Looking for a private tour in Varanasi? The ancient city’s maze of narrow lanes and bustling riverfront are best explored with an expert local guide. Single-day tours pack in the essentials – morning rituals along the Ganges, historic temples, and the evening aarti ceremony. For a richer experience, the multi-day options let you explore at a more relaxed pace.
I’m particularly fond of the sunrise boat rides combined with walking tours – they showcase both the spiritual and everyday life along the ghats. The guided visits to Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon, are also worthwhile. For food lovers, the market walking tours offer authentic tastes of local specialties.
These private tours typically include air-conditioned transport, English-speaking guides, and flexible scheduling. Most companies offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
Check out our carefully selected top tours of Varanasi below.
Key Points
- Comprehensive private tours in Varanasi offer a range of experiences, from half-day to multi-day, catering to diverse interests and budgets.
- Popular tour highlights include the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath, Ganga Aarti ceremonies, and immersive cultural experiences like local market visits and culinary exploration.
- Highly rated private tours with knowledgeable guides provide in-depth insights into Varanasi’s rich history and Hindu traditions, ensuring a memorable and personalized experience.
- Flexible booking and cancellation policies, along with various accessibility options, make private tours in Varanasi convenient and accessible for travelers.
- Customer feedback consistently praises the quality of private tours in Varanasi, with high satisfaction ratings and a strong recommendation rate from previous participants.
The Ultimate 1 Day in Varanasi – How to Spend 13 Hours – Private Guided Tour
For travelers seeking an immersive experience in the spiritual heart of India, the private guided tour “The Ultimate 1 Day in Varanasi” offers a remarkable 13-hour journey through the city’s rich cultural and historical tapestry.
Priced from $78.79 per person, the tour includes a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transportation, and a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges.
Highlights include visits to Sarnath, the Shri Vishwanath temple, and the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony.
With a 5-star rating from 143 reviews and 98% of travelers recommending the experience, the tour is praised for its knowledgeable and accommodating guides, well-organized itinerary, and immersive cultural insights.
Read our full review: The Ultimate 1 Day in Varanasi – How to Spend 13 Hours – Private Guided Tour Review
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Varanasi: 2-Day Private Guided Tour With Boat Ride
Amidst the captivating tapestry of Varanasi, this 2-day private guided tour offers travelers a comprehensive immersion into the city’s spiritual and cultural essence. Priced at $313.87 per person, the tour includes a boat ride on the Ganges, visits to Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Sarnath, and an array of immersive experiences.
Highlights include witnessing Ganga Aarti, exploring Varanasi’s old city, and shopping for local crafts. With flexible cancellation policies and multilingual guides, this tour caters to diverse needs.
Travelers can expect comfortable accommodations, transportation, and essential inclusions, making it an effortless way to discover the beauty and depth of Varanasi.
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Private Heritage and Spiritual Walk Tour – Varanasi Kashi
Depart on a captivating heritage and spiritual walk through the ancient city of Varanasi, where one discovers the devotion and traditions that have long defined this sacred destination.
This private tour offers a comprehensive experience, including visits to iconic landmarks, immersion in local culture, and delectable regional cuisine.
Enjoy a selection of snacks like kachauri, potato curry, lassi, tea, and banarasi pan as you explore the city’s rich heritage.
With private transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this tour is tailored to your preferences, ensuring an intimate and enriching journey.
Suitable for most fitness levels, this tour provides a perfect introduction to the spiritual heart of India.
Read our full review: Private Heritage and Spiritual Walk Tour – Varanasi Kashi Review
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2 Days : Varanasi Private Guided Tour With Airport Pickup
This private 2-day guided tour in Varanasi offers a comprehensive introduction to the spiritual heart of India.
It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and a local guide to navigate the city’s iconic temples, ghats, and sacred sites.
Highlights include the Sankat Mochan Temple, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, and a sunset Ganga Aarti ceremony.
On the second day, guests will take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River and visit the Sarnath archaeological site.
Accommodation, meals, and entrance fees are included, making this an all-inclusive and hassle-free way to explore Varanasi’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
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Private Full-Day Varanasi Tour With Boat Ride
A private full-day Varanasi tour with a boat ride on the River Ganga provides an immersive experience into the spiritual heart of India.
This highly-rated tour offers a tailored itinerary that caters to personal interests, led by a knowledgeable local guide.
Highlights include early-morning and sunset boat rides, a visit to Sarnath’s Dhamekh Stupa, and transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
With a 4.9 rating from 40 reviews and 100% traveler recommendation, this tour is a must-do for those seeking a deep dive into Varanasi’s rich history and culture.
Priced at $90 per person, the tour includes bottled water, lunch, and all necessary fees, making it an excellent value.
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From Delhi: Private 7-Day Golden Triangle Tour With Varanasi
Travelers embark on a captivating 7-day journey through the renowned Golden Triangle of India, including a visit to the spiritual city of Varanasi.
