. The website said (at the time) group tours are 5-22 people. The tour gets canceled if the minimum is not met. When I paid there were TWO other people booked-a mother and daughter duo. Shortly before our departure date I called to see if the tour would be cancelled. I wanted my money back but Mt Sobek was “pleased to say that the trip would not be canceled”. In other words, I could not get a refund. At the last minute a guy named Matt signed up so there were four of us. Five days into the trip Matt left and took a train back to Tokyo. I said to him “You realize Mt Sobek is not going to refund you”. He said, “I don’t care, Mt Sobek scammed us.” With tax, the tour costs $11,645 for 13 nights. For that price there is an expectation that the accommodations Mt Sobek chooses would be decent and clean. We all fully expected a ‘traditional Japanese experience’ which often means no private bath and 8 out of the 13 nights we slept on futon mats on the floor. However, Mt Sobek consistently booked us in the cheapest Ryokans (hotels) in each area in which we travelled. Most of these hotels were unclean and very out-dated. One Ryokan they booked us in was listed on a hotel website for $40 USD/night when there were much nicer accommodations nearby for $100 USD/night. (The Japanese yen is way down, the luxury Park Hotel in Tokyo was $200 USD/night. A comparable hotel would have been about $800/night in Austin.). We were the only people staying in several hotels that accomadated many more people. The most egregious example of MtSobek’s booking the cheapest rooms is when we were booked at a large traditional ski lodge at the base of a spectacular mountain. It was beautiful on the website but had two very different wings. One wing was modern, clean and beautiful with simple beds. The other wing was very old (similar to a cheap Motel 6 that had not been updated since the 1970’s). The carpet and bathrooms were disgusting and like many of the Ryocans where we stayed the futon mats seemed as though they had not been cleaned In 30 years. Only after our tour guide checked us in did we realize we had been booked in the cheap rooms. I asked Tomo why. Immediately someone from MtSobek reached out to me and said, “gosh, I’m sorry you did not realize you were going to have a traditional Japanese experience”. Really? “Traditional” experience depends upon one’s budget. In the US, “traditional” to some people may be the Marriott, a Motel 6 or the Four Seasons Hotels. We were paying for a Marriott experience and received the one-star Motel 6 experience. Upon arrival in Tokyo I expected to be met at the airport by a driver (as many tour companies do). However, several days before our arrival dates in Tokyo, MtSobek sent an email telling us how to locate taking a city bus from the bustling Tokyo airport. That is interesting if you do not speak Japanese. MtSobek cleverly uses great photography and elaborate descriptions of the national parks and the hiking while using terms like “traditional Japanese experience with tatami-mat sleeping” to disguise sub-standard accommodations. At one point we were looking on-line at the very hotel where we were staying and did not even recognize it from the website pictures. The hiking was amazing. The group size was disappointing with just the three of us. I would absolutely recommend a hiking tour through Japan, just not with MtSobek."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More

Unlock Community Benefits

Travel better together

  • Save favorite trips and itineraries
  • Get insider insights
  • Receive personalized recommendations
  • ... and much more
Join community
South Africa with a Twist
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.9/5 Excellent
53 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Drive to the quaint town of Franschhoek to meander the shops and eateries (purchases and meals not included in the cost of the wine tour).
  • Lunch at one of the stunning vineyards in the area. We will reserve a table for lunch at either Delaire Graff or Jordan Wine Estates. (Lunch reservations require advance booking and is based on availability. Lunch not included with the cost of the wine tour.)
  • Award winning estate - Anthonij Rupert superior wine tasting (requires advance booking)
  • Wine Tasting and Cellar tours Jordan Estate

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Safari, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We just got back from our 11 day Safari trip ALL PLANNED by Rothschild! We were celebrating my 50th birthday and I’ve always wanted to go on a safari. I researched many companies and after speaking many times with Pam Langhoff we decided upon choosing Rothschild to put together our safari trip. Best decision!!! Rothschild made all the arrangements and thought of every detail. I really had no clue about planning a safari. Pam planned everything! Every time someone was there to pick us up or take us to our next destination or see us off. Our guide and safari truck was arranged for us. All the park fees and registrations were already paid for and all the accommodations were booked and paid for and all details explained. Everything was timely and we had full communication with a contact in Africa (because of the time change 8 hours ahead if we needed anything). We even had them book our flights. They do everything and think of everything we had no idea we had to apply for a Tanzania visa.. This company is first class and takes care of every detail. We had no idea about planning and where to go. Pam put together an awesome tailored itinerary for us. We stayed 2 nights in Tarangire National Park in really really cool nice tents, then 3 nights at Gibbs Farm in the Ngorongoro Highlands and went to the crater, then flew to the Serengeti and stayed 3 nights at Serengeti Safari camp in mobile tents!! What an experience! We saw the great migration! I woke up in the Serengeti on my 50th birthday! Pam and Rachel and all the Rothschild staff were easy to work with and ask questions (trust me I had many) they planned a magical trip for my husband and 2 teenagers!! We all agree this was our favorite trip we have ever been on! We will use Rothschild again for sure!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Classic Botswana Explorer
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.9/5 Excellent
53 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Chobe National Park, Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Okavango Delta

