All Australia Luxury, expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Australia Luxury
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16 Trips match your criteria (1 - 16 shown)
Visits
Melbourne, Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Highlights
Themes
Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife
What travelers are saying
"This letter is effectively what was communicated no less than 8 times in writing and conversation to OAT representatives up the chain, beginning 19 days before the trip. OAT was IMMOVABLE on allowing us to find an alternative travel companion and it was 100% due to rigid policy, not real barriers. We never expected a refund and wouldn't have blamed them if we could not fill my spot. They refused to even give us the opportunity. Appalling and sadly representative of their customer service. Congratulations, you lost two customers and one long time referral source. I only think it is fair that folks know the nature of the company at this point. An absolute shame. As a dedicated Edmund Hillary member of OAT with a history of introducing countless friends to your service including 4 who booked trips, I am writing to express my deep concern over the handling of our Galapagos trip booking in light of a recent medical emergency. This situation not only highlights significant gaps in customer communication and care but also underscores the need for immediate, effective action. Timeline of Events and Communication Issues: Initial Contact on 11/22: We contacted OAT 19 days before the trip, scheduled for 12/11, as soon as it became clear that extended surgical complications would prevent my travel. Policy of No Refunds or Changes Under 30 Days: We were informed that the trip is non-refundable under 30 days, which is understood. However, OAT also refused to allow a replacement traveler, posing zero risk to the company. Both of us called, met with the same response. Response from Exceptions Department on 11/22: The no-change policy was reiterated by the Exceptions Department on the same day. Written Escalation on 11/22: Both parties sent written letters to escalate the matter. Delayed Response Until 11/29: We did not receive any response until 11/29, with OAT mentioning the inability to make changes 12 days before the trip. Policy vs. Practical Reasons: The response seemed more policy-based than practical. We offered to cover the cost for a replacement traveler for the internal Galapagos flight, which was declined. The rep always returned to the policy prohibiting it. She further added we do not sell trips within 30 days. Upon looking the next day, I found no less than 7 different itineraries with no less than 13 different trips that I could have booked within 30 days. Further Escalation Request and Conversation on 11/30: A further request for escalation resulted in a 23-minute conversation on 11/30 without any change. Given these circumstances, I propose the following practical solution: Future Travel Credit in Exchange for Re-Selling My Space: If finding a substitute traveler is unfeasible, I suggest OAT resell my space to another interested party, crediting me for a future trip. This solution aligns with my preference and ongoing loyalty to OAT. The lack of a constructive response and rigid adherence to policy without considering exceptional circumstances is alarming. It not only affects this immediate trip but also impacts my ability to continue advocating for OAT in good conscience. An amicable and prompt resolution to this issue would speak volumes about OAT's commitment to customer satisfaction and flexibility. Unless there is a prompt and constructive resolution to this matter, we will be forced to escalate our concerns further. This includes reaching out to higher management within OAT, engaging with consumer protection agencies, sharing our experience through travel forums, and social media for breach of service. Our preference is to resolve this amicably, yet the current trajectory leaves us little choice but to pursue these avenues. I implore you to seriously consider these options and respond in a manner that reflects OAT's values of empathy and customer support. Your immediate attention to this matter is not only appreciated but necessary for a resolution that respects both parties' interests. Thank you for your understanding and prompt attention to this critical issue."
Visits
Abel Tasman National Park, Mount Cook, Nelson, Queenstown
Highlights
Themes
50 plus, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Train & Rail Journeys, Sailing
What travelers are saying
"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."
Visits
Blue Mountains, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Highlights
Themes
50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife
What travelers are saying
"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."
All Australia Luxury, expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Australia Luxury
Visits
Auckland, Melbourne, Queenstown, Sydney
Highlights
Themes
Cultural
What travelers are saying
"Sad to see a once good tour company stumble and fall into mediocrity. That’s Tauck post-Covid. My May 2023 tour of Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley was done on the cheap by Tauck, yet cost me thousands of dollars extra as a solo traveler on a special small-group tour. 5-star hotels switched to 3 and 4 (without any compensation or explanation)… many more meals “on your own”… lots of “self-guided” tours of museums and chateaux and castles we knew nothing about… airline quality “rubber chicken” dinners, not in hotel restaurants, but in sad and isolated business convention spaces… poorly-trained newer Tour Directors (like the one on this tour) with limited experience traveling outside her tiny Canadian village or dealing with people from diverse backgrounds. She even confessed that this was a second gig job that took her away from her own business back home! You get what Tauck pays for, but unfortunately, not what YOU pay for. Speaking to a “Guest Relations” agent was comically pointless. She tried to make everything my fault, which I now understand is par for the course with the “new” post-Covid Tauck. Please reconsider spending huge amounts of your hard-earned money on a tour company that has lost its way and no longer delivers."
