Best Nature Tour Companies
107 Travel Providers meet your criteria (Providers 21 to 40 shown)
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Abercrombie & Kent
#31 Pick of 1340 Nature Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 372 Trips
Average Price
$ 763 per day
Size Global Operator
Service Level Luxury
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Trips in Nature
28 Tours in Nature
High Fees with Low Quality Experience
Recently traveled throughout Japan coordinated by A & K. Two couples, paid $4k per day for excursions alone (hotel not included). Experience FAR below what one would expect for this fee. Lunch at a food court in a mall. Nothing unique or helpful to elevate the experience. Booking the activities ourself would have cost less than half the total fee we paid. Guides were pleasant but certainly not insightful or highly knowledgable. Called A & K and spoke with Julie Skrei, director of sales, to explain our experience. She was highly defensive and rude. I would caution you strongly about using this company for any travel. Looked online and they actually rank 1.8 out of 5 stars on Yelp with similar experiences described there. Wish I had read those before agreeing to using their service.
COMPANY IS IN REAL FINACIAL TROUBLE
THIS COMPANY HELD ME FINACIALLY HOSTAGE FOR A AFRICAN MAY 2021 SAFARI. I HAD TO CANCELL THE SEPTEMBER 2021 TRIP BECAUSE THEY BASCIALLY STEALLING MONEY FROM ME. DO NOT BOOK WITH THEM.
Best tour; from the guides to the hotels to the sites - absolutely top notch
We did a private tour of Peru with A&K for our 30th wedding anniversary. It was truly remarkable. The attention to detail, sites we visited, hotels we stayed at and meals were absolutely fantastic. From the moment we arrived at the airport to the moment dropped off at the end of our tour we were made to feel special. Fantastic guide who told us the history and showed us the parts other tours miss. Highly recommended
Co-founded by current CEO Geoffrey Kent in 1962, Abercrombie & Kent started out in modest fashion as an African safari operator, but quickly grew into one of the world's premiere luxury travel brands. Today they cover the globe, with 50 offices worldwide.
What Makes Abercrombie & Kent Stand Out?
Award-winning luxury tour operator
Insider-access opportunities
Focus on culture, wildlife, and history
Abercrombie & Kent is one of the world’s leading luxury travel companies. The emphasis is very much on luxury here -- whether it’s small-group travel (limit of 18 per group), tailor-made journeys, expedition cruises, train travel, African safaris, European barge cruises, or any of its many other offerings, just about everything A&K arranges is top of the line.
They are specific in their travel style, promising superior and attentive service, comfort, and cultural exploration. While this may seem exclusionary - and the prices are quite a barrier to entry.
Luxury travel might have a reputation for being swanky and even perhaps a bit dull, particularly for those who travel for adventure, the image being a glass of champagne all day long, moving from meal to meal, sitting on the private deck of a cruise ship. This perspective is a misnomer however, as there is quite a bit of action available on tours with Abercrombie & Kent.
Enjoy invigorating walks, hikes, get outdoors to remote locations, meeting local people and learning about their cultures; experience the thrill of getting up close to waterfalls, and poise your camera for the perfect shot on a safari. Then retire to your room for a cocktail before dinner.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Abercrombie & Kent?
Ages 65-75
Luxury travelers
Abercrombie & Kent travelers embody an adventurous spirit, but enjoy the finer things as well. “Elegant exploration” is one way to put it. These travelers appreciate a slow pace and personalized attentive service. The age range tends to be older - baby boomers and seniors looking for a relaxing experience, with many cultural touch-points, but not overly “immersive” as their children and grandchildren might prefer.
This is upper crest travel at its finest - though Abercrombie & Kent makes a concerted effort to be worldly and inviting, your experience is definitely a luxury version of any given destination. This is a travel company that offers Private Jet trips, some of which offering the chance to meet an Abercrombie & Kent family member.
Think private after hours tours, exclusive outings with artisans, chefs, and winemakers; spectacular meals and accommodations that go a touch beyond comfortable. Imagine the civilized world of cocktail hour and dressing for dinner, but in the context of exploration. Perhaps you’re sipping your negroni on the deck of your private suite in Kenya, gazing out across the savannah with elephants silhouetted in the distance, against the dusty yellow sunlight of dusk. This is the wonderful travel world waiting for you with Abercrombie & Kent.
The majority of A&K’s guests come from North America or Britain. A&K trips are definitely not for the budget traveler, but they offer deluxe lodgings and transport and exceptionally attentive service, which their customers value highly.
Top Destinations
Abercrombie & Kent made its name offering luxury small group and private safaris in Africa. Today they go around the world, but with the same luxurious approach.
Luxury doesn’t mean same-old, same-old or unadventurous though. Groups head off on Antarctic expeditions or Uganda gorilla safaris, visit Tibet or Machu Picchu, join a European or Nile river cruise, or travel to India’s Pushkar Fair.
You can ride deluxe trains or fly across Africa by private jet with Abercrombie & Kent. Or you can outline your own tailor-made journey under the guidance of an A&K consultant, then be accompanied by their guides throughout.
Abercrombie & Kent Travel Style
There could be a tendency to view Abercrombie & Kent as old fashioned when it comes to travel style. However there is a difference between old fashioned and appreciating a traditional travel style. Those who travel with Abercrombie & Kent do expect a certain kind of experience. From luggage handling to having the salad fork in the correct order, from short or non-existent lines to special assistance when needed. These expectations have become the blueprint for an Abercrombie & Kent travel experience.
Transportation on an Abercrombie & Kent tour is almost always private and chartered. Exceptions would of course be rail journeys, but here you would have a private car and access to first class dining and viewing. Your journey may involve anything from helicopters, private jets, luxury coaches, and yachts. Walking is a common part of most guided tours, but you can expect simple and easy distances during your A&K itinerary. (Unless of course you are on a Gorilla Trek!).
Accommodation follows a similar pattern. Luxury hotels, safari lodges, villas, you name it and it’s probably available.
Why Choose a Tour With Abercrombie & Kent?
Abercrombie & Kent promises to deliver an authentic, “insider” travel experience, such as seeing Machu Picchu under the guidance of its former resident archaeologist. You can even ride an elegant train to get there. In Tanzania, A&K runs its own luxury safari camps.
From the time they first meet you at the airport until trip end, Abercrombie & Kent promises that your trip will go as smoothly as possible -- and that their entire global organization will be dedicated toward that goal.
It may strike some as contradictory to see certain parts of the world in luxury. Some countries have luxury homes, but they are only available to tourists and travelers because the locals simply occupy a different social sphere. There is a unique dependency on tourism in much of the world. Abercrombie & Kent takes this seriously, doing their philanthropic part wherever possible, giving back to the local communities.
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Alexander + Roberts
#226 Pick of 1340 Nature Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 302 Trips
Average Price
$ 391 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 8 – 12 days
Trip Prices $ 2,399 – $ 2,399
Service Level Luxury
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Nature
2 Tours in Nature
past cultures was outstanding.
The attention of our guide to our needs and assurance of our visiting all sites - his knowledge of the areas and history and insight into the present and past cultures was outstanding.
Paid In Full to Go Nowhere
I chose the small group China Sampler and paid in full in December 2018 for the April 2020 departure to get the $300 discount. After that it was just waiting and waiting and waiting. I was looking to start making airline flight plans to and return from China in April 2019. But when my travel agent contacted A&R she discovered that I was the only one signed up for the small group tour. This continued through the remainder of 2019. I actually called A&R direct one day to find out what was going on. I was then told about the 90 day out policy before they would cancel the trip. I asked a couple of times through my travel agent if A&R could just go ahead and cancel out the tour and refund my money, but was told there might be some last minute people to sign up for a trip to China. So basically A&R had my $5,000 plus fully paid fee to invest and use as they chose for over a year. January 10 or 20 was the 90 day before date I was told when a decision would be made to cancel. On January 9th I checked the website of A&R and saw by the small group tour for April 9-19 the words "Sold Out". So I'm thinking "Oh, maybe they did get enough last minute people to go?" So I sent my travel agent info on what airline flights I would like to take to China and back. The next day I was sent an email from my agent letting me know that A&R had cancelled the April small group trip to China for the dates I had selected. So the "Sold Out" descriptor apparently was an attempt to save face by not admitting they could not fill the small group trip with enough people to make the trip happen. Not a very "transparent" policy. About a month before A&R did offer to have me join the May China Sampler trip, but those dates did not meet my travel plans. I never received an apology directly from A&R. No offer for a discount on a future tour, nothing. Last time I will ever consider A&R for any type of tour.
Superb in both Seba Camp
The Tour Guides were superb in both Seba Camp (Joseph) and Little Makalolo Camp (Paul). We saw virtually every animal possible in closer proximity than we imagined possible. Accommodations great and food exceptional.
Mongolia’s Naadam Festival and Lake Baikal
Trip Style: Group tour
Highlights of Costa Rica
Trip Style: Self-guided tour
Founded in 1947, Alexander + Roberts holds the distinction of being one of the oldest guided tour companies around, and a founding member of USTOA. Unlike many tour companies, they focus equally on small group, private group, and customized travel.
What Makes Alexander + Roberts Stand Out
Historical legacy
Authentic experiences
Exotic and classic destinations
Local guides
Unique itineraries
Alexander + Roberts has over 70 years of tour experience. In fact, the company was the first to provide guided tours of the former Soviet Union during the Cold War era. Since then, A + R have been pioneers, traveling to new far-flung locations like Burma and Cuba before many other operators.
