What is a private tour? A private tour is a customized tour designed to meet the specific needs and preferences of a particular group or individual. The tour is guided by a knowledgeable and experienced tour guide who will lead the group through various landmarks and attractions, providing valuable insights and commentary along the way.
What are the advantages of a private tour? The advantages of a private tour would include flexibility, personalized attention, and the ability to customize the itinerary to suit your specific interests. With a private tour, you can avoid the crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience with your family and friends.
Will there be other patrons on this tour? Absolutely no. This tour experience exclusive to you. There will be no other participants on this tour.
Can you customize our tour? Yes. The itinerary for a private tour is always customized to meet your specific interests and preferences. You can work with your tour operator to create a unique and personalized itinerary that includes the attractions and landmarks you are most interested in seeing.
Are you able to offer tour guides who speak language other than English? We do offer Tour Guides who speak French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Greek, Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, and Russian. Multi-lingual guides are subject to availability.
What kind of vehicles will be used to conduct this tour? The choice of vehicle for the tour will be based on the number of people in the family or group and their preferences. While we do have sedans available, we highly recommend using a SUV such as a Chevrolet Suburban, a Cadillac Escalade or a similar vehicle for our Private Tours for the best viewing experience. For larger groups, we do offer 14-seaters and 24-seater mini-coaches.
Will we have a separate step on guide or a driver-cum-guide? Depending on the tour and your expectations, we will assign separate step on guide and driver or a driver-cum-guide. On some tours, we would recommend only a driver-cum-guide as there may be no need for a Step-on-guide.
What is the difference between a Driver-cum-Guide and a Step-on-Guide? A driver-cum-guide is a professional who not only drives the vehicle but also acts as a tour guide. This type of guide provides commentary and information about the attractions and locations visited during the tour while also ensuring safe and efficient transportation. Usually, the driver-cum guide will drop you off at attractions and you must do a self-guided tour once you have entered the attraction.
Note: the Driver-guides will never leave their vehicle to accompany you.
A step-on guide, on the other hand, is a tour guide who meets the group at a specific location and provides commentary and information both inside the vehicle and outside. This type of guide does not drive the vehicle. The step-on-guide will accompany you inside attractions, etc. if you so desire.
How long does a private tour typically last? The duration of a private tour can vary depending on the itinerary and the preferences of the group. Most tours range from 2 to 8 hours, but some can last an entire day or more.
Are there fixed dates of departure for this tour? The tour departs every day of the season. here are some tours that are offered only seasonally.
How many departures are there each day? This tour is operated on demand. The tour will operate based on what is a convenient time for you.
Is this tour done outside? Part of this tour will include being outside your vehicle.
Does the activity take place despite bad weather? This tour takes place rain or shine. Depending on the chosen activity and the weather of the day, be sure to be dressed comfortably and accordingly to have the most enjoyable experience possible. In the case of severe inclement weather, tours will be canceled, and a full refund will be provided.
What is the policy if the tour is cancelled due weather conditions? Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. However, whether the tour should be cancelled or not is a call that is made by the operator and not the client. Contact us by phone to inquire about a cancellation.
How should I dress for the tour? Dress for the day’s weather and wear comfortable walking shoes–you will be on your feet for most of the tour! If you are taking a tour that includes a church visit, please dress appropriately and refrain from wearing flip-flops, tank tops, or shorts.
Should I carry an umbrella? We recommend you carrying a folding umbrella just in case it rains. You can always leave it inside the vehicle in case you don’t need to use it.
What kind shoes should I wear on this tour? Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
What time does the Private Tour start? The pick-up time provided marks the beginning of your tour.
What time should we be ready for this tour? : We suggest you be ready at the pickup point (usually the lobby of your hotel) at least 15 minutes before the designated start time of your tour.
Will I be picked up from my hotel for the tours? Yes. Our Private Tours include hotel pick-up and drop-off unless specifically stated in the Tour Exclusions.
