Best Train & Rail Journeys Tour Companies
31 Travel Providers meet your criteria (Providers 1 to 20 shown)
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Landsby
View Profile
Total Trips 90 Trips
Size Local Specialist
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Independent / Self-Guided Packager
We had a wonderful trip planned by Landsby
We had a wonderful trip planned by Landsby.
We took the Via Rail from Toronto to Gananoque in February 2022 and stayed at the most charming inn where Jody and Chef Geoff provided warm hospitality, accommodations and a world-class dining experience.
Our helicopter tour over the 1000 Islands was thrilling to say the least. With our experienced pilot from Kouri's Kopters, we felt as if we were flying over the St. Lawrence.
What a stunning treat! We highly recommend travel planning with Landsby and can't wait to take our next Canadian getaway!!
We highly recommend your Canadian Travel planning and will check in with you on our next trip!
Thanks so much, Arielle, for helping us plan a mini vacation to celebrate our 65th birthdays.
Pangea House, our hosts, the helicopter ride and just a few amazing days away certainly was wonderful.
We highly recommend your Canadian Travel planning and will check in with you on our next trip!
My wife and I had a marvelous time at the Cove Inn in Westport last weekend.
My wife and I had a marvelous time at the Cove Inn in Westport last weekend. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Our hosts were friendly and welcoming. The accommodated our late arrival (at about 9:00 p.m.) by leaving the key for us at the front door.
We enjoyed an evening of music and food on Saturday night.
The location was lovely, and we took advantage of the opportunity to go for a hike on Friday and Saturday and Sunday mornings along the Rideau Trail and to Foley Mountain.
Westport is also conveniently situated in the Rideau Lakes area, and my wife and I visited Newboro, Jones Falls, Lyndhurst, Perth, and Gananoque.
The region has a great deal of charm. The room was very comfortable and clean. Overall, we had a wonderful weekend, and we would definitely consider returning.
Thanks sincerely to Landsby for making the arrangements.
Preferred
Lappet Faced Safaris
View Profile
Total Trips 9 Trips
Size Local Specialist
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Custom/Private Tour Operator
Fantastic Safari
We recently traveled through Tanzania visiting Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. We were impressed by the game-packed game drives with Gabriel the tour guide from Lappet Faced Safaris. He knew the parks like the back of his hand, patient and thoughtful letting us enjoy interesting scenes as long as we wanted. Above all he drove the well appointed safari vehicle carefully going through some tricky sections where some rookie drivers got stuck
The accommodations organized by Lappet Faced Safaris were above excellent. Just the right level of comfort and great food out there in the wild.
I would not think twice about using Lappet Faced Safaris again. Thanks, Francisco
For a dream vacation, trust Lappet Faced Safaris!
Fransisco organized a private safari for our family of 7 (5 children aged 2-12) to Tarangire NP, Ngorongoro, Serengeti NP, with a follow-on stay in Zanzibar. This was the most phenomenal experience we could imagine!!
From the onset of planning the trip he was responsive and listened to our many requests. To an easy arrival/airport pickup and transport in his Land Cruiser with plenty of snacks and drinks that he kept replenished throughout. To safari—Francisco knew how to set the days accordingly to allow optimal viewing of wildlife and plenty of R&R for the kids at each of our lodges’ pools. He always knew where to find the wildlife and was extremely knowledgeable as a modern Masai; teaching us culture and answered all the animal questions we could think of. He selected accommodations in the Serena line which proved perfect for hospitality, food, family friendliness and stunning beauty!
The Zanzibar extension was the perfect conclusion to our African experience and left us refreshed and ready to return to the real-world.
There are many big agency tours available for Tanzania safari, but you will benefit more from the personal attention of Lappet Faced Safaris. We could not be happier with our dream vacation and wouldn’t entrust anyone else!
For a dream vacation, trust Lappet Faced Safaris!
Fransisco organized a private safari for our family of 7 (5 children aged 2-12) to Tarangire NP, Ngorongoro, Serengeti NP, with a follow-on stay in Zanzibar. This was the most phenomenal experience we could imagine!!
From the onset of planning the trip he was responsive and listened to our many requests. To an easy arrival/airport pickup and transport in his Land Cruiser with plenty of snacks and drinks that he kept replenished throughout. To safari—Francisco knew how to set the days accordingly to allow optimal viewing of wildlife and plenty of R&R for the kids at each of our lodges’ pools. He always knew where to find the wildlife and was extremely knowledgeable as a modern Masai; teaching us culture and answered all the animal questions we could think of. He selected accommodations in the Serena line which proved perfect for hospitality, food, family friendliness and stunning beauty!
The Zanzibar extension was the perfect conclusion to our African experience and left us refreshed and ready to return to the real-world.
There are many big agency tours available for Tanzania safari, but you will benefit more from the personal attention of Lappet Faced Safaris. We could not be happier with our dream vacation and wouldn’t entrust anyone else!
Preferred
Intrepid Travel
#42 Pick of 174 Train & Rail Journeys Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 949 Trips
Average Price
$ 203 per day
Size Global Operator
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Train & Rail Journeys
1 Tours in Train & Rail Journeys
I had a really fun time travelling to…
I had a really fun time travelling to Thailand last December. Intrepid made the entire trip easier because of the preparations they made beforehand. I'm definitely going to recommend Intrepid to my friends. Ciao!
Viewing wildlife in a natural setting
Viewing wildlife in a natural setting with an experienced naturalist is outstanding
Great trip made better by the guide.
Great trip made better by the guide.
Intrepid Travel - Quick Facts
Founded in 1989
No Single Supplement (rare exceptions)
Small Groups: max 16 on most trips (10 max during Covid-19)
Average Age: 48
Travel Style: Cultural immersion, adventure, overland, sustainable, and active
Accommodation Style: Camping, Hostels, 3 /4 star hotels, locally owned
Average Tour Price: $2,377
Top Regions: Asia, Africa, Europe, South America
Other Brands: Peregrine
Commonly compared with G Adventures »
Intrepid Travel is all about ‘real life experiences.’ With a name meaning fearless and adventurous, Intrepid offers nothing less than big travel adventures -- such as an 11-day hike through Papua New Guinea. However, Intrepid is broad-based enough to offer varied experiences such as food tours in Greece, complete with a visit to a Kalamata olive grove.
What Makes Intrepid Travel Stand Out?
Responsible travel
Industry experts
Authentic experiences
Small groups
Intrepid believes that with great travel experiences comes great responsibility. They are focused on responsible tourism which includes not only treading lightly but also making a positive impact on the destinations they send travelers to. As a Certified B Corp since 2018, Intrepid donates to grass root projects around the world, are a carbon-neutral business and are committed to animal welfare.
Travelers can rest assured when they travel with Intrepid because they will be in the hands of industry experts. Intrepid partners with local leaders to be guides for travelers. This gives travelers first hand experiences from someone who knows the area well.
Above all else, Intrepid strives to get its travelers off the beaten path and under the surface of the local culture. To accomplish this, group sizes are small, maximum of 16 on most trips. This allows for more use of local transportation and lodging, along with fostering cultural immersion. Intrepid also employs local English-speaking leaders who act more as a resource for local exploration than do typical ‘guides,’ shepherding groups from one place to another.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Intrepid Travel?
All ages
All types of travelers
Cultural enthusiasts
Intrepid is one of the early pioneers of the “adventure”-style guided trip. Despite its informal beginnings and emphasis on younger, highly adventurous travelers, Intrepid has expanded to a global company with a broad range of trips to fit all ages.
Intrepid divides its small-group trips into three separate styles of travel, all priced accordingly. “Basix,” for budget travelers, keep inclusions to a minimum and offer plenty of free time. “Original” journeys offer more included activities and hotels, while “Comfort” trips offer luxury experiences that include the highest level of included activities and standards of accommodation, as well as roomier vehicles. No matter what kind of traveler you are, there is a style right for your specific desires.
The age range on Intrepid tours varies widely from tour to tour, and they are welcoming to all ages. The only exception to this are their 18-29 themed tours which are specifically for that age group.
Intrepid travelers have a real sense of adventure - whether this means hard adventure, or simply going deeper off the beaten path. Interacting with locals is an important factor when you travel, as is gaining a unique cultural perspective. A sense of fun is also essential, whether it means going out at night with your tour mates, trying new foods, or exploring the local markets.
Which is better? Intrepid Travel or G Adventures?
Commonly compared, both G Adventures and Intrepid Travel specialize in culturally immersive and off-the-beaten-path experiences. They are top companies to consider if you enjoy local & authetic travel and value having lots of free time during the itinerary. See our ultimate guide to decide which is right for you: Intrepid vs G Adventures, full comparison »
Top Destinations
Originally focused on small group adventure tours to Asia, Intrepid has expanded rapidly over the years, while maintaining its classic, adventurous, and immersive style. Today Intrepid Travel offers more than 1,000 different experiences in over 100 countries, on all seven continents. Regions with the most trips include Asia, South America, Africa, and Europe.
Does Intrepid Travel include flights?
While all your internal transportation is taken care of, often utilizing traditiona local methods such as tuk-tuks in Thailand, international flights to and from your home and the tour destination are not included. Their travel specialists can recommend where to look for flights however.
Intrepid Travel Style
Intrepid enjoys using local, unique forms of transportation. You might find yourself traveling by felucca in Egypt or in a tuk-tuk on the best Thailand tour of your life.
Accommodations, which could range from guesthouses to home stays, are also locally owned, allowing a more authentic taste of the region while contributing to the local economy.
There are a few broad travel styles to choose from when deciding on an Intrepid tour:
1. Basix - Budget travelers who don’t mind, and in fact prefer, simple accommodations - camping and homestays with basic amenities, and crave a lot of free time for exploring independently will love these tours. Public transportation is used exclusively so pack light! These trips often attract a younger crowd who love the idea of throwing a backpack on, keep plenty of room for the unexpected in their schedule, and allocate their travel funds towards spontaneous bus tickets and street food instead of museum tours and 5 star restaurants.
2. Original - These trips take the backpacker spirit of local immersion, incorporating all the benefits that come with going with a planned itinerary. This style is called “Original” because it’s the type of travel that put Intrepid on the map...pun intended. Accommodations are still simple and budget minded - often homestays are used to give you a true sense of place, personality, and culture. Mostly public transportation is used.
3. Comfort - Intrepid is known for the active adventure style of travel and these trips keep that mentality, with a few more creature comforts thrown into the mix. You can expect higher luxury accommodations that include a wider variety of included amenities, transportation is mostly private, though you can still expect to use some public transport, as is the Intrepid way. More meals are included in the trip price, and more group activities - which means a bit less free time to explore on your own.
Why Choose a Tour With Intrepid Travel?
Intrepid is a good tour company if you don’t mind foregoing some creature comforts for a truly authentic, local experience. If you enjoy meeting locals when traveling, sampling new and exciting foods, and traveling in mixed-aged groups of 10-16 people, Intrepid could be a good fit for you.
It’s important to note, sometimes “ample free time” can be a blessing and a curse. It sounds great on paper, but if you’re looking to maximize your dollar and your vacation time, be sure you understand the implications of having a lot of free time during your itinerary.
For some travelers this is an absolute requirement, but for others it can be tough to branch off and explore independently - you also need to make sure you allocate enough travel money for independent meals.