There can be a tendency for old and established guided travel companies to seem out of touch and stuffy, while also getting unwieldy if they try too hard to adapt to the modern traveler.
Alexander + Roberts has managed to remain firm to their classic yet innovative roots - an old fashioned charm comes across. You’ll find a blend of classic itineraries as well as more unique experiences and themes.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Alexander + Roberts?
Affluent travelers
50+ and Seniors
Couples
Active travelers
Alexander + Roberts is a US-based tour operator for the affluent traveler wanting to venture beyond the ordinary in a comfortable manner. A + R is best for those travelers looking for a small-group experience with an added element of luxury. They also offer private journeys, custom itineraries, and fully supported independent travel options.
This is not budget travel by any means. Unlike most tour companies today that don’t require a single supplement, they do (for most tours) at “only $700”. Many activities and meals are included on Alexander + Roberts small group tours.
So if you have more of an independent streak and would like some flexibility but aren’t interested in a private or tailor made trip, you may want to explore other tour companies that provide more free time during the itinerary.
If you’re looking for a professionally planned trip with expertise, luxury, and attention to detail baked into the price then Alexander + Roberts is a good place to start.
Top Destinations
A + R offers hundreds of trips on six continents, including Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. They also offer small-ship cruising in the Americas, Antarctica, Asia, and Europe.
Alexander + Roberts Travel Style
Small groups (16 max)
Private travel
Tailor made travel
Most meals and activities included
Alexander + Roberts purposefully keeps their tour group sizes small - maximum 16, for added flexibility and authenticity. Hotels are a mix of unique local and boutique properties, all with a touch of luxury. Most meals are included on their standard group departures and guides are local, with the in-depth knowledge that comes with it.
Why Choose a Tour with Alexander + Roberts?
If you’re looking for a refined experience that still gets you under the surface of a destination, then Alexander & Roberts could be for you. Their trips are not cheap, but do provide good value with many inclusions and years of experience in the industry.
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Cosmos
#225 Pick of 1340 Nature Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 144 Trips
Average Price
$ 175 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 12 – 19 days
Trip Prices $ 2,697 – $ 4,709
Service Level Budget
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Trips in Nature
5 Tours in Nature
Cosmos? No
We've taken over 10 group tours using Cosmos and Gate1. This trip last month, 9000 was not very good.
-During booking, incorrect information was given about airport-hotel transfers
-The whispers (listening devices) didn't work from the get-go, so no whispers were used during the 13 day trip.
- Porters are no longer hired to bring your luggage to and from your room. (Very elderly had to handle their own luggage. Our friends had to help many of them.)
-A few days into the trip one couple left. At the end of the trip we found out they had covid. Cosmos did not let us know; a few people weren't feeling well and two of our friends then tested positive.
-One hotel was awful and not even up to "budget" standards
-Many of the stops had castles, churches... but were not included, so be sure to count that in when pricing.
don't plan to use Cosmos ever again. Gate1 is the best in my opinion. When my husband's passport was stolen, they assigned someone to go with him to the embassy, translate, etc...It was above and beyond what we expected

Terrible
Expectations were fairly high and they were still exceeded. We considered this the best trip we have ever taken and my wife and I have zero complaints.
Excellent Experience and Excellent Guide
I would highly recommend this company and some trips to Scandinavia and Baltic. The countries are amazing, the service and our guide Ausra Paukste was really the best ever. If you wish to visit this region consider Cosmos company.
Alaska & the Yukon with Alaska Cruise
Trip Style: Group tour
Alaska & the Yukon
Trip Style: Group tour
Cosmos promises to “turn your travel dreams into reality” by offering affordable tours in several parts of the world. Part of the Globus group of travel brands, Cosmos has been running escorted tours for five decades since the 1960s. It touts its clout with hotels and other travel providers as a way of keeping down costs, with savings passed on to their customers. Most expenses are included in the tours, though you may be on your own for some meals and optional excursions.
Cosmos started out offering value-priced European coach tours for budget-minded travelers, and now has added North American, South American, and some Middle East and North African destinations as well. Religious-themed tours of southern Europe and Israel as well as holiday season tours are all part of the mix.
The company emphasizes that when you tour Europe, for example, you’ll stay like Europeans do, eat like Europeans do, and “share the European view of Europe.” That generally means comfortable but not luxury hotels, well-chosen neighborhood restaurants, varied means of transportation, and guided sightseeing of all the “must-see” sites, with extended stays in key cities. Cosmos also offers plenty of free time to explore on your own, a way of personalizing your group tour a bit.
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Lindblad Expeditions
#228 Pick of 1340 Nature Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 86 Trips
Average Price
$ 827 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 8 – 16 days
Trip Prices $ 5,990 – $ 12,690
Service Level Luxury
Operator Type
Small Ship & Expedition Cruise Line
Trips in Nature
6 Tours in Nature
Never made the trip, have not been reimbursed by travel insurance
I had to withdraw from a trip due to pneumonia. Six months later, after my submission was long approved, I still am unable to receive reimbursement from TripMate, the travel insurance company. I will never use Nat Geo or Lindblad for another trip, though I had planned to. That they would work with such a untenable partner company is incomprehensible.
That money wasn't meant for them
They could improve by RETURNING the $6.6 million in CARES ACT money they took, that was SUPPOSED to go to SMALL business so they could keep folks on the payroll during the 'rona shut down.
They are a publicly traded company with a Market value of $264 million.
That money wasn't meant for them.
They are scum.
UnCruise is an amazing dream!!
UnCruise is an amazing dream!! The crew, the sales team, the office team, all go out of their way to make sure your experience is unforgettable. We were on the August 1, 2020 cruise. Even tho things didn’t go quite the way we planned, UnCruise was unbelievable. We will be back. UnCruise was my first ever cruise. They will be the only company we ever cruise with.
The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland
Trip Style: Small ship cruise
Under Sail: Greece to the Dalmatian Coast aboard the Sea Cloud
Trip Style: Small ship cruise
Lindblad Expeditions is an expedition cruise specialist with almost 50 years experience. The company was founded by Antarctic explorer, Lars-Eric Lindblad in 1969, who pioneered leisure travel expedition cruises to places like Antarctica and the Galapagos.
What Makes Them Stand Out?
Lindblad is one of the most well-known adventure travel brands in the world, with a rich history of exploring the far corners of the earth. All of their trips have an element of education, such as lectures from naturalists and photographers. In fact, Lindblad has long partnered with National Geographic to provide this enriching, educational aspect to their tours. Although you are on board with a large group, sometimes 100+ people, this is not your typical group tour. Travelers have flexibility and can choose their daily activities based on personal interest. In places like Antarctica, smaller groups form to make landings via a zodiac boat.
Who Travels With Them?
Lindblad attracts a curious, well-educated traveler - someone who wants to truly immerse themselves in nature and their surroundings, versus a more passive traveler. Lindblad travelers have diverse backgrounds such as professional photographers, artists, teachers, and scientists. You can expect your expedition group to be of all ages, although many passengers are 40+.
Where Do They Operate?
Lindblad offers a wide range of tours to classic expedition cruise destinations like the Galapagos, Alaska, and Antarctica as well as non-traditional places like Costa Rica, Panama, and the British Isles. Their fleet of ships numbers 10 in total.
Why Travel With Them?
If you’ve always wanted to explore distant places like Antarctica or tough-to-reach lands like the Galapagos, then Lindblad could be your best bet. They have many years experience fine tuning their hands-on, but comfortable, expeditions to provide a fun, educational experience. This certainly isn’t your classic cruise experience.
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National Geographic Expeditions
#2 Pick of 1340 Nature Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 63 Trips
Average Price
$ 714 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 7 – 24 days
Trip Prices $ 3,150 – $ 67,950
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Nature
32 Tours in Nature
How to Ruin a Trip to Norway
My husband and I took the Norway "Trains and Fjords" tour because neither of wanted to drive the twisty roads to see the majestic areas and wanted to avoid a cruise ship. The main problem was that our guide was seriously sick -- coughing and hacking and barely able to talk. This was in Norway, where people can take sick leave! Did Nat Geo not have any backup plan? At one stop, the guide left us to go to a pharmacy. There was a sick passenger, too, and instead of protecting the rest of the passengers from getting infected, the guide seated the sick passenger in tight quarters with the rest of us. Neither of them did anything to cover their coughs or avoid exposing the other tour members. My husband and I both got sick, and had to leave the tour early and we had a few thousand dollars extra in travel expenses because of that, on top of the ridiculous cost of the trip.
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.
Galápagos Photo Expedition
Trip Style: Small ship cruise
Land of the Polar Bears
Trip Style: Small ship cruise
Tanzania Photo Safari
Trip Style: Private guided 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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AMA Waterways
#233 Pick of 1340 Nature Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 26 Trips
Average Price
$ 429 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 8 – 20 days
Trip Prices $ 2,799 – $ 14,495
Service Level Luxury
Operator Type
River Cruise Line
Trips in Nature
13 Tours in Nature
I’ve sailed with AmaWaterways 4 times
I’ve sailed with AmaWaterways 4 times. They are the best! You become family. I can’t wait to sail with them again!
Cancel for any reason
AMA’s “Cancel for any reason” insurance is bogus. It should be called rebook for any reason.
There is no better society
Er is geen betere maatschappij!!!!!
The Enchanting Rhine
Trip Style: River cruise
Magnificent Europe
Trip Style: River cruise
Enticing Douro
Trip Style: River cruise
Known especially for its top-notch onboard regional cuisine, Ama is the only river cruise line to join La Chaine des Rotisseurs, a prestigious gastronomic society. Passengers tend to be affluent, over age 50, and interested in a mostly casual, all-inclusive experience with minimal hassle; cruise directors make sure everything runs smoothly. Good service is prized.
