Best of · TOUR REVIEWS

The 15 Best Tea Tours, Ceremonies and Tastings

415 tea experiences  ·  from $6 a head

Tea is the reason for the trip or it is the best hour of one. The 15 below are the sittings, gardens and tastings worth building a day around, priced and timed, with the full catalogue underneath.

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu - A garden created by Ogawa Jihei VII
Japan Tea Experiences, Kyoto Tea Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Experiences, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu

1.Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,519 reviews · 45 min · from $49Our pick

In a traditional tea house near Kiyomizu-Dera, an English-speaking host introduces the 500-year-old tea ceremony before a tea master prepares matcha. You will watch the ritual, make your own tea, enjoy a Japanese sweet, and pose for a garden photo. Small groups and a peaceful setting make this a thoughtful Kyoto cultural stop.

“Friendly, beautiful, very informative. Our whole family, including kids 9 and 13 had a great time. Highly recommended.”

Check availability →Read our full review

London: Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames - Boarding at Tower Pier beside the Tower of London
Afternoon Tea Cruises, Afternoon Tea Experiences, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tea Experiences, Tour Reviews, UK Tea Experiences

London: Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames

2.Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 3,274 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $53

Enjoy sandwiches, warm scones, cakes, and unlimited tea on a 90-minute City Cruises boat from Tower Pier. Cruise past Tower Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe, The Shard, the London Eye, and Parliament, with live or recorded commentary and an onboard bar.

“This was the second time my family and I have done the High Tea River Cruise and we love it so much. The boat staff and crew are amazing, and the our captain had an amazing sense of humor it made the ride even better! The cruise is great and there’s a good chance our next visit to London, we may be on this cruise again!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple - Finding Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple
Japan Tea Experiences, Kyoto Tea Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Experiences, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple

3.Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,207 reviews · 1h 10m · from $29

Meet Kate and the tea team at Jotokuji Temple for a small-group introduction to chanoyu. You will take part in a purification ritual, watch a tea master prepare matcha, taste tea and sweets, then make your own cup with guidance. Floor seating and stools are available.

“An informative overview of view of the history and culture surrounding matcha. Excellent presentation by both the tea master and the translator.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Afternoon Tea Bus Tour in Dublin - What you see from St. Stephen’s Green to Phoenix Park
Afternoon Tea Bus Tours, Afternoon Tea Experiences, Dublin Tea Experiences, Ireland Tea Experiences, Tea Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours

Afternoon Tea Bus Tour in Dublin

4.Afternoon Tea Bus Tour in Dublin

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,791 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $72Top rated

Ride a restored front-engined double-decker through Dublin, Phoenix Park, Georgian streets, Trinity, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral while enjoying tea, coffee, sandwiches, warm scones, and sweets. Hosts such as Orla, Hannah, Aleks, and Liam add stories and humor. The 90-minute tour returns to St. Stephen’s Green.

“Excellent experience, completely worth it. Our tour guide Aleks was amazing. The tea was exceptional.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience - Making Your Own Tea on Tatami
Japan Tea Experiences, Kyoto Tea Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Experiences, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience

5.45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 2,378 reviews · 45 min · from $22Best value

At Tea Ceremony Koto near Kinkakuji, an English-speaking Urasenke tea master guides you through a 45-minute Japanese tea ceremony. Watch the precise preparation of matcha, make your own tea, taste two green teas with traditional sweets, and add a kimono or candlelight setting if you wish.

“Our guide was very knowledgeable and loved that we could add on rental of kimono. The setting was perfect and the history lesson of the tea ceremony was great.”

Check availability →Read our full review

London: Afternoon Tea Bus Tour - 1960s Routemaster Bus - What you eat and drink on the bus
Afternoon Tea Bus Tours, Afternoon Tea Experiences, London Tea Experiences, Tea Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, UK Tea Experiences

London: Afternoon Tea Bus Tour – 1960s Routemaster Bus

6.Afternoon Tea Bus Tour – 1960s Routemaster Bus

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,032 reviews · 1 hour 25 minutes (approx.) · from $87

Ride a vintage 1960s Routemaster from Victoria Coach Station through central London while enjoying tea, sandwiches, scones, cakes, and pastries. You may sit upstairs or below, with seating assigned on the day. Recorded commentary covers sights near Harrods, Hyde Park, Mayfair, and central London.

“What a delight! Was a little concerned that it might be kinda gimmicky, but Cara made it a real treat. Food was good and more than enough and the tea choices fabulous and hot ! Would recommend and would do again with friends.”

