Small-Group or Private? How to Choose the Right Tour
Both include hotel pickup, a guide, lunch and entry fees. They differ in programme, privacy, pace and price. Which one fits you?
Most visitors choose between two ways to see Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland: join a shared small-group tour, or book a private day for their own group. Both include hotel pickup, a local English-speaking guide, lunch and entry fees. They differ in programme, privacy and price. Here is how to choose.
| Shared tour | Private tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Programme | Ready-made route | Route adapted to your group |
| Who is with you | Other guests | Vehicle and guide only for you |
| Pace | Shared by the group | Set to suit you |
| Booking | Pick a date and book | Book a date and tell us your preferences, or ask us to suggest a route |
| Price | Lower per person | Higher per person for two guests, falling as the group grows |
The shared small-group tour
A ready-made programme at the lowest price per person. You join a small group of other travellers and the whole day is organised for you, from hotel pickup to drop-off. It suits couples and solo travellers who want the highlights without planning. We run it from Dresden and from Prague: see the tours from Dresden and the tours from Prague.
The private tour
A vehicle and guide just for you and your group. Tell us what you enjoy and how much walking suits you, and we plan a realistic route around it. You do not need to know the region or choose every stop yourself. It suits families who want their own pace, photographers who want more time at a viewpoint, and anyone who simply wants to spend the day only with the people they came with. Read more about private tours.
What could your private day look like?
A private day is not just a more expensive version of the shared programme. Here are three routes people ask for, which we adapt to your group:
- Nature at your own pace, from Dresden: the Bastei Bridge, the Pravcicka Gate and, from April to October, a boat ride through the Kamenice gorge. If you prefer to walk less, we plan fewer stops and more time at each.
- Nature and a city, from Prague: Prague, the Bastei Bridge, Dresden and back to Prague. For those who want the viewpoints and a walk through Dresden in one day.
- A journey between two hotels: from Prague to Dresden or the other way round, with stops on the way. Choose our classic Prague to Dresden transfer or Dresden to Prague transfer, with the Tisa Rocks, lunch and the Bastei Bridge, or ask for your own route, for example via the Königstein Fortress.
Prices
- Shared tour from Dresden: €129 per person (€149 for one traveller).
- Shared tour from Prague: €149 per person (€169 for one traveller).
- Private tour: €599 for 1 guest, €698 for 2 guests (€349 each), €996 for 4 guests (€249 each), from €1,197 for 7 or more guests (€171 each).
Prices are valid as of November 2026; see each tour for the current price.
The difference in price pays for the vehicle, the guide and a day built around your group. For two travellers happy with a ready-made route, the shared tour is usually the better value. For a family or a group of four or more, the gap per person narrows and having the day to yourselves is often worth it.
Travelling with a larger group?
Planning a trip for an extended family, a group of friends, colleagues or a school? Send us the number of guests, the date and the departure city, and we will agree a suitable programme and prepare an offer for your group. Travel agencies and event organisers can reach us through the contact form.
How the programme changes during the year
On shared tours, the full route runs from April to October: the Bastei Bridge, the Pravcicka Gate and the Tisa Rocks. On the boat variant from Dresden you ride through the Kamenice gorge instead of visiting the gate, together with Bastei and the Tisa Rocks. From November to March, our shared winter tour visits Bastei and the Tisa Rocks. Private itineraries in winter depend on opening hours, daylight and trail conditions. See the winter opening hours and fees guide for details.
How much walking
The classic summer day from Dresden is around 9 km of walking, the boat variant about 8 km and the winter day about 4 km. The walk to the Pravcicka Gate and back is about 5 km. On a private tour the walking depends on the route we agree with you. See what to wear on the trails and, if you travel with children, our family guide to the region.
Which one is right for you?
Ready-made programme, lower price
Shared small-group tour
A set route in a small group, everything organised for you.
Only your group
Private tour
Your own vehicle and guide, with the route and pace built around you.
Not sure? Send us your date, number of guests and departure city and we will recommend a suitable option. Get in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a shared and a private tour?+
A shared tour runs in a small group of other travellers on a ready-made route and costs less per person. A private tour is only for your group, with your own vehicle and guide, and we build the route around your needs. Both include hotel pickup, a guide, lunch and entry fees.
Is a private tour more expensive?+
For two guests, yes: €349 per person against €129–149 on a shared tour. The price per person falls as the group grows; see the prices above and the private tours page.
Do I have to plan the itinerary myself on a private tour?+
No. Tell us what you enjoy and how much walking suits you, and we plan a realistic route around it.
Are the shared tours really small groups?+
Yes, our shared tours run in small groups, never a big coach. You hear your guide clearly and everyone has enough room in the vehicle.
Skip the planning
We will suggest a private tour based on your interests, with a guide and hotel pickup.
Request a tour