Best Arctic Tour Companies
15 Travel Providers meet your criteria (Providers 1 to 15 shown)
Premier
Exodus Travels
View Profile
Total Trips 516 Trips
Average Price
$ 312 per day
Size Global Operator
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Cycling the Cape and Winelands
The cycling was varied and included some very picturesque and rewarding rides; the trip was well managed and included some diverse activities. It was also great fun, as the 2 guides were excellent
Happy to book again with exodus
Happy to book again with exodus, your travel arranger was very helpful with trying all possible routes for a regional flight from Glasgow to Dobbiaco!
Exodus - Kerela and Tropical India Cycle Tour
Exodus and its staff provided me with the experience of a lifetime during my visit to India. The tour guide, Sheker was exceptional as were his support staff, Dipen and Franklin. If you want to immerse yourself in Indian culture and see the many different aspects associated with it, then this trip is a must.
With over 47 years of experience with small group adventure travel, Exodus specializes in active cultural, walking & trekking, cycling and responsible wildlife tours. They offer more than 600 itineraries across more than 100 countries.
Adventure can take the form of serious and active adventures -- which may involve adrenaline-producing, off-the-beaten-path roughing-it trips to the most remote areas of the world -- or food and wine, premium (five-star), family, or cultural adventures to iconic destinations, which involve more comforts and amenities.
What Makes Exodus Stand Out?
Booking flexibility
Award Winning
Tailor made adventures
Responsible tourism
Expert guides with extensive past experience
Exodus understands that new difficulty that comes with traveling during the coronavirus. They are dedicated to offering flexible services so travelers can book with confidence. Travelers can feel safe when planning their next trip with Exodus’s promised refund guarantee, Covid-19 refund commitment and 21-day no fee flexibility.
The refund guarantee means that travelers will be refunded if they have to cancel for any reason. This also includes cancellations due to the coronavirus. Travelers can also transfer their trip for free up to 21 days before departure.
Creating great and adventurous trips is the top priority for Exodus. They offer many pre-planned tours, but they also work with travelers to add or change existing itineraries or even create one from scratch. This allows travelers to create the perfect trip that fits their travel style, schedule and budget.
Exodus is also dedicated to responsible travel in all of their tours. They strive to improve life for the planet, places and people they visit. Instead of meeting the base guidelines for eco-friendly travel, Exodus seeks more ways to leave a positive impact with their trips. This includes economic empowerment for local communities, reducing waste wherever possible and making lower carbon choices for their adventures.
Each trip is led by a knowledgeable guide who has extensive past experience which adds benefits to any trip. Before working with Exodus, many guides were professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists as well as mountain bike gurus.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Exodus?
All ages
Active travelers
Outdoor and nature enthusiasts
Exodus travelers are a diverse bunch, and average between 35-65 years of age. However, any age traveler is welcome. Exodus creates great packages and tours for families as well as fully customized trips created from scratch.
The Exodus traveler is very active, loves being adventurous, and will be less invested in luxury accommodations or a lot of museum time. You are game for anything, love the travel experience of getting to know a new destination through outdoor adventure, and learning about the culture from local guides and experts.
These trips are great for those who already have a base level of physical fitness, and enjoy meeting new physical challenges. Exodus provides physical fitness guides to show how much training you should expect to do prior to departure.
Top Destinations
Exodus leads 600 + trips spanning all seven continents. From African safaris, to walking and wine in Italy and France to the sun-drenched Croatian coast, to trekking Patagonia, wildlife cruises in the Galapagos and cycling in Vietnam, Exodus has built out their global presence and has active adventures in nearly any destination a traveler could desire.
Exodus Travel Style
Exodus tours are designed for the active and adventurous traveler. This means that most tours include activities such as walking, cycling and safaris. However, for travelers who enjoy cultural and culinary, there are tours and activities for you as well. Exodus offers cultural trips based around food, festivals or family to name a few.
These active adventures vary by way of difficulty from level 1-10, attracting casual cyclists and hikers as well as enthusiasts looking to really push their physical limits.
Travelers can choose from guided groups, private groups, self guided tours or solo traveling. Within each travel style, Exodus offers all the same activities from cycling to wildlife and provides the top itineraries for that specific style to help travelers find what’s best for them.
Most accommodations are charming and locally run with 2-3 star ratings. There are some premium departures available as well as unique accommodation experiences whenever possible. Exodus travelers don’t mind the lower level of luxury as the experience and destination is the highest priority.
Why Choose a Tour With Exodus?
If you love experiencing a new destination whether that’s through the culture, unique wildlife or beautiful outdoors through active and adventurous activities, then Exodus is perfect for you. You love that sense of discovery, of challenging yourself and want to travel responsibly.
Exodus offers great tours already fully packaged, but for the traveler that likes more control over their perfect trip, they offer customizable trips. Travelers get to choose not only the destination but each activity they will partake in to perfectly match their travel style and budget.
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Premier
Intrepid Travel
#10 Pick of 65 Arctic Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 1,029 Trips
Average Price
$ 314 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 8 – 17 days
Trip Prices $ 3,370 – $ 22,250
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Arctic
19 Tours in Arctic
Avoid Intrepid
Many recent reviews are pointing to a sharp decline in quality and service with Intrepid. My recent experience echoes all that has been mentioned. They are appalling at responding to serious concerns. I have countless auto responses from its laughingly useless and lazy customer service department. Their financial management is a joke. They couldn't find my payment despite my twice providing traces from my bank. They are pathetic liars about not just the money. They lied about their failure to send me any information about my upcoming trip, how they omitted me from the group email circulation. They lied about anyone including a 'senior manager' trying to phone me.
Even the length of the trip is a con with first day being nothing more than a brief meeting at 1800. The last 'day' being breakfast at the hotel with not a sight or sound of the Rep.
Intrepid is a dishonest mess. They are now purely concerned with making money.
Do not use this company. They are terrible and there are many better (and safer) providers out there.
We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food…
We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment.
Central Asia Explorer
This was my third trip with Intrepid, and I'll continue to plan future trips with them. I choose Intrepid to travel to parts of the world where I don't feel comfortable traveling alone, and the experience is always memorable. Intrepid provides experiences that would be difficult for a traveler to do on their own. The most recent trip I did was to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, and it was a fantastic experience.
Northwest Passage: The Legendary Arctic Sea Route
Trip Style: Small ship cruise
Adventures in Northeast Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords and the Northern Lights
Trip Style: Small ship cruise
Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway
Trip Style: Small ship cruise
Intrepid Travel - Quick Facts
Founded in 1989
No Single Supplement (rare exceptions)
Small Groups: max 16 on most trips (10 max during Covid-19)
Average Age: 48
Travel Style: Cultural immersion, adventure, overland, sustainable, and active
Accommodation Style: Camping, Hostels, 3 /4 star hotels, locally owned
Average Tour Price: $2,377
Top Regions: Asia, Africa, Europe, South America
Other Brands: Peregrine
Commonly compared with G Adventures »
Intrepid Travel is all about ‘real life experiences.’ With a name meaning fearless and adventurous, Intrepid offers nothing less than big travel adventures -- such as an 11-day hike through Papua New Guinea. However, Intrepid is broad-based enough to offer varied experiences such as food tours in Greece, complete with a visit to a Kalamata olive grove.
What Makes Intrepid Travel Stand Out?
Responsible travel
Industry experts
Authentic experiences
Small groups
Intrepid believes that with great travel experiences comes great responsibility. They are focused on responsible tourism which includes not only treading lightly but also making a positive impact on the destinations they send travelers to. As a Certified B Corp since 2018, Intrepid donates to grass root projects around the world, are a carbon-neutral business and are committed to animal welfare.
Travelers can rest assured when they travel with Intrepid because they will be in the hands of industry experts. Intrepid partners with local leaders to be guides for travelers. This gives travelers first hand experiences from someone who knows the area well.
Above all else, Intrepid strives to get its travelers off the beaten path and under the surface of the local culture. To accomplish this, group sizes are small, maximum of 16 on most trips. This allows for more use of local transportation and lodging, along with fostering cultural immersion. Intrepid also employs local English-speaking leaders who act more as a resource for local exploration than do typical ‘guides,’ shepherding groups from one place to another.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Intrepid Travel?
All ages
All types of travelers
Cultural enthusiasts
Intrepid is one of the early pioneers of the “adventure”-style guided trip. Despite its informal beginnings and emphasis on younger, highly adventurous travelers, Intrepid has expanded to a global company with a broad range of trips to fit all ages.
Intrepid divides its small-group trips into three separate styles of travel, all priced accordingly. “Basix,” for budget travelers, keep inclusions to a minimum and offer plenty of free time. “Original” journeys offer more included activities and hotels, while “Comfort” trips offer luxury experiences that include the highest level of included activities and standards of accommodation, as well as roomier vehicles. No matter what kind of traveler you are, there is a style right for your specific desires.
The age range on Intrepid tours varies widely from tour to tour, and they are welcoming to all ages. The only exception to this are their 18-29 themed tours which are specifically for that age group.
Intrepid travelers have a real sense of adventure - whether this means hard adventure, or simply going deeper off the beaten path. Interacting with locals is an important factor when you travel, as is gaining a unique cultural perspective. A sense of fun is also essential, whether it means going out at night with your tour mates, trying new foods, or exploring the local markets.
Which is better? Intrepid Travel or G Adventures?
Commonly compared, both G Adventures and Intrepid Travel specialize in culturally immersive and off-the-beaten-path experiences. They are top companies to consider if you enjoy local & authetic travel and value having lots of free time during the itinerary. See our ultimate guide to decide which is right for you: Intrepid vs G Adventures, full comparison »
Top Destinations
Originally focused on small group adventure tours to Asia, Intrepid has expanded rapidly over the years, while maintaining its classic, adventurous, and immersive style. Today Intrepid Travel offers more than 1,000 different experiences in over 100 countries, on all seven continents. Regions with the most trips include Asia, South America, Africa, and Europe.
Does Intrepid Travel include flights?
While all your internal transportation is taken care of, often utilizing traditiona local methods such as tuk-tuks in Thailand, international flights to and from your home and the tour destination are not included. Their travel specialists can recommend where to look for flights however.
Intrepid Travel Style
Intrepid enjoys using local, unique forms of transportation. You might find yourself traveling by felucca in Egypt or in a tuk-tuk on the best Thailand tour of your life.
Accommodations, which could range from guesthouses to home stays, are also locally owned, allowing a more authentic taste of the region while contributing to the local economy.
There are a few broad travel styles to choose from when deciding on an Intrepid tour:
1. Basix - Budget travelers who don’t mind, and in fact prefer, simple accommodations - camping and homestays with basic amenities, and crave a lot of free time for exploring independently will love these tours. Public transportation is used exclusively so pack light! These trips often attract a younger crowd who love the idea of throwing a backpack on, keep plenty of room for the unexpected in their schedule, and allocate their travel funds towards spontaneous bus tickets and street food instead of museum tours and 5 star restaurants.
2. Original - These trips take the backpacker spirit of local immersion, incorporating all the benefits that come with going with a planned itinerary. This style is called “Original” because it’s the type of travel that put Intrepid on the map...pun intended. Accommodations are still simple and budget minded - often homestays are used to give you a true sense of place, personality, and culture. Mostly public transportation is used.
3. Comfort - Intrepid is known for the active adventure style of travel and these trips keep that mentality, with a few more creature comforts thrown into the mix. You can expect higher luxury accommodations that include a wider variety of included amenities, transportation is mostly private, though you can still expect to use some public transport, as is the Intrepid way. More meals are included in the trip price, and more group activities - which means a bit less free time to explore on your own.