The tour leaders are great resources of information for how to spend your free time, but if you like having a full day scheduled from breakfast to dinner, Intrepid may not be the best company for you.
Lastly, if sustainable and responsible travel is important to you, Intrepid has poured millions of dollars into local economies, and has a very strong emphasis on responsible travel. So you can feel good knowing that your money helps support some of the innkeepers, vendors, and communities that you’ll meet along the way.
Is Intrepid Travel Safe?
Yes, Intrepid is a very safe company to travel with and they take the safety of their tour goers very seriously.
In response to Covid-19, Intrepid has reduced their group size to an average of 10 people. Their guides have been fully trained on new sanitation requirements and Covid-19 health and safety guidelines.
They have also implemented flexible booking options.
General Covid-19 Travel News
Some countries are beginning to reopen to international visitors, with entry restrictions, while others have remained closed.
Keep checking back regularly to keep up to date with the frequently changing situation of the coronavirus.
Want more information about travel safety and the coronavirus? Read about where it's safe to travel to in 2020 >>
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Trafalgar
#41 Pick of 174 Train & Rail Journeys Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 706 Trips
Average Price
$ 329 per day
Size Global Operator
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Train & Rail Journeys
9 Tours in Train & Rail Journeys
Our guide, Patrick, was one of the most thoughtful, knowledgeable, and articulate people we had ever met!
Our guide, Patrick, was one of the most thoughtful, knowledgeable, and articulate people we had ever met! He made sure there was something for everyone, shouted out personal details for everyone, and created a familial atmosphere to help everyone relax and learn together. The local knowledge he and his local counterparts provided added layers of context and history to every beautiful site was saw. He advocated extensively for those with allergies to get real food and not miss out on delicacies, which is a level of compassion I rarely see in the service industry. He made everything memorable and the trip would not have had the level of magic that we will forever remember without him.
hotels was good, coach was good, experiences was good, tour guide and bus driver was great.
hotels was good, coach was good, experiences was good, tour guide and bus driver was great.
Best of Italy was excellent course.
Tour ****** Shasa was excellent reading group.
Kind and nice organized. I guess everybody was happy.
Trafalgar is a name many seasoned travelers will recognize. A branch of the Travel Corporation, whose brands all enjoy stellar reputations, Trafalgar has been offering classic and affordable tours for over 70 years.
Trafalagar Tours - Quick Facts
Founded: in 1947
Group size: Large Groups, between 40-45 people
Mode of transportation: Primarily large comfortable coaches
Accommodation style: Unique 3 & 4 star hotels and guest houses
Typical age range: 50+
Single travelers welcome (single supplements are required, but often discounted)
Average tour price: $3,796
Top Regions: Europe, USA, Canada
Related TTC Brands: Insight Vacations, Uniworld, Brendan Vacations
Commonly compared with: Insight Vacations & Globus
What Makes Trafalgar Tours Stand Out?
Budget friendly without cutting activities
Comfortable, not physically demanding tours
Largely focused on cultural immersion
Destination specific accommodation styles
Strong reputation
Dedicated to responsible tourism - Founding member of TreadRight Foundation
Good balance of free time and inclusions
Trafalgar is a budget friendly group tour operator with premium tastes. Their motto is “See the world from the inside,” - this is the place to come for culturally rich and immersive travel experiences that don’t break the bank or the back.
Tours with Trafalgar are comfortable, not too physically demanding, and offer the opportunity to meet, talk, eat and drink with locals. You’ll get to know chefs, artisans, craftsmen, historians, and farmers as you explore what makes each destination truly special.
Trafalgar has a strong reputation, having been around since 1947 - putting them right at the pinnacle of when many premier guided tour companies were established. You’ll meet groups of like minded travelers, enjoy cultural experiences, expertly crafted itineraries with local touches and experiences guides, while traveling in comfort and ease.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Trafalgar?
Older travelers (but all ages are welcome)
Families
Mid to high range budget travelers
Those who enjoy slow-paced itineraries and easy physical activity
Those who favor historic sightseeing & cultural immersion over hard core adventure
If you are an active traveler, perhaps recently retired, eager to explore the world in comfort, visiting a nice combination of unique local spots and classic sites, then Trafalgar could be a great choice.
Possibly you are new to group tours and packages, having been used to creating your own travel experiences at a younger age - Trafalgar provides the perfect introduction to group tours.
You'll have plenty of free time to explore on your own, for shopping, sightseeing, and meals away from the group. Optional excursions are available throughout the itinerary for when you want a bit more structure.
Families will also get a lot out of the Trafalgar travel experience. If you're seeking a family vacation and interested in introducing a new generation of travelers to your favorite country - but don’t really have the time or patience to worry about planning out all the logistics - Trafalgar could be a great choice.
While they offer many trip styles, suitable for travelers of all ages, their classic touch is popular among older travelers. Classic doesn’t mean old fashioned or tired - simply a bit less on the active adventure and more on the historic sights and cultural experiences. They have a number of family focused tours, as well as tailored trips for special interests.
Trafalgar trips are budget friendly, with most trips in middle to low range, including a “Cost Saver” feature that allows you to see more inexpensive trips broken down by ratings and cost clearly. They offer several deals on trips throughout the year.
Trafalgar is a British brand, so many of the attendees on your tour will be from the UK.
Top Destinations
Europe & the UK
USA and Canada
Australia & New Zealand
Asia
South America
With Trafalgar, you can find trips to Europe, USA & Canada, South America, Asia, Australia & New Zealand. While the destinations are widespread, Trafalgar trips explore the culture and their highly trained local guides take you to hidden local spots without venturing too far outside the comfort zone.
Tours in Europe and the UK are among the most popular itineraries, utlizing guest houses and even castles for accommodation!
Their USA & Canada tours are extremely popular for outdoorsy travelers. National Parks are a common itinerary item, as are trips along the Rocky Mountaineer railroad.
In South America, Trafalgar travels to Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador and Peru. In Africa, they go to Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa. In Asia, it’s Cambodia, China, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
And in the Pacific, Trafalgar visits Australia and New Zealand - some trips in this region are more basic when it comes to accommodation so be sure to read the itinerary carefully!
Wherever you go, you can expect high quality guides, unique destination-specific accommodations, and smooth travels.
They also have a number of religious themed tours, including trips that include excursions to Oberammergau, Bavaria. Once a decade this small town presents a Passion Play, and Trafalgar has had special access since 1970. The next time to experience this unique event is 2020.
Trafalgar Travel Style
The Trafalgar travel style is all about getting to know the culture through activities and connecting with locals. Their main tagline is “Discover the Good Life”. On Trafalgar tours, you get to experience the real thing in a safe, escorted environment with knowledgeable guides there to help with the language and provide historical and cultural context.
"Discovering the Good Life" encompasses perks like skipping lines and private access to classic sites; and unique experiences that bring you to places and among people you’d never have the chance to meet traveling on your own.
This kind of travel is local immersion, but not in the same way a 25 year old might interpret that idea.
Rather than bunking at hostels, going out late at night, and enjoying potentially questionable street food, you’ll stay in premium, centrally located and culturally significant accommodations - everything from bed and breakfasts in Ireland to hotels right on the banks of Norwegian fjords.
Learn cooking techniques in Italy, enjoy private winery tours at French chateaus, and touring a small olive farm in Spain are just a few examples of the kind of unique travel experiences you can expect with Trafalgar.
Groups are large, typically between 40-45 travelers, a max of 52 on trips in the USA and Canada. Primary transportation during the tour is in large coaches, equipped with WiFi (with the exception of Alaska) and featuring large viewing windows - ideal for taking in the scenery as you head to your next spot on the itinerary.
Most meals during Trafalgar tours are included. Trips often include free time during which you can explore on your own, with suggestions from your expert guides.
Why Choose a Tour with Trafalgar?
Well known company
Culturally rich experiences in comfort
Many activities included, plus some optional choices
All guides are expertly trained
Large groups of international travelers
Trafalgar has a solid reputation, and they stick to what they’ve done well for over 50 years. They focus on the classics, providing a culturally rich perspective as you meet locals along the way. Their experience has allowed them to cultivate relationships around the world with local businesses - quality control you can trust for every stop along the trip.
Niche tours based on specialized interests are also something they are proud to offer. Trafalgar is where you go to have the essentials and logistics take care of seamlessly while you sit back and enjoy. Do note that these tours can be quite large - 40 people traveling together in a tour group can be stifling for some.
While they appeal to an older crowd due to their history and recognizable name, Trafalgar has an impressively well integrated social media presence. Trips on their site are accompanied by instagram posts from real travelers who have been on the same tour, using the hashtag #SimplyTrafalgar.
Old or young(ish), couple or single, traveling Simply Trafalgar inspires confidence, comfort, and enjoyment.
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Peregrine Adventures
#47 Pick of 174 Train & Rail Journeys Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 13 Trips
Average Price
$ 396 per day
Size Global Operator
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Trips in Train & Rail Journeys
5 Tours in Train & Rail Journeys
Expect I'm not the only one
they are 'fair weather friends'
I did not receive so much as an email advising of changes in the cancellation policy, discovered when I contacted them to cancel.
I now receive automated emails/msgs as I attempt to work through this.
The email states I may contact them on 31 July to discuss the matter!....4 months away.
I'm absolutely stunned by how shoddy this outfit is....who knew?!
Out of pocket $4000.
Expect I'm not the only one.
Highly Recommended
Currently experiencing “Cruising the Thai Islands” with Peregrine and I am loving everything! The local knowledge and immersive experiences are second to none and our guides are extraordinary
Highly Recommended
Currently experiencing “Cruising the Thai Islands” with Peregrine and I am loving everything! The local knowledge and immersive experiences are second to none and our guides are extraordinary
With Peregrine Adventures, ‘anywhere is possible.’ Based in Australia, Peregrine has led small-group, ‘soft’ adventure-style trips worldwide for over 30 years. It was one of the first operators to employ local leaders, a practice that is now widespread in guided travel.
What Makes Them Stand Out?
While considering itself an adventure travel company, Peregrine promises to “smooth down the bumps and rough edges.” In short, it’s more about soft adventure with added comforts than roughing it. Group sizes are kept small, with no more than 16 travelers per trip. Its philosophy is that while “seeing the famous sites is a must, it’s those memories of wandering through a little village or sharing dinner with a local family that leave a lasting impression.” The small-group aspect allows for more time to absorb the nature of the places visited, and to make a minimal environmental impact on them as well.
Who Travels With Them?
While Peregrine is a global company, many of its travelers originate from Australia and New Zealand. However, their groups can be geographically diverse, with most travelers 50+ years of age.
Where Do They Operate? Peregrine offers a wide variety of exciting global destinations, with 200 trips across 80 countries -- spanning from Egypt to Turkey to Canada trips! The company is perhaps best known for its Himalayan trekking excursions to far-flung destinations including Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. It was a pioneer in high-altitude trekking and these trips remain among their most popular today.
How Does it Work?
Most travel is by private, air-conditioned minibus, but you might find yourself on a houseboat in Kerala, India, a tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka, or a mountain lift on the best Switzerland tour you've ever experienced. Lodging and dining is at smaller, locally run hotels and restaurants. You might also dine with locals from time to time, and stay with local families or at campsites as well.