Ama has won awards for its spacious, stylish cabin designs, and passengers can expect lots of complimentary perks: shore excursions, wine and beer at lunch and dinner, Internet access in every cabin (in Europe), and bicycles for use in port are all included in the price. Many cabins in its newer ships have both French and outdoor balconies.
Originally called Amadeus Waterways when it was founded in 2002, California-based AmaWaterways later changed its name but hasn’t changed its prime customers: mostly North Americans, British, Australians, and English-speaking Europeans (English is the official language onboard).
Ama has undergone rapid expansion and now cruises on three continents. Europe tops the roster, with fifteen ships sailing the Danube, Rhine, Main, Moselle, Douro, Seine, and Rhone rivers. Three ships ply the Mekong and Irrawaddy rivers in Southeast Asia, while Russia (on the Volga-Baltic Waterway between Moscow and St. Petersburg) and Africa (on the Chobe River in Botswana) each sport one ship.
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Viking River Cruises
#230 Pick of 1340 Nature Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 19 Trips
Average Price
$ 280 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 10 – 23 days
Trip Prices $ 2,199 – $ 9,802
Service Level Luxury
Operator Type
River Cruise Line
Trips in Nature
6 Tours in Nature
Viking River Cruise Capitals of Eastern Europe
Most of the people on this 17-day river cruise was quite elderly and infirm. Therefore the complimentary excursions were painfully slow walking. Local guides mostly told stories of their own upbringing and the conflicts they lived through. There was not much history on any of the excursions; and none of the buildings we saw gave us an opportunity to go inside, even the paid excursions. The accommodations were excellent, except that we paid for the best veranda but could not sit on our veranda because for the first 5 days our ship was packed tight next to another Viking ship. Food was good, except for dinners which were quite mediocre and never captured the flavor of the local foods.
Misleading and often just plain dishonest.
We paid for a 3 week luxury river cruise but received a large group bus trip across Europe with many days of packing and unpacking. I called our Viking representative when we received an email message just 2 days prior to departure that mentioned a possibility of problems with low river levels. I was assured that everything was "normal" In reality, as we learned later from ship personnel, nothing has been normal for at least 3 months. About 2 weeks prior to departure, we received by mail, lovely personalized booklets describing all the details of our voyage on the Viking Lif, which we were to board in Russe, Romania. Instead, we boarded the Viking Aegir but not at Russe, because the Danube was too low. Instead we rode buses upstream to a port on the Romanian side directly opposite our first scheduled stop at Nikopol, Bulgaria. We had a beautiful cruise through the Iron gate gorge, but after three more scheduled stops in Bulgaria, Serbia, and Croatia, our voyage was terminated in Mohacs, Hungary, an unscheduled place two days short of reaching Budapest. So we were herded into buses for a 1.8 hour ride each way to our scheduled stop at Kalocsa. The next day we retraced the journey to Kalocsa and continued an extra 1.5 hours to reach Budapest. We lost the entire morning in Budapest and spent the night at the Marriott hotel. The next day we lost the entire afternoon in that city because we had to take a 4 hour bus ride to Vienna. Where we were put aboard the Viking Embla. Our voyage on that ship ended two steps later at Passau Germany. After a day in Passau we went upriver for a short distance and it seemed that we had entered the canal to take us to the Main river. But much to our surprise, it was a dead end channel for an industrial port. We spent two days there with our balcony room moored tightly against another Viking ship so there was nothing to look at but the scenery at that site was even worse than looking at someone else's window and the balcony was unusable anyway due to the unpleasant odors at that site. The pattern continued with a long round trip bus ride the next day to our scheduled stop at Regensburg and a 3 plus hour trip the following day to Nuremberg where we finally boarded the Viking Lif. A crew member told us that the Lif had not traveled east of Nuremberg for 3 months. We sailed from Nuremberg to scheduled stops in Bamberg, Wurzburg, and Werthiem and then our voyage terminated for good at an unscheduled port in Mainz. Once again we endured a long round trip journey to our next scheduled stop at Koblenz, followed by a 10 plus hour bus trip (with lunch and a walking tour in Cologne) to Amsterdam and a night in a hotel. Despite a promise that our bags would be in our rooms (they did take great care to provide us with tags so they could easily keep our bags organized) all the baggage was dumped in the hotel garage and it took a good 15 minutes of searching to find it and then take it to our rooms ourselves. There is much more, but it would only be more descriptive of the misery of this trip. We know Viking didn't cause the low river levels, but they did not need to lie to us and make us suffer because of it.
Tourico Vacations -Rhine River Cruise
Rhine Getaway Itinerary:
We sailed from Basel, Switzerland up north on the Rhine River and ended at Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Viking also offers the same route in reverse, from Amsterdam to Basel so you can pick either. For a couple stops on the journey, boats running in opposite cities are docked together.
We had a wonderful time and especially loved how organized the entire Viking journey was, from pre-departure to on-board, everything was seamless. Also unlike many other cruises or guided tours, almost everything was included, which made it feel like a truly relaxing vacation.
Here’s a snapshot of our 7-day itinerary and what we got up to each day!
Day 1: Arrive in Basel, Switzerland
We arrived in the small, quaint town of Basel after our international flight. This was the general arrival / travel date so we expected to just check in and relax but discovered that Viking organized a guided walking tour of the town. That was a nice surprise!
There’s also the option to arrive a couple days early and/or stay a couple days late. If you are thinking of this, here’s a quick guide to the best hotels in Basel to help with accommodation.
Basel is an underrated tourist attraction and the third largest city in Switzerland. The town has a gorgeous Medieval center and plenty of world-class art museums. There’s a reason Art Basel is held here!
We checked out the Romanesque cathedral, took endless pictures of the colorful medieval buildings and headed back to our ship to relax and meet everyone for cocktails and dinner. A great first day!
Read more: An Afternoon in Basel, Switzerland’s Most Underrated City!
Day 2: Germany’s Black Forest & Colmar, France
On our second day, we sailed northward to dock at Breisach, Germany. In the morning, we learned how to make cuckoo-clocks, put together Black Forest cake and walked a bit throughout the Black Forest.
The wooded mountain range is the site of many local legends and populated all over with black fir trees. If you like hiking, the mountains are wonderful!
In the afternoon, we signed up for an optional tour to Colmar. Located in the Alsace Lorraine region, the town is part of France but throughout much of history, changed hands between Germany and France. You’ll find lots of German and French spoken as a result!
I highly recommend visiting this quaint medieval town. Every street looks perfectly preserved and it’s quite colorful. We wandered mostly on our own, ducking into gelato shops and chocolate stores while enjoying the colorful, medieval feel.
Read more: The Most Picturesque Alsatian Town of Colmar
Day 3: Strasbourg, France
If you skip the optional to Colmar, no worries! Strasbourg is its larger cousin and also located in Alsace, France.
We had a wonderful guide for this day who guided us throughout the small canals, pointing out colorful streets and letting us know about Strasbourg’s tangled history in the hands of Germany and France.
Strasbourg occupies a strategic position on the Rhine River and is the ninth largest city in France. It’s home to many European councils and organizations, like the European Court of Human Rights (a building built like a ship) and the Council of Europe.
For the most part, we stuck to the Old Medieval Town but drove through the modern section. Highly recommend a visit to the Cathedral!
Read more: 24 Hours in Strasbourg (coming soon)
Day 4: Heidelberg, Germany
Heidelberg is a university town with a energetic, small town feel. In the morning, we visited Heidelberg Castle, which perhaps should be called a ruined fortress, as much of it was destroyed by lightening, fires and war.
The ruins and castle are built high above the city and the observation terrace is well worth a look! Meanwhile, the city was almost entirely spared from bomb attacks during World War II and it’s narrow streets and baroque charm remain largely intact.
We explored Heidelberg’s Old Town (Altstadt) by walking along the main shopping street Hauptstrasse. This is actually the longest shopping street in Europe! For the most part, I spotted large chain stores & restaurants.
I actually recommend skipping this street to explore the quaint alleyways and backstreets instead. Much more picturesque!
Read more: The Best of Heidelberg Germany in 1 Day
Day 5: Rhine River Castles & Koblenz, Germany
By day 5, we had reached the middle Rhine and spent our morning above deck watching the gorgeous small German towns and castles along both sides of the Rhine River. Our Viking program director gave a guided tour along the way, pointing out castles left and right.
Many of them are situated high above local towns and we saw lots of German camper vans parked at the base. I recommend bringing a pair of binoculars for this part, as some of the castles can be set a bit farther away and the detail through a zoom is incredible.
By afternoon, we reached Koblenz, a city set at the mouth of two rivers. We explored Marksburg Castle and wandered a bit on our own after. This was another ruined fortress high above the river. Interesting history, but wear good shoes! The entire castle is unpaved, rocky and entirely uneven.
A couple others from the cruise did the optional dinner excursion on this day and raved about it.
Read more: A Photo Diary of Pretty Rhine Castles
Day 6: Cologne, Germany
During the Holy Roman Empire, Cologne was the largest medieval town in Europe. Naturally, it’s Gothic cathedral is the hallmark draw! The nice thing about this stop is the ship can dock right into town, so you can join the tour or explore on your own.
We explored the Kölner Dom’s interior and were suitably awed. If you want a great view, Viking offers an optional tour that takes you all the way to the very top! I had already been to Cologne on a previous trip so instead, we opted for a palace excursion.
