I traveled to San Francisco 12/25 - 29/2015 and wanted to incorporate a guided tour into the trip, but didn't really want to do a big bus or van type tour. Also, since the friend I traveled with was returning home before me, I needed the flexibility of a reasonable flat or hourly rate solo. Add in the holidays and it seemed difficult to find a private guide who was available. Oh, I was also doing this on short notice....about 3 days before traveling. Luckily, I sent an email to Reed and he was able to give me a tour on the afternoon of Dec. 28th. Since my friend was flying out that evening, I did go solo with Reed. His pricing plan works the same solo or not.
I had requested 4 hours and that it include Muir Woods and the remaining time be historical, architectural, weird stuff, and scenic. Reed and his mini delivered. He began by narrating our drive towards and through the Presidio and over the Golden Gate bridge and up into Marin county and the redwoods. After I had walked in Muir Woods, he took me back info SF and showed me numerous neighborhoods, explaining each one and how they fit into the city past and present. We went through Golden Gate park, Haight-Ashbury, the Castro, Tenderloin, etc. and concentrated on areas I had not covered on my own.
He geared the tour to just what I had requested and proved to be a very knowledgeable and enjoyable gentleman. He'll gladly stop if you see something along the way or make suggestions based on his experience. The mini might seem a little eccentric for a tour vehicle, but it is perfect for the twisty, busy, hilly, crowded streets. It's also fun and sporty.
My tour was on my last full day in SF before flying back home to Florida, so it was great to cover areas of the city I did not explore on my own via walking, cable car, or street car. It would also be great on a first day in town to get an overview and use some of Reed's suggestions.
The price is of course higher than a bus tour, but you get individual attention and flexibility. I'd also note later into my tour that Reed made sure I didn't have a certain cut off time as he was going to run us well past the 4 hour mark and that I would not be charged for the extra time. I appreciated that and the fact that he wanted me to see as much as possible of his great city.