Traveling remains one of the best ways to open your horizons while exploring new locations or revisiting old ones. If you’re interested in a new way of traveling and are considering working with a luxury tour company, you can’t go wrong.

Luckily, you’ll discover more options than you can imagine – but which ones are the best of the best? This guide will make your decision easy by walking you through the absolute best private tour companies at this moment in time.

1. Travel by Luxe – The Best VIP Luxury Tour Experience

Travel by Luxe was founded in 2013. It is a female-owned and led luxury travel company that has grown into a successful, best-in-class high-end luxury travel experience, offering five-star rated private tours throughout Italy and the rest of the world. They offer a completely curated vacation that includes a seamless end-to-end experience, as every aspect of travel and your itinerary will be arranged for you and with your input.

When you want to go on a vacation, but want more than the standard tourist-trap destinations and guidebook-only offerings, that’s when you work with a vetted leader in the luxury travel industry. Travel by Luxe offers a range of options that vary from bite-sized one-day tours to multi-week excursions.

However, their bespoke trips are unmatched. With experienced guides and customizable itineraries, you will get to see everything you want and so much more. They offer luxury transportation in private premium executive vehicles throughout the area, optional luxury hotels, and boutique accommodations. They provide fully customizable and flexible rescheduling options and deliver one of the best VIP luxury tour experiences in the business.

Pros Cons
Stress-free planning Higher cost than for standard travel, but well worth the cost
High-quality experiences Highly structured for a seamless and stress-free experience
Expert local knowledge  
Risk-free booking guarantee  
Attentive staff and guides  
Consistently high customer satisfaction  

2. Abercrombie & Kent – Best for Philanthropy

Abercrombie & Kent has been in business for more than 60 years, providing highly curated luxury travel experiences. They are often noted to be the pioneers in luxury safari travel to Africa. In addition, they offer nature-driven retreats through their A&K Sanctuary travel options.

A&K Philanthropy began when the company was founded by Geoffrey Kent. Its aim is to care for, nurture, and sustain the areas where Abercrombie & Kent conducts business. Instead of visiting a beautiful destination with their clients, they work hard to empower the people who live on those lands while ensuring they benefit from the tourism income, as well.

Pros Cons
Attentive and kind staff Some online reports of misleading itinerary information
Respected by other travel agencies Some customers report inconsistent experiences
Owns A&K Villas, a collection of high-end properties around the world  
Offers a curated experience  

3. Black Tomato – A Great Choice for Regenerative Travel

Black Tomato is an unusual name for an unusual company. It was founded in 2005 by three friends who were frustrated with the cookie-cutter travel experience and wanted to create something different and better. They strive to show their customers the world in a whole new light through daring and designer experiences.

These travel experts stand out among their luxury travel peers by offering unique Regenerative Travel experiences. The team at Black Tomato focuses on bringing their clients to communities that will benefit from sustainability infrastructures and practices, and create a positive impact on their small space in the world. They work with local chefs and artisans to provide culturally-nuanced classes that give back to the communities while teaching tourists an amazing lesson and caring for the world around them at the same time.

Pros Cons
Highly personalized service High cost is prohibitive for some people
Experience-driven luxury travel Not suited for people who prefer pre-planned, classic tourist trips
Deep cultural connections and dedication to giving back  
Unique itineraries  

4. Tauck100 – A Good Variety of Three Travel Styles

Tauck100 has been in business since 1925, and that’s saying something. They are now in their fourth generation of family ownership. Their team is dedicated to continuing their legacy of luxurious travel that brings people the unforgettable experiences they want in places they will come to love.

Tauck consists of three distinct brands that each offer something different to the discerning traveler. Tauck consists of thoughtfully curated itineraries that are nearly all-inclusive and bring guests to uncommon areas with experts to guide them. Tauck Bridges is designed for luxury family travel. Every detail is managed to help relieve families of the stress of planning and give them time to create memories while seeing the world. Roam by Tauck is tailored toward small groups of travelers in their 40s and 50s who are looking for something high-end that includes an itinerary and plenty of unstructured time to explore.

Pros Cons
Luxury, mostly all-inclusive model High cost compared to competitors
High staff-to-guest ratio Some travelers report limited free time
Well-suited to luxury family travel  
Good for multi-generational travel  

5. Elite Global Journeys – Ideal for Upscale Cruises

Elite Global Journeys operates out of Southern California and bills itself as a vacation store. They are members of Virtuoso, which is a membership-only network of worldwide travel advisors and hotels, which means that their customers have more access to a greater number of properties.

Elite Global Journeys stands out as a provider of upscale cruises that are designated as ultra-luxe. Their collection of boutique ships offers curated experiences on the water and off, so guests experience everything at their port of call in addition to the luxurious lifestyle of a high-end yacht.

Pros Cons
Focus on saving money for clients Some travelers report a lack of organization
Helpful travel app for itinerary management Potential for bad experience with affiliated providers
Personalized luxury service  
VIP Services offered  

Final Thoughts

Working with a luxury travel company is well worth the expense. Let them take the planning, logistics, and the stress off your shoulders, so you can enjoy your vacation as you deserve. All of the options on this list come with pros and cons, yet some stand out above the rest. Look around and compare their offerings to find one that suits your unique needs and travel goals.