Questions
Private tours
25 answers, each with its own page.
- How can I book a private tour?To book a private tour, simply send us an enquiry through our website. You can choose from one of our suggested itineraries or request a fully customised route tailored to your interests. Once we know your preferred destinations, travel dates, group size, and any special requirements, our Private Tours team will prepare a detailed quotation and itinerary. When you’re happy with the plan, we’ll send a secure payment link to confirm your booking.
- How far in advance should I book?Private tours are in high demand due to limited number of vehicles, especially during peak travel seasons and public holidays such as St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, and Christmas. For these busy periods, guests often book six months to a year in advance. Outside of peak times, booking a few months ahead is usually sufficient, but we always recommend reaching out as soon as you have a date in mind. It’s worth enquiring even last-minute, as occasional cancellations can free up availability.
- Can I reserve with a deposit and pay the balance later?Yes, that is possible. We can secure your booking with a partial payment, and the remaining balance can be settled closer to the tour date. This allows flexibility while ensuring your preferred date and vehicle are reserved for your group.
- How much does a private tour cost?The cost of a private tour varies depending on several factors, including the chosen itinerary and destinations, the number of passengers in your group, the size and type of vehicle allocated, and whether you would like us to include entrance fees to attractions in your quote.
- What customisation options are available?All our private tours are fully customisable. You can choose your preferred destinations, attractions, pace, and even dining style.
- Can we make changes to the itinerary on the day of the tour?Yes, absolutely. Private tours are designed to be flexible. Minor adjustments can usually be made directly with your driver-guide on the day, such as extending time at one stop or skipping another. Any major changes that would affect the duration, involve new entrance bookings, or significantly alter the route may not be possible without prior arrangement.
- Can we request a specific driver-guide or add a second guide?Yes, that’s possible. If you have a preferred driver-guide (for example, someone you’ve toured with previously), we’ll always do our best to accommodate your request, subject to availability.
- Do you offer guides in other languages?At the moment, all private tours are conducted in English. Our driver-guides and tour guides operate exclusively in English to ensure clear communication and a high-quality experience.
- What are the key differences between private tours and regular day tours?The main difference is flexibility. On a private tour, the itinerary is fully customisable, and your guide adjusts the day according to your pace and interests. You can stop for extra breaks, enjoy spontaneous photo stops, or spend more time at a location you particularly love. Unlike regular group tours, private tours are entirely exclusive to your group, meaning no other passengers will be on board. Your guide can modify the route in real time, provided all stops fit within the daily driving limit. If you decide to extend time at one location, your guide may suggest shortening another stop to keep the day balanced and relaxed. Private tours also use premium vehicles sized specifically to suit your group. Finally, both the guiding and overall attention are dedicated exclusively to your group. Your driver-guide focuses entirely on your experience, ensuring a more personal, seamless, and tailored day compared to a regular shared tour.
- What type of vehicle is used?All our vehicles are modern, premium models, typically just a few years old, and maintained to the highest touring standards. Our fleet ranges from Mercedes business-class sedans and MPVs to 9-, 19-, 37-, 55-, and 63-seater executive coaches. Once we know your group size and preferred tour date, we’ll provide the most suitable vehicle options available for that day so you can choose your preferred size and style. Each vehicle is reserved exclusively for your group, ensuring comfort, privacy, and flexibility throughout the journey.
- Are the vehicles wheelchair-accessible or able to store a folded wheelchair/rollator?Our vehicles are not wheelchair-accessible as they do not have lifting platforms. However, many vehicles can accommodate a folded manual wheelchair or rollator if a passenger can be assisted into a seat. Please note that large or electric wheelchairs may not fit in smaller vehicles, so it’s best to let us know the dimensions in advance to confirm whether storage will be possible.
- Do you provide child seats or booster seats, or can we bring our own?Yes, we can provide both child and booster seats upon request. You are also very welcome to bring your own if you prefer, or already have one that fits your child comfortably.
- How do pick-up and drop-off arrangements work?Private tours include door-to-door service. We can collect you directly from your hotel, Airbnb or other accommodation, or another agreed meeting point, and it does not have to be in Dublin: where it suits the route, we can collect you elsewhere, for example in Galway for a west coast tour. For smaller vehicles, we’re extremely flexible with pick-up points. For larger coaches, we just need to ensure there is safe space for the vehicle to pull over for boarding and drop-off.
- Can you collect from the airport, cruise pier, or a hotel and drop at a different location?Absolutely. Private tours allow for maximum flexibility. We can pick you up at the airport, cruise terminal, hotel, or other location, and drop you off somewhere different if needed. For larger vehicles, we only ask that the collection and drop-off points have suitable parking or space for safe loading.
- Can we start in Dublin and finish in another city (e.g., Belfast or Galway)?Yes, definitely. Many of our guests choose to begin their journey in Dublin and finish elsewhere. Alternatively, we can arrange overnight or multi-day tours with accommodation en route, so that you continue exploring other parts of Ireland before returning.
- Can you arrange multiple pick-ups or drop-offs for our group?Yes, that’s possible. However, we recommend limiting the number of separate pick-ups to save time and make the most of your touring day. Gathering everyone at one location usually allows for a smoother start and more sightseeing time during the day.
- What is the maximum tour duration, and what happens if we run over time?Private tours operate within the daily driving and working-hours limits that apply to your driver-guide. We confirm the start and finish times for your day when we agree your itinerary. These limits are there for safety, so a tour cannot be extended beyond them on the day, and it is not possible to pay extra to run over. If your plans need more time, we can spread them over two days.
- Are attraction admissions included, or are they paid on the day?This depends on the tour arrangement. When we design your itinerary, we usually include all main entrance fees in your quoted total so that everything is pre-booked and guaranteed in advance. If you prefer, we can exclude admissions and you can pay directly on the day, but we generally recommend pre-booking to avoid delays and ensure entry availability.
- How frequently can we schedule restroom or coffee stops?Your driver-guide will plan stops regularly throughout the day, and additional restroom or coffee breaks can be made whenever needed. Simply let your guide know, and they will suggest the next available stop along the route.
- Can we bring our own snacks, coffee, or water on board?Yes, absolutely. You’re welcome to bring your own refreshments on board.
- Do you provide bottled water or umbrellas?No, bottled water and umbrellas are not provided, so we recommend bringing your own, especially during warmer or rainy months.
- Is smoking, vaping, or alcohol allowed on the vehicle?No, smoking, vaping, and alcohol consumption are strictly prohibited on all vehicles, both for the comfort of your group and out of respect for future passengers (and our members of staff). There will be regular breaks during the day where smoking is permitted outside the vehicle.
- What is the cancellation or amendment policy on private tours?We offer a full refund if cancellation is received at least 7 days before the tour date.
- Do you work with travel agents and offer commission?Yes, we do. We regularly collaborate with travel agents and industry partners worldwide. If you are a travel professional, please reach out directly to private@wildrovertours.com, and our Private Tours department will be happy to provide a customised offer and discuss commission options.
- Do we need a passport or ETA for Northern Ireland private tours?There is no passport control between Ireland and Northern Ireland. However, we strongly recommend bringing your passport or ID with you, just in case authorities request proof of identity.