Why Travel With Them?
Peregrine is a good choice if you’re looking for a bit of a softer landing with respect to transportation and accommodations but still crave an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience. If you’re looking for more individual travel, Peregrine will craft independent journeys, arrange self-guided walking and cycling tours, or arrange private group and tailor-made trips. It’s your choice. Peregrine also helps support various community and conservation projects via its ties with the Intrepid Foundation.
Tweets by PeregrineSpirit
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CIE Tours
#55 Pick of 174 Train & Rail Journeys Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 127 Trips
Average Price
$ 200 per day
Size Regional Expert
Tour Length 8 – 15 days
Trip Prices $ 1,692 – $ 3,296
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Trips in Train & Rail Journeys
3 Tours in Train & Rail Journeys
DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME/MONEY WITH CIE!
I gave this return 1 star only because that’s the lowest possible option, otherwise they would receive 0 stars!!! I had a trip planned for September of 2021 to Iceland. 12 days before the trip, my husband got Covid. Even though it was 12 days before the travel date, they still would not allow me to reschedule the trip. My husband has Alzheimer’s and this would likely have been his last trip out of the country, had I been able to reschedule. I was told I could put in a claim to get a partial refund. Since September 5, I have been battling with CIE to get said refund. Countless emails and phone calls claiming my check would be in the mail by “next week.” I eventually contacted Trip Mate to see if I could get any answers and they informed me that the check couldn’t be sent out because CIE hadn’t released the money. I tried countless times to reach the customer service manager, Mary Larkin, but every time I called she was “on another call” or “at a meeting.” Eventually I was told I could only email her to get in contact with her. I did exactly that about my refund I have been waiting months to receive and she finally called me back. She said it was inexcusable that the refund had taken this long and assured me she would have the money released and have Trip Mate expedite sending the check to me “by next week.” This conversation took place on April 7 and no money has been received at this time. Better Business Bureau has been contacted to handle the matter from here. These people are thieves, do NOT under any circumstances book with them!!!
Both unfair and unacceptable
Like many others here, we have clients booked with CIE Tours, and their tours have been canceled, in one case twice. CIE only offers a future travel credit, without option for a refund. They say that their policy is like other tour operators, however, Globus Family of Brands and others that we work with are offering the option for a full refund in the case that they cancel the tour. Clients are upset and CIE's policy is both unfair and unacceptable.
Loved our experience
Loved our experience with our tour guide Mert our CIE tour in July/August of 2015 we have many pictures that we wanted to share with our group — I believe maybe however, the person in charge of creating a group page for our group — couldn’t read my handwriting when we had past the clipboard around to put our email addresses on as myself, husband and daughter never received any notification of the group page — kelli_landaverde@icloud.com or Kelli_landaverde@yahoo.com ; a.ponce219@gmail.com ; aponcelandaverde@gmail.com —- would still love to keep in touch with the group — that’s what’s so sad being together side by side for two weeks getting to know someone and then to never hear from one another ever again
Highlights of Britain
Trip Style: Group tour
Heart of Wales & England
Trip Style: Group tour
New Jersey-based CIE Tours, in business since 1932, is one of the largest operators of escorted coach tours through the British Isles, Eastern Europe, Italy, and Ireland.
Quick facts
Founded in 1932
Travel Style: Large Coaches, not handicap accessible
Single supplement required for those traveling solo
Group Size: Average 35, maximum 48
Typical Age Range: Older travelers 50+. Children are welcome, minimum of 8 years old, so families are common as well.
Average Tour Price: $2,233
Accommodation Style: 3, 4, and 5 star hotels, depending on the itinerary. 4 stars are the most popular, combining a decent price with comfortability.
What Makes CIE Tours Stand Out?
Specialize in Ireland tours
All-inclusive and great value
Discount Offers
CIE is a long-established company with extensive regional knowledge in Ireland. They offers especially good value, with all-inclusive pricing. Also look for early-booking discounts as well as seasonal discounts for solo travelers.
As part of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) and the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), CIE ensures that their company goes above and beyond when it comes to their client’s safety. They also offer a wide-range of itineraries depending on the client’s budget, interest, and schedule.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with CIE Tours?
Ages 50+
History buffs
Mid to high budget travelers
Those who want all parts of the itinerary planned out
Travelers seeking all-inclusive group tours of England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland, as well as a few destinations in Continental Europe. Customers tend to be aged 50-plus and have an interest in history and wish to stay in nice hotels (ranging from three to five stars) with a choice of budgets.
The kind of traveler who enjoys a completely hassle free experience, with all activities, meals, and sightseeing planned out. Coach tours are generally enjoyed by travelers who like driving - daydream and gaze out large windows at the world passing by in comfort on your way to the next wonderful stop.
If you love learning about history, culture, with your days full of ancient cities, churches, and historical information their guide style would be a good fit. And with the occasional spa day at your hotel thrown in these all-encompassing journeys take care of the mind and the body.
Top Destinations
Ireland
Europe
CIE Tours are especially known for tours in and around Ireland, and this is their primarily focus. They also travel to Scotland and Britain, with a small number of coach tours offered in Italy, Eastern Europe, and the Balkan Peninsula. Occasionally, river cruises on the Rhine and Danube are also available.
CIE Tours Travel Style
Most of their tours are on large, roomy, comfortable coaches, in the premium - luxury range. Amenities on board are basic, and coaches make frequent stops to avoid the need for using the restroom on the bus.
Group size is a max of 48, though 35 people is the average on the CIE Tours. Virtually all aspects of the trip – with no optional extras -- are included in the initial rate, which will not go up after booking, and departures are guaranteed. Itineraries range from 5 to 24 days, though the majority sit in the 8-10 day range.
CIE will also set up self-drive trips and homestay and B&B vacations for you if you want to travel on your own, or arrange customized tours for groups of 10 or more people.
Why Choose a Tour With CIE?
With more than eight decades of experience, CIE Tours offers dependable service and regional know-how. The company estimates that the average traveler will save $550 per week by not having to pay for optional extras during the trip. Their all-inclusive tours alleviate the stress of planning a vacation by providing daily guided tours, hotels, meals, and airport transfers.
CIE Tour guides are experts in Ireland and the other regions they travel through, so if you’re looking for comfort, inclusivity of price, plus a high caliber of knowledge and experience, this is a good place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the CIE Travel Protection Plan?
Travel insurance is required on all CIE Tours. The Travel Protection Plan is an easy, convenient way to purchase insurance at the time of your booking, covering cancellation. See other travel insurance options
2. Are there restrooms on the coaches?
Yes, most CIE coaches have restrooms for emergencies. Safety protocol means they are not to be used while the coach is in motion. CIE Tours make regular stops for travelers to stretch their legs and use the facilities.
3. Are CIE Tours handicap accessible?
No. Unfortunately the coaches are not equip to handle large wheelchairs or scooters. Walkers or foldable wheelchairs can be accommodated. Sightseeing tours require some walking over short distances, and some difficult stairs, such as when exploring castles. Uneven surfaces are common especially when exploring old sites and ruins.
4. What should I pack?
One large piece of luggage is permitted, which will fit under the coach. Layers are advisable for the weather in Ireland, which can be chilly. You may also bring a small backpack or purse. On “Supreme” tours, men will require a dinner jacket, but on all other tours this is not necessary. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
5. Are tips included?
No, tips for your driver, porter, guides, and tour director are not included in the price. They are not required, but are a customary show of gratitude, especially if you enjoyed the trip!
6. What about airport transfer?
If you choose to purchase airfare through CIE, complimentary airport transfer is provided for flights arriving before noon. You can choose to purchase airport transfer if you elect to buy your airfare separately.
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Preferred
Great Value Vacations
View Profile
Total Trips 722 Trips
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 6 – 12 days
Trip Prices $ 1,223 – $ 5,805
Service Level Budget
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Trips in Train & Rail Journeys
19 Tours in Train & Rail Journeys
Most organized and easy to use site!
Honestly this is one of the first times I ever buy a package deal like this one and I was very impressed with how professional and well timed everything was. They had all of our paperwork and tickets ready, I can’t even think of one time where anything went wrong or was wrong, very nice people I will definitely buy another trip soon!
Good value and ligit package.
Good value and ligit package.
WARNING!
WARNING!
This company seems like the right choice based on price. BEWARE! DO NOT USE! They are not helpful prior to trip. They mislead you when you speak with customer service. We took a trip to Ireland and were told by customer service that the hotel was in Sligo and Cork after asking prior to our trip. When we arrived, the hotels were both over one hour out in very small towns. This is one hour to the city we were told we were going to by customer service and one hour back.
The rental car we got prior to trip with our package, we paid to upgrade to a larger car. Then we paid extra to have an automatic car. When we arrived, we were told that we could have paid much less by just doing it onsite at Dublin airport. The car rental was in shock for how much Great Value charged us for the car rental.
You can save a lot of money if you book this Ireland trip on your own. And save many headaches. The kicker to all of this is when I got home and tried to speak with customer service. The lady told me she could not do anything to help me. I must instead email a supervisor. I did have email communication with GVV and they were quite snappy and rude. They refused to help me in any way. I asked them to change their wording so that the next customer would not be misled like we were. I would NEVER recommend nor use this company. There are too many reputable tour groups out there.
Please don't waste your money on a company that does not care about you.
**Edited**
In response to the reply that GVV gave to my negative review.
It is pleasing to see how quickly you can reply to a negative review. If only you were so quick to respond to my queries prior to my trip.
To begin, my review is public. However, it is NOT OK to include my name when replying to a review when the name was not included by me in my review of you.
Next, when responding to my review you must be truthful. For you to say: "We are not surprised to receive this review as we did not agree to your request for a cash refund in exchange for you not posting a negative review." is false. In my initial phone call to customer service I was told to tell you what I wanted. Since you never asked, in my email communication toy I stated "I will be happy to complete your survey with my negative concerns and complete multiple reviews on your company if you choose to not correct this grand misleading mistake. I do not want to receive a discount for a future trip. I believe some money back to me is fair due to the amount of gas money and time I lost for travel due to the poor locations of the hotels."
I did not say I was disappointed with the hotels in Cork and Sligo. I said I was angered that I was misled by customer service prior to my trip when they did not inform me the distance to the cities on the tour. I asked if they were centrally located and was told that they were. Again, when I arrived, I discovered that they were over two hours round trip, without traffic. My initial communication to you was to inform that this was misleading. Your company seemed to be defensive of my comments from the start.
I called customer service before the trip because you switched my hotel in Dublin. My original hotel was one 45 minutes away from the city. You switched me to a hotel that was in Dublin after finding the original hotel was unable to host us. The new hotel in the city was centrally located. Great news. But the closest parking garage was 3/4 mile away. Perhaps you could suggest a hotel in the future that has closer parking so that when your flight is at 7am one does not need to walk the streets of Dublin at 5am.
My complaint to you is the absolute disdain and lack of concern that you have for customers after the trip. Even after my trip was booked I was unsuccessful at receiving any positive support.
I do not want this communication to continue. You are trying to prove your point as I am mine. But keep in mind, you should not use the name of the consumer if they did not disclose first themselves. Please check
in house legal for affirmation. Also, please be accurate and truthful when disclosing your side.
