Pricing and Rates
While certain public tours and my own private walking tours have fixed rates, prices for other private tour experiences depend on several factors. Every experience is tailored to your group, and this can also affect pricing. Here is a breakdown of how my rates work:
- Private Walking Tours (Base Rates) My custom private walking tours are priced by duration and include a base rate that fits up to 4 people and a fee per additional person.
- Quarter Day (2–3 hours): $150 (for up to 4 people) + $30 per additional person.
- Half Day (4–5 hours): $250 (for up to 4 people) + $40 per additional person.
- Full Day (6–8 hours): $450 (for up to 4 people) + $50 per additional person.
- Private City Tours (With Transportation) If you prefer a driven tour, these experiences require a private vehicle and a professional driver. The total price will include the base tour rate plus the cost of transportation, which varies depending on seasonal availability and vehicle size.
- Food, Culture, & Unique NYC Experiences
- The pricing for the Food and Culture Tours depends on what you are looking for, more luxurious and more affordable options are available and each food and culture tour has different dining options. Private Unique NYC Experience may also include specialized bakers or chefs as well as private, behind the scenes, access to NYC shops and restaurants. Therefore, it is best to discuss prices based on your group size, the desired experience and availability.
- Public Tours & Experiences If you are joining a scheduled public tour, tickets are priced at a fixed rate per person. Please note that group discounts cannot be offered for public tours, and availability is based entirely on my open seasonal calendar.
The time frames are a flexible approximation because I refuse to run my tours on a strict, rigid timer. Everyone walks at a different pace, and I absolutely hate to rush my clients or feel rushed myself! For example, the 2-hour routes in my suggested itineraries are designed to take around two hours, but we can easily adjust the tempo if you prefer a more relaxed pace.
A full day in New York City opens up an infinite number of possibilities and can be anything you want it to be! If you decide to book a full day, we will first discuss your specific goals and preferences. From there, I will craft a few customized itinerary options for you to choose from, ensuring you get the absolute best day in New York with Will VDB.
I want your entire trip to New York to be flawless, not just the hours we spend together! As a complimentary bonus, all Will VDB Tours clients receive free vacation planning consulting. I am happy to help you map out your daily itineraries, suggest seamless transportation options, offer hotel recommendations, and send you my personal shortlist for the absolute best breakfast, lunch, and dinner spots in the city.
Yes! If you are staying in the city for a few days and want to book multiple packages (for example, a 4-hour historic city tour on Tuesday and a food-focused walk on Thursday), I offer special bundle discounts. Just mention this when you get in touch, and I will put together a custom proposal for you.
For Private Walking Tours: No. The base rate covers my time and guiding services. The cost of your personal meals, drinks, and any paid museum or attraction tickets is not included.
For Food & Culture Tours: Yes, but specifically for the curated tastings! Your tour price includes a thoughtfully selected menu of classic NYC foods and drinks that I have pre-arranged at each stop. Please note that any additional items, alcoholic beverages, or extra snacks outside of our planned tastings will need to be purchased separately.
Booking Process
A Will VDB TOUR is a personalized and collaborative experience! Here is how we get your adventure on the calendar:
- Get in Touch: Click “Book Now” or “Get in Touch” on the website. Let me know which types of experiences you are eyeing—whether that’s our classic Walking Tours, a comfortable Bus Tour, an immersive Food and Culture Tour, or a completely Unique NYC Experience. Please also include the dates you will be traveling and the number of people you expect to have in your group.
- We Customize Your Day: I will reply to your inquiry within 48 hours. Together, we will have a quick conversation to figure out the perfect route, timing, and experience tailored specifically to your group. We can have a phone or video call or simply communicate only via email, whichever you prefer.
- Lock in Your Date: Once we finalize the details, you will pay a 50% deposit electronically to officially secure your date on my calendar. This can be done via PayPal, Stripe, Venmo or Zelle.
- The Final Balance: The remaining 50% is due only after our tour is complete. You can pay this remaining balance either in cash or electronically.
Note on Gratuity: If you have an incredible time and feel your experience went above and beyond, you are always welcome to leave an extra tip. Gratuity is entirely optional and never expected, but always deeply appreciated!
Cancellations & Flexibility
I know that travel plans can change unexpectedly! My policy is designed to be as flexible and fair as possible:
- Cancel 7+ Days in Advance: If you need to cancel your tour up to 7 days before your booked date, your 50% deposit is 100% fully refundable
- Cancel Less Than 7 Days in Advance: If you must cancel within the 7-day window, the deposit becomes non-refundable. However, you won’t lose it! Your deposit will instantly be converted into a future tour credit. You can use this credit for yourself on a later trip to NYC, or you can transfer it to a friend or family member who is visiting the city!
Professional Collaborations
I would love to collaborate with you! I regularly partner with a wide variety of domestic and international organizations to provide premium, expertly managed NYC experiences. I am proud to host:
- Travel Trade & Operators: American and international tour operators, travel agencies, destination management companies, and local tourism businesses from the US and Europe (including the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy, and beyond).
- Educational & Cultural Organizations:線 Customized, impactful itineraries for student groups, universities, museums, and organizations specializing in cultural immersion and experiential education.
- Community & Corporate Groups: Tailored routes for corporate teams, non-profit organizations, community associations, and large private networks.
- Are group organizer prices the same as your listed retail rates?
No. Group, school, and institutional pricing is kept confidential and is not listed publicly on the website. Because these bookings often involve larger headcounts, specific educational focus points, or custom logistics, pricing is handled on a bespoke basis. I am happy to discuss tailored net rates or group packages privately with you. - How can we get in touch?
You can reach out directly to check my availability, discuss a partnership, or request a custom proposal by using the “Get in Touch” form on this site, emailing me directly at will@willvdbtours.com, or messaging me via WhatsApp. I look forward to collaborating with your organization!
Weather and Clothing
New York City is magical in all four seasons, and our tours operate rain, snow, or shine! I want you to have an incredible experience, so if the weather looks wet or cold, we can easily adjust our route to include more indoor stops, cozy cafes, or covered views.
Because my calendar fills up quickly, I cannot guarantee that a new date will be available if you request a last-minute reschedule due to the weather. However, if I choose to cancel a tour because conditions become truly dangerous or extreme, your deposit will be 100% refunded.
Otherwise, if you choose to cancel a tour due to standard weather conditions, a refund cannot be issued but your deposit can be converted into a credit for a future booking or issued to a friend as a gift.
We will be covering a lot of ground and spending a significant amount of time outside! I highly recommend wearing your most comfortable walking shoes and dressing in weather-appropriate layers. New York is a magnificent city to explore on foot, and being dressed comfortably ensures you can focus entirely on the sights, stories, and flavors without worrying about your feet!
