We followed Rick's guidebook and hired George's taxi in Greece for a 4 day trip to main sites. They gave us a choice of hotels and took us to all the sites. Our driver prepped us along the way and was not allowed to guide us.
Does anyone know of such a service in Ireland? Geri from Novato, Ca.
Posted by
3123 posts
I"m basically replying to "up" your question, as I don't have any service to suggest. But can you explain what you mean by "was not allowed to guide us"? Was the taxi driver allowed to give you information while in the car, but not allowed to get out and walk around with you at the various sites? Or ... ?
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8055 posts
In response, many countries, Greece and Italy being two major ones, require that anyone acting as a guide at a sight to be licensed, often with some qualifications. The driver is mainly just a driver, not licensed as a guide, so cannot walk you around and explain what you are seeing. They can of course talk all they want in the car, and gain enough knowledge and anecdotes to provide some general information.
For Ireland, I have not used any, but I hear good reviews for Paddywagon Tours. They mainly offer day trips and 2-6 day tours, used to offer a hop-on hop-off bus route, but they do also have a private driver type tour option. I would recommend starting there.
When I looked them up to refresh my memory, a number of adds for other "luxury" private driver tours popped up, so they are out there. Do not have a "Rick Steves Ireland", but maybe he offers some suggestions.