We visited Augustusburg Castle, one of two gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage site classified as Bruhl Palaces. The castle was once home to the prince-archbishops of Cologne and is decked out in gold, marble and all-around extravagance.
I particularly liked the massive entryway staircase which was gilded and made my mouth drop open when we turned the corner. Highly recommend this day trip if you love castles half as much as I do!
The interiors were really unique and the guided tour was excellent. After the main palace, we did a quick tour of the hunting lodge as well, which was just as stunning.
Read more: Exploring Cologne (coming soon)
Day 7: Kinderdijk, The Netherlands
Kinderdijk is home to the Netherlands’ famous windmills. I’ll admit I didn’t know too much about the country outside of Amsterdam and our guide was quite helpful to explain the history of the nation and the purpose of its many windmills. Much of the Netherlands would sink, were it not for windmills to pump away water.
We even got to tour inside the home of a windmill keeper (see photos of a windmill interior here!). What I didn’t realize was that windmill caretakers actually lived inside them with their families!
I thought the interiors were particularly interesting and our guide mentioned that some Dutch families managed to fit 13 children inside.
They’re quite small so I noticed lots of hooks for hanging, curved bunk-bed type rooms and lots of stair ladders. The Dutch windmill keepers also had a number of really unique boats which I took too many pictures of!
Fun fact: Kinderdijk is in the region of Holland in the nation of The Netherlands where the people speak Dutch.
Read more: Visiting A Dutch Windmill Home (and other day trips from Amsterdam!)
The Rhine Getaway Cruise
One thing I liked about sailing with Viking is how leisurely the day to day pace is. There’s generally an opportunity to sight see in the morning and afternoon, with one included tour and one optional tour.
We chose to do 2 optionals and on the other days, relaxed on board or went into town to explore on our own! It was a well-balanced pace and I truly felt “on vacation”.
Here’s a recap of our daily itinerary with Viking:
Day 1 Arrive in Basel, Switzerland
Day 2 Morning: Sail to the Black Forest
Afternoon: Explore Colmar, France
Day 3 Explore Strasbourg, France
Day 4 Morning: Explore Heidelberg’s Castle and Old Town.
Evening: Stop in Rudesheim
Day 5 Morning: See German castles along the Rhine River
Afternoon: Visit Koblenz, Germany
Day 6 Morning: Visit Cologne, Germany
Afternoon: Day trip to Bruhl Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Day 7 See dutch windmills at Kinderdijk. Arrive in Amsterdam in late evening.
Watch video: Tourico Vacations Viking River Cruise
Pathways of the Pharaohs
Trip Style: River cruise
France's Finest
Trip Style: River cruise
European sojourn
Trip Style: River cruise
Founded in 1997 as a line offering Russian river cruises to Europeans, Viking expanded to the North American market in 2000.
What Makes Them Stand Out?
Since 2007, Viking River Cruises has zoomed from carrying one-fifth to one-half of all passengers in the fast-growing European river cruise market. Not only is Viking the world’s largest river cruise line with some 66 ships now in service around the globe, but the line is operating at near full capacity in Europe, with many itineraries sold out months in advance.
Who Travels With Them?
They cater primarily to “culturally curious” English-speaking Americans, Canadians, British, Australians, and New Zealanders aged 55-plus. (Think sophisticated viewers of PBS’ “Downton Abbey,” which its helps to sponsor.)
Where Do They Operate?
Besides European rivers such as the Rhine, Danube, Moselle, Seine, Duoro, and the waterways of Russia between Moscow and St. Petersburg, Viking now cruises three rivers in Southeast Asia -- the Yangtze, Mekong, and Irrawaddy -- and along the Nile in Egypt.
Why Travel With Them?
While they may not rank as the most luxurious river ships, many of Viking’s vessels are sleek, innovative, and freshly minted: the line has added 18 new ships in 2014 alone. Overall, Viking has established a reputation for offering an incredible value - high-quality service, food, and guided shore excursions at competitive prices, all adding up to strong repeat customer loyalty rates.
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Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T. Tours)
#34 Pick of 1340 Nature Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 19 Trips
Average Price
$ 290 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 12 – 33 days
Trip Prices $ 2,995 – $ 9,190
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Nature
18 Tours in Nature
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.
Northern Greece, Albania & Macedonia: Ancient Lands of Alexander the Great
Trip Style: Small group tour
Australia & New Zealand: An Adventure Down Under
Trip Style: Group tour
Chile: From the Atacama Desert to the Patagonian Fjords
Trip Style: 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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Grand Circle Travel
#234 Pick of 1340 Nature Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 13 Trips
Average Price
$ 220 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 12 – 20 days
Trip Prices $ 2,695 – $ 4,495
Service Level Luxury
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Nature
8 Tours in Nature
Grand Circle Travel always has great specials
Grand Circle Travel always has great specials and last minute specials if you can go on short notice. You can request a roommate if you travel solo to save on the single supplement but if they can't match you, you keep your room all to yourself with no single supplement fee. Always request a roommate and you might luck out either way.
I went to Belgium and Holland on a 11 day cruise and saw all but three windmills in the country, actually walked inside one, went to a tulip farm and was allowed to pick tulips that the farm gave to us for free, went to a tulip auction where they auction every color, the stems, the leaves, and it all happens so quickly. After breakfast every morning there is a walking tour of the port city where we docked for the day. The tour brings you back for lunch and then you're free to explore on your own in the afternoon. Both Holland and Belgium were beautiful in the springtime with the flowers in full bloom. Bicycles are everywhere and is their main mode of transportation. You see them parked on the bridges over the canals, people riding them, families riding together, bike riders with groceries, and people walking them. The red light district was very interesting but you are not allowed to take pictures of the women. I waved to all of them as we were walking past their windows and some waved back. Plan your trip around the tulip blooming season and enjoy!
value and service outstanding
I've traveled with this company 4 times and find the value and service outstanding. If you are on a slim budget try the " last minute" opportunities. We got an incredible deal on a river cruise two months out.
Australia & New Zealand
Trip Style: Group tour
Spain & Portugal in Depth
Trip Style: Group tour
Best of the Canadian Rockies: Calgary to Vancouver
Trip Style: Group tour
The "older sibling" of Grand Circle Cruise Line, Grand Circle Travel specializes in land tours for Americans of baby boomer age and above (fifty-plus, but leaning toward the plus).
What Makes Grand Circle Travel Stand Out?
Unique local experiences
Expert english-speaking guides
International airfare included
Relaxed tour pace
Community feel
Grand Circle Travel was started by the founder of AARP, and as such know their demographic extremely well. Over the years they have established a solid reputation for tours and river cruises that offer good value to destinations around the world.
They also foster a community of dedicated travelers, encouraging you to share your memories, images, and stories with them and the friends you meet along the way.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Grand Circle Travel?
60+
Budget minded
American
Culturally curious
Grandparents & grandchildren (ages 13 and up are welcome to join)
Social travelers
If you like the idea of joining a tight knit travel community, with frequent cost cutting options, then Grand Circle could be for you.
This is definitely a travel experience well suited to older American travelers in the 60+ range, seeking a degree of comfort, in their travel experience, within a mid to high budget range.
Younger couples or families will probably feel out of place among the crowd on a Grand Circle tour. The activities, lectures, and easy pace are all designed for older travelers. If relaxing on the cruise with a book in hand for hours on end, gliding by quiet European shores is your idea of a grand old time then Grand Circle is for you!
If you’d rather have a bit more action, or are after a "see a lot, do a lot" city and country hopping pace, this style of travel is probably not going to hit the right note for you.
Trips are mostly all-inclusive, focusing on comfortable accommodations, informative and easy paced guided walking tours, cultural encounters, learning experiences, and special events that they call their Discovery Series. Itineraries are designed to give you more time in each stop, allowing for a more balanced combination of included activities and independent time.
Solo travelers make up nearly a third of Grand Circle's customers, and they're made to feel more than welcome on group tours, including some price breaks on single supplements.
Itineraries are designed for American travelers, with an aim towards immersive experiences such as visiting local homes, interesting walking tours, in-depth cultural interactions and culinary experiences.
Top Destinations
Grand Circle travels all over the world, with a strong focus in Europe, Aisa and Southeast Asia. They also have limited departures in Africa, South America, the Middle East, South Pacific, North America, Central America, and even Antarctica.
Grand Circle Travel Style
The Grand Circle Travel Style is comfortable, standard river cruises and motorcoaches. On motorcoach tours with Grand Circle you will make frequent stops to stretch your legs, and some longer stops for sightseeing. Groups are between 24-47 people, so expect some company! Because Grand Circle attracts a similar age range, you’re sure to meet new friends with like interests in no time.
Hotels are comfortable and centrally located. Don’t expect extreme luxury or especially unique accommodations however.
You will probably do a fair amount of walking throughout the tour - Grand Circle suggests that travelers be relatively physically fit. Most trips with Grand Circle are, unfortunately, not wheelchair accessible.
Their itineraries are designed with individuals in mind. While there are several included activities, you have many options for personalization through optional extensions and plenty of free time in each destination.
Why Choose a Tour with Grand Circle Travel?
Leisurely pace
Flexibility
Unique cultural interactions
Large groups of like minded travelers
Budget friendly
Airfare included
For the flexibility and comfort aspects, combined with unique experiences at every turn. You might find yourself sharing dinner at the home of a local family or visiting local schools. Plenty of free time is included in the itineraries, and there is a lot of choice among optional tours.