Why Choose a Tour With Intrepid Travel?
Intrepid is a good tour company if you don’t mind foregoing some creature comforts for a truly authentic, local experience. If you enjoy meeting locals when traveling, sampling new and exciting foods, and traveling in mixed-aged groups of 10-16 people, Intrepid could be a good fit for you.
It’s important to note, sometimes “ample free time” can be a blessing and a curse. It sounds great on paper, but if you’re looking to maximize your dollar and your vacation time, be sure you understand the implications of having a lot of free time during your itinerary.
For some travelers this is an absolute requirement, but for others it can be tough to branch off and explore independently - you also need to make sure you allocate enough travel money for independent meals.
The tour leaders are great resources of information for how to spend your free time, but if you like having a full day scheduled from breakfast to dinner, Intrepid may not be the best company for you.
Lastly, if sustainable and responsible travel is important to you, Intrepid has poured millions of dollars into local economies, and has a very strong emphasis on responsible travel. So you can feel good knowing that your money helps support some of the innkeepers, vendors, and communities that you’ll meet along the way.
Is Intrepid Travel Safe?
Yes, Intrepid is a very safe company to travel with and they take the safety of their tour goers very seriously.
In response to Covid-19, Intrepid has reduced their group size to an average of 10 people. Their guides have been fully trained on new sanitation requirements and Covid-19 health and safety guidelines.
They have also implemented flexible booking options.
General Covid-19 Travel News
Some countries are beginning to reopen to international visitors, with entry restrictions, while others have remained closed.
Keep checking back regularly to keep up to date with the frequently changing situation of the coronavirus.
Want more information about travel safety and the coronavirus? Read about where it's safe to travel to in 2020 >>
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Preferred
Peregrine Adventures
#14 Pick of 65 Arctic Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 13 Trips
Average Price
$ 396 per day
Size Global Operator
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Trips in Arctic
66 Tours in Arctic
Expect I'm not the only one
they are 'fair weather friends'
I did not receive so much as an email advising of changes in the cancellation policy, discovered when I contacted them to cancel.
I now receive automated emails/msgs as I attempt to work through this.
The email states I may contact them on 31 July to discuss the matter!....4 months away.
I'm absolutely stunned by how shoddy this outfit is....who knew?!
Out of pocket $4000.
Expect I'm not the only one.
Highly Recommended
Currently experiencing “Cruising the Thai Islands” with Peregrine and I am loving everything! The local knowledge and immersive experiences are second to none and our guides are extraordinary
Highly Recommended
Currently experiencing “Cruising the Thai Islands” with Peregrine and I am loving everything! The local knowledge and immersive experiences are second to none and our guides are extraordinary
With Peregrine Adventures, ‘anywhere is possible.’ Based in Australia, Peregrine has led small-group, ‘soft’ adventure-style trips worldwide for over 30 years. It was one of the first operators to employ local leaders, a practice that is now widespread in guided travel.
What Makes Them Stand Out?
While considering itself an adventure travel company, Peregrine promises to “smooth down the bumps and rough edges.” In short, it’s more about soft adventure with added comforts than roughing it. Group sizes are kept small, with no more than 16 travelers per trip. Its philosophy is that while “seeing the famous sites is a must, it’s those memories of wandering through a little village or sharing dinner with a local family that leave a lasting impression.” The small-group aspect allows for more time to absorb the nature of the places visited, and to make a minimal environmental impact on them as well.
Who Travels With Them?
While Peregrine is a global company, many of its travelers originate from Australia and New Zealand. However, their groups can be geographically diverse, with most travelers 50+ years of age.
Where Do They Operate? Peregrine offers a wide variety of exciting global destinations, with 200 trips across 80 countries -- spanning from Egypt to Turkey to Canada trips! The company is perhaps best known for its Himalayan trekking excursions to far-flung destinations including Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. It was a pioneer in high-altitude trekking and these trips remain among their most popular today.
How Does it Work?
Most travel is by private, air-conditioned minibus, but you might find yourself on a houseboat in Kerala, India, a tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka, or a mountain lift on the best Switzerland tour you've ever experienced. Lodging and dining is at smaller, locally run hotels and restaurants. You might also dine with locals from time to time, and stay with local families or at campsites as well.
Why Travel With Them?
Peregrine is a good choice if you’re looking for a bit of a softer landing with respect to transportation and accommodations but still crave an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience. If you’re looking for more individual travel, Peregrine will craft independent journeys, arrange self-guided walking and cycling tours, or arrange private group and tailor-made trips. It’s your choice. Peregrine also helps support various community and conservation projects via its ties with the Intrepid Foundation.
Tweets by PeregrineSpirit
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Quark Expeditions
#4 Pick of 65 Arctic Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 14 Trips
Average Price
$ 745 per day
Size Local Specialist
Tour Length 10 – 13 days
Trip Prices $ 6,295 – $ 8,995
Service Level Luxury
Operator Type
Small Ship & Expedition Cruise Line
Trips in Arctic
4 Tours in Arctic
Run! Scam! Worst cruise company ever!
I had the unfortunate experience of booking a cruise with Quark Expeditions, and I must say it was one of the most disappointing and frustrating experiences I've ever had. The entire process from start to finish left a bitter taste in my mouth.
Firstly, Quark Expeditions cancelled our cruise without any prior warning or communication. I understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, but the complete lack of transparency and consideration for their customers was unacceptable. We had already made travel arrangements, taken time off work, and were eagerly looking forward to our trip, only to have it snatched away without any explanation.
To make matters even worse, the communication from Quark Expeditions during this ordeal was abysmal. There was no attempt made to keep us informed of the cancellation, and we were left scrambling to find out what had happened ourselves. It was an infuriating and anxiety-inducing experience, as we were left in the dark with no information about alternative options or compensation.
To add insult to injury, Quark Expeditions then decided to hold us captive in an airport hotel for three days, with no clear reasoning or explanation. We were effectively trapped, unable to leave the hotel or explore the area while we waited for further instruction. This was not only a waste of our time and money, but it also left us feeling like prisoners in a foreign country.
Perhaps the most frustrating part of this entire situation is the fact that Quark Expeditions informed us that it would take a whopping 60 days to process our refund. Sixty days! This long wait is completely unreasonable and demonstrates a complete disregard for their customers' financial well-being. It's as if they have no understanding or respect for the fact that people have budgets, bills to pay, and other responsibilities to fulfill.
Overall, my experience with Quark Expeditions was truly disappointing. The cancelled cruise, lack of communication, being held captive in an airport hotel, and the exorbitant wait time for a refund have left me with a sour impression of this company. I would strongly advise others to think twice before booking a trip with Quark Expeditions, as their lack of professionalism and customer care is completely unacceptable.
Lifetime Experience
It was an epic personal voyage, but also a learning experience and unforgettable journey to meet wonderful people and a great team (both crew and Qaurk team members) who looked fabulously after each and everyone.
Thank you for all
Thomas
Company is a scam
This company cancelled our trip 3 times due to COVID. The most recent cancellation was less than 10 days notice. When we tried to re-book this time for a later date (our fourth reservation with them), they charged us over $10,000 more for the EXACT same itinerary even after their 100% guarantee says they have a voyage-for-voyage exchange on cancelled trips and we would be able to exchange the trip for the same itinerary. Now they've changed their rules to say they only have 1 date available that's approved for "exchanges." So our original booking, which was the week of Christmas, now has to be some random week when conditions are not as good and we won't even see Antarctica in the season we wanted. For the EXACT same itinerary as we already booked and paid for (and they kept the money for over 2 years for, while continuing to cancel our trips) they want 10k+ more to book. This is a scam and these people have kept our money for going on 3 years now with absolutely no intent to honor their "guarantee." This company has been a nightmare from the beginning and I highly recommend you book with someone else.
Arctic Express: Greenland’s Northern Lights (Cruise North, Fly South)
Trip Style: Small ship cruise
Founded in 1991, Quark specializes in polar expedition cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica.
What Makes Quark Expeditions Stand Out?
Adventurous and off the beaten path destinations
Knowledgeable and expert guides
Small groups
Strong commitment to sustainable travel
If you'd like to follow in the wake of some of the great Arctic and Antarctic explorers, this company will provide you the opportunity. Passengers often board Zodiacs to get out on the water or make landings in remote locations.
Quark was in fact the first company to lead cruises for tourism through the Northwest Passage; adventure and pushing boundaries is in their blood and their destinations and itineraries reflect this.
Quark has been a leader in expedition-style cruising for nearly a quarter century, specializing in the polar regions. You can travel in an icebreaker -- including one that's nuclear-powered and goes to the North Pole -- or in smaller, more mobile ships, all of which hold fewer than 200 passengers.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Quark?
Adventurous travelers
History buffs
Ages 45-65
Wildlife lovers
Photographers
Travelers who choose Quark will be adventurous minded, seeking a cruise not for the luxury aspect but for the types of destinations only accessible by this mode of travel. Be ready for lots of winter weather and challenging but rewarding shore excursions.
Quark cruises are all about functionality first - designed to be able to travel to remote corners of the globe.
This is not to say that the accommodations are bare bones - but travelers who love the mechanics of expedition cruises and are interested in the style of these ships will most enjoy traveling with Quark among other expedition cruising enthusiasts.
Because these ships are quite small, the stateroom space allotted for their limited passenger numbers is spacious and comfortable.
Top Destinations
Quark is known for traversing the polar regions - the rugged Arctic and expansive Antarctic. Their ships are designed specifically to cut through icy waters and navigate remote byways.
Quark Expeditions Travel Style
The Quark cruise style is comfortable but not excessive. Think packing hiking boots and thermal layers instead of a cocktail dress or dinner jacket. Accommodations are comfortable but basic and the style aboard ship is informal.
For Quark the travel experience is about what’s on shore rather than on board - though the on board amenities are certainly not non-existent. Travelers used to luxury cruises may find the Quark on board experience a bit jarring.
Why Choose a Cruise with Quark?
If you are seeking a true adventure on board state of the art vessels designed to visit remote polar destinations than Quark is for you.
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Tauck
#16 Pick of 65 Arctic Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 949 Trips
Average Price
$ 675 per day
Size Global Operator
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Arctic
2 Tours in Arctic
Nine Tours and Done
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.
Still Spellbound by the Grandeur of Alaska
Focused on the amazing wildness of Alaska without worrying about the mundane details. Expert, low-key tour director made everything look easy. Excursions enhanced appreciation for the history, terrain, wildlife, peoples, boom and bust cycles that make Alaska so unique. Clear view of Denali, great weather, days 'at sea' with binoculars in hand!
Most Memorable Moment:
Flightseeing, Tundra Wilderness tour (clear Denali, rare wolf sighting and grizzlies in distance), crossing Prince William Sound (sea-otters, orcas, stellar sea-lions, and more), Hubbard Glacier calving, Glacier Bay entire day, Whale Watching out of Juneau, and bald eagles everywhere!
Tauck/Aon terrible travel insurance
Tauck partners with Aon for travel insurance. We bought this insurance through Tauck specifically to cover us in case of a positive for test for Covid and could not go on the cruise. Three days before the trip, one of us tested positive with very mild symptoms. We contacted Tauck and they agreed to refund 1/2 of the tour cost and the insurance would pay for the other half. When we called the insurance they said they required a PCF test. The test was taken and came back positive. Two months later they denied the claim because we didn’t go to a doctor. That was not necessary or practical. We had proof of Covid. Tauck is not willing to help. This was the insurance they recommended and sold to customers. We have now read many reviews of terrible service from Aon. Why is Tauck a partner to this company and not willing to help their clients? BEWARE. Terrible customer service.
