Both options can be great. The right one depends on your group, budget and how you like to travel. Here is an honest comparison.
Group tours
Pros: usually cheaper per person, with a fixed itinerary and the chance to meet other travellers, often with a guide on board.
Cons: fixed departure time and meeting point, a pace set by the group, limited stops, and larger crowds at each site.
Private tours
Pros: pick-up at your hotel, your own schedule, stops where you like, comfort for families or small groups, and the option to change the route on the day.
Cons: the price is per vehicle, so it is usually higher for solo travellers; the value improves as group size grows.
Side by side
| Group tour | Private tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Per person, lower | Per vehicle, shared by your group |
| Schedule | Fixed | Flexible |
| Pick-up | Meeting point | Hotel or agreed address |
| Stops | Set itinerary | Adjustable |
| Best for | Solo, budget | Families, couples, groups, special needs |
When a private tour is worth it
- You travel with children or older relatives who need a gentler pace.
- You want to spend longer at one place, such as Fátima or Sintra.
- You have specific interests (wine, religious sites, photography).
- You are a group of three or more, where the per-person cost becomes competitive.
- You value comfort and not having to coordinate public transport.
When a group tour makes sense
- You are travelling alone on a tight budget.
- You enjoy a social atmosphere.
- You are happy to follow a fixed plan.
Our tours are private: a vehicle and driver only for your group, up to eight passengers per vehicle, with larger groups served by extra vehicles. See our private tours or request a quote.