There are two ways to see Sri Lanka without planning everything yourself: join a small-group tour on a fixed date, or book a private tour with your own vehicle and driver. We run both, so here is a straight comparison to help you choose.

The quick answer

Group tour vs private tour at a glance

Small-group tourPrivate tour
DatesFixed departures from December to AprilAny date, all year
RouteTwo set 10-day routes, through Nuwara Eliya or EllaChoose a ready-made package or design your own route
Who's with youA small group and a trip hostJust your party and an English-speaking driver
PaceA set daily plan, with optional activities and free timeEntirely up to you
HotelsHand-picked 4-star hotels3-star, 4-star, 5-star or boutique, your choice
MealsAll breakfasts, plus 3 to 4 lunches and 4 dinnersUsually bed and breakfast, so you choose where to eat
CostShared costs, best value for one or two peoplePriced per vehicle, good value for three or more
Best forSolo travellers, couples, first-time visitorsFamilies, honeymooners, special interests, travel outside the dry season

When a group tour makes more sense

You're travelling solo or as a couple

A private car and driver costs roughly the same whether there's one of you or four, so for one or two people the price per head is high. On a group tour you share the vehicle, trip host and activities, and you have company at dinner. Our guide to group tours for solo travellers explains the room options.

It's your first time in Sri Lanka

Both of our group tour routes cover the highlights most first-time visitors want: Sigiriya, Kandy, the tea hills, an elephant safari, the beach and Galle Fort. The route is already balanced, so you don't need to work out driving times or which towns to skip.

You'd rather not make decisions

Hotels, meals, tickets and transfers are arranged, and your trip host deals with the day-to-day. You just choose whether to join the optional activities.

When a private tour makes more sense

You're a family or a group of friends

Once there are three or four of you, a private tour costs about the same per person and you get the vehicle to yourselves. It's also easier with children, because you can stop whenever you need to.

You want your own dates or route

Our group tours only run from December to April. A private package can start any day of the year, and we adjust the route to the season, for example heading to the east coast in July and August. If none of the packages fit, we'll design a tailor-made trip from scratch.

You like to travel slowly or have special interests

Want an extra day in the hill country, a longer safari in Yala, more time for photography, or a luxury villa on the coast? On a private tour, you set the pace and choose every hotel.

How the routes compare

Our private Sri Lanka 09 Nights / 10 Days package is the closest match to the group tours. It also spends two nights in the Cultural Triangle, a night in Kandy and two in Ella, but it goes on safari in Yala instead of Udawalawe and has three nights in Mirissa. It's bed and breakfast with a private vehicle and driver, and you can change any part of it.

The group tours add a trip host, a cooking class, more included meals and a fixed plan for each day. Choose Tea Country & South Coast for two nights in Nuwara Eliya, or Ella & South Coast for the hill-country train and two nights in Ella. The day-by-day comparison shows exactly where they differ.

Can you mix the two?

Yes, and it's a popular choice. Join a group tour for the main loop, then add private days before or after: more beach time on the south coast, a few days on the east coast, or a Maldives stay. We arrange it as one trip.

Upcoming group tour dates

See all dates and request a place. Prices are on request; there is nothing to pay until we confirm your place.

Not sure which suits you? Send us a request from either page and tell us who's travelling. We can quote both options for your dates so you can compare.

Frequently asked questions

Is a group tour cheaper than a private tour in Sri Lanka?

For one or two people, a group tour is usually better value, because the trip host, vehicle and activities are shared. For three or more people travelling together, a private tour can cost about the same per person and gives you more freedom. Ask us to quote both for your dates.

Can I change the itinerary on a group tour?

The route and hotels are fixed so the whole group travels together, but many activities are optional, and you can add extra nights before or after the tour. If you want to change the route itself, a private tour is the better choice.

Who are private tours best for?

Families, honeymooners, special-interest trips and anyone travelling outside December to April. You get your own vehicle and English-speaking driver, and you choose the route, hotels and pace.

Can I combine a group tour with a private trip?

Yes. Many travellers add a few private days before or after the group tour, for example more beach time, a Maldives stay or a visit to the east coast. We arrange it all in one booking.