Founded in 1925 by Arthur Tauck, the company has blossomed from a New England motor coach tour agency to offering trips throughout the world -- by land (including rail), sea, and sometimes by air (private air charters, helicopters). But it remains a Tauck family-run business, now in its fourth generation.
Quick Facts
Founded in 1925
Luxury travel with a friendly touch
Small groups, large groups, river cruises
Solo friendly
Average tour price is around $6,000 p/p
Unique partnerships: BBC Earth, offering science themed nature tours, Ken Burns journeys in the US
What Makes Tauck Stand Out
Long legacy
Classic destinations
Several types of itinerary, from cruises to family trips
All inclusive pricing
Themed trips
“No grouches or pessimists” was the plea in a 1920s newspaper ad for a small tour group. From that small automobile taking curious, adventurous New Yorkers along dusty roads through beautiful New England, Tauck has come a long way, now offering guided tours throughout the world.
They look upon their legacy with immense pride, as well they should. Arthur Tauck was an immigrant who pulled himself up by bootstraps and engenuity, and his name represents a supreme, classic and classy tour experience.
Tauck is a long-established high-quality tour operator with a strong reputation as one of the top companies offering upper-mid-range to luxury group travel and river cruises for the 50+ crowd. While its staple has been European and North American land tours, Tauck has been increasingly expanding into special family trips, exotic locations, and recent award-winning European river cruising.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Tauck?
Families
50+
River cruisers
History buffs
Pricing is virtually all-inclusive -- no additional options that can run up costs are offered during the trips, yet this is not a place for the true budget traveler. Though they offer several different types of tours, from family vacations to river cruising, attracting and serving a diverse customer group, the legacy of tradition and comfortability appeals largely to older and middle aged travelers.
Solo travelers are very welcome on Tauck trips, and pay a low single supplement. Numerous specifically solo friendly tours are offered. You’ll meet romantic singles, or simply independent minded travelers, of all ages.
Large family or friend groups could find a great fit at Tauck. Particularly because if your group is 11 people, the 11th travels for free! Because of Tauck’s impressively wide reaching themes and styles for families, having several different ages will be easier to entertain than they might be with other companies.
They even have dedicated “family river cruises”. So if you’re considering a multi-gen family reunion or have a large group of friends with various ages, Tauck could be a good choice.
Top Destinations
Tauck destinations include all seven continents -- so whether you're trying to plan an Iceland vacation or looking to take a trip to Canada, consider Tauck!
Special themes may include food and wine, North American national parks, fall foliage, solo travel, African safaris, “Culturious” travel (for culturally curious baby boomers), “Bridges” (for families), and “Events,” which are considered once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences.
These may feature a trip to the Kentucky Derby or journeys based around themes of Ken Burns films, with a chance to meet Burns himself.
Tauck Travel Style
Tauck’s travel style is all about seeing destinations in comfort, yet with a strong sense of adventure and desire to see different sides of the destination - from local life to culturally immersive activities.
Land tours are where they began, and they offer hundreds of different tours of various lengths around the world. Typically accommodations are in comfortable 3, 4, and occasionally 5 star hotels.
Tauck has an award winning river cruise line, covering a variety of European rivers. They strive to create an intimate setting, where customer service is not compromised. Small ship cruises use 40- to 264-passenger-size yachts and expeditionary vessels that can visit small islands and other locations that big ships cannot. The staff is known for its attentiveness and individualized service.
Among Tauck’s unique partnerships is a special connection with the BBC Earth, through which they offer what they call “Earth Journeys”. These explore the natural world with emphasis on being outdoors learning the fascinating earth science behind stunning nature and wildlife.
Tauck is a luxury minded brand, and their prices do tend to sit in the upper budget range. Think an average price between $5,000 and $7,000 per person. That said, they strive to reflect a friendliness and openness, and steer away from any kind of “stuffy” feeling. Their trips are comprehensive and full of enriching cultural activities, while also appreciating the value behind enjoying a cocktail hour before heading into dinner.
Why Choose a Tour or River Cruise With Tauck?
Tauck has an impressive array of travel styles and tours, suitable to numerous types of travelers. They are especially popular with large family groups and corporate groups, as well as very friendly to solo / single travelers.
A renowned, award winning, and well established company, they seamlessly marry innovation with legacy - sticking to their roots while continuing to create unique offerings. Some of its biggest growth has come on water, where Tauck operates a fleet of seven European river boats and a number of small ship cruises. Their customer service, attentive and knowledgeable guides are definitely a key component to their popularity.
Tauck offers something for just about everyone.
Covid-19 Updates
Tauck has an internal "Global Response Team" that is poised and ready for responding to the unexpected, from extreme weather events to outbreaks.
They have implemented stringent safety requirements for their trips going forward, training guides on enhanced protocols and health screening practices. Guests will be required to wear face coverings on all outings.
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Preferred
National Geographic Expeditions
#2 Pick of 65 Arctic Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 63 Trips
Average Price
$ 714 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 8 – 11 days
Trip Prices $ 6,990 – $ 9,440
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Arctic
5 Tours in Arctic
Inconsistent information, No Refund
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.
Highly recommend! It was a trip of a lifetime!
We had not had the pleasure of traveling with National Geographic and was not sure what to expect. The trip went beyond what we could have possibly imagined! The staff were attentive and the guides were knowledgeable. There was not a time that we felt unsafe or that our needs were not being met. The trip was very fast paced which allowed us to experience each destination. Their timing was perfect with scheduled excursions and meals. We took the trip in October 2019 and then COVID entered our world and brought our trips to a stand still. I am now planning some trips for this year with hopes of a healthier world to travel!
Cancel my trip but no refund
This company canceled my trip due to COVID but failed to refund all money so I am out $1500 for Lindblad portion, and will never travel with NatGeo again. They have lost my trust as a company that puts travelers best interests first.
Iceland Adventure
Trip Style: Group tour
Sweden: Dogsledding to the Ice Hotel
Trip Style: Small group tour
In 1999, National Geographic launched their own tour company component: National Geographic Expeditions. Since then they have expanded to offer trips on all 7 continents in over 60 destinations. Recently they partnered with G Adventures to provide even more variety to their devoted customers.
What Makes National Geographic Expeditions Stand Out?
Multiple modes of travel
Expert guides and photographers
After hours and special access to sites
With National Geographic, you can travel by small, expedition-style ships; classic train journeys; land tours; active adventures; photo tours; family-oriented trips; or private, independent expeditions based on your desires and budget.
Wherever you go with National Geographic, which has been in the tour business for 15 years, you can expect doors to open: entry to research sites, archaeological digs, private homes or special events.
Many expeditions are accompanied by a National Geographic expert or expert team who share their knowledge and passion for a region and help make each experience enriching and unforgettable.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling With National Geographic Expeditions?
Photography enthusiasts
All ages
Adventurous minded
Nature lovers
History buffs
Life long learners
National Geographic is one of those special brands that has managed to successfully straddle the line between “your grandfather loves them” and “your eighteen year old sister loves them”. They cover a wide range of topics, themes, and travel styles, with the educational aspect always prevalent yet not overbearing.
If you love feeling like an explorer and an adventurer when you travel, and love learning about the world from experts in a variety of fields, National Geographic is the perfect place for you. This is a company for those who want to dig deeper, like getting the inside story from multiple perspectives - historical, cultural, political, economic, scientific and more.
National Geographic trips are great for families, and you can choose a private tour or a family friendly group, where hands on activities will widen your children’s worldview in innumerable special ways.
National Geographic trips are also extremely popular with photographers - novice photographers will enjoy their photography-centric tours, while many dedicated hobbyists can be found on their other trip styles as well.
If you’re the kind of traveler who sacrifices the space for a pair of shoes in your suitcase for another lens or photography accessory...you’ll be right at home on a trip with National Geographic Expeditions.
In the same way that National Geographic magazine has always inspired and furthered conversation and discourse, so too do their trips. The spirit of learning about the world is intertwined in every itinerary, so if you consider yourself a lifelong student, you should definitely consider traveling with National Geographic Expeditions.
Top Destinations
National Geographic Expeditions go all around the world, and cover almost every travel style imaginable. One might think they have a favoring of the more “exotic” locations but an impressive number of United States and European tours are offered as well as farther reaching destinations. National Geographic Expeditions in the Galapagos are especially popular.
Regardless of where you travel, you will be sure to get off the beaten path and discover unique cultural landmarks, meet interesting people, and enjoy a sense of adventure.
Small-ship expeditions, done in conjunction with Lindblad Expeditions, can take you to Antarctica, the Galapagos and points beyond. Classic train journeys include the Trans-Siberian and trains through India, Spain, and Switzerland. Active adventures might take you hiking in Bhutan or meeting Berbers in Morocco. Land tours could take you to Tanzania, Peru or the Grand Canyon.
National Geographic Expeditions Travel Style
The travel style with National Geographic Expeditions has an aura of old fashioned exploration with a modern twist.
National Geographic Expeditions is a family friendly outfit, offering a wide range of prices and trip styles. Trips vary from mid range budget to higher. Physical level is usually light to moderate.
By virtue of their longstanding presence in the world, National Geographic has a wide reaching global network to lean on for incredibly unique and authentic lodging options, knowledgeable guides, and VIP access to historical and archaeological sites.
They have several broad travel styles you can choose from:
Land Trips - National Geographic Land Trips are immersive explorations, often covering nature and wilderness points of interest such as national parks. They also dive into ancient cities and cultures, with trips exploring everything from monks in Burmese mountainside temples to the lives of nomadic Mongolian peoples. Most trips are around 11 days and physical level is between light and moderate, with some trips featuring moderately challenging hikes in various altitudes.
River Cruises - a relatively new addition, Nat Geo now offers around 7 river cruises in Europe covering the Danube, Rhine, and Douro. Currently they also have 1 river cruise in Asia, along the Irrawaddy. These trips are typically between 7 - 11 days and feature wine tasting, history tours, and very light physical activity.
Private Expeditions - If you and your family, significant other, or a few close friends are looking for a more intimate travel experience than a group of strangers, Private Expeditions are a great way to travel. These trips are customizable, and can be crafted to perfectly suit your interests and dates.
Photography Trips - National Geographic has consistently featured award winning travel photography. They run regular contests for those inspired by the thousands of groundbreaking and historic photographs taken by journalists and travel photographers around the world. On National Geographic photography trips you can actually learn tricks of the trade from real-world photographers and improve your skills.
Train Trips - Travel was revolutionized with the implementation of the railroad, allowing people to travel in what was then a rapid pace from destination to destination. Today this ideal has been flipped on its head, and train travel is a leisurely paced excursion allowing time to relax and appreciate the slower meandering through beautiful countrysides. National Geographic train trips cover the classics, such as the Trans-Siberian railway and the Rocky Mountain railroad. Accommodations are comfortable, around a premium level, with options to upgrade.
Active Expeditions - For those who enjoy a bit more of an adrenaline pumping and active travel experience, National Geographic also has trips for you. These trips feature multiple active outings, such as kayaking, hiking, and caving. Expect to explore the outdoors covering unique natural phenomena and gaining insight into how and why the landscape has been shaped the way it has. These trips also feature cultural insights, just to a lesser extent.
Family Expeditions - National Geographic is the perfect company to travel with when you have curious and adventurous youngsters eager to see the world. They will learn about other cultures, people, food, nature and wildlife from experts with “cool jobs” that might even inspire lifelong interests and perhaps influence a career. These trips are specifically designed to be hands on, allowing everyone to get involved and learn about how things work.