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Grand Circle Cruise Line
#247 Pick of 1340 Nature Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 7 Trips
Average Price
$ 198 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 11 – 16 days
Trip Prices $ 1,645 – $ 3,395
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Small Ship & Expedition Cruise Line
Trips in Nature
6 Tours in Nature
Company has gone downhill
I am a 12 time traveler with Grand Circle and OAT. But maybe no more. They are impossible to reach by phone without waiting for hours. I even tired their emergency phone number and was on hold for hours. What if I had been stranded in a foreign country? They cancelled my Eastern Europe to Black Sea Cruise in Sept 2021 and cited "covid" or "civil unrest" issues. Baloney. They cancelled because they did not sell out the cruise and lied about it to me. I know because I went with Viking during the same month with no excuses like Grand Circle gave me. Add to that they promised me a $1,000 credit on my next trip- which was to Antarctica in December. The invoice they sent me showed the credit- and 1 month later a new invoice arrived with the credit removed. Why? Another lie? Something is really wrong here with the company now and I would suggest be very careful with bookings as they are not the same company I traveled with for the past 12 years.
I may look Elsewhere going forward.
I get the brochures and e mail deals. Last two times I call immediately. The can't fine the deal. Thy send out the low price offers then Grand Circle deal arrived yesterday Thanksgiving to my e-mail. Called last night and today and throughout the day. Got an answer after 3 pm. Couldn't get the advertised rate to Paris /Normandy for 13 days. Second time now I tried. Last was English /Scotland and Ireland. We found a deal elsewhere . Anyone else feel they bait and switch at Garand Circle? It was $1000 more than the deal in the E mail and I had no date limitations . I may look Elsewhere going forward.
A great trip, we really
A great trip, we really enjoyed it a lot.
Romance of the Rhine and Mosel
Trip Style: River cruise
Essence of the Elbe: Berlin to Prague
Trip Style: Small ship cruise
Grand Circle Cruise Line is a family of Grand Circle Corporation, a global enterprise. See also: Grand Circle Travel
What Makes Grand Circle Cruise Line Stand Out?
They offers a value small ship cruises and river cruises for travelers seeking to discover their destination. The trip duration ranges from 5 to 30 days and its fleets cabins and other features are designed to meet American taste.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Grand Circle Cruise Line?
Grand Circle Cruise Line caters exclusively to older Americans
Top Destinations
While the Grand Circle Cruise Line offers their small ship cruises globally their river cruises are focused on Europe.
Grand Circle Cruise Line Travel Style
It focuses on providing value tours by having low per diems and yet focuses on providing rich experience through inclusion of local program directors and activities that deeply engages in discovering the culture of the destination.
Why Choose a Cruise with Grand Circle?
If you are looking for an enrichment tour that gets you in-depth knowledge of culture, history and traditions of the destination you are travelling to and are open-minded to try new things then Grand Circle Cruise will be a perfect solution.
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VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations
#236 Pick of 1340 Nature Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 7 Trips
Average Price
$ 350 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 7 – 7 days
Trip Prices $ 2,495 – $ 2,495
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Trips in Nature
1 Tours in Nature
absorbing
Poland is fascinating. Warsaw and Krakow, especially are fantastic cities with staggering historical stories and modern vibrancy. Biking through the country side and staying in scenic villages is enthralling and extremely pleasant. Our trip leaders were extraordinary. Cheerful, expert, thoroughly knowledgeable about what we were experiencing. They always exerted extra effort to make our trip outstanding.
You could improve the way you do refunds
You could improve the way you do refunds. My husband just spent 1.5 hours on the phone dealing with the refund and it's still not clear. And it's a lot of money.
Cultural Enrichment at its Finest!
The exquisite beauty of this country is astonishing. I love cycling in every country I’ve been to. You really feel and see the local way of life. I enjoy experiencing local culture up close and with local guides.
Adventure Costa Rica!
Trip Style: Small group tour
VBT Bicycling and Walking offers cycling and walking vacations around the world. The company was established over 40 years ago, so has lots of experience serving active travelers. It is based in Vermont, USA. It also promises lower prices than other cycling tour companies without sacrificing quality. Most everything is included in the price, except for a few meals -- and that includes use of a customized bike on cycling tours or walking poles on walking tours, and special packages including international airfare.
What Makes Them Stand Out?
VBT is all about value. They offer many standard inclusions that some other tour operators do not, such as meals, airport transfers, and a special 5% ‘credit’ to use on a future VBT tour. They are also cycling and walking specialists, with tons of experience leading groups all over the world.
Who Travels With Them?
VBT attracts active travelers of all ages, but tend to focus on the adult 50+ market. As they are located in the US, groups are frequently comprised of American travelers. Focusing on value means you will likely travel with a group of like-minded companions who are more concerned with seeing the sights and breaking a bit of a sweat, than dining at the fanciest restaurants.
Where Do They Operate?
VBT sells tours that explore six continents. Some of their most well-known and sought after destinations include Italy, New Zealand, and France. More exotic cycling and walking tours can be found in Peru and Vietnam.
Why Travel with Them?
Both cyclists and walkers travel at their own pace during the day, but local trip leaders and support vans are always available, and some guided sightseeing is included. Trips are rated easy to moderate -- nothing too strenuous -- and walking or biking is usually limited to two to six hours a day. Routes and custom maps are all planned out. Another great feature on some trips is the use of e-bikes - bikes with an electronic assist to help you power up any hills you might encounter on the route. Overall, VBT has been doing these types of tours for more than 40 years, and they seem to have it down to a science.
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Country Walkers
#248 Pick of 1340 Nature Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 6 Trips
Average Price
$ 452 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 7 – 8 days
Trip Prices $ 2,248 – $ 7,498
Service Level Luxury
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Nature
6 Tours in Nature
Breathtaking Beauty
The Olympic Peninsula is unique and stunningly beautiful. Walking in rainforests surrounded by huge trees, ferns taller than people and sharing it with others happy travelers is special. It was so quiet and peaceful. I never expected to be so awed by an area. But there are other areas such as the beaches and the mountains that we also visited. Everything in one fantastic area.
Olympic Gold Medal for Olympic National Park trip
I had read about "forest bathing" before this trip, but as I walked in Olympic National Park I experienced firsthand the benefits of being in the forest, especially with wonderful guides who were able to point out trees, plants, and animals that we would have missed on our own. Planning next year's trip already with Country Walkers.
New Zealand
Countrywalkers didn’t pick me up at the airport. The description in the brochure of the level of difficulty had never been seen by the guides and was really wrong. Most of it was moderate to difficult. It shouldn’t have been rated easy. There was only one nice hotel.
Iceland: Reykjavík & National Parks
Trip Style: Small group tour
Slovenia: Julian Alps to the Adriatic
Trip Style: Self-guided tour
England: The Cotswolds
Trip Style: Self-guided tour
Similar Companies
Walking Connection
Known For
Italy tours, Asia tours
Launched in 1979, and based in Vermont, Country Walkers is committed to providing authentic local experiences through guided and self-guided walking tours.
What Makes Them Stand Out?
With 35 years in the business, Country Walkers is a leading tour operator, known for in depth itineraries which are constantly updated to provide the most authentic local experience. Their staff are extremely knowledgeable, having been on the trips themselves, and have a deep connection with the people and places you will visit. Average group size ranges from 10-14 people, with an emphasis on personal attention from guides.
Who Travels With Them?
Those seeking an immersive travel experience, where contact with the locals and participating in local customs is a highlight, will greatly enjoy traveling with Country Walkers. In particular solo travelers seeking self guided tours have found them to be extremely helpful. Trips are offered in a range of prices, through extreme budget options will be tougher to find.
Where Do They Operate?
Country Walkers operates tours all over the world, in Africa, Europe, Latin America, North America, Asia and the South Pacific. Accommodations are provided in locally owned and operated establishments wherever possible.
How Does it Work?
They emphasise an immersive experience, and focus on not rushing from place to place. Itineraries can be heavily customized to suit your specific interests and you can choose between a group tour, private tour, or go solo. Trips are generally a combination of adventure, walking tours, and luxury, allowing you to truly have a fully encompassing experience.
Why Travel With Them?
Country Walkers demonstrates a commitment to giving back to local communities, appreciation of every individual's travel style, and focus on slow travel where you will learn from experts in the field. Group sizes are small so if you’re seeking to get to know your travel companions well, explore local customs and cultures, and have a range of interests, you will enjoy a trip with Country Walkers.
Commonly Searched Together:
Compare Country Walkers with these other tour companies
Country Walkers vs Walking Connection
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Zegrahm Expeditions
#260 Pick of 1340 Nature Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 3 Trips
Average Price
$ 741 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 19 – 19 days
Trip Prices $ 10,480 – $ 10,480
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Trips in Nature
2 Tours in Nature
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.
Natural Wonders of Sri Lanka
Trip Style: Small group tour
Zegrahm specializes in land and small ship expeditions in all seven continents.
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Discovery Tours by Gate 1
#267 Pick of 1340 Nature Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 1 Trip
Average Price
$ 473 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 14 – 14 days
Trip Prices $ 4,199 – $ 4,199
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Trips in Nature
21 Tours in Nature
I think this was our best Gate 1 trip yet!
I think this was our best Gate 1 trip yet! Sites and activities were wonderful. Our tour manager, Paul, was absolutely great. His pride and enthusiasm for his country, as well as his broad ecological and historical knowledge, made the trip interesting and informative. I also appreciated the activity level which was higher than most trips.
Our Mexico trip was our 14th Gate 1 trip
Our Mexico trip was our 14th Gate 1 trip and it was perfect as usual. Baccho, our tour manager, was excellent, attentive to our needs, and filled almost every minute with great activities and additional optional walking tours.