Highlights

  • Visit Chobe which is Botswana’s first national park and possibly it’s most famous
  • Cultural visits to local community
  • Enjoy game drives daily
  • Explore Moremi Game Reserve, which offers exceptional wildlife viewing and is rightfully one of the most celebrated wildlife reserves in the world!

Themes

Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Safari, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We just got back from our 11 day Safari trip ALL PLANNED by Rothschild! We were celebrating my 50th birthday and I’ve always wanted to go on a safari. I researched many companies and after speaking many times with Pam Langhoff we decided upon choosing Rothschild to put together our safari trip. Best decision!!! Rothschild made all the arrangements and thought of every detail. I really had no clue about planning a safari. Pam planned everything! Every time someone was there to pick us up or take us to our next destination or see us off. Our guide and safari truck was arranged for us. All the park fees and registrations were already paid for and all the accommodations were booked and paid for and all details explained. Everything was timely and we had full communication with a contact in Africa (because of the time change 8 hours ahead if we needed anything). We even had them book our flights. They do everything and think of everything we had no idea we had to apply for a Tanzania visa.. This company is first class and takes care of every detail. We had no idea about planning and where to go. Pam put together an awesome tailored itinerary for us. We stayed 2 nights in Tarangire National Park in really really cool nice tents, then 3 nights at Gibbs Farm in the Ngorongoro Highlands and went to the crater, then flew to the Serengeti and stayed 3 nights at Serengeti Safari camp in mobile tents!! What an experience! We saw the great migration! I woke up in the Serengeti on my 50th birthday! Pam and Rachel and all the Rothschild staff were easy to work with and ask questions (trust me I had many) they planned a magical trip for my husband and 2 teenagers!! We all agree this was our favorite trip we have ever been on! We will use Rothschild again for sure!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip
120 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Transformative

Private Guided Reviews & Ratings

4.9/5  Excellent
1,313  Reviews
See all Private Guided tour reviews
Excellent
547
Great
31
Average
3
Disappointing
1
Terrible
1
U

Usha

Sep 2022

Written on

A perfect trip

17 days to Egypt, Jordan and Israel was our first booking with Odynovo , and Susan, our Rep.There were 6 of us traveling. We had planned our way there and our way ou...

M

MAM

Jul 2022

Written on

Top Notch Private Tour of Israel, Egypt and Jordan

First time using Odynovo, and the experience was flawless. We traveled to Israel, Jordan and Egypt by private tour with 5-star hotels. It was an action-packed itiner...

M

MAM

Jul 2022

Written on

Top Notch Private Tour of Israel, Egypt and Jordan

First time using Odynovo, and the experience was flawless. We traveled to Israel, Jordan and Egypt by private tour with 5-star hotels. It was an action-packed itiner...

A

Adam v

Dec 2022

Written on

Travelers Beware!

We did a 10-day private tour package across Egypt. Memphis was just plain terrible. In Cairo, their airport liaison, Ahmed, was TERRIBLE — from the moment we met him...

C

Carlo G

Mar 2024

Written on

Best Vacation Ever!

Two beautiful weeks in Vietnam and Cambodia, best vacation ever! Exotic Voyages assisted us during the trip making sure everything was fine and everything was great,...

Write a Review

Private Guided Tour Selection Trips

  • Embarking on a private guided tour promises an enriching experience, but a few considerations can enhance your journey. Here are essential tips to optimize your adventure and ensure a seamless and enjoyable exploration with your guide. Communicate preferences and expectations with your guide before the tour begins.
  • Be punctual to maximize your time with the guide and make the most of the tour.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, and follow the guide's advice on cultural etiquette.
  • Stay hydrated and carry snacks to maintain energy levels during the tour.
  • Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for the activities planned.
  • Keep an open mind and be willing to try new experiences the guide suggests.
  • Pack light to ease mobility and minimize the burden on the guide.
  • Follow the safety instructions provided by the guide and pay attention to your surroundings.
  • Be courteous to fellow tour members and respect their space and preferences.
  • Have a backup plan in case of unexpected changes or emergencies during the tour.
  • Keep valuables secure and be mindful of belongings to prevent loss or theft.
  • Tip your guide appropriately for their services at the end of the tour.
  • Provide feedback to the tour operator about your experience to help improve future tours.

Additional details

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 1942 trips to Private Guided and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!