Private Jet Trips - For a luxurious and more lengthy travel experience, nothing beats a Private Jet tour. A dedicated team will be with you, and you’ll experience all the best that National Geographic has to offer from local guides to premiere accommodation. These trips are in a very high budget range, but if it’s in your wheelhouse - it’s a superb way to travel and cover a lot of ground.
Journeys - Part of a partnership with G Adventures, these trips are adventurous and immersive small group excursions imbued with the spirit of National Geographic. The best of two top travel worlds!
Why Choose a Tour With National Geographic Expeditions?
When you travel with National Geographic you are participating in and contributing to a spectacular legacy. Over the years National Geographic has cultivated a reputation for being about cultural exploration, scientific advancement, and broadening perspectives.
Their travel experiences are perfect for anyone wishing to get back to the roots of what adventurous, experiential travel really means and enjoy discovering the world from multiple angles.
Really one of the best parts about traveling on a tour with National Geographic Expeditions is the sheer breadth of knowledge, personal and professional experience their guides bring to the table. They help provide richly detailed context, historical information, and dive into the details of local life, by showing and doing as well as explaining. You the traveler will have the true experience of getting to know a place from the inside out.
If that wasn’t enough of a reason, proceeds from your trip price go towards supporting National Geographic’s ongoing nonprofit work in conservation, exploration, education, and cultural preservation.
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Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T. Tours)
#23 Pick of 65 Arctic Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 19 Trips
Average Price
$ 290 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 12 – 12 days
Trip Prices $ 4,495 – $ 4,495
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Arctic
1 Tours in Arctic
Trip of a Lifetime
Our recent Tanzanian Safari was indeed the trip of a lifetime. Saw the big 5, met the wonderful locals and spent 5 days in the Serengeti. Saw many lions, zebras, giraffes and other wonderful animals. Spent time with local school children who were so welcoming. Put this trip on your bucket list!
My favorite OAT adventure
I went to this adventure with my sister-in-law and we had the absolute best time! Our guide were all amazing and our trip leader Martin was exceptional! My sister-i-law had a fall the day we were to meet our group and Martin helped us navigate the urgent care, got her stitched up and stayed by our side until she was tucked into our room. What a waRead more about review stating My favorite OAT adventurey to meet your trip leader but also we knew we were set up with a caring and kind man from the start! This was a truly unique adventure with large cities and also the most serene scenery on earth!
I write this in the mist of the recent pandemic and hope that as soon as this all settles down we can take another trip with OAT. It will be hard to match this trip but we will try!
Be careful
Booked for July and gave them $12,000. They talked us into early arrival and then come back to us a two months later saying we can't offer. We have to keep our airlines a day early and now need to find transfer and hotel on our own. Would cancel but would lose $2,000 trip insurance. They talked us into us to arrive early and now cancelling and saying you are on your own. Can't imagine what else will go wrong.
Untamed Iceland
Trip Style: Small group tour
Founded in 1978, Overseas Adventure Travel specializes in small group and small ship adventure tours. Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) is now part of the Boston-based Grand Circle Corporation, which also includes Grand Circle Travel and Grand Circle Cruise Line.
Quick Facts
Founded in 1978
Very welcome to solo travelers - Free or low single supplement
Average Tour Price - $4,538
Average Tour Duration - 15 Days
Small Groups - between 10 and 16 travelers, max of 24 on small ship cruises
Travel Style - Culturally immersive and local experiences. Walking between 3-6 miles a day
Age Range - Primarily 50+
What Makes Overseas Adventure Travel Stand Out?
Solo traveler friendly
Cultural immersion
Grand Circle Foundation
Overseas Adventure Travel is solo traveler friendly. They offer free or low single supplements. OAT understands that solo travelers desire to follow their own schedule, desires and needs. They help handle all the details to make sure your trip is affordable, easy and enjoyable.
A major focus of OAT is cultural immersion. Travelers can expect to visit local schools, churches, and homes (where you might be treated to a home-cooked meal). Experienced guides -- all fluent in English -- lead groups off the beaten path when possible.
OAT strives to give back to the world they send travelers around. A portion of all proceeds goes to the Grand Circle Foundation, which supports cultural and educational programs in the countries visited.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Overseas Adventure Travel?
Ages 50+
Solo travelers
Cultural enthusiasts
OAT specializes in small group tours around the world serving Americans aged 50 and older. They appeal to the old fashioned - the fact that they still offer a physical catalogue is testament - and their travel style reflects an appreciation of the classics coupled with an adventurous spirit to explore each destination deeper and from a local perspective.
Overall, prices fall into the moderate range, and are especially a bargain for solo travelers, who can save substantially by not having to pay for single supplements. Accommodations are designed to be both comfortable as well as unique and in keeping with the local spirit of the destination. If your hostelling days are over but you feel too adventurous for a standard hotel, OAT will be a great company to travel with.
OAT travelers are those with a passion for culture. They don’t just want to see a destination, they want to experience it. For these travelers, spending a day in a Maasai village in Kenya, eating dinner with a local family in Chile's oasis town and interacting with local musicians at the bustling Libertad Plaza in San Salvador, Belize is a welcomed adventure.
Top Destinations
OAT operates tours all over the world, specializing in remote, off the beaten path destinations. African safaris are an especially popular offering, though you can also travel to Japan, India, Peru, Iceland, Vietnam, Albania, or Morocco, to name just a few of its far-flung destinations. OAT also runs small-ship cruises through the Galapagos, on the Amazon, and along the Turkish coast.
OAT Travel Style
With Overseas Adventure Travel you’ll find a combination of transportation and accommodation styles, but all with an element of comfort. Groups are small, with a max of 16 (24 on small ship cruises).
Accommodations vary, but generally favor being local and non-traditional over a basic centrally located hotel. Their exact words are “emphasis on authenticity, rather than amenities”.
Their style is all about unique and meaningful cultural interaction. While you’ll learn the history and see the famous sights, their true focus is about people and connections. This means you’ll enjoy meals with local families, like you’re just a friend over for dinner; visit schools and see the amazing work being done in small communities. The visceral understanding and perspective that comes from learning to cook traditional meals and make traditional crafts is what you’ll find on an OAT tour.
Why Choose a Tour with OAT?
OAT offers a unique up close and personal experience, guaranteeing that its groups will never exceed more than 10-16 travelers. A spirit of spontaneity is part of what makes traveling with OAT special, as they strive to take advantage of every interesting opportunity during a trip.
Traveling with Overseas Adventure Travel allows for an in depth cultural travel experience in comfort. Many opportunities exist for travelers to find deals, and it’s a great way to meet new friends in a similar age range.
If you traveled extensively in your youth and are not ready to slow down, but perhaps are looking for a few more logistical ducks to be taken care of for you, OAT could be the perfect fit. They offer a variety of options for more independent minded travelers, as well as ample free time to explore and plan your own adventure during cruise port stops and on their group tours.
Alternatively, if this is your first travel experience, OAT will be a great starting point. You’ll gain cultural insights, meet locals, as well as hit on all the best tourist sites that provide cultural and historical context to your destination.
Overseas Adventure Travel Covid Safety Precautions
Through December 31st 2020, Overseas Adventure Travel is offering Risk Free booking. You can transfer your departure with all change fees waived.
Some countries are beginning to reopen to international visitors with entry restrictions while others have remained closed. Stay up to date and see a full list of which countries are open »
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Zegrahm Expeditions
#32 Pick of 65 Arctic Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 3 Trips
Average Price
$ 741 per day
Size Global Operator
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Trips in Arctic
1 Tours in Arctic
Highest Recommendation Possible
Zegrahm gets my highest recommendation.
I recently returned from a 13-day Seychelles exploration and snorkel/dive adventure beginning in Zanzibar, visiting something like 9 Seychelles Atolls and islands for tons of daily snorkeling and diving, and finishing in Mahe where we departed from.
This was absolutely the best cruise/group experience I have ever had on either land or sea. Zegrahm charters the boats and I was lucky enough to be on the Ponant ship, Le Bougainville, which is very posh, with a friendly and polite staff, an amazing french chef, good food, a nice spa, you name it. My bedroom was like a small luxury hotel and each room had a balcony so you could enjoy seaside and ocean views from your bed or balcony whenever you'd like. It was lovely. I especially appreciated coming back to such a haven after long days of sunshine, beach and snorkeling.
Not only was the cruise ship and it's staff fantastic, but the Zegrahm staff were all wonderful. I sat and had dinner with many of them every day and they somehow remembered all our names (99 or so of us). They snorkeled and dove with us, pointing out fish and naming species, they went birding, they provided lectures in the mornings and evenings in their areas of expertise, because Zegrahm hires Marine Biologists, Anthropologists, and countless other individuals (with PhDs) to provide insight and lessons into the history and ecology of the places being visited and seen.
At the conclusion of the trip - I didn't want it to end. I had made several like-minded friends for travel, was invited on future trips and exchanged information with almost everyone. We were a family by the end, both staff and customers. Hugs all around as we celebrated all we had seen together and promised to keep in touch. Zegrahm fosters that type of environment when you travel with them - and it was welcoming and especially enjoyable for a solo traveler like myself.
These trips aren't cheap - but are worthwhile for all you see and do - most things you'd never be able to see on your own and certainly not with trained ecologists and marine science experts. I believe you get what you pay for. I was one of the youngest on board but there was a small group of about ten 30-40 year olds with the vast majority being probably 50-80.
This isn't a sit on the boat all day-type thing. You are going to be waking up early, going out 2-3x a day and really seeing and doing things. You almost never have down time and you are always learning, seeing, talking and doing. It's expeditionary, not sedentary. It's fun and really enriching.
The best way to know someone is doing a good job at this price point (think around $8-12k per person) is repeat customers and I met countless people who have done 6-12 of these expeditions with Zegrahm and knew the staff already. That's the absolute best recommendation you can get. I'll be booking with them again without any hesitation.
Thank you to Brad, Murph, LJ, Merel, Steven, George, George K., Robin, Pepper, Lisa, Shirley, Gemma, Chris, Boli, Marcel, and anyone else who I forgot from this amazing trip. You all did a great job and made me feel like family!
Quality staff and good itineraries.
Quality staff and good itineraries. Also have many voyages with no single supplement. They actually welcome solo travelers - much more welcoming than many other companies. Getting a little expensive for me, though.
Zegrahm specializes in land and small ship expeditions in all seven continents.
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Hurtigruten
#3 Pick of 65 Arctic Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 16 Trips
Average Price
$ 384 per day
Size Regional Expert
Tour Length 9 – 16 days
Trip Prices $ 880 – $ 8,207
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Small Ship & Expedition Cruise Line
Trips in Arctic
6 Tours in Arctic
Its the best sea voyage we've ever made!
Its the best sea voyage we've ever made! We're looking forward to go again, hopefully the virus will be gone by then.
unfortunately due to covid-19
do not book with this company !!!!! I my husband and 2 other friends (all Italian) had to take the cruise starting March 17th, unfortunately due to covid-19 we were forced to cancel the whole holiday including the cruise. the gentlemen of Hurtigruten to the request for reimbursement caused by a world emergency have replied that this is not their problem and therefore they will not reimburse even a cent. Be careful to make reservations because this does not seem to me a professional behavior given the emergency we are experiencing. you must be ashamed
Recommended 100 %
Recommended 100 %. The Deal, the people, excursions
Exploring the Old Norse heritage
Trip Style: Small ship cruise
Vintage era voyages along the Norwegian coast
Trip Style: Small ship cruise
Arctic Climate Voyage
Trip Style: Small ship cruise
Once known as "Norwegian Coastal Voyage" in the U.S., Hurtigruten adopted its traditional Norwegian name a few years ago, and remains, in many minds, "The World's Most Beautiful Voyage."