I'm running late, what should I do? Your tour hours are scheduled in advance, so if you arrive late, it will automatically result in a reduction of the total time allotted for the tour. Late start of your tour will reduce the tour duration, as guides and drivers have subsequent bookings. No extensions or refunds are provided for lost tour time.
Can I get a refund or reschedule? No. Private Tours are non‑refundable, and non-transferable, like concert tickets. Rescheduling is not possible unless you are willing to purchase an entirely new tour ticket (subject to availability).
Can I extend the tour hours while we are touring? Possibly yes. It depends on whether your tour driver/guide have other pre-booked assignments post your tour. In most cases, we can accommodate your extensions requests. Pre-payment would be required and same can be made via the secure Payment Link we would send to your smart phone.
How far in advance should I book? We recommend booking 2 to 3-weeks ahead for best availability, especially during Summer and Fall.
Is there a minimum and maximum head count required to operate this tour? No. This is an entirely private tour, and we will accommodate as many persons as necessary if this information is shared with us at the time of making the booking.
Are tours wheelchair accessible or suitable for those with mobility issues? Wheelchair accessibility varies by city and tour. Guests must disclose mobility issues when booking. Non-disclosure may result in tour denial.
Children - Is the tour suitable for children? Our tour information clearly lays out the ages of children that the tour accepts. If in doubt, please do check with us at the time of making your bookings.
Will Driver-Guide/Step-on-Guide provide mobility assistance? No. Our Driver-Guides and Step-on-Guides are not trained to aid mobility/accessibility challenged persons and therefore are not allowed to provide mobility/accessibility assistance.
Are there restrooms on your tour? Restroom facilities are available at selected tour stops. Guides will indicate their locations during the tour. However, we highly suggest that customers use the restroom ahead of time. Not all our tours include restroom stops.
Am I allowed to bring food and beverages on the tour? You are welcome to bring bottled water and small snacks. No wet food is allowed inside our vehicles.
Can I bring my pet? Except for guide dogs, pets are not allowed during scheduled tours for safety purposes and to ensure the activities run smoothly. You must inform us at the time of making your reservations for the tour that you will be accompanied by a guide-dog. Dogs must be leased and muzzled.
We do make exceptions sometimes and allow pets on our private tours. However, please make sure to check this out with us at the time of booking and get a written OK from us.
Is smoking allowed on the tour? Absolutely No. We maintain a no smoking policy on our tours.
Should I tip the guide? Gratuities are aways included in our Private Tours.
Cameras & Photo Etiquette: If you must take pictures of other participants on the tour other that your own closed group, you must seek the permission of such person whose pictures you are taking.
Can I shop during the tour? Shopping during the tour is discouraged to maintain the scheduled timeline and ensure a timely experience.
Can I expect to see animals during the tours? While there is a possibility of spotting wildlife on our tours and we frequently come across animals. Out tours do not guarantee wildlife sightings.
Wild Animals – Is it safe to get close to wild animals? Is it okay to touch them if they appear friendly? Absolutely not. It is not safe to approach wild animals, even if they seem calm and friendly. It is also important not to step out of your vehicle to take pictures of them.
Should we purchase Travel Insurance? Travel Insurance is highly recommended for all clients. It is your travel advisor responsibility to offer you travel insurance options. Please make sure to enquire with your Travel Advisor what ae your options relating to Travel Insurance.
Tour Participation Policy: Travel Disruptions and Cancellations: In the event of flight cancellations, travel disruptions, or a client's failure to join their tour, please be advised that refunds and substitute tours are not provided by DMCI Inc. or its partners. This policy applies to all circumstances outside of DMCI Inc.'s direct control, including but not limited to cancelled or delayed flights, denied entry, medical issues, family emergencies, weather, and traffic conditions. To protect against unexpected cancellations and interruptions, DMCI Inc. strongly recommends that all clients secure comprehensive travel insurance prior to departure.