Check availability →Read our full review

London: Afternoon Tea Bus with a Glass of Prosecco - What arrives on the afternoon tea stand
Afternoon Tea Bus Tours, Afternoon Tea Experiences, London Tea Experiences, Tea Experiences, Tour Reviews, UK Tea Experiences

London: Afternoon Tea Bus with a Glass of Prosecco

7.Afternoon Tea Bus with a Glass of Prosecco

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,853 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $64

Ride a traditional double-decker through central London while enjoying sandwiches, scones, cakes, tea, and Prosecco. Choose an upper or lower deck, arrive 15 minutes early at Golden Tours Stop 1, and expect staff-led landmark highlights rather than a full guided tour.

“the service by the2 staff was excellent and the driver gave us a nice smooth,smooth ride”

Check availability →Read our full review

Dublin: Afternoon Tea Vintage Bus Tour - From St. Stephen’s Green to the upper deck
Afternoon Tea Experiences, Dublin Tea Experiences, Ireland Tea Experiences, Tea Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours

Dublin: Afternoon Tea Vintage Bus Tour

8.Afternoon Tea Vintage Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,664 reviews · from $65

Ride from St. Stephen’s Green on a restored 1960s bus, with afternoon tea, warm scones, sandwiches, desserts, and unlimited tea or coffee. Hosts such as Adam, Leah, and Rachel add Dublin stories and humor while you pass Trinity College, Georgian streets, and Phoenix Park.

“The tour was incredible! The tea, sandwiches, scones & pastries were wonderful. The drive hit the major points of Dublin and the tour guide was energetic and engaging. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone coming here!”

Check availability →Read our full review

World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience - Starting from Kyoto at 7:50 am
Historical Tours, Japan Tea Experiences, Matcha Experiences, Nara Tea Experiences, Tour Reviews

World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience

9.World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,573 reviews · from $129

Leave Kyoto at 7:50 am for a full day in Nara and Uji. Walk through Kasuga Taisha, Nara Park, Nandaimon, and Todai-ji, then enjoy Byodoin Temple, a traditional lunch if selected, and a hands-on matcha-making session at a tea shop with more than 500 years of tradition. Guides such as Nanami, Yuta, Mai, and At-Chan are known for clear explanations and warm group leadership.

“It was an amazing; fun; and informative tour. It was amazing visiting sacred sites; meeting the deers of Nara; etc. It was fun whisking our own Matcha tea. Uji is an interesting place rich in history. Tour guides knowledgable. Thank you so much.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Osaka: Tea Ceremony Experience - Entering the tatami room
Japan Tea Experiences, Osaka Tea Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Experiences, Tour Reviews

Osaka: Tea Ceremony Experience

10.Tea Ceremony Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,426 reviews · 45 min · from $25

In a traditional tatami room near Dotonbori, English-speaking instructors such as Yuki, Akiko, Kazu, and Mayumi explain tea ceremony customs, demonstrate each step, and guide you through making matcha with authentic tools. You’ll also taste a seasonal Japanese sweet during this calm 45-minute introduction.

“Great to see ceremony and learn some history and then make matcha ourselves, thank you!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Experience - The route from Waterloo Place to Edinburgh Castle
Afternoon Tea Experiences, Tea Experiences, Tour Reviews, UK Tea Experiences

Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Experience

11.Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,275 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $60

Ride a vintage Routemaster from Waterloo Place while enjoying sandwiches, warm scones, petit fours, cupcakes, and unlimited tea or coffee. The route passes Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, Holyroodhouse, Greyfriars Bobby, and more. This is a dining experience with sightseeing, not a guided bus tour.

“The Big Red Bus Afternoon Tea was a blast. The bus sets a fun and quirky mood. The food was delicious and the music selection was great. The driver and the chef were nice and kind. I'm sorry I forgot names. Definitely another unique experience. This was my third trip to Scotland... I try new things. Will recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto: Table-Style Tea Ceremony at a Kyo-Machiya - What Happens During the 90 Minutes
Japan Tea Experiences, Kyoto Tea Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Experiences, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Table-Style Tea Ceremony at a Kyo-Machiya

12.Table-Style Tea Ceremony at a Kyo-Machiya

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,211 reviews · 1h 30m · from $45

Spend 90 minutes in a 100-year-old Kyo-Machiya in southern Kyoto. English-speaking hosts guide you through tea etiquette, matcha making, calligraphy, flower arranging, and photos with traditional props. Add kimono rental for a memorable cultural session near Fushimi’s sake district.