The private tour, priced at Kč 12,720 per person, offers a comprehensive experience with a live English-speaking guide and convenient airport/hotel pickup and drop-off.
Highlights include visiting iconic landmarks in Delhi, the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra, and the vibrant markets of Jaipur.
Travelers will also explore Varanasi, with a boat ride on the Ganges River and the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony.
The tour is accessible for wheelchair users, though luggage restrictions apply.
Travelers can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: From Delhi: Private 7-Day Golden Triangle Tour With Varanasi Review
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Private Day Tour in Varanasi
Immersing visitors in the timeless charm of Varanasi, the Private Day Tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to uncover the city’s rich cultural tapestry.
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by 45 reviewers, the tour boasts a Badge of Excellence and is recommended by 98% of travelers.
Led by the knowledgeable guide Praveen, the experience includes private transportation, a boat trip, and meals.
While the tour has received positive feedback, some guests have raised concerns about discrepancies in the tour description and additional costs.
The host emphasizes the importance of timely arrival, as late arrivals can impact the tour experience.
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Private Sarnath Excursion With Evening Ganaga Aarti
Setting out on a private Sarnath excursion, travelers can explore the sacred site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
This 7-hour tour provides a comprehensive experience, including a scenic 10 km drive to Sarnath and visits to key landmarks like the Dhameka Stupa and Sarnath Archaeological Museum.
Guests will also witness the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedha Ghat in the evening, seeing the magical atmosphere of prayers and mantras.
The tour includes an English-speaking guide, transportation, entry fees, and all applicable taxes, ensuring a seamless and memorable cultural experience.
With a 5/5 rating based on customer feedback, this excursion is a must-do for those seeking to deepen their understanding of Buddhist history and traditions.
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Private Tour of Varanasi With Official Tour Guide
After visiting the sacred site of Sarnath, travelers can embark on a comprehensive private tour of Varanasi with an official tour guide.
This highly-rated tour offers 24 reviews with a 5.0 overall rating and is recommended by 100% of travelers. Priced from $55.00 per person, the tour includes private transportation, a boat ride in the morning, and infant seats if needed.
It’s wheelchair accessible and near public transportation. The tour starts at 4:30 PM, with pickup from any known place in Varanasi. Confirmation is received at booking, and a moderate physical fitness level is required for this walkable experience.
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From Varanasi: Private Half-Day Ramnagar Fort Excursion
Travelers seeking to explore Varanasi’s regal history can embark on a private half-day excursion to the Ramnagar Fort, situated 14 kilometers outside the city along the banks of the River Ganges.
This 5-hour tour offers an opportunity to explore the 1750 fort, showcasing a blend of Hindu and Mughal architectural styles. Highlights include the Darbar Hall, a temple dedicated to Vyasa, and a museum housing vintage cars, armor, and royal carriages.
While some areas remain off-limits to travelers, visitors can gain insights into the imperial lifestyle of the Benares royal family.
Priced at Kč 1,363 per person, the tour includes entrance fees, a local guide, and transportation, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: From Varanasi: Private Half-Day Ramnagar Fort Excursion Review
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Experience Varanasi Tour: 1 Day Private Guided Tour
What better way to fully take in the cultural tapestry of Varanasi than through a comprehensive 1-day private guided tour? Highly rated by travelers, the “Experience Varanasi Tour” offers a curated experience, including hotel pickup, two boat rides, and insider recommendations from a professional guide.
With inclusions like bottled water, food, and tips, this tour provides a hassle-free way to discover the holy city’s sacred sites, bustling markets, and vibrant traditions. Suitable for most travelers, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but welcomes children accompanied by adults.
Priced from $135 per person, this tour offers exceptional value and flexibility, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Varanasi: City Highlights Private Day Tour & Ganges Cruise
With an early morning pickup at 5:30 AM, this comprehensive private tour of Varanasi and Sarnath promises an immersive exploration of the city’s cultural and spiritual highlights.
Priced at $94.59 per person, the 11-hour tour includes a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, a walking tour of the old city, and visits to significant landmarks like the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Banaras Hindu University, and Dhamekh Stupa in Sarnath.
Travelers can also explore the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, the new Vishwanath Temple, and the Durga Kund Mandir before witnessing the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony.
With hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers a well-rounded introduction to the spiritual heart of Varanasi.
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3 Days Private Enchanting Varanasi Tour
For those seeking an immersive exploration of Varanasi’s cultural and spiritual heritage, the 3 Days Private Enchanting Varanasi Tour offers a meticulously crafted itinerary.
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars and recommended by 99% of travelers, this private tour provides a rundown of the holy city.
Highlights include visiting the iconic Ghats along the Ganges River, exploring renowned temples, and witnessing the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony.
The tour includes comfortable accommodation, expert English-speaking guides, and all transportation, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a lowest price guarantee, this tour is an excellent choice for those wishing to discover the enchanting essence of Varanasi.