14 Day Discover Sicily & Malta 2020 Itinerary
Trip Style: Small group tour
A section of Gate 1 tours, Discovery Tours provides immersive cultural experiences for budget minded travelers.
What Makes Discovery Tours Gate 1 Stand Out?
They are dedicated to keeping their travel groups small (max 22) in order to provide a culturally rich experience that everyone on the tour can enjoy to the fullest. They stress the intimate and immersive nature of their itineraries which visit unique destinations around the globe.
Their focus on small groups allows them to offer interesting and off the beaten path activities and accommodations, as well as a high level of personalized attention from the guides.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Discovery Tours Gate 1?
Groups are international, typically attended by the 35-50+ age range. This is quintessential small group travel. You’ll have a dedicated professional guide - often a local - and an expert in the country.
If you enjoy a well rounded tour that focuses just as much on meeting locals and visiting off the beaten path spots as on the tourist highlights, then a Discovery Gate 1 tour would suit you nicely.
The balance of sightseeing to more unique experiences means their a great option for first time travelers or a repeat visit to a country you want to see again.
Tours are budget conscious - many activities are included with some optional excursions available for an extra fee allowing you to somewhat cater your own experience.
Top Destinations
Discovery Tours travel to multiple countries around the world in the Americas, Europe, Asia & the South Pacific, the Mediterranean, and Africa.
Discovery Tours Gate 1 Travel Style
Gate 1’s Discovery Tours brand, combines the budget mindfulness of Gate 1 with the exclusivity of their Signature Collection to provide an immersive, culturally rich small group travel experience.
Group size is no larger than 22, and typically the average is more like 12-15 people. This allows for much more intimate and unique experiences when it comes to meals, accommodations, and activities.
It also means there is more room for spontaneity, such as stopping the bus to hop out and enjoy a local market before continuing on to your next destination.
Many activities and excursions are already included in the itinerary, which is relatively unusual for these more budget minded travel options. That said, not all excursions are included - which gives you the flexibility to pick and choose how you’d like to spend your time.
A lot of activities during the tour are designed to be hands on, providing a real glimpse into the culture. Ample free time is provided as well, where you can spend some time exploring on your own.
While you will hit the major sites, the balance is definitely more heavily weighted on off the beaten path experiences - meeting locals and enjoying a more authentic view of the destination.
Why Choose a Tour with Discovery Tours Gate 1?
This is a group tour experience for people who have an adventurous spirit but are looking for a nice balance of being taken care of and independence. Each trip offers a number of optional sightseeing tours for purchase, to further provide context to your destination.
Or you can choose to explore on your own. If a small group tour experience almost anywhere in the world is what you’re looking for, give their extensive list of itineraries a browse.
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Monograms
#219 Pick of 1340 Nature Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 0 Trip
Average Price
$ 231 per day
Size Global Operator
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
We had great tour guides
We had great tour guides. And we saw lots of monkeys.
Our hotels in La Fortuna and Monteverde were not good as I would have expected from Monogram. The Magic Mountain was a very nice property. But breakfast was average at best. Our room wasn't checked before we arrived. We had to change rooms. The safe box didn't work and the toilet seat was broken.
Our room at the Monteverde Country Lodge had no hot water the first night. And the rooms don't have heaters. So they were very cold.
Won’t refund my money …
I booked a trip to Australia and New Zealand for my husband and me for October 1, 2022. A month before the trip, Monograms cancelled the trip. Now they won’t refund my money so I can book the trip with another agency. There’s not even a way to call people in finance to see what the problem is. I can’t pay $16,000 for a trip and turn right around and pay $16,000 more. Why should it take six weeks to send me a refund? It sure didn’t take six weeks to process when I had to pay the money. I’ll never book anything with these folks again. They’re impossible to get on the phone. There’s lots better companies in which to book. Don’t use these folks.
Good xperienceTour guide was very knowledgeable and…
Tour guide was very knowledgeable and very pleasant and helful.9
Monograms, one of the Globus family of brands, offers classic vacation packages to many of the world’s most popular destinations. The company has many years of experience creating packaged tours and is based in Colorado, USA.
What Makes Monograms Stand Out?
It can be difficult to find a company that successfully marries two seemingly disparate ways of travel: independant or self guided and classic group travel. But at Monograms this is exactly the task they have set for themselves, and their positive reviews and large variety of products would seem to say they do a solid job.
With Monograms there is no need to choose between self guided or group travel. You can personalize your experience as well - an important element for many of today’s travelers. Themes include Family travel, Food & Wine, Cruises, and Active.
Monograms prides themselves on the all-inclusive nature of travel planning, pre-organizing everything from your airport transfer to your activities and meals. They also provide a Local Hosts program, which is basically like an in-destination concierge.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Monograms?
Monograms is ideal for travelers who don’t love group travel but also highly dislike the stress of arriving in a destination and having to plan everything themselves. It’s for the traveler who wants the freedom of a private couple or family getaway and the comfort of a local guide who can assist with everything from restaurant recommendations to skipping the line at major attractions.
Monograms is Globus’ mid-tier brand in terms of pricing and thus travelers span across many different age groups. Many couples choose Monograms for a romantic trip to places like Italy and France, although they also offer specialized packages for families.
Most Monograms packages are a mix of group sightseeing tours and independent exploration. This can result in some very large touring groups when visiting popular tourist attractions like the Louvre in Paris, for example. However, most of their trips still afford some level of flexibility to explore a destination on your own terms.
Top Destinations
You can travel with Monograms to many different locations in Europe, Australia, Asia, South/Central America, and Africa. Perhaps their most well-known destination is Italy, and they also offer some unique trips to Australia, specifically to areas other similar tour companies don’t operate.
Monograms Travel Style
At Monograms, their travel style is about providing you with a no hassle private vacation, catered to your interests. Everything from honeymoon vacations to family vacations are available through Monograms.
When you use Monograms, you can elect to have the help of a travel agent, or book a pre-planned package.
Why Choose a Monograms Tour?
For a well rounded trip, designed for you, and with an attentive local host there to make your journey as seamless and stress free as possible, Monograms is the perfect company.
These tips are mostly private, so ideal for families, couples, and honeymooners - though during some days on the itinerary you will join up with a larger group for guided day tours
Monograms is all about providing personal touches, and arranging a trip for you that matches your travel style. Providing some personal input and likes / dislikes / must sees is going to take your Monograms tour from “ordinary” to extraordinary, so these trips are best suited to travelers who like to be involved with planning the itinerary.
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Lion World Travel
#279 Pick of 1340 Nature Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 47 Trips
Average Price
$ 376 per day
Size Local Specialist
Tour Length 5 – 8 days
Trip Prices $ 1,699 – $ 2,699
Service Level Luxury
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Trips in Nature
5 Tours in Nature
We had the best time ever!
We had the best time ever! It was truly the best vacation we've ever taken. The people were fabulous, service oriented, friendly, accommodating...a pleasure to be around! Everything was just perfect!
The accommodations, fabulous, the food was way too delicious. We highly recommend this trip to anybody and kept toasting Costco along with three other couples for the way they put this trip together it was really brilliant thank you so much for your help with all our questions and how quickly you got back to us for each inquiry you are very efficient at your job. Thank you so much!
On another note, on the safari, Francois put together a surprise celebration luncheon at their treehouse to celebrate our daughter Kate's medical school graduation. It was truly amazing and we couldn't have been happier or more appreciative of all they did. It was so special and they put so much effort into it—leaving champagne, a beautiful lunch, and also baking a cake just for this occasion! It was such a nice, wonderful touch and made for a fabulous memory!
It was absolutely fabulous.
It was absolutely fabulous. Marataba is an experience beyond words. The animals speak for themselves but the lodge is extraordinary. Capetown was lovely but Marataba is an impossible act to precede. We will be recommending you and your colleagues without reservation and with the greatest enthusiasm.
Gorillas of Rwanda
Trip Style: Group tour
Classic South Africa
Trip Style: Group tour
Despite the “World” in its name, Lion World Travel is all about African safaris and tours, promising “extraordinary experiences of affordable luxury” from East Africa down to South Africa.
You can choose between group travel and individual itineraries, where you can mix and match as you please. Along with wildlife safaris, for instance, Lion World Travel can set you up with a luxury train trip (such as South Africa’s Blue Train) on your itinerary or into a luxury resort on an island in the Indian Ocean.
What Makes Lion World Travel Stand Out?
Lion World Travel has more than 50 years of experience running tours and safaris in Africa. While it’s now part of the giant Travel Corporation and is headquartered in Toronto, its roots are in Africa, and the company maintains offices and a full staff on the ground in Africa.
They know their stuff, including the top lodges and tented safari camps – where they negotiate the best prices for their customers. Lion World Travel also includes airfare and/or single traveler specials in many of its trips, making them more affordable. Guides in the field are top-notch.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Lion World Travel?
Lion World Travel is the perfect tour company for travelers who are after the classic luxury safari experience, but perhaps find the pricing for this kind of experience prohibitive from a lot of other luxury safari operators.
A luxury safari conjurs up images of comfortable lodges keeping out the bugs, sunsets with silhouettes of elephant and giraffe in the distance, cocktails on the veranda, and five star dining. This is exactly what you’ll experience with Lion World Travel - in addition of course to the incredible daytime activities out on the savannah in a comfortable (or as comfortable as possible) safari jeep vehicle encountering incredible species after another.
Lion World also doesn’t skimp on the cultural aspects of visiting Africa. Especially due to their legacy - with many strong relationships formed with local people over - you’ll feel a sense of warmth and welcoming.