What Makes Them Stand Out?
They operate cruises to lesser known locations and focus on providing unique nature experiences and excursions. They’ve been a leader in constantly improving how they treat the landscape and try to maintain as little harmful impact as possible.
Who Travels With Them?
Hurtigruten’s cruises are perfect for adventurous travelers looking to “connect with your inner explorer.” Excursions tend to be very active, and do take place in harsher environments - it will most likely be cold! And while you certainly won’t be roughing it, the Hurtigruten ships aren't the newest vessels on the seas, nor are they equipped with large numbers of amenities. But the scenery and experiences are hard to beat.
Where Do They Operate?
The 11 Hurtigruten ships ply the Norwegian coast from Bergen to Kirkenes, near the Russian border, making the round trip in just under two weeks (but many passengers choose to go just one way). They also run voyages to Spitsbergen (a far northern Norwegian island also known as Svalbard) and other Arctic locations, as well as Antarctica.
Why Travel With Them?
For spectacular views, and incredibly unique experiences ashore. You'll stop in some fascinating cities and fishing villages; sail down gorgeous fjords and view snow-capped mountains; cross the Arctic Circle; pay a visit to the Top of Europe (the northernmost point on the Continent); and watch as the ships unload supplies for the locals at each stop -- the Hurtigruten is both cruise passenger and cargo ship.
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Globus
#17 Pick of 65 Arctic Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 405 Trips
Average Price
$ 319 per day
Size Global Operator
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Arctic
1 Tours in Arctic
Our tour guide and driver were amazing
Our tour guide and driver were amazing. The country of Ireland is beautiful.
You may want to review the hotels that you have the tourist stay in. Hospitality was not so great.
Flights were cancelled and we got no…
Flights were cancelled and we got no help from you.
Globus South Africa Tours are Amazing
The tour director was so knowledgeable and gave ever guest just what they needed throughout. The choice of accommodations and pace of the tour were excellent. I'd recommend this Globus tour to anyone who wanted to experience South Africa.
Avalon Waterways
#18 Pick of 65 Arctic Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 215 Trips
Average Price
$ 378 per day
Size Global Operator
Service Level Luxury
Operator Type
River Cruise Line
Trips in Arctic
1 Tours in Arctic
It was the Paris to Normandy then to…
It was the Paris to Normandy then to Marseille 14 day cruise. The whole cruise was terrible, ports were bypassed, crew was very inexperienced, the restaurant was unorganized, wrong meals, dropped meals, not just once but numerous time for everybody, the drinking water in the room was terrible it smelled and tasted bad, our little coffee room at the end of our floor, the coffee and drink machines were broken all 14 days, we tried to use the bikes twice and both times they had to leave early from the city we were in. The weather was perfect so no excuses, none of the crew informed us of any changes.
On a river cruise from Zagreb to Black…
On a river cruise from Zagreb to Black Sea on Avalon Impression there was little to fault the 4+ star boat, the food and the crew (with the notable exception of one quite senior member of the catering staff who occasionally forgot he is in a service capacity as he heatedly ordered passengers and fellow workers about, causing anger and distress in both groups - I am sure that those on the 9th September sailing will know of whom I make this comment and suspect this is not the first time that his behaviour has been noted). Cabins, public rooms, service, shore visits and food were all for the most part exemplary. Not so the hand dealt to those staff on the ground (boat and shore) - and passengers - by back office management. On a journey described on Avalon's website as a "9 day river cruise" and "inclusive of accommodation, meals and free wine with lunch and dinner" only 5 days were spent actually cruising on the river and on only 5 days were all meals provided (1-2 on the other 4). The same cruise sold as "From Croatia to the Black Sea (at Constanta)" stopped some 70 km short of the port and the sea with an optional 3 hour bus/ walking tour of Constanta - which is not what was expected (an Avalon map of the journey indeed showed the journey as completed via the Danube/Black Sea canal - an engineering marvel to which many were looking forward). Staff on board were left surprised at the expectation of mooring on Constanta, saying there "just wasn't time". Thus a £5000 (rack rate) "9 day river cruise to the Back Sea" offered morphed in reality into a "5 day river cruise way short of a promised destination" of questionable value for money. At best misleading and deeply disappointing. Enough to drop this from a 4 star experience to 1 star
Probably not consciously deceitful but perhaps Operations and Marketing should talk details before extravagant claims are made and the inevitable disappointment follows. Surely Operations sign off on advertising claims is the norm these days? Not it seems at Avalon. No big deal for most of our fellow passengers I guess. But, sadly, we will not be travelling with Avalon again, even though almost all their people shone. Ah yes. One more thing. The wines were indeed free and generously dispensed but the quality quite poor - and no choice other than "red or white". A feeling of penny pinching.
the people were great i liked the size…
the people were great i liked the size of the ship
Go Ahead Tours
#42 Pick of 65 Arctic Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 17 Trips
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 6 – 15 days
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Trips in Arctic
2 Tours in Arctic
Will Refuse to Refund
I made a reservation last Thursday (11/16/2023) for a trip to Iceland from 12/02/2023-12/07/2023 and then I was told that I can’t have my refund back.
When I called on last Thursday (11/16/2023) to place my reservation, the agent (Kathy) I talked to stressed about she "cannot" guarantee that I will be able to go on the trip. Before I provided the payment information, I specifically asked if I will be able to get the refund because the trip is coming up so soon. The agent ensured that I will be able to get a full refund back within 60 days if I decided to cancel the trip. I was also told that I am basically on a wait list and someone will contact me once I can go on the trip. No one contacted me about whether the agency was able to process my information at all, so I've been left in the dark about this trip since the beginning.
I called the help line this morning (11/20/2023) around 9:00 Eastern Standard Time to cancel my reservation. I was informed by the agent that I will not be able to get my full refund back since it's too close to the trip date. Basically I was told that Kathy gave me the wrong information, so I will have to pay the cancellation fee. The only reason I provided my payment information is because Kathy specifically stated that I will be able to cancel the trip and receive a full refund.
I've never been so frustrated with a traveling agency. I made sure to ask this agent regarding the refund policy twice before giving her my payment information, and she still couldn't provide me with the correct information. It's unbelievable that such a big traveling agency cannot uniformly train their employees with the correct set of information.
I took every additional tour and the tour guides were excellent!
Go Ahead Tours was selected for their attention to detail, and this tour did not disappoint! I must give credit to our wonderful tour director, Alessandra, who has over 25 years of experience, and we were the beneficiaries of her compassionate regard for our tour's wellbeing. She was attentive and even gave us souvenir momentos from each city we visited. I took every additional tour and the tour guides were excellent! I especially liked our guides for the Colosseum, in Rome, a mature woman who was Greek, and thus, she was very personable. Also, Katia, our tour guide for the Vatican and the Catacombs was very knowledgeable and entertaining. The last night was fun in our send off dinner consisted of a dinner theater billed as four tenors and featured an opera troup serenading us during our three-course meal. Great fun and the perfect meal to conclude our action packed 7-day tour of three Italian Cities boasting magnificent art and history!
Stay Away - Class Action lawsuit for ripping off children
This greedy and unethical company is being sued for keeping money from school children and their parents after the company canceled trips due to Coronavirus. They have a pattern of canceling trips and keeping your money and you get nothing! They only care about money and not earning it.
Highlights of Northern Europe: London to Copenhagen
Trip Style: Group tour
Iceland: Reykjavik & the Golden Circle
Trip Style: Group tour
Go Ahead Quick Facts
Age Range: All ages
Average Tour Price: $2,000-$4,000
Average Tour Duration: 8-18 days
Travel Style: Cultural immersion and education with active experiences.
The world’s largest private education travel company, Go Ahead tours are designed for curious, adventurous travelers. Their itineraries balance planned activities and free time to quench your curiosity and specific interests.
What Makes Go Ahead Stand Out?
Dedicated tour directors
Local guides
Flexibility
Go Ahead has dedicated tour directors that you can trust to help you have the best travel experience. They have years of experience and regional knowledge of culture and history that they are eager to share. These travel directors will be with you every step of the way, a friend to show you around one of their favorite destinations. Sit back and enjoy your trip, they’ll handle all the logistics.
Local guides are also a big part of Go Ahead. These guides will join you and your tour director to provide an even deeper knowledge of the region. They will help immerse you in cities, rustic villages, countrysides and cultural hot spots. Go ahead wants the right people to help you learn and explore the world.
Go Ahead tours are designed to be authentic, providing unique local experiences, and a certain amount of flexibility for travelers who like some independence during the tour. Typically, tours are run in small groups with a max of 38, which means your small group may not always be extemely intimate as 38 is still a lot of people.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Go Ahead?
Cultural enthusiasts
Adventure travelers
Wildlife lovers
Go Ahead travelers love sightseeing but they greatly enjoy traveling off the beaten path. These travelers are curious about the world and are eager to learn about the local culture, cuisine and people. Go Ahead is perfect for the traveler who wants to really get to the heart of a destination.
Adventure is a big part of curiosity. Go Ahead travelers aren’t afraid to venture off a typical tourist sightseeing plan. They enjoy the freedom to explore on their own as well as picking the brain of their local guides to learn incite into the cities, rustic villages and countrysides they are visiting. These travelers enjoy seeing the destination through cultural immersion and active experiences.
Witnessing wildlife is a big part of Go Ahead tours. Travelers will get the opportunity to witness and learn about the luscious natural landscapes and the creatures that inhabit it. Seeing the Big Five and going on a safari through the plains of Africa is on the bucket lists of Go Ahead travelers.
Top Destinations
Go Ahead tours send travelers all over the world with trips going to Europe, US, Canada, Central America, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Middle East, Asia and Antarctica.
Go Ahead Travel Style
Go Ahead is greatly focused on personalization and small group experiences. Each traveler will get the opportunity to personalize their trips when their itineraries are being crafted. There are additional excursions, tour extensions and any number of days that travelers can add to their trip.
Groups remain small, capped at 14 to 38 travelers. This small group experience allows travelers to really immerse themselves in the culture of a destination. Their experiences will be intimate both with their local guides and the local people.
Hotels are selected based on your comfort desires and location. You can rest assured that you’ll be staying in a safe, comfortable accommodation as the Go Ahead team personally goes to each property on the ground.
Go Ahead, due to their relationship with EF network, are able to offer a wide range of flight options. Once in your destination, they will also handle all internal travel from motor coaches to additional flights. Go Ahead takes care of all the stressful logistics so you don’t have to.
Why Go Ahead?
If you are eager to explore and learn about the world through cultural immersion, wildlife watching and active experiences, Go Ahead is for you. No matter your luxury level whether it be high luxury or budget or what your interests are, Go Ahead can help personalize your experience to create the perfect trip for you.
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Adventures by Disney
#43 Pick of 65 Arctic Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 14 Trips
Average Price
$ 600 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 8 – 8 days
Trip Prices $ 5,099 – $ 5,099
Service Level Luxury
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Arctic
1 Tours in Arctic
Great trip! Kudos to Adventures by Disney for a really well done trip!
I went on this trip with some misgivings, as my only other experience with this type of tour was a winter Tauck Family Bridges tour of Italy, that was not a good experience. Well, I am SO glad I went, as my daughter and I had a marvelous time. Disney did an amazing job of organizing this trip - I still can't believe how much they managed to fit into essentially 8 days. I also can't believe how much fun it all was! The guides were tremendous. First of all, unlike Tauck (where we traveled with one tour manager), here we had two guides with us the entire time - one a licensed guide in Greece (i.e., a native, very knowledgeable about the country and able to really take us through the historical and archaeological sites) and the other an American who has been guiding in Greece for years. The interaction between the guides was very warm, as was their way of relating to the guests. This was a complete contrast with Tauck. Here people really got to know each other, the young people had a great time with each other, and, of course, Greece itself is just magnificent. I will certainly travel with Disney again!