Visits
Alice Springs, Auckland, Cairns, Christchurch, Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne, Milford Sound, Mount Cook, Queenstown, Rotorua, Sydney, Waitomo
Highlights
Themes
50 plus, Cultural
What travelers are saying
"Globus states that their tours feature "great hotels" and "amazing food". I can tell you first hand that this is literally false advertising and totally not true. I just returned from my trip yesterday and have taken pictures of the filthy carpet and boarded up windows of my various hotel rooms some facing the trash dumpsters and porta potties and others in the basement level reeking of mold and mildew with no air conditioning or water pressure. Our tour guide, Charlie was a history buff who treated everyone as if they were a student in his classroom and were only allowed to speak when spoken to and it was made clear from the start that all questions were best kept to themselves as he and he alone would decide when you were to be informed of that days schedule. Half the time we rode in coach unaware of the length of time until our next stop and even where and when our next stop for lunch would be. Early on in my trip, I contacted my travel agent to please help and she immediately reached out to Globus and nothing changed... the sub par hotels and tour guides dismissive attitude continued for 24 days. I am currently contemplating my next step of action to receive reimbursement for this false advertising as well trying to help others by sparing them of having this same experience."
Visits
Auckland, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Rotorua, Sydney, Waitomo
Highlights
Themes
50 plus, Cultural
What travelers are saying
"Globus states that their tours feature "great hotels" and "amazing food". I can tell you first hand that this is literally false advertising and totally not true. I just returned from my trip yesterday and have taken pictures of the filthy carpet and boarded up windows of my various hotel rooms some facing the trash dumpsters and porta potties and others in the basement level reeking of mold and mildew with no air conditioning or water pressure. Our tour guide, Charlie was a history buff who treated everyone as if they were a student in his classroom and were only allowed to speak when spoken to and it was made clear from the start that all questions were best kept to themselves as he and he alone would decide when you were to be informed of that days schedule. Half the time we rode in coach unaware of the length of time until our next stop and even where and when our next stop for lunch would be. Early on in my trip, I contacted my travel agent to please help and she immediately reached out to Globus and nothing changed... the sub par hotels and tour guides dismissive attitude continued for 24 days. I am currently contemplating my next step of action to receive reimbursement for this false advertising as well trying to help others by sparing them of having this same experience."
Visits
Bar Harbor, Boston, Halifax, Jackson, Maine, Montreal, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Stowe, Sydney, Vermont
Highlights
Themes
50 plus, Cultural
What travelers are saying
"Globus states that their tours feature "great hotels" and "amazing food". I can tell you first hand that this is literally false advertising and totally not true. I just returned from my trip yesterday and have taken pictures of the filthy carpet and boarded up windows of my various hotel rooms some facing the trash dumpsters and porta potties and others in the basement level reeking of mold and mildew with no air conditioning or water pressure. Our tour guide, Charlie was a history buff who treated everyone as if they were a student in his classroom and were only allowed to speak when spoken to and it was made clear from the start that all questions were best kept to themselves as he and he alone would decide when you were to be informed of that days schedule. Half the time we rode in coach unaware of the length of time until our next stop and even where and when our next stop for lunch would be. Early on in my trip, I contacted my travel agent to please help and she immediately reached out to Globus and nothing changed... the sub par hotels and tour guides dismissive attitude continued for 24 days. I am currently contemplating my next step of action to receive reimbursement for this false advertising as well trying to help others by sparing them of having this same experience."
Visits
Alice Springs, Auckland, Cairns, Christchurch, Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne, Milford Sound, Mount Cook, Queenstown, Rotorua, Sydney, Waitomo
Highlights
Themes
50 plus, Cultural
What travelers are saying
"Globus states that their tours feature "great hotels" and "amazing food". I can tell you first hand that this is literally false advertising and totally not true. I just returned from my trip yesterday and have taken pictures of the filthy carpet and boarded up windows of my various hotel rooms some facing the trash dumpsters and porta potties and others in the basement level reeking of mold and mildew with no air conditioning or water pressure. Our tour guide, Charlie was a history buff who treated everyone as if they were a student in his classroom and were only allowed to speak when spoken to and it was made clear from the start that all questions were best kept to themselves as he and he alone would decide when you were to be informed of that days schedule. Half the time we rode in coach unaware of the length of time until our next stop and even where and when our next stop for lunch would be. Early on in my trip, I contacted my travel agent to please help and she immediately reached out to Globus and nothing changed... the sub par hotels and tour guides dismissive attitude continued for 24 days. I am currently contemplating my next step of action to receive reimbursement for this false advertising as well trying to help others by sparing them of having this same experience."
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Service rating : Chad Nelson and Andy Nankivell did an excellent job. I felt that the safety and well-being of the tour group was in good hands. Product : I feel as...
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