Families, honeymooners, single travelers, and food and wine aficionados are all welcomed with special itineraries and deals. “Platinum Itineraries” are offered for those seeking luxury all the way.
Top Destinations
Lion World Travel runs safaris and other trips in 12 countries in East and southern Africa, including two Indian Ocean island groups, Mauritius and the Seychelles.
On the mainland, you can explore the wildlife parks and other attractions of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, Rwanda, and Namibia.
Lion World Travel Style
The Lion World Travel style allows you to either choose a set itinerary for a small group tour – such as “Victoria Falls and Botswana,” “South Africa Culinary and Wildlife,” or “Luxury Tanzania” (including the Serengeti) – or put together your own custom made itinerary with Lion’s Africa experts there to advise you.
Once you’re there, expect a luxurious feel with top notch friendly service, and excellent food and drink.
While luxury accomodations are a big part of traveling with Lion World Travel, they are also all about making sure you experience the best the Africa has to offer.
Safaris take advantage of full days, departing at 6am returning for a bit of rest and heading out again to observe the nocturnal behavior out on the savannah. The day might wind down with a glass of champagne but not before you’ve taken to the air in a hot air balloon!
Why Choose an Africa Tour With Lion World Travel?
Lion World Travel combines more than five decades of experience in Africa with the resources and backing of the Travel Corporation, which owns two dozen respected travel brands, including Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, and Uniworld river cruises. If you’re seeking a well-organized luxury safari with good value, this might be the company for you.
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Great Safaris
#76 Pick of 1340 Nature Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 46 Trips
Average Price
$ 355 per day
Size Local Specialist
Tour Length 6 – 11 days
Trip Prices $ 1,495 – $ 4,995
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Custom/Private Tour Operator
Trips in Nature
8 Tours in Nature
first class service
My husband and I just got back from our honeymoon trip booked through Great Safaris. It was a trip of a lifetime and we were so impressed by the accommodations, food and first class service. We saw more animals than we ever expected to see and our safari guides were very knowledgeable. Our trip was two weeks and Great Safaris picked all the right spots in Kenya and Tanzania!
Safari camps in South Africa and Botswana and explored the Cape Town region.
Travel with comfort, great food, safety and wonderful game viewing experiences. First time trip to Africa for my wife and I. All the guides and boat and safari camp staff were professional and fun. The transfers and connections were seamless. The home hosted dinner near Cape Town gave fascinating perspectives on life in South Africa.
Cape & Kruger – Cape Town and Kruger Park Safari
Trip Style: Group tour
Greatest Show on Earth
Trip Style: Group tour
Tanzania Adventure
Trip Style: Group tour
Based in Glendale, California, Great Safaris is a wholesaler that highlights a host of luxury safaris and other trips throughout southern and eastern Africa as well as Egypt and parts of the Middle East.
What Makes Them Stand Out?
They promote some “trips of a lifetime” such as a 32-day Cape to Cairo journey by train, safari vehicle, plane, and river cruise ship with stops at a number of wildlife reserves (including Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park) as well as Victoria Falls and Ethiopia.
Who Travels With Them?
Families, small groups of friends, or individuals seeking a first-class African wildlife safari or tour of Egypt.
Where Do They Operate?
Great Safaris specializes in South Africa, but also operates in Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, the Seychelles, Egypt; and parts of the Middle East (Israel, Jordan, and Abu Dhabi, which are usually combined with African destinations).
How Does It Work?
Great Safaris outlines a wealth of safari possibilities and Egypt tours and offers personal consultation on selecting your trip. Then you book your tour through your favorite travel agent.
Why Travel With Them?
CEO Dave Herbert has lived extensively in South Africa and knows the region well. He works only with highly experienced agents who are also intimately familiar with Africa.
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Perillo Tours
#147 Pick of 1340 Nature Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 8 Trips
Average Price
$ 260 per day
Size Local Specialist
Tour Length 9 – 12 days
Trip Prices $ 1,699 – $ 2,950
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Trips in Nature
8 Tours in Nature
Despicable and Unhealthy Bus Conditions
On our trip to Amalfi coast, the bus was parked in a field for two days. The next day, we had an 8 hour bus trip to Sicily. The bus was not properly cleaned before and after it had been parked in the field. On the 8 hour trip to Sicily, there was an infestation of ants. We had tons of ants crawling on the seats, windows, and floor. My husband killed 10 ants on his body. I received bits on my ankles and wrists. The tour guide never said anything to any of the guests. When we confronted him, all he said was that he would have the bus cleaned the next day. These was horrible conditions to travel for 8 hours. I have written to Perillo seeking a refund for that day's service. Time will tell if Perillo will actually answer my evaluation. This situation rises to the occasion where customer service was extremely poor an unhealthy, and a partial refund should be granted. If Perillo stands behind customer service as its motto, then they should provide partial refunds for this day. If not, then this leads me to assume that Perillo is more concerned about overall profits than good customer service. Time will tell!
Not worth your money
My Mom and I had the opportunity to visit Italy this summer on the 9 day Rome and Amalfi Coast Tour. Italy is a beautiful country and everyone needs to see and experience it before they die. However, I would NOT recommend Perillo Tours (PT). Here’s why: Introductions of group members were not done at the orientation. There are still people on the tour that I did not meet or know their names. And, we were only given the first couple of days of our itinerary, which was VERY broad and lacking detail. I am still in shock that it was HAND-WRITTEN and lacking so much important information. For example, it would say that Breakfast was at 7 and we would depart at 7:30, we would tour the Coliseum and the Roman Forum, have lunch, and we would return to hotel at 5:30. I had so many questions: Where is breakfast located? Where do we meet to depart as a group? How long is each part of the tour? How long will we be on our feet/in direct sunlight? Will bathrooms be accessible on the tour? What time is lunch? Where is lunch? How long do we have to eat lunch? In my opinion, these are valid questions that should have been written down on the itinerary that was given. I will say that some of these questions were addressed verbally, but it would have been more relaxing for me to have at least had approximate plans written down on the itinerary. In our orientation, we were told that water was provided on every bus. NOT TRUE. I asked for a water bottle and was told that only the bus ride to Amalfi would have water bottles. So yes, you guessed it. My Mom and I went most of the day without water. This was frustrating knowing that we had perfectly good water bottles in our room and that we were misinformed during orientation. I think that it is also important to note that on the tours you don’t always get to jump the lines. At all of the tour sites, we still had to get in the “tour group line” and wait our turn to go. Most of the time, we were standing in direct sunlight for 30+ minutes. Specifically, while we were waiting to tour the Blue Grotto at the Isle of Capri, we had to wait in a rocky boat for 45+ minutes. Keep in mind the conditions. It’s hot, humid, loud, and the fumes from ALL the boats is almost unbearable. Then the captain of the boat randomly decided to jump out of line and move our boat closer to the cliffs for some reason. This area of the water was full of waves and not an ideal spot to anchor a boat. Accurate time frames or time estimates are almost nonexistent with PT. Not only is this confusing and not helpful, but this was a trend of the entire tour. No one knew any answers and it almost felt like we were being misinformed or dare I say lied to. My Mom and I decided to do one of the optional tour add ons. We understood that it was at an additional fee, but thought it would be worth it. Long story short, it was not. This tour started at 2, so we had a short window to rest, eat lunch, and regroup. We were told the walking tour would be 2 hours. It ended up being 3.5 hours in the heat of the day, direct sunlight, with no bathroom breaks, and only two stops at fountains to refill our water bottles, per my requests. At this point, my Mom becomes ill. She is light headed, nauseated, and no longer able to walk at the pace of the group (probably due to the heat, lack of water, and fast-pace of the tour, but that’s just a wild hunch). I informed the tour guide of this and he responded loudly in front of other group members, “Well, what do you want me to do?!” I suggested that my Mom and I end the tour early and head back to the hotel in a cab. He told me that this was a pedestrian only part of town and that we would have to walk to find a cab pick-up area. He also made it very clear that PT would NOT pay for the cab ride. I was shocked to say the least that he did not seem to care that my Mom was sick and did not offer to help us in any way. When we arrived back at the hotel, we were given less than an hour to rest and get ready. So at this point, we had been up and moving in direct sunlight, with very little water for about 8 hours. Sounds relaxing and fun, right? My Mom was still feeling ill and was not able to go out for dinner with the rest of the group, so I asked PT to please send a meal from room service, so she could have dinner. PT would not accommodate this request because hotel room service was too expensive. Instead, they sent up a bucket of ice to our room. Confused about this? Yeah, we were too. At the restaurant, I was handed a to go bag of food to give to my Mom, but we didn’t arrive back to the hotel until 10 PM and in my opinion, mozzarella cheese and prosciutto was the last thing my Mom needed to eat that late. If a person cannot go out to dinner because they are ill from the tour, then room service should be provided by PT to help them feel better. I have so many more things to add, but not enough character space to do so. In summary, do NOT book with PT!
It was my dream to go to italy
It was my dream to go to italy, we went 2019 Perillo Tour and Angelica made my dream so memorable loved every minute. We are planning to go back 2022 Can’t wait!
The Essence of Costa Rica
Trip Style: Group tour
Rome & Tuscany
Trip Style: Small group tour
9 Days in Costa Rica
Trip Style: Group tour
Founded in 1945, and headquartered in New Jersey, Perillo was a pioneering company in the guided travel industry.
What Makes Perillo Stand Out?