Just as you had to get the last word to our email thread by sarcastically stating "dully noted".
Your lack of professionalism speaks volumes. Perhaps this is why you get so many complaints and low stars on your reviews.
Dublin & Galway by Rail
Trip Style: Self-guided tour
Spanish Splendors
Trip Style: Self-guided tour
Edinburgh & Glasgow by Rail
Trip Style: Self-guided tour
Great Value Vacations provides pre-packaged, competitively priced vacation itineraries suitable to all traveler types. They are owned by DH Enterprise and Associates, Inc.
What Makes Great Value Vacations Stand Out?
Professionally planned itineraries
Flight & car rental available
Local insights
Budget minded
Unlike traditional guided tours, Great Value Vacations provides professionally planned packages for independent travelers booking a vacation. Everything from flights to car rental is available through the Great Value Vacations booking process.
Itineraries are designed by locals, so you can get a true sense of local authentic living while on your vacation.
Their packages are competitively priced, and designed by an extensive network of travel experts. You can choose from among several types of trip and their reviews speak for themselves in customer satisfaction.
Accommodations and activities are hand selected by their local experts or the “feet on the street” as they call it. They choose only the highest quality places to send you and your travel companions.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Great Value Vacations?
Independent planners
Budget travelers
All ages
Travelers who want a fully vetted itinerary and the peace of mind that comes with having all components taken care of will love the experience of a Great Value Vacations package. Because of the great variety they have available, families, older travelers, and young professionals can all find something suitable on Great Value Vacations.
It’s important to note that these trips are not a traditional group tour or private tour, with a guide. If you are looking for a different kind of packaged pre-set itinerary with a fellow group of travelers, we recommend checking out a few different group tour companies first.
These packages are great for independent minded travelers who still like the idea of a professionally planned itinerary, with unique experiences and activities, but plenty of free time. Great Value Vacations is also great for having all services in one place - including visa information, flight booking, hotel booking, and car rental.
Great Value Vacations is also a great options for budget travelers. They partner with various deals sites like Groupon to provide ongoing deals and specials (although the voucher system might be a bit complicated).
Top Destinations
Great Value Vacations operates tours in Africa, Asia, Europe, and The Caribbean. Travel styles include everything from all inclusive resort experiences, to quaint Bed & Breakfasts, to fully escorted tours, to rail journeys.
Great Value Vacations Ireland trips are quite popular, particularly now as Ireland has remained open to travelers during the Coronavirus pandemic. You can find several different affordable independent and self drive Ireland packages through Great Value Vacations.
Similarly, many American travelers are considering domestic travel for the next vacation. Great Value Vacations United States trips are a great choice for keeping the budget low and finding fun unique ways to explore your own backyard.
Great Value Vacations Travel Style
Adventurous
Local culture
Active
Flexible
Driving
The Great Value Vacations travel style is about convenience coupled with confidence - for an unforgettable adventure. Most of their packages involve driving, and their rental car availability is comprehensive as well as a big part of the value when using a Great Value Vacations package.
Itineraries include detailed directions, all your hotel information, and other important documents are available within 30 days of your booking. You are required to print all necessary documents provided to you via their Traveler Portal.
Most packages include a few guided day tours and several activities ranging from cultural to active.
There are several vacation types and themes to choose from that are available through Great Value Vacations. These include everything from Luxury to Self Drive Vacations (which is one of their most popular).
Why Choose a Tour with Great Value Vacations?
For the ease of booking a package all in one place, Great Value Vacations is a top choice. Their packages have the propensity to be a bit standard, however given that they are created by local experts - all itineraries bring a little something special to the itinerary. You’ll definitely see the important sites, as well as get some locally immersive hidden gems.
They bring all facets of planning travel into one place, at a competitive price, taking care of all the factors that can make planning travel stressful. They have an easy to use online booking system, eliminating the need for you to take any extra steps.
It's important to note that some travelers may find the Great Value Vacations booking model a bit convaluted. They are very much geared toward budget travelers which means you can may see them listed on sites like Groupon or other deals aggregators.
Great Value Vacations Covid-19 Travel Update
In response to the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19, Great Value Vacations is currently postponing all bookings, based on the travel date, current news, and country travel policies.
This precaution is in place at least until November 2020 and will likely be extended beyond that. At this time any current bookings with Great Value Vacations remain non-refundable.
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Alexander + Roberts
#5 Pick of 174 Train & Rail Journeys Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 302 Trips
Average Price
$ 391 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 7 – 12 days
Trip Prices $ 1,699 – $ 2,199
Service Level Luxury
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Train & Rail Journeys
3 Tours in Train & Rail Journeys
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
Classic London & Paris By Rail
Trip Style: Self-guided tour
Italy By Rail
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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Preferred
Abercrombie & Kent
#12 Pick of 174 Train & Rail Journeys Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 32 Trips
Average Price
$ 704 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 11 – 13 days
Trip Prices $ 9,995 – $ 11,495
Service Level Luxury
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Trips in Train & Rail Journeys
4 Tours in Train & Rail Journeys
Overpriced, too much crammed into each day, and important aspects of the trip dropped....with no advance notice
Wings over Mediterranean Sept 2022. Other than the intra-city flights which were first class private jet, the rest was......average. Tour buses with windows too small to see any passing points of interest. A 250 sq ft "luxury" hotel room---thought I was in a Motel 8. Museum tours led by local experts who over-talked so long that they cut into anything that was planned for the remainder of that day. Restaurants....3 in particular very small, crowded, and not even remotely above average. Written itinerary says "and then return to your host city and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure." No way...we usually got back to the hotel around 5:30 after already passing up at least one planned exhibit. We had no special tour group privileges...we were just part of the pack and were overrun by tourists at every stop. $40,000 per person....a big huge "ouch"
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.
Exceptional Tour of Italy's Treasures
We took the A & K Small Group Tour to Rome, Florence & Venice. The experience exceeded expectations! Wonderful itinerary (with the ability to flex to the group's unique needs & requests!). Our guide (Emmanuela) was exceptional! Fun, extremely organized, considerate of all group members & always making sure that we had a 5-Star experience. Highly recommend this company (& this tour) - we will travel with A & K again!
Southern Africa Safari by River & Rail
Trip Style: Small group tour
Legends of the East by Luxury Train: Bangkok to Singapore & Bali
Trip Style: Small group tour
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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Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T. Tours)
#62 Pick of 174 Train & Rail Journeys Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 19 Trips
Average Price
$ 290 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 14 – 14 days
Trip Prices $ 4,795 – $ 4,795
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Train & Rail Journeys
3 Tours in Train & Rail Journeys
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!
Refund not given after cancelation dur to COVID 19
Wife's trip to Japan was scheduled and paid for in April, 2019. Everything on track until her trip was canceled due to COVID19. She has had three calls with OAT including two with supervisors. In each case, she was told that she could travel anytime until 2022 and that her money would not be refunded. During the latest conversation, she was told no refund due to "Force Majeure". My wife has been laid off and OAT has $8,000 of our money that they are refusing to refund. There is no way to plan a trip in 2021 or 2022 and we need the money for our monthly bills. This is unconscionable behavior. I have filed a complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General's office and the BBB. Using Force Majeure is particularly troubling since this is not a question of them being protected for canceling our trip (which they did), but about getting our money back. Force Majeure clearly protects them from canceling due to acts of God but has nothing to due with giving them the right to keep our money. Check around: many, many reviews are being written with similar issues. This is clearly taking advantage of seniors during a global pandemic. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THESE PEOPLE.
We visited Panama on this trip with OAT
We visited Panama on this trip with OAT including walking through El Chorrillo neighborhood and listening to the stories of the survivors of the US invasion. We would recommend the movie "The Panama Deception," a documentary of the US invasion. It tells a different story that the US government and media reported at the time. Certainly more informaRead more about review stating Additional movie recommendation for Panama visitorstive that "The Tinker of Panama."
You can find the movie online at https://www.c-span.org/video/?467566-1/the-panama-deception
Japan's Cultural Treasures
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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Lion World Travel
View Profile
Total Trips 47 Trips
Average Price
$ 376 per day
Size Local Specialist
Service Level Luxury
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
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.
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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Best Andes Travel
View Profile
Total Trips 9 Trips
Size Local Specialist
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Custom/Private Tour Operator
You will be in excellent hands. with Best Andes Travel
We had the pleasure of working with Carlos and Joel from Best Andes Travel to plan our honeymoon. I found Best Andes Travel through various online searches (maybe a Frommer’s article?), and felt at ease knowing I was working with a US company. Joel arranged the Galapagos Island portion of our honeymoon (which ended up being my favorite part). He was very patient with me, as my husband and I went back and forth many times deciding what we wanted to do/what dates/etc. He was always quick to respond to emails, and always kept me updated of how the process was going. He found us a last minute deal on the Cormorant Yacht, which turned out to be the best boat on the water (I seriously recommend this boat – the ultimate in luxury, as far as luxury at the Galapagos Islands goes)! I ended up waiting til almost the last minute to give Joel our preferred dates, but he was still able to have everything booked, organized and paid for in less than a week or two – truly an incredible feat! Joel arranged our flights to and from the Galapagos from Quito, and arranged to have a representative meet us at the airport for the most seamless boarding process ever (it almost worried me how smooth it went!). All our tickets and paperwork to gain entry to the islands were printed and handed to us upon meeting our representative. Our representative was on time, very friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable. I worked with Carlos to plan the Machu Picchu portion of our honeymoom, which we tacked on to the week after the Galapagos portion. He was just like Joel. Incredibly helpful, patient and so quick to respond to emails. He helped put together a custom Peru package for us, since we were unable to do the Inca trail hikes (I was 4 months pregnant and didn’t think it was a great idea). He made it possible for us to still experience Machu Picchu, arranging an incredibly sweet personal tour guide for us. This guide later ended up helping us change a portion of our travel since my husband fell ill (some type of stomach bug, as to be expected!). The hotels Carlos picked for us were great – very reasonably priced, in great locations, and with breakfast included. Again, Carlos worked so quickly to make this all come together. We were very impressed with the quick turnaround! Both Joel and Carlos were very accommodating to me, since I wanted to plan some in-between portions of the trip on my own. They did not push me into having them book things and even offered great tips to help me out. I couldn’t have been happier allowing Best Andes Travel to plan our Galapagos and Machu Picchu honeymoon excursions. You will be in excellent hands if you go with Best Andes Travel and I don’t hesitate at all to recommend them to anyone looking for US based travel coordinators. My husband and I are incredibly grateful for the wonderful trip, and truly owe it to Best Andes Travel for making it possible. Thanks.
He called for frequent rests and asked how we were doing..
I wanted to submit a review for our trip with Best Andes Travel on the Moonstone Trek to Ollataytambo and then on to Machu Picchu. We stayed in Cusco at the Costa Del Sol Ramada and absolutely loved it. Great rooms that are well taken care of with a courteous staff and good breakfast (included). Well positioned in the city with easy access to all amenities.
(Note: this is a long testimonial. You may read it in full, or scroll down to the rest of our testimonials.)
