Sri Lanka is compact, but its sights are spread between the Cultural Triangle, the hill country, the national parks and the coast. How you travel between them shapes your whole holiday. Here is how a group tour and a private tour compare.
What is a group tour?
On a group tour, travellers from separate bookings join the same planned route on a set start date. The itinerary is fixed in advance and you share the journey with other guests.
What is a private tour?
On a private tour, only your own party travels in the vehicle, with your own driver. You can usually adjust the pace, the order of visits and the start date.
The main differences
- Dates: group tours run on set departures; private tours start when you choose.
- Flexibility: a group follows the planned route; a private trip can change more easily.
- Company: a group means meeting other travellers; a private trip is just your party.
- Cost: a group can share vehicle and guiding costs; a private tour is often priced per vehicle or party, so larger parties share the cost among themselves.
Choose a group tour if…
- You are happy to follow a set plan
- You would enjoy travelling with other people
- You are travelling alone and want company
Choose a private tour if…
- You have fixed dates or limited time
- You are travelling with family or young children
- You want to stop, skip or linger as you like
Next steps
Compare our proposed Sri Lanka group tours, or see our private tours and tailor-made holidays. Our 8-day tour starts at USD 840 and our 10-day tour at USD 1,065 per person sharing a twin room; see dates on our small group tours page.