Destination expertise
Well-balanced itineraries
Generous and satisfying meals
First-rate hotels
Perillo has been a name in the tourism industry since the 1940s, known for operating tours of Italy. Today Italy is still their main focus, though they have expanded to offer limited departures in Hawaii, Greece, and Costa Rica.
They provide well thought out and classic itineraries, showcasing the traditional sights, nicely augmented with local insider knowledge. Perillo is a classic tour company, offering several trip options including custom tours, destination weddings, and traditional escorted group trips. On the trip, you’ll benefit from their extensive experience and destination knowledge.
They have a dedicated Italy brand, “Perillo Italy Tours”, which expands on their long legacy providing Italy guided experiences, as well as a “Learning Journeys” brand. Their learning journeys travel to many more destinations, and cover a very wide range of interests, including certification classes for certain skills.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Perillo?
Older travelers
Solo female travelers
Those interested in classic, custom, and themed tours
All ages are welcome on Perillo tours, however their type of travel may be more enjoyed by older travelers looking for a calm, fully managed tour. Perillo is a bit old fashioned. They do one thing and do it well, and haven’t changed much in the 60 years that they’ve been around. So if you’re looking for a traditional guided tour, busy but not with too many bells and whistles, Perillo is a great choice.
One unique offering through Perillo is their faith-based journeys. This was one of the first types of tours designed by Perillo. You can visit Greece and the Holy Land, as well as several important religious destinations in Italy.
For travelers seeking an authentic religious-themed travel experience Perillo’s extensive experience leading and planning these kinds of tours is nearly unmatched.
Custom trip options are also available through Perillo. These custom group experiences cover a wide range of interests including yoga / health and wellness retreats, festivals, and learning tours geared toward universities. If you’re planning a destination wedding or honeymoon they have services dedicated to this as well.
Their Learning Journeys are perfect for solo female travelers and enthusiastic life learnings passionate about learning new skills, languages, or diving deeper into the history of a certain destination and culture.
Top Destinations
Perillo is known for, and primarily focuses on, Italy tours. Here their breadth of knowledge is impressive as they began operating Italy tour packages in 1945. Perillo Italy tours cover the whole country, including Sicily, with special emphasis on classic sights and local eats.
Perillo also offers escorted tours in Hawaii, Greece, and Costa Rica.
Their “Learning Tours,” focus on niche educational travel and classes around the world, including Africa & the Middle East, Asia, and Australia.
Perillo Travel Style
Large groups or private vacation packages
Tried and true is Perillo’s style. They may not have the most flashiest or easily navigable website out there, or the most unique itineraries, but they know guided tours, they know Italy, and they stick with the classics.
Hotels, meals, and activities on Perillo tours have been personally vetted and experienced by the founder, and they have everything down to a science.
Perillo Itineraries are between 9-10 days on average, often focusing on cuisine and historical sights. Groups tend to be between 20 and 40 people, and they often arrange private departures for large groups such as families or wedding parties.
Special interest tours are another popular kind of itinerary offered through Perillo. In Italy, they offer a number of golf tours, faith-based tours, and culinary tours. Learning tours often focus on cooking, as well as art and history, science, and wildlife.
Why Choose a Tour With Perillo?
Classic sites and itineraries
Guides with significant destination expertise
For an Italy tour that appreciates the standards and approaches their itineraries from a local point of view, Perillo is the place to go. Their tours operate from the major cities to the charming hill towns more off the beaten path. You'll have a carefully crafted tour with a thoughtful balance of sightseeing, free time, optional activities, and relaxation.
They are not the flashiest of tour companys, and their website is somewhat difficult to navigate to find all the options available - of which there are a good number. But they certainly have laurels to rest on given their extensive background and long historic legacy in guided tourism.
Covid-19 Updates
Perillo is updating their status regarding trip operations on a regular basis. As of October 2020, all November 1 - 15th departures are postponable without subject to cancellation fees.
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Emerald Waterways
#293 Pick of 1340 Nature Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 6 Trips
Average Price
$ 226 per day
Size Local Specialist
Tour Length 8 – 14 days
Trip Prices $ 2,345 – $ 4,115
Service Level Luxury
Operator Type
River Cruise Line
Trips in Nature
4 Tours in Nature
Awful customer service
We booked an Emerald Waterways river cruise a year ago and paid in full to get a discount. A river cruise was on our bucket list and our travel agent raved on and on about Emerald Waterways. Fast forward to 2020 and the pandemic hit the world hard. We fully expected the cruise to be cancelled and just yesterday it was. I knew that per the terms and conditions that if Emerald cancelled the cruise we were to be offered an alternate sailing date or a FULL refund. BUT, the letter I received said they were "suspending" (not cancelling) all sailings and if I didn't want the future cruise credit I could cancel under their standard terms and conditions. If I cancelled then I would lose a $1,000 deposit! This is a bad faith offer in my opinion. I am so upset with the way this was handled. I understand we are all suffering from the pandemic but Emerald Waterways needs to step up and do the right thing. Rest assured I will not be a future customer of Emerald Waterways.
Needs more entertainment
Needs more entertainment , theater , shows, videos ,disco or casino. Rest is awesome ! Clean,organized,great service and accommodation !
It's such a great way
I loved going into the pool in the mornings - it's such a great way to start the day off!
Jewels of the Rhine
Trip Style: River cruise
Debuting in 2014, Emerald Waterways, sister company to Scenic Tours is already making a splash with its value-minded deluxe river cruises in Europe and Southeast Asia.
What Makes Them Stand Out?
With a new deluxe fleet, Emerald Waterways provides customers with stylish and spacious rooms and contemporary comfort. Unique on-board innovations include a glassed in heated swimming pool, which converts into a cinema, and outdoor dining spaces. They are value-conscious and strive to make the river cruise experience accessible to everyone. Cruises are all-inclusive taking the headache out of scheduling add-ons, extras, and transport.
Who Travels With Them?
Travelers who enjoy a relaxing, insightful river cruise experience will love going on an Emerald Waterways River Cruise. Their prices are mid range, and typically cruises are enjoyed by an upper age range, though young professionals and families may enjoy them as well.
Where Do They Operate?
Emerald Waterways runs cruises in Europe and Southeast Asia, specifically the Rhine, Main, Danube, Saône, Rhône and Mekong rivers. Journeys range from 8 to 17 days.
Why Travel With Them?
Emerald Waterways promises to provide an affordable, leisurely escape with all inclusive benefits including meals, travel transfers, and onshore experiences. They have multiple deck side viewing and dining areas, friendly staff, and fun onboard entertainment. Their many itineraries aim to provide an immersive experience sailing past stunning architecture, quaint villages and towns, and historical landmarks.
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Homeric Tours
#689 Pick of 1340 Nature Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 130 Trips
Average Price
$ 165 per day
Size Regional Expert
Tour Length 7 – 8 days
Trip Prices $ 885 – $ 1,535
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Nature
2 Tours in Nature
It was a pleasure to work with you all and the trip
Just a quick note to say that it was a pleasure to work with you all and the trip went smoothly. My travelers were very happy with the trip. It is all too important for me as an agent to be able to reach you after hours, or in an emergency situation. I appreciate that very much – communication is a key! I will certainly keep Homeric in mind for the next trip.
The trip to Israel was truly AMAZING
The trip to Israel was truly AMAZING...thanks to all yours and HOMERIC TOURS efforts. Our guide was a tireless fountain of information and he was constantly aiming to please. Thank you again and starting to think of another HOLY LAND trip soon.
Croatian Jewels
Trip Style: Small ship cruise
Aegean Delight
Trip Style: Group tour
Reviews Write a Review
Meine Familie und ich waren von 23.08- 30.08 2023 mit den hausboot in Italien unterwegs es war wunderschön! Gerne wieder kann ich nur weiterempfehlen!
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
CR
Christa Rettenbacher
September 2023
Meine Familie und ich waren von 23.08- 30.08 2023 mit den hausboot in Italien unterwegs es war wunderschön! Gerne wieder kann ich nur weiterempfehlen!
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Operator Le boat Company Reviews
Everything is always well done and planned by the tour guides. They are so on top of everything and know their facts - even if they don't they're so graceful about making things happed and flexible.
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
E
Erica
September 2023
Everything is always well done and planned by the tour guides. They are so on top of everything and know their facts - even if they don't they're so graceful about making things happed and flexible.
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Operator ACIS Company reviews
Excellent communication. Very helpful.
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
L
Louise
September 2023
Excellent communication. Very helpful.
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Operator Le boat Company Reviews
Really would recommend a vacation on le boat for families or friends was very relaxing and had lots of laughs . The staff at the locks make life very easy and everyone was super friendly along the rideau canal . The staff at smiths falls are excellent and wont let u leave on your for your cruise unless your happy .
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
PC
Philip Colwill
September 2023
Really would recommend a vacation on le boat for families or friends was very relaxing and had lots of laughs . The staff at the locks make life very easy and everyone was super friendly along the rideau canal . The staff at smiths falls are excellent and wont let u leave on your for your cruise unless your happy .
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Operator Le boat Company Reviews
My family and I thought Le Boat was great, the kids loved it! We used the Benson branch and again I must say all the staff were excellent and very helpful.
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
T
Terry
September 2023
My family and I thought Le Boat was great, the kids loved it! We used the Benson branch and again I must say all the staff were excellent and very helpful.
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Operator Le boat Company Reviews
Easy booking and the price was cheaper than most I got my booking reference within minutes of booking for my flight in 2 days
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
CC
Catherine Cockburn
September 2023
Easy booking and the price was cheaper than most I got my booking reference within minutes of booking for my flight in 2 days
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Operator StudentUniverse Company Reviews
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