Norway
Trip Style: Group tour
Family friendly and culturally immersive travel from the imaginative minds at Disney.
What Makes Adventures by Disney Stand Out?
A majority of tour companies cater to young adults and 50+ travelers. Very few are dedicated specifically to families, and those that are often have a minimum age of 12 - with rare exceptions. Adventures by Disney is a perfect option for parents with young children seeking exciting, educational, and culturally rich vacations, with an high level of comfort.
These tours are not heavy on the Disney characters or films either, so if you’re dreading an all-Disney all-the-time experience, rest easy. These trips are active, often with an outdoor component, and introduce young minds to the world through interactive cultural presentations, up-close wildlife experiences, and other fun surprises.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Adventures by Disney?
It goes without saying that these trips are geared toward young families. You and your young ones will enjoy a trip with Adventures by Disney if learning through travel is a high priority, and a certain amount of physical activity is ok.
Adventures by Disney trips are on the higher end when it comes to price per person. But it’s important to note that almost everything is included - freeing you up to enjoy the trip with no stress about where the next activity should be, or finding a restaurant that is suitable for your families needs.
On most trips with Adventures by Disney the minimum age requirement is 4 years old.
Top Destinations
Adventures by Disney operates their specialized family friendly itineraries all around the world. Europe and North America offer the most extensive list of trips. Select Central America and South America tours are available as well as limited tour options in Australia, China, South Africa, and Japan.
Adventures by Disney Travel Style
There are many trip styles to choose from through Adventures by Disney, including river cruises and large ship cruises. The travel approach with Adventures by Disney is very hands on - perfect for young minds learning about the world!
You and your children will also gain exclusive insider access to some of the most incredible sights around the world. Private tours and “backstage access” are a key part of the Adventures by Disney experience.
Most Adventures by Disney tours feature varying degrees of physical activity. Some are more active than others, but you should expect to be outside, enjoying nature in some capacity during your trip. Whether this means a day of kayaking trip along the Gold Coast, a hike through a magical European forest, or cycling along rivers and lakes your trip will provide plenty of time in the fresh air.
All admissions to exhibits, tours, and activities are included in your package. Adventures by Disney is very focused on making sure your trip is hassle free. All transportation and accommodation during the tour are also taken care of.
Why Choose a Tour with Adventures by Disney?
If you’ve been having a hard time finding a kid-friendly tour that provides a well rounded itinerary and plenty of support, Adventures by Disney is a great place to look.
Don’t let the Disney name deter you from exploring these trips - it’s not all floating hotel cruises. In fact most itineraries with Adventures by Disney are private - just you and your family, allowing for ample time to explore and learn about the history and culture of each destination.
Every Adventures by Disney trip is accompanied by two professional, and of course kid-friendly, adventure guides and specialists. They are there to enrich your journey as well as make sure everything goes smoothly.
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Mayflower Tours
#47 Pick of 65 Arctic Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 6 Trips
Average Price
$ 282 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 10 – 10 days
Trip Prices $ 2,649 – $ 2,649
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Trips in Arctic
1 Tours in Arctic
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
My trip was the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, Oct 2023. The balloon fiesta was fabulous. Mike the driver was awesome. Our tour manager Jolie started out great, however, as the days passed she encourage travelers to go off on their own which changed the touring times for everyone else. The last day was a disaster, one lady was left behind because Jolie didn't do a head count. More stops were added so other people could leave the tour and go places on their own. Twice in the afternoon Jolie lost track of how many people were on the bus, she told customers to look around and report if someone was missing. She laughed on the bus intercom about how she didn't know how many people should be on the bus. A Mayflower rep stated that she was a favorite manager so nothing would be done. Most of these tours are attended by seniors, we need responsable employees to keep track of who is on the bus and who is not. She encouraged travelers to leave the tour and lost the ability to keep track of customers. Reckless...
China 2018
China 2018 - Recently returned from China 2018. It was an awesome trip. However the brochure listed it as a "3" activity level. It in no way was a three. The first day we walked almost 20,000 steps. The rest of the trip was 10,000 to 15,000 steps a day. The majority of those steps each day were on uneven surfaces, lots of steps and extremely steep inclines. Definitely not a "3" trip.
Loved the experience
Loved the experience I had on my trip to Croatia. Excellent guides and the ship was beautiful. I would travel with Mayflower again in a heartbeat!
Best of Scandinavia
Trip Style: Group tour
Founded in 1979, Mayflower is an Illinois-based company providing consistent quality trips for great value. They’re here to bring you all the “must-sees” and “must-do’s” with 100+ itineraries and over 10 different travel styles.
What Makes Mayflower Tours Stand Out?
Mid-range budget tours
Group escorted and individual tours
“Specialty tour” options (eg. Thanksgiving in New York City, Calgary Stampede, biblical sites in the Middle East)
Discounts on your first tour and referrals
Holidays are designed for travelers looking for the fullest travel experience at a great price value. Since its inception, Mayflower Tours has consistently provided the ultimate touring experience in each destination always focused on the travelers’ budget. Each Mayflower Tour has a professional tour manager on board to ensure all details are taken care of.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Mayflower Tours?
Travelers who are...
Looking for the full tour travel experience without the big price tag
In reasonably good shape
Looking for a full range of activities
Mayflower caters to budget travelers of all ages, including families and seniors. Most tours are not physically demanding, though they do offer adventure tours these are mainly in the "soft" adventure range. Travelers with Mayflower should be able to walk - this includes walking up stairs or inclines, since some sites will not have bus access.
Top Destinations
When they began, Mayflower offered tours in the United States only, but they quickly expanded. They now operate tours in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. They travel to a wide variety of places, from tourist hot spots to little towns off the tourist path.
Mayflower Tours Travel Style
Majority of their chosen hotels are in the 4 to 5 star range, well-located, and have first class service and amenities. For instance, you’ll get a geothermal spa on a tour to Iceland, or spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains on an Alaskan cruise. There’s a good balance between planned activities and free time. The number of meals vary depending on the tour, but most meals are included. They’re willing to help you arrange your flights as well, although it’s not included in the tour package.
They have several different travel styles:
Autumn Foliage: An exploration of the stunning fall colors and scenic landscapes in large cities, quaint towns, and countrysides around the world.
Cruises: Large cruise ship sailing. Experience dramatic landscapes, historic sightseeing, cultural ceremonies, and charming villages. Destinations include Hawaii, Alaska, and Canada.
Holidays and Special Events: A range of unique and special tours in Canada, USA, and Europe. Experience the Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race on a tour to Alaska, Christmas time in Colonial Williamsburg, the cherry blossom season in Washington DC, or the Passion Play in Oberammergau - which only happens once a decade! Many of these tours happen at very specific times of the year, so it’s important to plan these trips early on.
National Parks: Explore contrasting landscapes of mountains, luscious trees, glaciers, deserts, and more on a National Park Tour. These tours are largely focused on US and Canadian National Parks, along with trips to South Africa, India, and Sri Lanka. If you’re looking for a trip that simply bundles all of nature’s incredible feats, consider going on a tour with Mayflower to see Oregon’s Seven Wonders.
Natural Exploration: Tours around the world that combine nature, culture, and culinary into one trip.
River Cruising: The excitement never stops on a river cruise with Mayflower Tours. These ships travel through various parts of Europe and Asia. Many of these trips are made to coincide with special events and holidays. With a river cruise, you can visit Christmas markets in France and Germany, see the highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia, or make a stop in Germany to experience Oktoberfest.
Scenic Rail Experience: Sit back and relax as you pass by various breathtaking landscapes. You’ll be sure to see incredible views of mountains, lakes, oceans, countrysides, and vineyards.
Small Ship Adventures: Travel around in style as you hop aboard a yacht, luxury junk boat, or mini cruise ship. On top of experiencing all the history, culture, food, and nature a country has to offer, you’ll have beautiful views of blue ocean water.
Why Choose a Tour/Cruise With Mayflower Tours?
Professional tour guides
Budget-priced tours
Classic travel destinations
Quirky event and themed tours
Cruises and railway journeys
Attentive tour guides, and a strong attention to detail on the ground are part of what sets Mayflower tours apart. They are knowledgeable, understanding, and devoted to making your tours relaxing and memorable. There is something for everyone at an affordable rate, from the classic travel destinations to quirky themes and events. This is also your chance to partake in some of the most interesting cultural events and celebrations that the US and Europe have to offer. No matter what continent you decide to go to, Mayflower Tours will surely bring the fun.
They’re also a member of Tourism Cares, a non-profit foundation that takes responsibility in the preservation of historical sites around the world.
As if that’s not enough - they’ll pick you up from your house on your departure day if you live in the greater Chicagoland area or Florida’s Sun Coast area!
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Preferred
SmarTours
#22 Pick of 65 Arctic Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 1 Trip
Average Price
$ 259 per day
Size Global Operator
Service Level Budget
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Arctic
1 Tours in Arctic
Epic Journey to Africa with SmarTours
Epic Journey to Africa with SmarTours
Smartours was amazing in Africa. We had a great tour guide. 5 Star hotels and transportation.
We embarked on many safari adventures across Africa. We had the incredible opportunity to witness the magnificent "Big Five" animals, including lions, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards. We even had the thrilling experience of walking alongside wild lions and riding an elephant named Coco, accompanied by guides armed with rifles and shotguns for our safety, protecting us from lions, leopards, and poachers. Enchanting us with its grandeur, the mesmerizing Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia, known as the "Smoke that Thunders," captivated our admiration as the largest waterfall in the world. Embarking on a journey along the Zambezi River proved to be a thrilling adventure, as we came across the majestic hippos that call its waters home.
Additionally, we were fortunate to behold the majestic Table Mountain in South Africa and set out to daringly swim with sharks.
On our Journey to ALL 7 Continents, our travel experiences have taken us to incredible places all around the world. It is a matter of great pride for us to declare that we have traveled to every single Continent on Earth, placing us among a select group of fewer than 500,000 individuals throughout the entire span of human existence who have accomplished this feat.
During our extraordinary journey spanning all seven continents, we had the incredible opportunity to visit remarkable destinations:
- The majestic Grand Canyon. Flying over an active volcano in a helicopter and embraced the thrill of skydiving. Niagara Falls
- We explored the historic remnants of the Berlin Wall and immersed ourselves in the charming atmosphere of Nyhavn and visiting The Little Mermaid.
- In China, we marveled at the vastness of Tienamen Square and were in awe of the awe-inspiring Great Wall of China. We had the opportunity to visit the Shanghai Tower, which is the second tallest building in the world, and experience its impressive height firsthand.
- Down in the Land Down Under, we indulged in the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and enjoyed a memorable hot air balloon ride over the picturesque outback, where we even caught sight of kangaroos. We even partook in Cane Toad races.
- We embarked on a journey to the mystical Machu Picchu, ventured deep into the enchanting Amazon Jungle, cruised along the mighty Amazon River, and admired the iconic Christ The Redeemer statue.
We were fortunate to witness the breathtaking Iguazu Falls from both the Brazilian and Argentinean perspectives. Renowned as the second largest waterfall globally, Iguazu Falls captivated us with its sheer magnitude and natural splendor.
- We braved the extreme elements of the coldest, driest, and windiest place on Earth—the untouched Frozen Tundra of Antarctica.
We conquered the treacherous Drake Passage twice, braving the notorious Drake Shake and its towering 21-foot waves. It is renowned as one of the world's most perilous waterways.
