Is a private guide in Toledo worth it?

We took the RS Madrid/Barcelona tour a few years ago and there was a guided tour for Toledo. It made the town much more interesting and a place I would like to go back to. I just cannot think of his name right now. I almost always keep a journal but because we were so busy, I did not for this one. Sorry about that, maybe his name is in the guidebook.

Historic Toledo isn’t very large. You can pick up a city map either at your hotel or the tourist information center and it will have all the main sites on it. A guide will give you history and provide information you might not get on your own. If you’re content with going on your own and reading information at the exhibit then you may want to do it on your own. Like so many things about travel, it’s a matter of personal preference. I’ve been to Toledo more than half a dozen times and have never hired a guide.

There's a middle ground. The tourist office sells a wristband that gets you into 6 or 7 secondary sights. They do not include the cathedral, the El Greco Museum or the Santa Cruz Museum, but the included places are lovely. The wristband entitles you to a brief bilingual tour of most if not all of those sights. The timing is such that you might not be able to hit all of the tours in a single day, because I think they're offered only once or twice a day, but you could fit in the sights themselves and catch the tours at some of them. Do check about tour timing before buying the wristband. I was there in late May; March may be different.

I disagree that Toledo's historic district isn't large. It felt quite large to me because of a combination of hilliness and lots of little tiny streets. My goal is always to walk every street in the historic district, and I didn't come close in Toledo, despite spending three nights there and skipping the El Greco Museum..

Found him!

Aldolfo Ferrero
Toledo de la Mano
[email protected]

He is on trip advisor.

Thank you!

I'd just add that a private guide isn't necessary, but using one can greatly enhance a visit. Work with him by email, even phone, to plan an itinerary that best meets your interests.

I took a RS tour of Spain and we had an excellent local private guide for Toledo. He really brought the town to life and helped me actually appreciate El Greco (not easy). He is in the RS guide book - Juan Jose Espadas (Juanjo), 667-780-475, [email protected]

Anyone have prices for those folks for say a day tour private guide? Or maybe something like 3 hour tour?

I did a quick check online and one was $240 for 3 hrs for up to 10 people, one was $38 per person, another $150 per group for 3 hrs, and yet another $225 per group for 7 hrs. Prices varied based on day of week, time of year, and what is included. For some you needed to contact the guide to get a price.

For that Toledo de la Mano, it offers a number of tours. One was €140 for 3hrs for up to 30 people. Entrances not included. www..toledodelamano.com

Wow, those are pretty reasonable rates. I'm pleasantly surprised.