From the moment that we started our orientation to the trek we met our guide, Henrry Chauca, and knew that we were in for a treat. He told us all about Cusco and what to do there. His organizational prowess and intuition for our abilities and understanding were superb. When we actually started the trek I noticed that Henrry was communicating heavily with drivers, wranglers and the cook to make sure that things were not being missed. His lingual knowledge was also prevalent: speaking spanish, english and Quechua with ease and seamless transition. When one of us needed to stop for a restroom break in a small town he knew its exact location and coordinated the stop early for the cook to acquire some of his supplies as well.
My inability to have gluten was discussed between himself and the cook and I never had to worry about it after that. When we started to hike I could tell that there was a subtle testing process at work. Henrry would walk quickly for almost undetectable periods, evaluating if we could increase our pace. He also watched over his shoulder covertly and listened to our breathing to adjust his pace. He called frequent rests and asked us how we were doing to assess our physical fitness and altitude acclimation. When we wanted to push faster he intentionally slowed us, reminding us that we were not used to the altitude and would need to proceed slowly to acclimate better. This was well needed because later at higher altitudes we did in fact struggle more than we anticipated.
Henrry also started asking us our interests and finding key words to use as segways to Peruvian or Quechuan culture and history. He probed us to find out how interested we were in various aspects of Peru and started gaining our trust and respect on a personal level. He asked us about our families and culture in the US to have us in turn do the same with him. Finding out about his past and personal interests became something we were genuinely interested in and soon we were all joking and having long talks while we walked. Wilson’s opinions on issues were completely shrouded and polite and took much probing to discover which is a breath of fresh air compared to the forceful nature of most US patriots’ rantings and annoying behavior.
I completely enveloped myself in the calm and polite respectful nature of Henrry and the other employees that Best Andes Travel/Incan Tours provided us with. We would sit in the dining tent at the end of the day and laugh and joke and make light of the world. It was so comfortable and calm and Peruvian. The feeling that I got from Peru, with Henrry as my instrument of discovery, was one that I grew quickly to love and admire and require more of in the future. What a wonderful human being he is!
On top of all of this, we were astounded by Henrry’s physical abilities. We challenged him to run on a steep grade once and he did so with a gazelle-like ability. It was uncanny and absolutely amazing. In fact, Jesus – our cook, was similarly marvelous in his physical fitness! At 55 years of age he was taking short cuts and bounding over sections of ground like he was a young man in his teens. Truly remarkable. We had an excellent time on this trek.
The food was amazing, the history and culture shared by Henrry exemplary, the jokes and laughter during the trip kept things light and the scenery was breathtaking and challenging as well. Henrry organized the trip perfectly to include our best photos and experiences. He scheduled things perfectly and managed us subtly to make sure that we kept on pace to assure the best parts were not missed.
Thank you so much Best Andes Travel. Thank you so much to Henrry, Jesus, Carlos and Joel. We are already looking forward to our next trip with Henrry and Joel and crew and will recommend this group and trek to many others! Please have any prospective clients feel free to contact me for my recommendation on this trip. It was truly “bucket-list” fulfilling!
Preferred
Champollion Nile Cruises
View Profile
Total Trips 14 Trips
Size Regional Expert
Service Level Luxury
Operator Type
River Cruise Line
Family-friendly, Quiet rooms, Good room service
A wonderful vacation…thank you
*location, sightseeing program by our dedicated
professional tour guide Mohamed Elmaadawy & the
decent organiser Abdulrahman
*delicious food by chef Saeed makes u feel
like home
*Reception staff especially Mr.Mohamed he was
cooperative
*house keeping cute ideas by Towels they made me
a crocodile using towels B
*kids had so much fun on the sun deck & the staff
was really patient & nice to them 3)
" One of the most enjoyable trips ever to try"
One of the most enjoyable trips for anyone to try... all the staff are respectful, cooperative , very sophisticated and meticulous in dealing... Greetings to all those in charge, especially the tour guide who was a friend of us and more Mohamed El-Madawy, and God willing, we will repeat this experience again.
Preferred
Audley Travel
View Profile
Total Trips 680 Trips
Average Price
$ 297 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 7 – 22 days
Trip Prices $ 3,198 – $ 20,412
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Custom/Private Tour Operator
Trips in Train & Rail Journeys
29 Tours in Train & Rail Journeys
I’ll use Audley for all my travel moving forward
Ewan was fantastic in helping me arrange a US trip for me and my Fiancée. Gave me all the top spots and recommendations on what to do, when all I really had to start with was a broad idea of where I wanted to go.
The locations were perfect and the activities made the experience extra special.
I would definitely recommend Audley and especially Ewan to anyone looking for a more bespoke experience.
Unresponsive
Unfortunately, I can't review our TRAVEL experience with Audley Travel, but can comment on their non-responsiveness.
I contacted Audley as they came recommended by Wilderness Travel, the company we traveled with previously.
I left multiple messages for their regional specialist Adam -- voice messages through his co-workers (Alec and Jacky), email, website inquiry -- he didn't reply. I finally spoke to another specialist at the office (Lydia) and pressed her to not take yet another message for Adam, but tell me honestly if they are interested in working on our itinerary or we should move on. She then told me that they are busy. Well, wish they had some integrity to tell me on the first call, so I didn't have to loose time on trying to contact their "specialist".
p.s. They sent their automated marketing message with ALL their trips listed in response to my website inquiry. In this message they included: "When you are ready...". I replied that, indeed, we are ready, as I explained in my inquiry -- ready, know where and when we want to travel and are inquiring if you are interested in creating a private journey for us. No reply! Instead, they sent another marketing message the next day (and after Lydia already told us that they are very busy and won't be able to make reservations.) The second marketing message had no option to "unsubscribe". Again, I replied to that message and asked them to stop spamming me with marketing materials.
UPDATE: Audley's Client Experience Executive reached out to me in response to this review. She apologized profusely and wanted me to know that my "feedback is being heard". She said that she spoke with the employees' manager to "ensure mistakes like this don’t happen again and provide additional training to support their growth." She also promised to ask the marketing to delete my name from their marketing list. I took her at her word.
I don't know if this interaction with the client experience executive convinced me to seek Audley's services in the future, but I promised her to include in my review this "status update".
Amazing Trip of a life time
Where do I start, a trip of a life time, with experiences and memories for all my family. Every detail of our amazing journey in Cambodia & Vietnam was exceptional. The key was the guides provided, local, knowledgable and flexible, they all became friends over our stay. Engaging in the culture, experiencing life from food to travel, to luxury and amazing people. I would like to thank Mark Hotham for creating such special trip with many memories, to all the guides, Sophea, Tien & Tan and the drivers. Will I be booking another trip with Audley - yes, my only problem is what location
Southern Sweden & Copenhagen
Trip Style: Private guided tour
Oberammergau Passion Play - 2022
Trip Style: Private guided tour
Brussels & Amsterdam by rail
Trip Style: Private guided tour
Audley helps travelers see the world their own way, providing individual journeys crafted just for you by experts who have been there before.
What Makes Audley Travel Stand Out?
Trips fully customized to your dates, needs and interests
Hotels with character and thoughtful excursions hand-selected to impress
Dedicated country specialists who know their destination inside and out
With Audley, you get the peace of mind that comes from speaking directly to a country specialist who’s been to your destination many times before and who will use their insider knowledge to design an itinerary specifically for you.
Your dedicated specialist will listen to what you want, propose ideas to match, and work with you from inception to departure and remain available to answer any questions throughout your trip.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Audley?
The Audley traveler is discerning and curious and used to attentive and personal customer service. They’re interested in working with the finest trip planners to ensure all aspects of their trip are taken care of. Audley prices reflect the experience and care that goes into crafting our journeys and we’re happy to say that our customers think we’re worth it.
Where Do They Operate?
Audley Travel has country specialists for more than 80 destinations across every continent. They can plan anything from first time visits to special interest trips in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, Oceania, the Middle East and Polar regions. Within each destination, they also have travel advisors that specialize in safari and wildlife, culture, adventure travel, family trips, cruise and more.
Audley Travel Style
With Audley, virtually any travel style or theme is available to you. We’ve broken it out into 12 distinct Vacation Types:
Beach Vacations: Great for combining experiential travel with plenty of rest and relaxation along the way. Audley beach vacations can be planned anywhere from the Seychelles to Thailand and usually feature a resort stay along with some exciting cultural adventures.
Cruises: A great way to cover a lot of ground while only unpacking once, Audley river and sea cruises go all around the world, with a focus on destinations that are just a bit off the beaten path.
Cultural Vacations: For those travelers who want insider insights and to get to know adestination through the locals.
Family Vacations: No matter how old your family members are, Audley specialists can helpcreate the perfect itinerary for you out to see the world. We’ll suggest the best activities, accommodations, and destinations based on your family’s individual needs, from toddlers to teens.
Great Journeys: Trips on an epic scale, often visiting sweeping landscapes and far-flungdestinations like Antarctica or New Zealand. Honeymoon and Romance Ideas: If you’re looking for a relaxing and romantic honeymoon, with plenty of unique and special touches, Audley can help with private tours all over the world.
Luxury Vacations: Most of Audley’s trips have luxury components, but these trips takeindulgence to the next level. Everything from the hotels to the transportation will be five-star. We can provide opulence around the world, from Morocco to India to Australia.
Off the Beaten Track: For those travelers who want something both unique and adventurous, Audley's off-the-beaten-track trips focus on places that aren’t easily accessible like Malaysian Borneo or Brazil’s intric maze of Amazonian wetlands.
Rail Vacations: A classic way to travel, rail journeys are great for travelers who want to take it slow. It’s a rare chance to take in the landscape in a way that cars or planes just can’t provide.
Road Trips: Sometimes a good old-fashioned road trip is the only way to go. These self-drive vacations are for travelers who are used to going without a guide but want an expert’s opinion on the itinerary.
Wildlife Vacations: Get up close and personal with unique and hard-to-find wildlife around the world. From pandas in China to orangutans in Borneo, Audley can help you discover species around the world.
Why Travel With Them?
Audley can provide the inspiration and expertise you need to elevate your next trip into an epic journey. Their customized trips are created by experienced travel experts who have been there and know the best way to discover a destination. If you’re looking for personal attention, dedicated experts and local insights, Audley is a great choice.
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Avanti Destinations
#79 Pick of 174 Train & Rail Journeys Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 211 Trips
Size Global Operator
Service Level Luxury
Operator Type
Custom/Private Tour Operator
HORRIBLE
Avanti Destinations is a HORRIBLE and dishonest company. Paul Barry(who is sole owner) along wtih executive team of COO Mark Grundy, CMO John Hanratty and CFO Susan Marra should be ashamed on how they run a company. As a military family we booked our trip to London to leave March 21, 2020. This was to be our FAMILY trip overseas. While C19 is not the fault of Avanti, it is Barry who is at fault. While other airlines and travel agencies are giving a 100% REFUND not just vouchers Avanti is holding our money hostage. Trying to work with anyone associated with this company does not response. How can USTOA stand behind this company? How do we get a FULL REFUND from Avanti? My travel agent sent us information and our of almost $7000.00 we would get back $1700.00. Seriously? We are PCSing to another country in Asia and want to travel. What is Avanti decides to file bankruptcy because Barry does not know how to manage clients money. SOMEONE HELP US!!!