Exploring Antarctica provided us an opportunity to witness first hand the breathtaking ice formations, observe penguins, seals, whales and birds in their natural habitat.
On March 17, 2023, at 3:45 pm, we achieved a significant milestone by officially landing at Orne Harbour in Antarctica, thus completing our mission to set foot on all seven continents. We had a heart-stopping thrill when our Arch-Nemesis, an Antarctic Fur Seal, nearly attacked us.
Just Say No!
Jan 2020, three of us booked the Enchanting Peru trip for Sep 2020. The trip was cancelled due to the pandemic and the bankruptcy of SmarTours. They were the only tour company that I did business with that went bankrupt.
On Feb 3, 2021 SmarTours sent me an email confirming my $300 credit for future travel. For three people that’s a total of $900. On May 15, 2023, Theresa Meyer, Co-President emailed me to use my credit and “to invite me to travel with us again.”
I responded to the invitation and offered a creative, Win Win solution, please use our $900 to book a day tour for us with one of their business partners. Theresa ultimately responded, “Unfortunately this is not something we can do. All of our partners are B2B and do not directly work with customers on individual day tours or excursions. It sounds like the best bet would be to transfer your credits to someone who is interested in going on one of our full trips. You may all transfer your credits to anyone you like. If they book their own airfare independently, we have several trips that come in under $2000 per person, inclusive of guide, entrance fees, hotels and transportation, covering anywhere from 7 to 13 days. Which is an incredible value. We do not offer any tours for only $300 or $900.”
Well I thought SmarTours was a business that used business partners which is B2B. In the time she took to craft that response she could have gone on Viator, GetYourGuide, or TripAdvisor to book a day tour for us.
I do not recommend using this tour company.
Egypt tour was great
The tour was geat, great accomodations, tour gides very helpful and ,hotels great cruise ship excellent , everthing was great
Founded in 1996, smarTours promises its customers the “Best Travel Bargains” by offering mostly all-inclusive guided tours throughout much of the world.
What Makes SmarTours Stand Out?
Airfare included
Affordable trips
Numerous ways to save
Local guides
Destinations around the world
SmarTours offers affordable tours along with great itineraries. Included in the price of all their tours is international airfare from the U.S., first-class hotels, sightseeing excursions, and English-speaking local guides.
SmarTours draws a large repeat business, taking travelers to such far-flung destinations as Thailand, Morocco, Japan, Peru, Patagonia, India, and Australia.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with SmarTours?
Budget travelers
Social travelers
History and culture lovers
Travelers who love traveling and care about experiencing the destination above all else - tourist sites, history, and culture - will love the feel of a SmarTours trip.
These tours are definitely for the budget minded - SmarTours offers numerous deals and specials throughout the year, and provides many other ways you can save money as well, including referring your friends and being a repeat SmarTours traveler.
Trips are comfortable and well guided, if not luxury or especially unique in tone. Airfare is included, which is a major selling point for SmarTours travelers.
SmarTours is perfect for the traveler who wants to get the most out of their travel experience, in terms of inclusions and time spent exploring the sites, both with a guide and with free time. If you are looking for a more cultivated, personalized experience, the SmarTours focus on keeping costs low doesn’t always allow for this. That said, this is budget travel that strives to appeal to a wider range.
SmarTours caters to all ages that are looking for good prices. They are largely popular amongst middle aged, 50+ travelers, and families.
Top Destinations
SmarTours travels all over the world, including Africa, Asia, South America and Cuba, Western and Eastern Europe, and the Mediterranean. Diverse itineraries are available in each destination.
SmarTours Travel Style
Large coaches
River and small ship cruises
Except for its cruise offerings -- primarily river cruises as well as Greek Island and Galapagos cruises -- transportation is generally by bus. Group sizes can reach 40 and beyond, but may also be smaller depending on the popularity of the trip. SmarTours will design custom trips for groups with at least 25-30 travelers.
Accommodations are between value and premium, comfortable with a step above basic amenities. You won’t spend much time in your hotel, as SmarTours makes the focus about the travel experiences on the ground. They care about ensuring that you have as much time as possible to explore with the guide and on your own.
Why Choose a Tour With SmarTours?
SmarTours is a complete bargain package for budget minded travelers. If you are looking for an unbeatable value, don’t mind a large group and want tours focused on exotic destinations, then SmarTours is a perfect choice for you.
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1-15 of 15 Providers Shown
15 Provider(s)
Reviews Write a Review
Highlights of Iceland was an awe inspiring trip of a lifetime with spectacular scenery, great guide and a small group of similarly interested travellers. Volcanoes, glaciers, geothermal sites, waterfalls, whales, interesting cities and seeing the northern lights made for a wonderful experience.
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
D
David
September 2019
Highlights of Iceland was an awe inspiring trip of a lifetime with spectacular scenery, great guide and a small group of similarly interested travellers. Volcanoes, glaciers, geothermal sites, waterfalls, whales, interesting cities and seeing the northern lights made for a wonderful experience.
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"Highlights of Iceland" was my first Peregrine Adventures holiday and I would not hesitate to recommend them to anybody considering a small group Adventure tour. From the accommodation, restaurants, transport and most importantly the friendly knowledgeable guide we had made this a memorable holuday I will never forget. Iceland exceeded all my expectations.
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
P
Patricia
June 2019
"Highlights of Iceland" was my first Peregrine Adventures holiday and I would not hesitate to recommend them to anybody considering a small group Adventure tour. From the accommodation, restaurants, transport and most importantly the friendly knowledgeable guide we had made this a memorable holuday I will never forget. Iceland exceeded all my expectations.
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An active walking trip through a diverse kaleidoscope of landscapes, from
volcanic craters, green verdant hills to snow fields. An excellent way to
experience nature and Iceland without the crowds.
Hiking in Kerlingafjoll in snowy conditions. A combination of hot steamy
geothermal activity, stark hills covered in snow. Bleak, and beautiful.
Wading through snowfields, and clambering up slippery snow covered hills. It
was a real adventure.
Gunnar was great. Stoic, quietly passionate, a good chef who fed us well,
and kept us safe. He showed us the beauty of Iceland sprinkled with
traditional folklore. His depth of knowledge of the flora and fauna was
impressive.
Be prepared for all seasons from sun, snow, rain, wind. Waterproofs
compulsory and walking poles are useful. The walking is technically not
difficult but you do have to be reasonably fit. We walked on average 6-8
hours per walking day. Adverse weather conditions may make it more difficult
walking through muddy, slippery conditions.
Definitely go sooner than later. Camping is becoming increasingly popular. We
went at the beginning of the season and missed the crowds.
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
A
Anonymous
August 2018
An active walking trip through a diverse kaleidoscope of landscapes, from
volcanic craters, green verdant hills to snow fields. An excellent way to
experience nature and Iceland without the crowds.
Hiking in Kerlingafjoll in snowy conditions. A combination of hot steamy
geothermal activity, stark hills covered in snow. Bleak, and beautiful.
Wading through snowfields, and clambering up slippery snow covered hills. It
was a real adventure.
Gunnar was great. Stoic, quietly passionate, a good chef who fed us well,
and kept us safe. He showed us the beauty of Iceland sprinkled with
traditional folklore. His depth of knowledge of the flora and fauna was
impressive.
Be prepared for all seasons from sun, snow, rain, wind. Waterproofs
compulsory and walking poles are useful. The walking is technically not
difficult but you do have to be reasonably fit. We walked on average 6-8
hours per walking day. Adverse weather conditions may make it more difficult
walking through muddy, slippery conditions.
Definitely go sooner than later. Camping is becoming increasingly popular. We
went at the beginning of the season and missed the crowds.
Read More
volcanic craters, green verdant hills to snow fields. An excellent way to
experience nature and Iceland without the crowds.
Hiking in Kerlingafjoll in snowy conditions. A combination of hot steamy
geothermal activity, stark hills covered in snow. Bleak, and beautiful.
Wading through snowfields, and clambering up slippery snow covered hills. It
was a real adventure.
Gunnar was great. Stoic, quietly passionate, a good chef who fed us well,
and kept us safe. He showed us the beauty of Iceland sprinkled with
traditional folklore. His depth of knowledge of the flora and fauna was
impressive.
Be prepared for all seasons from sun, snow, rain, wind. Waterproofs
compulsory and walking poles are useful. The walking is technically not
difficult but you do have to be reasonably fit. We walked on average 6-8
hours per walking day. Adverse weather conditions may make it more difficult
walking through muddy, slippery conditions.
Definitely go sooner than later. Camping is becoming increasingly popular. We
went at the beginning of the season and missed the crowds.
Such a privilege, travelling on a nuclear-powered Russian icebreaker which
spends most of the year keeping the northern Russian seaways clear for cargo
ships: a brilliant job was due to convert it temporarily for tourists. The
dour Heroes of the Motherland were retained to crew the vessel which made it
all the more atmospheric, but they couldn’t compete for character with the
polar bears, especially the one who was so co-operative for photos despite us
having distracted him from his kill.
The only downside was that we weren’t warned how hot the boat is: future
travellers need to take some light clothing for indoors.
The crunching and shuddering as the boat tackled the ice.
Brilliant, and obviously well-regarded by the rest of the team.
See above re light clothing.
Neither the Russians nor the Finns can make tea.
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
A
Anonymous
January 2018
Such a privilege, travelling on a nuclear-powered Russian icebreaker which
spends most of the year keeping the northern Russian seaways clear for cargo
ships: a brilliant job was due to convert it temporarily for tourists. The
dour Heroes of the Motherland were retained to crew the vessel which made it
all the more atmospheric, but they couldn’t compete for character with the
polar bears, especially the one who was so co-operative for photos despite us
having distracted him from his kill.
The only downside was that we weren’t warned how hot the boat is: future
travellers need to take some light clothing for indoors.
The crunching and shuddering as the boat tackled the ice.
Brilliant, and obviously well-regarded by the rest of the team.
See above re light clothing.
Neither the Russians nor the Finns can make tea.
Read More
spends most of the year keeping the northern Russian seaways clear for cargo
ships: a brilliant job was due to convert it temporarily for tourists. The
dour Heroes of the Motherland were retained to crew the vessel which made it
all the more atmospheric, but they couldn’t compete for character with the
polar bears, especially the one who was so co-operative for photos despite us
having distracted him from his kill.
The only downside was that we weren’t warned how hot the boat is: future
travellers need to take some light clothing for indoors.
The crunching and shuddering as the boat tackled the ice.
Brilliant, and obviously well-regarded by the rest of the team.
See above re light clothing.
Neither the Russians nor the Finns can make tea.
This was a marvellous trip and a great way of seeing two wonderful areas of
the Arctic. In Spitsbergen we saw polar bears and arctic foxes and sailed
through the ice to reach 80 degrees north. In Greenland we saw musk oxen and
puffins and the most amazing icebergs. We also visited an Inuit community
and had the occasional whale sighting.
The ship was great - the Ocean Adventurer. The cabin was comfortable and the
food was really good. The operator was first class. We had a great tour
leader and a full range of specialist guides, i.e. geologist, ornithologist,
photographer, marine biologist etc. They were professional and great fun.
the other guests were good company.
We had four days around Spitzbergen and four days around Greenland so we were
able to get a sense of both rather than concentrating on just one. So polar
bears AND icebergs!
You don't actually get to see Iceland as part of the tour but you do
disembark in Akureyri in north Iceland. We asked Exodus to change our flight
back to the UK so we could arrange seven days there. We then drove from
Akureyri to Keflavic along the Icelandic ring road seeing the major sights.
The waterfalls are truly amazing. Greenland is actually icy and Iceland is
green. So we had polar bears, icebergs and waterfalls in a three-week trip.