“when we started to plan our trip to Japan we all knew that we would like to experience tea ceremony and we were all very excited but obviously we did not know exactly what to expect. What we experienced with you will allways be in our minds like one of the most unique experiences on our Japan trip. From the very entrance to your beautiful house, the way you welcome us, the way you dressed us up, the way you took care of us, the way you showed us everything that we needed to see and experience was far more greater that we could ever imagine. I'm so deeply touched…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kanazawa: Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Experience - Finding Kenrokutei inside Kenrokuen Garden
Japan Tea Experiences, Kanazawa Tea Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Experiences, Tour Reviews

Kanazawa: Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Experience

13.Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,139 reviews · 1 hour · from $35

At Kenrokutei, a historic reception house inside Kenrokuen Garden, an English-speaking guide explains the tea ritual before a tea master demonstrates each careful step. You will taste wagashi, prepare your own matcha, and take photos. Allow 320 yen extra for garden entry.

“The ceremony was beautifully led and explained by the most lovely ladies. A great insight into this tradition. There was a bit of noise from a nearby room during our ceremony and they were so apologetic, that they even gave us a little gift.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk and Morning Tea - Apollo Bay gives you a proper break
Australia Tea Experiences, Melbourne Tea Experiences, Morning, Tea Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk and Morning Tea

14.Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk and Morning Tea

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,068 reviews

Spend a full day on the Great Ocean Road with a guide such as Warren or Theo, stopping for wild koalas, parrots, Mait’s Rest forest, Apollo Bay, Gibsons Steps, the 12 Apostles, and Loch Ard Gorge. Lunch and dinner are at your own cost.

“The tour was incredible. Fantastic views in a comfortable vehicle. Our guide Warren was amazing. His knowledge about Australian history and Australian flora and fauna was vast. He made extra stops roadside to show us wild koala and kangaroos. We even had several kangaroos hop past us right beside the van! He really cared about our experience and he had a great sense of humour. Seeing the coastline and the Apostles was so memorable. So incredible to see person. I would highly recommend this trip.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Morning Sightseeing Cruise: 10:30am-12pm (90min) - Starting at the Cultural Centre Public Pontoon
Australia Tea Experiences, Cruises & Boat Tours, Morning, Tour Reviews

Morning Sightseeing Cruise: 10:30am-12pm (90min)

15.Morning Sightseeing Cruise: 10:30am-12pm (90min)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 973 reviews · from $37

Start at the Cultural Centre Public Pontoon for a 90-minute Brisbane River cruise. Expect views of Customs House, Story Bridge, South Bank, Brisbane’s city center, and Kangaroo Point Cliffs, with onboard commentary, tea, coffee, and scones with jam and cream.

“We had a great cruise on Brisbane river , the Skipper was very informative and skillful and the crew were helpful and great .”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Tour Reviews

★ 4.9Volcano, Tea & Rice Fields, Hot SpringFrom $13517 reviews
★ 4.4White Crater , Pinisi Lake , Tea PlantationFrom $1143 reviews
★ 5.02-Days Sapa Trek Lao Chai/Cat Cat, Fansipan PeakFrom $1373 reviews
★ 5.0From Hikkaduwa/Galle/Mirissa : Waterfall & Tea Factory TourFrom $952 reviews
★ 3.9Safari Park, Tea Plantation & Jaksa WaterfallFrom $1418 reviews
★ 3.6From Ha Noi: Sapa 2D1N Cat Cat and Lao Chai Ta Van& FansipanFrom $1225 reviews
★ 4.8Tea Adventure in Haputale with Village LunchFrom $6013 reviews
★ 4.4Lipton Seat & Dambatenne Tea Factory Day TourFrom $487 reviews
★ 4.32-Days Sapa Trekking Tour Lao Chai and Cat CatFrom $907 reviews
★ 4.3Pinnawala & Tea factory with Kandy Hotel DropFrom $604 reviews
★ 4.3Virgin White Tea and Galle City TourFrom $1154 reviews
★ 4.5Kandy, Pinnawala and Tea Factory Full-Day TripFrom $387 reviews
★ 3.7Tea Plantation and Botanical Garden Tour3 reviews
★ 4.1Full day Furnas | Hotsprings | Thermal Baths | Tea FactoryFrom $827 reviews
★ 4.8Fire Lake, Pineapple & Tea: Half-Day Jeep TourFrom $915 reviews

Keep browsing

Food & Drink31Wine Tours7Museums5Walking Tours17
Scroll to Top

Pick a kind of tea day

A ceremony, a garden, a tasting bench or a tiered stand.

The ceremony

Tea CeremoniesIn KimonoMaking ClassesBrush & BowlSweets & Tea

The gardens

Plantation DaysFactory FloorsTastingsFarm Visits

Afternoon tea

Afternoon TeaBus TeasBoat TeasCakes & Sweets

And the rest

MatchaTurkish TeaBubble TeaCoffee