Company is pocketing thousands of dollars from travelers
I would love to write a review about our meticulously planned out trip, but as our $12000 week long trip to London and Dublin was cancelled due to a global pandemic, I cannot. This company has made it not just hard but nearly impossible to help out their customers who are in awful situations during this time. They are completely unwilling to budge on their bottom line even a little.
We had to cancel due to boarder/country closings and this company is trying to keep 100% of our money. We were booked to fly with British Airlines, and BA refunded $700 per person and that is all that this company has given us.
If by some miracle we get a representative on the phone they are condescending and degrading. I even spoke with the VP of the company and he was the worst. He made me feel small and unimportant. This whole company is taking advantage of the situation and unless people get lawyers involved they are completely unwilling to refund any money.
DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY! If something goes wrong on your trip, which let face it, multi country trips often have at least one thing go wrong, this company will NOT HELP! Do yourself a favor and go with someone else who has much better customer service and company values.
Swain Destinations
#21 Pick of 174 Train & Rail Journeys Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 123 Trips
Average Price
$ 294 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 15 – 15 days
Service Level Luxury
Operator Type
Custom/Private Tour Operator
Trips in Train & Rail Journeys
1 Tours in Train & Rail Journeys
Experts in knowledge and service!…
I have worked with Swain for travel in Australia and Africa. On both continents they have always exceeded expectations. I have never written a review until now, but I am truly impressed by their precision in handling the required covid tests for multiple country itineraries in Africa. Numerous travelers have been able to experience Africa with ease because of how easy to follow and clearly pre-arranged travelers testing and requirements. Experts in knowledge and service!
Arctic Finland trip with Swain Destinations
My family of four traveled with Swain Destinations to Finland in December 2021. It was just when Omicron was spiking in Europe and we were nervous at first but the Swain team walked us through all the protocols and because we felt like we were going to be in a very remote area (Finnish Lapland, in the Arctic Circle) we went on the trip anyway. When I say it was the best trip our family has ever gone on, I am not exaggerating. Everything from the moment we landed in Rovaniemi to the day we returned home was so special. Our guide, Miikka, was so caring and flexible, always making suggestions based on the days' weather and working so hard to ensure we would see the Northern Lights, despite December being a difficult month to get to see them. The food from our private chef at our chalet was AMAZING. We gave Swain Destinations our preferences and dietary requirements prior to traveling and everything was prepared exactly to our needs, and was still authentic, locally sourced and delicious. Every activity that was arranged was so wonderful - from the activities themselves being unique and in the beautiful Arctic setting, to the individuals who led the activities being legitimate Sami reindeer herders, champion husky mushers, and so on. I cannot speak highly enough of just how moved we were as a family to have these experiences together. We wrapped up our trip in Helsinki and got to experience the Christmas Markets and even Finland Day, which was beautiful and touching. I have to say that I thought a trip to the Arctic would be one and done, but now I want to go again in a few years when our children are old enough to do some of the more active experiences like ice-track racing, and helicoptering over the North Pole! We are already planning our next Swain Destinations trip, and cannot wait to see what they offer elsewhere, but I highly highly recommend their Finland experiences.
Vietnam Highlands
Trip Style: Private guided tour
Preferred
Sky Vacations
View Profile
Total Trips 31 Trips
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 9 – 9 days
Trip Prices $ 1,900 – $ 1,900
Service Level Luxury
Operator Type
Custom/Private Tour Operator
Trips in Train & Rail Journeys
1 Tours in Train & Rail Journeys
Mother Daughter Trip
I planned a surprise trip for me and my daughter with Sky Vacations to India. I was a little nervous at first, but they were very very professional in making all plans. When we arrived in India until we left, we were treated amazingly and each day was better than the previous one. The only sad day was when we had to leave!
What an incredible Egypt trip!
What an incredible Egypt trip! Our Egyptologist /guide Ramez was so knowledgeable – we learnt a lot about Egypt’s ancient history and at the same time it was so much fun. Hotels were great, Nubian dinner was a highlight, Nile cruise was outstanding. Highly recommend.
Best Of Spain By Rail: Barcelona, Madrid & Seville
Trip Style: Private guided tour
Travel 2
#85 Pick of 174 Train & Rail Journeys Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 5 Trips
Average Price
$ 389 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 4 – 4 days
Trip Prices $ 2,077 – $ 2,077
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Train & Rail Journeys
1 Tours in Train & Rail Journeys
Highly recommend them for your South Pacific vacation package needs.
Sarah Potter has been great helping me with multiple itineraries and customer customization. She has been very patient with their changes and questions. Highly recommend them for your South Pacific vacation package needs.-Lisa
Great
Well they certainly know how to put on a great fam! We are having such a great time seeing so many wonderful sights, meeting great tour company guides and really experiencing the outgoing friendly Aussie people everywhere.
4 Day the Ghan Expedition
Trip Style: Group tour
Preferred
SmarTours
#61 Pick of 174 Train & Rail Journeys Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 1 Trip
Average Price
$ 259 per day
Size Global Operator
Service Level Budget
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Train & Rail Journeys
1 Tours in Train & Rail Journeys
As this was our first organized/group tour I didn’t know what to expect
As this was our first organized/group tour I didn’t know what to expect. We booked our airfare independently as wanted to visit Dubai prior to the start of the tour. Upon arrival in Cairo at the Marriott Cairo a day before the tour started, our room was assigned already and the check in process was seamless. We had a welcome dinner the next day and met up with our group of 16 people and our exceptional Egyptologist & tour guide, Mrs. Enas Hassan. I cannot say enough about the knowledge, courtesy, patience and professionalism of Enas. This tour would have not been the same without her. I believe this in-depth tour was a fantastic way to visit Egypt. We were a bit apprehensive about travel to Egypt but now freshly back in the states, I have absolutely no qualms that we made this trip of a lifetime. After researching several aspects of travel to this region, I discovered that crime in a Egypt is less than half of a percent compared to crime in the USA which is 12%. Everyone we encountered was genuinely friendly and accommodating. Vendors at the markets & bazaars will approach you for a sale but not at all intimidating or threatening. Be ready to bargain with them as you would expect. Such a great feeling to get a good deal on souvenirs and priceless goods. The itinerary was comprehensive and learned so much further than that from lessons learned earlier in life. There was an equal amount of discovery and education compared to some needed downtime. As a gay married couple, we were a bit apprehensive about this tour as uncertain about visiting the a Middle East but the apprehension quickly subsided once we met our fellow travelers within our group and our trustworthy guide, Enas. We are ages 47 and 53 and we were the youngest within our group with the exception of a 24 year old daughter of other group attendees that happen to also be from Central Florida. I think our only negative feedback would be that we would have liked additional “free time” at each location but as the ages of our fellow travelers were greater than our own, they did not have the stamina to do more which is understandable, I suppose. We also had a couple that did not seem to be satisfied with accommodations, food, activity, etc. This was somewhat discerning as everyone else in the group was having a fantastic time and their energy was unnerving. When visiting a foreign country, you cannot expect things to be the same as in the USA. You need to have an open mind and experience a culture that is different than your own. I have gained so much valuable insight into the culture, history, incredible & unbelievable sights we were afforded to see on this amazing adventure. This trip, again, would not have been the same without the exceptional guidance of Enas Hassan, please request her for a truly Egyptian experience that you will never forget.
It was excellent
It was excellent. Our Tour Director & Egyptologist Mohamed Atef was one of the best that I have seen in my 40 years of worldwide travels. He was very knowledgeable and an excellent communicator. What set him apart was that he and his team took personal interest in the needs and welfare of every tour member. The hotels accommodations, Nile river boat Movenpick MS Royal Lily, local tour Buses and the meals were all wonderful. Their logistics management, baggage handling, room check-ins, meals and transfers to and from the airport were impeccable. Each and every historical site and the museums that we visited was beyond fabulous. The sites, statues are magnificent and the colors inside the Tombs are still vibrant after 4700 plus years. The Egyptian people are are quite friendly and very welcoming. One does run into vendors trying to sell you the local papyrus, books and clothing artifacts at these sites. But we recognized that this is their livelihood and were not bothered by it. We were very fortunate to have such a nice and fun group. Everyone had become friendly during the tour. The farewell dinner ended on a festive note with birthday celebrations for a couple of people in the group. I highly recommend this tour.
I had a trip booked to china Feb of…
I had a trip booked to china Feb of 2020. Of course it went away. I took my credits, which they told me I had, and signed up for a trip to Portugal in Sept of 2021. This change has never appeared in my account at Smartours. I have called three times. Every time except for today they have said, yes, you are booked, and fully paid. Today she said that It's booked but not paid for. There aren't any credits, and she needs more information. I will get a call back on Monday. Sure. They are playing hide the pea with my money. I have taken other trips with Smartours and am sorely disappointed with this experience. Where is the money? It's been a year and a half.
Founded in 1996, smarTours promises its customers the “Best Travel Bargains” by offering mostly all-inclusive guided tours throughout much of the world.
What Makes SmarTours Stand Out?
Airfare included
Affordable trips
Numerous ways to save
Local guides
Destinations around the world
SmarTours offers affordable tours along with great itineraries. Included in the price of all their tours is international airfare from the U.S., first-class hotels, sightseeing excursions, and English-speaking local guides.
SmarTours draws a large repeat business, taking travelers to such far-flung destinations as Thailand, Morocco, Japan, Peru, Patagonia, India, and Australia.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with SmarTours?
Budget travelers
Social travelers
History and culture lovers
Travelers who love traveling and care about experiencing the destination above all else - tourist sites, history, and culture - will love the feel of a SmarTours trip.
These tours are definitely for the budget minded - SmarTours offers numerous deals and specials throughout the year, and provides many other ways you can save money as well, including referring your friends and being a repeat SmarTours traveler.
Trips are comfortable and well guided, if not luxury or especially unique in tone. Airfare is included, which is a major selling point for SmarTours travelers.
SmarTours is perfect for the traveler who wants to get the most out of their travel experience, in terms of inclusions and time spent exploring the sites, both with a guide and with free time. If you are looking for a more cultivated, personalized experience, the SmarTours focus on keeping costs low doesn’t always allow for this. That said, this is budget travel that strives to appeal to a wider range.
SmarTours caters to all ages that are looking for good prices. They are largely popular amongst middle aged, 50+ travelers, and families.
Top Destinations
SmarTours travels all over the world, including Africa, Asia, South America and Cuba, Western and Eastern Europe, and the Mediterranean. Diverse itineraries are available in each destination.
SmarTours Travel Style
Large coaches
River and small ship cruises
Except for its cruise offerings -- primarily river cruises as well as Greek Island and Galapagos cruises -- transportation is generally by bus. Group sizes can reach 40 and beyond, but may also be smaller depending on the popularity of the trip. SmarTours will design custom trips for groups with at least 25-30 travelers.
Accommodations are between value and premium, comfortable with a step above basic amenities. You won’t spend much time in your hotel, as SmarTours makes the focus about the travel experiences on the ground. They care about ensuring that you have as much time as possible to explore with the guide and on your own.
Why Choose a Tour With SmarTours?
SmarTours is a complete bargain package for budget minded travelers. If you are looking for an unbeatable value, don’t mind a large group and want tours focused on exotic destinations, then SmarTours is a perfect choice for you.