Read our full review: 3 Days Private Enchanting Varanasi Tour Review
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Private City Highlights Day Tour & Ganges Aarti
The Private City Highlights Day Tour & Ganges Aarti offers travelers an opportunity to enjoy the cultural and spiritual essence of Varanasi.
This 11-hour excursion includes a dawn boat ride on the Ganges, visits to iconic temples and the Banaras Hindu University, and a chance to witness the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony.
Priced from $8.88 per person, the tour accommodates up to 15 participants and is available in multiple languages.
With free cancellation, private transportation, and knowledgeable guides, this comprehensive experience provides an in-depth exploration of Varanasi’s rich heritage and traditions.
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One Day Varanasi Tour – Private & Guided
Immersing travelers in the captivating spiritual and cultural essence of Varanasi, the One Day Varanasi Tour – Private & Guided offers a comprehensive exploration of this sacred city.
With a 98% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this private tour provides an exclusive sunrise boat ride, private chairs for the evening aarti ceremony, and a knowledgeable local guide.
Guests appreciate the flexibility, comfort, and safety of the air-conditioned car service, as well as the added conveniences of water and snacks.
Highlighting Varanasi’s key sights, the tour delivers an authentic and immersive experience without pressuring visitors to shop.
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Varanasi: Private Day Tour With Ganges Boat Ride & Aarti
What better way to experience the spiritual essence of Varanasi than a private day tour that showcases its iconic Ganges River and revered Aarti ceremony?
For €89.52 per person, this 12-hour private tour offers a comprehensive Varanasi experience. Highlights include a morning boat ride to witness the sunrise on the Ganges, followed by visits to important sites like Sarnath and renowned temples.
The tour also includes the iconic Ganga Aarti ceremony in the evening. With private round-trip transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and inclusions like bottled water, this tour provides an immersive and hassle-free way to discover the ancient wonders of Varanasi.
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Experience Varanasi Tour: 3 Days Private Guided Tour
Dive into the captivating essence of Varanasi with this comprehensive 3-day private guided tour. Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars with 42 reviews, this experience is recommended by 98% of travelers.
Explore the city’s rich cultural heritage with a professional guide, take two private boat rides on the Ganges, and indulge in a food tour. Enjoy personalized attention with a maximum of 5 people per booking and convenient hotel pickup and drop-off.
With a start time of 3:00 pm and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers excellent value at €267.50 per person.
Discover Varanasi’s hidden gems and learn about the vibrant local culture during this unforgettable 3-day journey.
Read our full review: Experience Varanasi Tour: 3 Days Private Guided Tour Review
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From Varasani: Private Half Day Tour to Sarnath
This private half-day tour from Varanasi takes travelers to the sacred site of Sarnath, a revered Buddhist destination. Priced from Kč 861 per person, the 4-hour tour includes private transportation, an English-speaking guide, and visits to key landmarks like the Dhameka Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and Sarnath Archeological Museum.
Guests can learn about Buddhist heritage and see the iconic Lion Capital of Ashoka. While reviews are mixed regarding the guide’s English proficiency and value for money, the tour offers a convenient way to explore Sarnath’s historical and spiritual significance.
With free cancellation and a pay-later option, this half-day excursion provides a flexible way to discover this important site near Varanasi.
Read our full review: From Varasani: Private Half Day Tour to Sarnath Review
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Experience Varanasi Tour: 2 Days Private Guided Tour
Travelers can embark on a comprehensive two-day private guided tour to enjoy the rich cultural tapestry of Varanasi.
This tour offers a deep dive into Hindu traditions, temples, and the Ganges River ghats. Highlights include morning and evening boat rides, street food experiences, and a visit to Sarnath, a key Buddhist pilgrimage site.
The tour includes pick-up, air-conditioned transportation, boat rides, bottled water, and all fees and taxes.
Travelers have praised the knowledgeable guides who enhance the experience.
The tour is priced from $220 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Experience Varanasi Tour: 2 Days Private Guided Tour Review
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Varanasi: Private Akhada Wrestling Tour
Visitors to Varanasi can explore the rich tradition of Kushti, or Indian wrestling, during a private tour of a centuries-old Akhada (wrestling gym).
The 2-hour Varanasi: Private Akhada Wrestling Tour provides an intimate glimpse into this centuries-old sport. Guests observe the preparation rituals, including mud preparation and prayers, as well as watch young wrestlers warm up and engage in Kushti.
The tour includes a private air-conditioned car, an English-speaking guide, and entry fees. While reviews are mixed on value for money, the tour offers a unique cultural experience with high marks for safety, service, and organization.
Priced at Kč 1,434 per person, the tour is limited to 8 participants and allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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The Sum Up
Varanasi offers a variety of private tour options for visitors to explore the city’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. From one-day guided tours to multi-day experiences, these private tours provide a personalized and immersive way to discover the city’s iconic landmarks, ancient temples, and daily rituals. Whether you prefer a boat ride along the Ganges or a walking tour through the city’s winding alleys, there’s a private tour that can cater to your interests and preferences.