Note: to get to Spitzbergen you fly via Oslo. Exodus brought forward our
flight and booked us into a hotel for two nights so we had a short city break
as well. There are some great museums in Oslo (Munch, Viking Long Ship and
the Fram Museum of Arctic Exploration) and this was a great start to our
Arctic journey of a lifetime.
To see a polar bear jumping and swimming from ice-flow to ice-flow.
The expedition and ship staff were all first class. The operator was very
professional and we be very happy to travel again with them.
See above - the trip covers Spitzbergen and Greenland - you need to make
additional arrangements to see Iceland otherwise you just fly from Akureyri
to Keflavic for the flight home..
We'd already been to Antarctica. We found the artic different. No penguins
of course but we had polar bears, arctic foxes, musk oxen and puffins - and
visiting the Inuit village.
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
A
Anonymous
January 2018
This was a marvellous trip and a great way of seeing two wonderful areas of
the Arctic. In Spitsbergen we saw polar bears and arctic foxes and sailed
through the ice to reach 80 degrees north. In Greenland we saw musk oxen and
puffins and the most amazing icebergs. We also visited an Inuit community
and had the occasional whale sighting.
The ship was great - the Ocean Adventurer. The cabin was comfortable and the
food was really good. The operator was first class. We had a great tour
leader and a full range of specialist guides, i.e. geologist, ornithologist,
photographer, marine biologist etc. They were professional and great fun.
the other guests were good company.
We had four days around Spitzbergen and four days around Greenland so we were
able to get a sense of both rather than concentrating on just one. So polar
bears AND icebergs!
You don't actually get to see Iceland as part of the tour but you do
disembark in Akureyri in north Iceland. We asked Exodus to change our flight
back to the UK so we could arrange seven days there. We then drove from
Akureyri to Keflavic along the Icelandic ring road seeing the major sights.
The waterfalls are truly amazing. Greenland is actually icy and Iceland is
green. So we had polar bears, icebergs and waterfalls in a three-week trip.
Note: to get to Spitzbergen you fly via Oslo. Exodus brought forward our
flight and booked us into a hotel for two nights so we had a short city break
as well. There are some great museums in Oslo (Munch, Viking Long Ship and
the Fram Museum of Arctic Exploration) and this was a great start to our
Arctic journey of a lifetime.
To see a polar bear jumping and swimming from ice-flow to ice-flow.
The expedition and ship staff were all first class. The operator was very
professional and we be very happy to travel again with them.
See above - the trip covers Spitzbergen and Greenland - you need to make
additional arrangements to see Iceland otherwise you just fly from Akureyri
to Keflavic for the flight home..
We'd already been to Antarctica. We found the artic different. No penguins
of course but we had polar bears, arctic foxes, musk oxen and puffins - and
visiting the Inuit village.
Read More
the Arctic. In Spitsbergen we saw polar bears and arctic foxes and sailed
through the ice to reach 80 degrees north. In Greenland we saw musk oxen and
puffins and the most amazing icebergs. We also visited an Inuit community
and had the occasional whale sighting.
The ship was great - the Ocean Adventurer. The cabin was comfortable and the
food was really good. The operator was first class. We had a great tour
leader and a full range of specialist guides, i.e. geologist, ornithologist,
photographer, marine biologist etc. They were professional and great fun.
the other guests were good company.
We had four days around Spitzbergen and four days around Greenland so we were
able to get a sense of both rather than concentrating on just one. So polar
bears AND icebergs!
You don't actually get to see Iceland as part of the tour but you do
disembark in Akureyri in north Iceland. We asked Exodus to change our flight
back to the UK so we could arrange seven days there. We then drove from
Akureyri to Keflavic along the Icelandic ring road seeing the major sights.
The waterfalls are truly amazing. Greenland is actually icy and Iceland is
green. So we had polar bears, icebergs and waterfalls in a three-week trip.
Note: to get to Spitzbergen you fly via Oslo. Exodus brought forward our
flight and booked us into a hotel for two nights so we had a short city break
as well. There are some great museums in Oslo (Munch, Viking Long Ship and
the Fram Museum of Arctic Exploration) and this was a great start to our
Arctic journey of a lifetime.
To see a polar bear jumping and swimming from ice-flow to ice-flow.
The expedition and ship staff were all first class. The operator was very
professional and we be very happy to travel again with them.
See above - the trip covers Spitzbergen and Greenland - you need to make
additional arrangements to see Iceland otherwise you just fly from Akureyri
to Keflavic for the flight home..
We'd already been to Antarctica. We found the artic different. No penguins
of course but we had polar bears, arctic foxes, musk oxen and puffins - and
visiting the Inuit village.
A very, very special trip that kept on delivering five-star sightings right
to the very last moment.
Too many to choose from… the polar bear right under the bow? The Mexican
stand off between two bears on ice right beside us? The bloodied bear
feasting on seal surrounded by ivory gulls? Getting up close and personal
with walrus around the zodiac? Three-day old Arctic fox cubs? Stunning light
in the pack ice that turned our photographs into artwork? And I haven’t
even mentioned the whales – bowhead, beluga, fin, minke and blue. Just
incredible!
Paul Goldstein is all about delivery, and that’s why he has such repeat
business – close encounters with wildlife are just addictive. Very sadly
his wing-man on this trip, Mark Carwardine, was taken ill and had to fly home
before the trip left Longyearben so the burden was all on Paul to deliver
good cop AND bad cop tactics on the photography front, as well as liaise with
the expedition staff to ensure that we maximized our opportunities to see the
manifold delights of this incredible archipelago. He did a fantastic job.
This was a photographic charter and Paul’s determination for us to fill our
memory cards with nothing but the best wildlife viewings – taking into
account the major melt this year that required us to go beyond 81 degrees
north into the pack ice – paid off handsomely. Nate was a great Expedition
Team leader, and kudos to the team members who worked tirelessly to bring us
the best wildlife encounters. Particular mention to the Captain of the
Vavilov, who seemed able to turn that wonderful ship on a 10p piece when
required to manoeuvre closer to a feasting polar bear.
Take the best camera and lens that you can afford, and don’t forget a
wide-angle lens as the wildlife can be close and the scenery is stunning.
Take a lap-top so you can back up and review your photos to release your
memory cards – you’ll need all the space you can get, and delete as you
go. I found handwarmers very useful to slip into my gloves before an
excursion or if we had wildlife close to the ship and were outside for hours
at a time. Inside the ship it can be very warm, so bring layers rather than
heavy jumpers; and soft trainer style shoes for the ship is fine; it’s very
casual on board so leave your finery at home. Don’t get stressed by the
photography aspect and remember to just watch sometimes. The Arctic is a
very special place, so if you are still hesitating, then do take the plunge
(but not literally!); it’s not just the wildlife and scenery, the trip is
also great fun and generally full of like-minded people who enjoy a drink and
a laugh in the bar after a fabulous excursion.
You might think that this is a once in a lifetime trip. It’s not. You’ll
be hooked.
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
A
Anonymous
November 2017
A very, very special trip that kept on delivering five-star sightings right
to the very last moment.
Too many to choose from… the polar bear right under the bow? The Mexican
stand off between two bears on ice right beside us? The bloodied bear
feasting on seal surrounded by ivory gulls? Getting up close and personal
with walrus around the zodiac? Three-day old Arctic fox cubs? Stunning light
in the pack ice that turned our photographs into artwork? And I haven’t
even mentioned the whales – bowhead, beluga, fin, minke and blue. Just
incredible!
Paul Goldstein is all about delivery, and that’s why he has such repeat
business – close encounters with wildlife are just addictive. Very sadly
his wing-man on this trip, Mark Carwardine, was taken ill and had to fly home
before the trip left Longyearben so the burden was all on Paul to deliver
good cop AND bad cop tactics on the photography front, as well as liaise with
the expedition staff to ensure that we maximized our opportunities to see the
manifold delights of this incredible archipelago. He did a fantastic job.
This was a photographic charter and Paul’s determination for us to fill our
memory cards with nothing but the best wildlife viewings – taking into
account the major melt this year that required us to go beyond 81 degrees
north into the pack ice – paid off handsomely. Nate was a great Expedition
Team leader, and kudos to the team members who worked tirelessly to bring us
the best wildlife encounters. Particular mention to the Captain of the
Vavilov, who seemed able to turn that wonderful ship on a 10p piece when
required to manoeuvre closer to a feasting polar bear.
Take the best camera and lens that you can afford, and don’t forget a
wide-angle lens as the wildlife can be close and the scenery is stunning.
Take a lap-top so you can back up and review your photos to release your
memory cards – you’ll need all the space you can get, and delete as you
go. I found handwarmers very useful to slip into my gloves before an
excursion or if we had wildlife close to the ship and were outside for hours
at a time. Inside the ship it can be very warm, so bring layers rather than
heavy jumpers; and soft trainer style shoes for the ship is fine; it’s very
casual on board so leave your finery at home. Don’t get stressed by the
photography aspect and remember to just watch sometimes. The Arctic is a
very special place, so if you are still hesitating, then do take the plunge
(but not literally!); it’s not just the wildlife and scenery, the trip is
also great fun and generally full of like-minded people who enjoy a drink and
a laugh in the bar after a fabulous excursion.
You might think that this is a once in a lifetime trip. It’s not. You’ll
be hooked.
Read More
to the very last moment.
Too many to choose from… the polar bear right under the bow? The Mexican
stand off between two bears on ice right beside us? The bloodied bear
feasting on seal surrounded by ivory gulls? Getting up close and personal
with walrus around the zodiac? Three-day old Arctic fox cubs? Stunning light
in the pack ice that turned our photographs into artwork? And I haven’t
even mentioned the whales – bowhead, beluga, fin, minke and blue. Just
incredible!
Paul Goldstein is all about delivery, and that’s why he has such repeat
business – close encounters with wildlife are just addictive. Very sadly
his wing-man on this trip, Mark Carwardine, was taken ill and had to fly home
before the trip left Longyearben so the burden was all on Paul to deliver
good cop AND bad cop tactics on the photography front, as well as liaise with
the expedition staff to ensure that we maximized our opportunities to see the
manifold delights of this incredible archipelago. He did a fantastic job.
This was a photographic charter and Paul’s determination for us to fill our
memory cards with nothing but the best wildlife viewings – taking into
account the major melt this year that required us to go beyond 81 degrees
north into the pack ice – paid off handsomely. Nate was a great Expedition
Team leader, and kudos to the team members who worked tirelessly to bring us
the best wildlife encounters. Particular mention to the Captain of the
Vavilov, who seemed able to turn that wonderful ship on a 10p piece when
required to manoeuvre closer to a feasting polar bear.
Take the best camera and lens that you can afford, and don’t forget a
wide-angle lens as the wildlife can be close and the scenery is stunning.
Take a lap-top so you can back up and review your photos to release your
memory cards – you’ll need all the space you can get, and delete as you
go. I found handwarmers very useful to slip into my gloves before an
excursion or if we had wildlife close to the ship and were outside for hours
at a time. Inside the ship it can be very warm, so bring layers rather than
heavy jumpers; and soft trainer style shoes for the ship is fine; it’s very
casual on board so leave your finery at home. Don’t get stressed by the
photography aspect and remember to just watch sometimes. The Arctic is a
very special place, so if you are still hesitating, then do take the plunge
(but not literally!); it’s not just the wildlife and scenery, the trip is
also great fun and generally full of like-minded people who enjoy a drink and
a laugh in the bar after a fabulous excursion.
You might think that this is a once in a lifetime trip. It’s not. You’ll
be hooked.
Tour Spitsbergen Explorer
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