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Premier World Discovery
#93 Pick of 174 Train & Rail Journeys Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 0 Trip
Size Global Operator
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Reviews Write a Review
We had the pleasure of working with Carlos and Joel from Best Andes Travel to plan our honeymoon. I found Best Andes Travel through various online searches (maybe a Frommer’s article?), and felt at ease knowing I was working with a US company. Joel arranged the Galapagos Island portion of our honeymoon (which ended up being my favorite part). He was very patient with me, as my husband and I went back and forth many times deciding what we wanted to do/what dates/etc. He was always quick to respond to emails, and always kept me updated of how the process was going. He found us a last minute deal on the Cormorant Yacht, which turned out to be the best boat on the water (I seriously recommend this boat – the ultimate in luxury, as far as luxury at the Galapagos Islands goes)! I ended up waiting til almost the last minute to give Joel our preferred dates, but he was still able to have everything booked, organized and paid for in less than a week or two – truly an incredible feat! Joel arranged our flights to and from the Galapagos from Quito, and arranged to have a representative meet us at the airport for the most seamless boarding process ever (it almost worried me how smooth it went!). All our tickets and paperwork to gain entry to the islands were printed and handed to us upon meeting our representative. Our representative was on time, very friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable. I worked with Carlos to plan the Machu Picchu portion of our honeymoom, which we tacked on to the week after the Galapagos portion. He was just like Joel. Incredibly helpful, patient and so quick to respond to emails. He helped put together a custom Peru package for us, since we were unable to do the Inca trail hikes (I was 4 months pregnant and didn’t think it was a great idea). He made it possible for us to still experience Machu Picchu, arranging an incredibly sweet personal tour guide for us. This guide later ended up helping us change a portion of our travel since my husband fell ill (some type of stomach bug, as to be expected!). The hotels Carlos picked for us were great – very reasonably priced, in great locations, and with breakfast included. Again, Carlos worked so quickly to make this all come together. We were very impressed with the quick turnaround! Both Joel and Carlos were very accommodating to me, since I wanted to plan some in-between portions of the trip on my own. They did not push me into having them book things and even offered great tips to help me out. I couldn’t have been happier allowing Best Andes Travel to plan our Galapagos and Machu Picchu honeymoon excursions. You will be in excellent hands if you go with Best Andes Travel and I don’t hesitate at all to recommend them to anyone looking for US based travel coordinators. My husband and I are incredibly grateful for the wonderful trip, and truly owe it to Best Andes Travel for making it possible. Thanks.
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
C
Claire
October 2022
We had the pleasure of working with Carlos and Joel from Best Andes Travel to plan our honeymoon. I found Best Andes Travel through various online searches (maybe a Frommer’s article?), and felt at ease knowing I was working with a US company. Joel arranged the Galapagos Island portion of our honeymoon (which ended up being my favorite part). He was very patient with me, as my husband and I went back and forth many times deciding what we wanted to do/what dates/etc. He was always quick to respond to emails, and always kept me updated of how the process was going. He found us a last minute deal on the Cormorant Yacht, which turned out to be the best boat on the water (I seriously recommend this boat – the ultimate in luxury, as far as luxury at the Galapagos Islands goes)! I ended up waiting til almost the last minute to give Joel our preferred dates, but he was still able to have everything booked, organized and paid for in less than a week or two – truly an incredible feat! Joel arranged our flights to and from the Galapagos from Quito, and arranged to have a representative meet us at the airport for the most seamless boarding process ever (it almost worried me how smooth it went!). All our tickets and paperwork to gain entry to the islands were printed and handed to us upon meeting our representative. Our representative was on time, very friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable. I worked with Carlos to plan the Machu Picchu portion of our honeymoom, which we tacked on to the week after the Galapagos portion. He was just like Joel. Incredibly helpful, patient and so quick to respond to emails. He helped put together a custom Peru package for us, since we were unable to do the Inca trail hikes (I was 4 months pregnant and didn’t think it was a great idea). He made it possible for us to still experience Machu Picchu, arranging an incredibly sweet personal tour guide for us. This guide later ended up helping us change a portion of our travel since my husband fell ill (some type of stomach bug, as to be expected!). The hotels Carlos picked for us were great – very reasonably priced, in great locations, and with breakfast included. Again, Carlos worked so quickly to make this all come together. We were very impressed with the quick turnaround! Both Joel and Carlos were very accommodating to me, since I wanted to plan some in-between portions of the trip on my own. They did not push me into having them book things and even offered great tips to help me out. I couldn’t have been happier allowing Best Andes Travel to plan our Galapagos and Machu Picchu honeymoon excursions. You will be in excellent hands if you go with Best Andes Travel and I don’t hesitate at all to recommend them to anyone looking for US based travel coordinators. My husband and I are incredibly grateful for the wonderful trip, and truly owe it to Best Andes Travel for making it possible. Thanks.
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Operator Best Andes Travel Company Reviews
I wanted to submit a review for our trip with Best Andes Travel on the Moonstone Trek to Ollataytambo and then on to Machu Picchu. We stayed in Cusco at the Costa Del Sol Ramada and absolutely loved it. Great rooms that are well taken care of with a courteous staff and good breakfast (included). Well positioned in the city with easy access to all amenities.
(Note: this is a long testimonial. You may read it in full, or scroll down to the rest of our testimonials.)
From the moment that we started our orientation to the trek we met our guide, Henrry Chauca, and knew that we were in for a treat. He told us all about Cusco and what to do there. His organizational prowess and intuition for our abilities and understanding were superb. When we actually started the trek I noticed that Henrry was communicating heavily with drivers, wranglers and the cook to make sure that things were not being missed. His lingual knowledge was also prevalent: speaking spanish, english and Quechua with ease and seamless transition. When one of us needed to stop for a restroom break in a small town he knew its exact location and coordinated the stop early for the cook to acquire some of his supplies as well.
My inability to have gluten was discussed between himself and the cook and I never had to worry about it after that. When we started to hike I could tell that there was a subtle testing process at work. Henrry would walk quickly for almost undetectable periods, evaluating if we could increase our pace. He also watched over his shoulder covertly and listened to our breathing to adjust his pace. He called frequent rests and asked us how we were doing to assess our physical fitness and altitude acclimation. When we wanted to push faster he intentionally slowed us, reminding us that we were not used to the altitude and would need to proceed slowly to acclimate better. This was well needed because later at higher altitudes we did in fact struggle more than we anticipated.
Henrry also started asking us our interests and finding key words to use as segways to Peruvian or Quechuan culture and history. He probed us to find out how interested we were in various aspects of Peru and started gaining our trust and respect on a personal level. He asked us about our families and culture in the US to have us in turn do the same with him. Finding out about his past and personal interests became something we were genuinely interested in and soon we were all joking and having long talks while we walked. Wilson’s opinions on issues were completely shrouded and polite and took much probing to discover which is a breath of fresh air compared to the forceful nature of most US patriots’ rantings and annoying behavior.
I completely enveloped myself in the calm and polite respectful nature of Henrry and the other employees that Best Andes Travel/Incan Tours provided us with. We would sit in the dining tent at the end of the day and laugh and joke and make light of the world. It was so comfortable and calm and Peruvian. The feeling that I got from Peru, with Henrry as my instrument of discovery, was one that I grew quickly to love and admire and require more of in the future. What a wonderful human being he is!
On top of all of this, we were astounded by Henrry’s physical abilities. We challenged him to run on a steep grade once and he did so with a gazelle-like ability. It was uncanny and absolutely amazing. In fact, Jesus – our cook, was similarly marvelous in his physical fitness! At 55 years of age he was taking short cuts and bounding over sections of ground like he was a young man in his teens. Truly remarkable. We had an excellent time on this trek.
The food was amazing, the history and culture shared by Henrry exemplary, the jokes and laughter during the trip kept things light and the scenery was breathtaking and challenging as well. Henrry organized the trip perfectly to include our best photos and experiences. He scheduled things perfectly and managed us subtly to make sure that we kept on pace to assure the best parts were not missed.
Thank you so much Best Andes Travel. Thank you so much to Henrry, Jesus, Carlos and Joel. We are already looking forward to our next trip with Henrry and Joel and crew and will recommend this group and trek to many others! Please have any prospective clients feel free to contact me for my recommendation on this trip. It was truly “bucket-list” fulfilling!
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
D
David
October 2022
I wanted to submit a review for our trip with Best Andes Travel on the Moonstone Trek to Ollataytambo and then on to Machu Picchu. We stayed in Cusco at the Costa Del Sol Ramada and absolutely loved it. Great rooms that are well taken care of with a courteous staff and good breakfast (included). Well positioned in the city with easy access to all amenities.
(Note: this is a long testimonial. You may read it in full, or scroll down to the rest of our testimonials.)
From the moment that we started our orientation to the trek we met our guide, Henrry Chauca, and knew that we were in for a treat. He told us all about Cusco and what to do there. His organizational prowess and intuition for our abilities and understanding were superb. When we actually started the trek I noticed that Henrry was communicating heavily with drivers, wranglers and the cook to make sure that things were not being missed. His lingual knowledge was also prevalent: speaking spanish, english and Quechua with ease and seamless transition. When one of us needed to stop for a restroom break in a small town he knew its exact location and coordinated the stop early for the cook to acquire some of his supplies as well.
My inability to have gluten was discussed between himself and the cook and I never had to worry about it after that. When we started to hike I could tell that there was a subtle testing process at work. Henrry would walk quickly for almost undetectable periods, evaluating if we could increase our pace. He also watched over his shoulder covertly and listened to our breathing to adjust his pace. He called frequent rests and asked us how we were doing to assess our physical fitness and altitude acclimation. When we wanted to push faster he intentionally slowed us, reminding us that we were not used to the altitude and would need to proceed slowly to acclimate better. This was well needed because later at higher altitudes we did in fact struggle more than we anticipated.
Henrry also started asking us our interests and finding key words to use as segways to Peruvian or Quechuan culture and history. He probed us to find out how interested we were in various aspects of Peru and started gaining our trust and respect on a personal level. He asked us about our families and culture in the US to have us in turn do the same with him. Finding out about his past and personal interests became something we were genuinely interested in and soon we were all joking and having long talks while we walked. Wilson’s opinions on issues were completely shrouded and polite and took much probing to discover which is a breath of fresh air compared to the forceful nature of most US patriots’ rantings and annoying behavior.
I completely enveloped myself in the calm and polite respectful nature of Henrry and the other employees that Best Andes Travel/Incan Tours provided us with. We would sit in the dining tent at the end of the day and laugh and joke and make light of the world. It was so comfortable and calm and Peruvian. The feeling that I got from Peru, with Henrry as my instrument of discovery, was one that I grew quickly to love and admire and require more of in the future. What a wonderful human being he is!
On top of all of this, we were astounded by Henrry’s physical abilities. We challenged him to run on a steep grade once and he did so with a gazelle-like ability. It was uncanny and absolutely amazing. In fact, Jesus – our cook, was similarly marvelous in his physical fitness! At 55 years of age he was taking short cuts and bounding over sections of ground like he was a young man in his teens. Truly remarkable. We had an excellent time on this trek.
The food was amazing, the history and culture shared by Henrry exemplary, the jokes and laughter during the trip kept things light and the scenery was breathtaking and challenging as well. Henrry organized the trip perfectly to include our best photos and experiences. He scheduled things perfectly and managed us subtly to make sure that we kept on pace to assure the best parts were not missed.
