As private day tours usually can take up to 4 people and as any one couple, traveling alone, would be able to reduce their per couple costs if they found another couple to join them for the day on a day tour, is there any means to accomplish this? Do tour companies have this ability? is there some website that might accomplish this? I doubt it but thought I'd check with those more knowledgeable. I suppose the same issue applies to solo travelers.

Thanks.

I'm sorry that I can't answer your question, but it might be helpful to others to say the areas of the world you are considering, as the options might differ.

I won't ask whether you are sure that you need to take private day trips, rather than simply visiting places on your own.

Thanks for the response... This year, we are going to London and then onto Edinburgh, and hoped to see some of the respective countrysides of each. As a New Yorker, I would prefer not to drive in the UK, and wish to avoid large tours and even smaller groups. The idea of a private tour (we did so with a driver last year in Lisbon) is intriguing, but costly and it would be more economical to join with another couple to split the costs while still staying in a regular automobile. I suppose, if I traveled as a single, I would also want the companionship for a tour, but in our case it is purely economics. To me, it sounds like a good idea for some entrepreneur, no matter where

You could always use public transport. For example, see my TR:

England and Wales by public transport

As thursdaysd notes, you can use public transportation. It's very easy, particularly for London and Edinburgh.
I'd recommend that you get a good guidebook or two (or consult them at your local library) -- the guidebook will have everything you need to find out how to get around. It'll also include information about day tours, if they suit particular needs.

Hope that helps!

Hello! If you have made plans... staying at a resort or cruise , many times you can meet up with people there that you can make plans with...we have done this many times... most of the time you can hire a taxi or a van for less $$ and you will have a better opportunity to see more than being on a tour. We have traveled all through the Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii doing this.. we have seen more than others because we hired a driver. So, meet people at your resort or ship... through dining or at the pools... hope this helps! Ciao!!!

Thanks...agreed that one can meet others when traveling... My thought, which I realize is asking for a bit too much, was whether there existed an online mechanism to match up couples (or even singles) to defray costs of a private tour... we traveled with another couple last year and such a tour was reasonable... It also suggests to me that the private tour companies might wish to create this system to find another couple... sort of like finding a roommate to share an apartment... Just a thought!

None that I know of (though in this day and age, there are sites for practically anything )

but honestly in either London or Edinburgh there is really no need for a tour, private or otherwise. Nor in Stirling, or St. Andrews or Oxford, or Bath, or York or . . .

​​​​​​​The public transport is terrific, the cities are walkable, there is every sort of information available on line or in print . .
​​​​​​​ . AND you speak the language - that you don't need someone to guide you around.

What about the Cotswold or should that not be a priority for a day trip?

A day trip to the Cotswold would be doable. But it is such a beautiful area. I would spend at least one night in one of the picturesque villages.

I guess my better question, is, given limied time and the desire for two day trips from London, where does the Cotswolds rank in the listing of so many choices?

Depends on what you want. Cotswolds are super-cute villages, big churches and good walks/hikes. Depending on time of year may be crowded, also better by car although not impossible by public transport.

If you want two day trips I would not choose the Cotswolds myself (and I LOVE the Cotswolds -- lived near there for several years).

But logistically they are not that easy from London . . . easy if you are staying over a night or two but just a mad dash out and back - no. PLUS once you get to London you may find you have not nearly as much time as you think to see and do things. Places like Oxford, or Hampton Court, or Winchester or Brighton or Cambridge are a better use of limited time IMO.

ps: since this has morphed into discussing the UK specifically, you should post further questions on The Europe Forum . . .

Sorry I've no UK experience but as to your OP...

I've seen people make arrangements like that (or requests) on the various Trip Advisor Destination Forums.