Touring in Style – Classic Cars!

We’re frequently asked by travelers whether the tours on ToursByLocals include transportation. Yes, always! (Unless, of course, it’s the type of walking tour that requires nothing more than your two feet.) Typically the vehicle is a spacious, clean and comfortable but unremarkable part of a tour – except for a few notable exceptions, which we’re talking about today.

Those exceptions bring a whole lot of fun to the driving experience! These are cars that have heaps of style, history and personality, and add a completely unique element to your tour – not to mention some fun photo opps. Below are a few of our favourites to add a dose of nostalgia to your tours!

See the Loire Valley in a Classic French CarFew parts of the world evoke luxury and glamour as much as the Chateaux of France’s Loire Valley. Spend the day touring this region in a classic French car: a 1953 Citroen Traction Avant. As your private guide and driver, Susan and Simon, will tell you: “When we stop, the car is an instant ice breaker and it is not uncommon for complete strangers to come up and start conversations.”

Tour Hollywood in a 1976 Cadillac Eldorado The sun is shining, the palm trees swaying, and beautiful people are everywhere: you’re in LA, baby. Make sure you look the part by arriving in a classic convertible: roll the top down, put on your shades and enjoy cruising around Hollywood in a 1976 Cadillac Eldorado.

London in a Black Cab!A Classic London Black Cab can glide you through those narrow medieval streets where the tour buses cannot pass. And London Taxi Drivers - like local guide Rob - are almost as famous as the Black Cabs that they drive! They’ve gone through stringent training called “The Knowledge” - a test, which is among the hardest to pass in the world, and has often been described as 'having an atlas of London imprinted in your brain' - it is the equivalent of a University degree. Take a ride through London with your Taxi-Driver-Turned-Certified-Tour-Guide, Rob!

Explore Napier, New Zealand in a classic carWarren in lovely Napier, New Zealand is the proud owner of a 1965 Pontiac Sedan, a classic piece of nostalgia he’s made available for showing guests around the art deco stylings of Napier. Or head out of town to the vineyards of the stunning Hawkes Bay area – Warren is happy to be your guide and chauffeur around this beautiful part of New Zealand’s north island.

Tour Prague in a Vintage CarYou’ll be adding a touch of fun to your tour in Prague when you book Lenka’s “Prague Vintage Car” tour. This eastern European city is compact and extremely walkable, but enjoy an hour-long drive around the city before parking at the castle and walking downhill into the heart of Prague’s Old Town with Lenka.

Drive over the Florence Hills in a 1959 Triumph TR3AImagine driving around the hills surrounding Florence in the same car as Marcello Mastroianni, the main character of the unforgettable "La Dolce Vita", one of the most famous Italian films, directed by Federico Fellini. Up and down the hills, along shady avenues, listening, in some case, to the mid 50s 100 hp engine roar, or just the sound of the Tuscan wind on your face. As local guide Michele describes: "We will drive on peaceful roads within Florentine villas, olive plantations, vineyards, very slowly sometimes, because some roads are so narrow that you will wonder how cars can drive through!" This tour is best for the solo traveller, as the back seat is a very tight squeeze!