Thank you so much Best Andes Travel. Thank you so much to Henrry, Jesus, Carlos and Joel. We are already looking forward to our next trip with Henrry and Joel and crew and will recommend this group and trek to many others! Please have any prospective clients feel free to contact me for my recommendation on this trip. It was truly “bucket-list” fulfilling!
Read More
(Note: this is a long testimonial. You may read it in full, or scroll down to the rest of our testimonials.)
From the moment that we started our orientation to the trek we met our guide, Henrry Chauca, and knew that we were in for a treat. He told us all about Cusco and what to do there. His organizational prowess and intuition for our abilities and understanding were superb. When we actually started the trek I noticed that Henrry was communicating heavily with drivers, wranglers and the cook to make sure that things were not being missed. His lingual knowledge was also prevalent: speaking spanish, english and Quechua with ease and seamless transition. When one of us needed to stop for a restroom break in a small town he knew its exact location and coordinated the stop early for the cook to acquire some of his supplies as well.
My inability to have gluten was discussed between himself and the cook and I never had to worry about it after that. When we started to hike I could tell that there was a subtle testing process at work. Henrry would walk quickly for almost undetectable periods, evaluating if we could increase our pace. He also watched over his shoulder covertly and listened to our breathing to adjust his pace. He called frequent rests and asked us how we were doing to assess our physical fitness and altitude acclimation. When we wanted to push faster he intentionally slowed us, reminding us that we were not used to the altitude and would need to proceed slowly to acclimate better. This was well needed because later at higher altitudes we did in fact struggle more than we anticipated.
Henrry also started asking us our interests and finding key words to use as segways to Peruvian or Quechuan culture and history. He probed us to find out how interested we were in various aspects of Peru and started gaining our trust and respect on a personal level. He asked us about our families and culture in the US to have us in turn do the same with him. Finding out about his past and personal interests became something we were genuinely interested in and soon we were all joking and having long talks while we walked. Wilson’s opinions on issues were completely shrouded and polite and took much probing to discover which is a breath of fresh air compared to the forceful nature of most US patriots’ rantings and annoying behavior.
I completely enveloped myself in the calm and polite respectful nature of Henrry and the other employees that Best Andes Travel/Incan Tours provided us with. We would sit in the dining tent at the end of the day and laugh and joke and make light of the world. It was so comfortable and calm and Peruvian. The feeling that I got from Peru, with Henrry as my instrument of discovery, was one that I grew quickly to love and admire and require more of in the future. What a wonderful human being he is!
On top of all of this, we were astounded by Henrry’s physical abilities. We challenged him to run on a steep grade once and he did so with a gazelle-like ability. It was uncanny and absolutely amazing. In fact, Jesus – our cook, was similarly marvelous in his physical fitness! At 55 years of age he was taking short cuts and bounding over sections of ground like he was a young man in his teens. Truly remarkable. We had an excellent time on this trek.
The food was amazing, the history and culture shared by Henrry exemplary, the jokes and laughter during the trip kept things light and the scenery was breathtaking and challenging as well. Henrry organized the trip perfectly to include our best photos and experiences. He scheduled things perfectly and managed us subtly to make sure that we kept on pace to assure the best parts were not missed.
Thank you so much Best Andes Travel. Thank you so much to Henrry, Jesus, Carlos and Joel. We are already looking forward to our next trip with Henrry and Joel and crew and will recommend this group and trek to many others! Please have any prospective clients feel free to contact me for my recommendation on this trip. It was truly “bucket-list” fulfilling!
Operator Best Andes Travel Company Reviews
“A trip of a lifetime in the Andes” Our guide Juan Carlos was excellent and shared his knowledge of the Inca culture and history. He was patient, kind, and, thoughtful. Safety to the our group took precedence at every turn!. The food was amazing! Three course at every meal. Jesus was our chef. He created Andean meals for us during our journey. The porters were friendly, happy, and attentive. The scenery along the trail was breathtaking. I can’t imagine not doing this hike. For us it was about the journey. We were not disappointed. I would recommend Best Andes Travel to plan your next trip to S. America. Don’t wait. Do it while you’re still young
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
J
Jim
October 2022
“A trip of a lifetime in the Andes” Our guide Juan Carlos was excellent and shared his knowledge of the Inca culture and history. He was patient, kind, and, thoughtful. Safety to the our group took precedence at every turn!. The food was amazing! Three course at every meal. Jesus was our chef. He created Andean meals for us during our journey. The porters were friendly, happy, and attentive. The scenery along the trail was breathtaking. I can’t imagine not doing this hike. For us it was about the journey. We were not disappointed. I would recommend Best Andes Travel to plan your next trip to S. America. Don’t wait. Do it while you’re still young
Read More
Operator Best Andes Travel Company Reviews
We loved our entire trip! It was so nice to have everything taken care of (transfers, etc) which all went very smoothly. You did an awesome job coordinating it all.
To begin, we fell in love with Cusco. We wish that we had gone a day earlier to spend more time there but we really enjoyed the limited time that we had. I would highly recommend the full day Sacred Valley Tour as it gave a great overview of the Inca history and we saw some amazing ruins. German Dario (poor guy was stuck with us for days!) was very knowledgeable and proud of the history. The hotel in Cusco suited our needs perfectly.
The trek was truly incredible! As you know, we ended up with a "private" trek which was nice. I don't think that there is anything that I would have changed about this part of the trip. The porters, cook, equipment, etc were all great. I would highly recommend doing the trek vs just going to Machu Picchu as the journey makes it so much more meaningful.
The Eclipse was the perfect boat for us. We had a lower naturalist to tourist ratio and the four naturalists were very experienced and good. The ship had a lot of amenities including a nice outdoor dining deck. The food, service, hospitality, etc were all exceptional. We loved the Galapagos and would have loved to have stayed longer. We enjoyed a city tour in Quito on our last day.
Y'all are the best! Thanks for everything!!
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
K
Kate
October 2022
We loved our entire trip! It was so nice to have everything taken care of (transfers, etc) which all went very smoothly. You did an awesome job coordinating it all.
To begin, we fell in love with Cusco. We wish that we had gone a day earlier to spend more time there but we really enjoyed the limited time that we had. I would highly recommend the full day Sacred Valley Tour as it gave a great overview of the Inca history and we saw some amazing ruins. German Dario (poor guy was stuck with us for days!) was very knowledgeable and proud of the history. The hotel in Cusco suited our needs perfectly.
The trek was truly incredible! As you know, we ended up with a "private" trek which was nice. I don't think that there is anything that I would have changed about this part of the trip. The porters, cook, equipment, etc were all great. I would highly recommend doing the trek vs just going to Machu Picchu as the journey makes it so much more meaningful.
The Eclipse was the perfect boat for us. We had a lower naturalist to tourist ratio and the four naturalists were very experienced and good. The ship had a lot of amenities including a nice outdoor dining deck. The food, service, hospitality, etc were all exceptional. We loved the Galapagos and would have loved to have stayed longer. We enjoyed a city tour in Quito on our last day.
Y'all are the best! Thanks for everything!!
Read More
To begin, we fell in love with Cusco. We wish that we had gone a day earlier to spend more time there but we really enjoyed the limited time that we had. I would highly recommend the full day Sacred Valley Tour as it gave a great overview of the Inca history and we saw some amazing ruins. German Dario (poor guy was stuck with us for days!) was very knowledgeable and proud of the history. The hotel in Cusco suited our needs perfectly.
The trek was truly incredible! As you know, we ended up with a "private" trek which was nice. I don't think that there is anything that I would have changed about this part of the trip. The porters, cook, equipment, etc were all great. I would highly recommend doing the trek vs just going to Machu Picchu as the journey makes it so much more meaningful.
The Eclipse was the perfect boat for us. We had a lower naturalist to tourist ratio and the four naturalists were very experienced and good. The ship had a lot of amenities including a nice outdoor dining deck. The food, service, hospitality, etc were all exceptional. We loved the Galapagos and would have loved to have stayed longer. We enjoyed a city tour in Quito on our last day.
Y'all are the best! Thanks for everything!!
Operator Best Andes Travel Company Reviews
We have just returned from a South American holiday and without a doubt, our Inca Trail hike and Machu Picchu experience was the highlight of this once in a lifetime holiday. We were unsure of exactly what to expect on the trek in terms of the food, equipment and the hike itself. The information we were provided by Best Andes Travel prior to leaving and at the briefing before hand was great.
After we had met our guide, Jesus, we knew we would be in very safe and knowledgable hands. Our group was only small, which was lovely and the bond that we all had after the five day experience was really nice. A huge thank-you to the porters who carried all the gear up and down over steps and inca stones. You guys are just amazing! Campsites were always set-up on arrival and they would always be there to assist in anyway. The food was so yummy and filling. Three courses for most lunches and dinners and some amazing culinary skills in camp like conditions. It really kept us going. But a massive thank-you goes out to Jesus, our guide. He was so passionate and knowledgable about the trek and the area. He was always checking on everyone in the group and making sure each and every one of us were enjoying our time. Best Andes Travel.... He is an asset to your company!! We will highly recommend this trekking group to our family and friends.
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
M
Marcela
October 2022
We have just returned from a South American holiday and without a doubt, our Inca Trail hike and Machu Picchu experience was the highlight of this once in a lifetime holiday. We were unsure of exactly what to expect on the trek in terms of the food, equipment and the hike itself. The information we were provided by Best Andes Travel prior to leaving and at the briefing before hand was great.
After we had met our guide, Jesus, we knew we would be in very safe and knowledgable hands. Our group was only small, which was lovely and the bond that we all had after the five day experience was really nice. A huge thank-you to the porters who carried all the gear up and down over steps and inca stones. You guys are just amazing! Campsites were always set-up on arrival and they would always be there to assist in anyway. The food was so yummy and filling. Three courses for most lunches and dinners and some amazing culinary skills in camp like conditions. It really kept us going. But a massive thank-you goes out to Jesus, our guide. He was so passionate and knowledgable about the trek and the area. He was always checking on everyone in the group and making sure each and every one of us were enjoying our time. Best Andes Travel.... He is an asset to your company!! We will highly recommend this trekking group to our family and friends.
Read More
After we had met our guide, Jesus, we knew we would be in very safe and knowledgable hands. Our group was only small, which was lovely and the bond that we all had after the five day experience was really nice. A huge thank-you to the porters who carried all the gear up and down over steps and inca stones. You guys are just amazing! Campsites were always set-up on arrival and they would always be there to assist in anyway. The food was so yummy and filling. Three courses for most lunches and dinners and some amazing culinary skills in camp like conditions. It really kept us going. But a massive thank-you goes out to Jesus, our guide. He was so passionate and knowledgable about the trek and the area. He was always checking on everyone in the group and making sure each and every one of us were enjoying our time. Best Andes Travel.... He is an asset to your company!! We will highly recommend this trekking group to our family and friends.
Operator Best Andes Travel Company Reviews
very good atencion and beautiful places 10/10
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
E4
Elmaster644 40
October 2022
very good atencion and beautiful places 10/10
Read More
Operator Best Andes Travel Company Reviews
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