Tour Company & Travel Agency Reviews
127 Travel Providers meet your criteria (Providers 1 to 20 shown)
Premier
Trafalgar
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Total Trips 3,896 Trips
Average Price
$ 329 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 2 – 32 days
Trip Prices $ 555 – $ 13,575
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Cancelled trip no refunds
Trafalgar cancelled our trip and now wants to take our money. We have a total of $30,000 invested in this trip for 11 people and cannot use vouchers for future use. stay away
thanks for the trip of a lifetime
Our guide for Italy and Sicily was so knowledgeable. If she did not know the answer, she found it by looking it up. Trafalgar see to your every need. We were so comfortable in every situation. Thanks for the trip of a lifetime.
I can't wait to travel with them again!
The guides are amazing and everyone does their best to accommodate the guests. There is ample free time to explore on one's own as well as optional extra excursions. I can't wait to travel with them again!
Great Trans-Canadian Journey with Alaska Vista Suite
Trip Type: Group Tour
Highlights of Australia and New Zealand
Trip Type: Group Tour
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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Preferred
SmarTours
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Total Trips 70 Trips
Average Price
$ 259 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 7 – 21 days
Trip Prices $ 1,499 – $ 8,799
Service Level Budget
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Fantastic Experience!
Would do it again in a heartbeat! My you tube playlist of our adventure..https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLppLkjmuXArn1NMiGpTZn7ju0vQRZBQ8P
Dissappointing Vietnam & Cambodia
The countries are fantastic. The Hotels were great. The schedule and timing were terrible. Arriving at Siem Reap (one of the possible best parts of the whole tour) at 5:00pm we were informed it closes at 6:00pm and we would have to rush around. - 1 hour to visit !!!!. Simialrily we spent 4 days at Hoi An and Hue (relaxing!!) where ther is little to see after perhaps 4/5 hours in total. We arrived at Halong Bay at about 6pm - with no time to do anything and early the next morning we had to check out to start our trip back to Hanoi. To summarise quickly. Wherever the hotels were expensive (regardless of the local attractions) we had VERY LITTLE time (or none). Where hotels were inexpensive (Hoi An , Hue) we spent 4 nights - with very little to see of any significant nature. All the hotels were excellent and the tour guides did a great job BUT for us and a good number on our tour that wanted to see the HIGHLIGHTS of Cambodia/Vietnam we were all VERY Dissappointed. This is how Smarttours keeps prices competitive by keeping the hotel costs to a minimum.
Excellent Tour
Excellent tour to Portugal! Guide Mena was wonderful! Joyce
The Best of China
Trip Type: Group Tour
Classic Russia: St. Petersburg, Moscow & the Golden Ring
Trip Type: Group Tour
Bali & Java Adventure
Trip Type: Group Tour
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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Uniworld
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Total Trips 249 Trips
Average Price
$ 429 per day
Size Regional Expert
Tour Length 8 – 25 days
Trip Prices $ 2,799 – $ 15,499
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
River Cruise Line
better the second time around?
This was our 6th Uniworld and 2nd time down part of the Danube.
local guides very good; better than last time. food remains excellent; lunch food choices in particular are better than before. service, in particular Dining room, remains excellent. servers really attempt to learn food and drink preferences. front desk service is excellent. small improvements in room (chocolate jar; audio box chargers in closet; closet hanger rods more like home than ship) appreciated.
the ship is starting to need updating; our shower stall needed to be re-grouted; deck might need to be refinished in areas. elevator never worked during cruise; 24 hr. coffee machine malfunctioned for 3 days. the itinerary itself isn't full of "must-sees" but has has sights and experiences that might be hard for you to do on your own with just a guidebook.
While cruise wasn't perfect, we would travel with Uniworld again; possibly even down the Danube a 3rd time, but on a newer ship.
Professioal, friendly and unforgetable experience for the cruise
The facility on ship was good. Staff servicing us were very professionally good. For the meals it was indeed very nice especially the kitchen was able to provide some Asian dishes that is fantastically great.
Highly recommend
Me and Nena are in cruise business more than 38 years and booked so many river cruises in Europe and charter ships in Russia, India, Egypt and Ukraine. Uniworld offer excellent cruise and we highly recommend this great company.
Tulips & Windmills (2021)
Trip Type: River Cruise
Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong (2021)
Trip Type: River Cruise
Splendors of Egypt & the Nile (2021)
Trip Type: River Cruise
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, part of the giant Travel Corporation umbrella of tour companies and cruise lines, is a luxury, all-inclusive line offering itineraries on a total of 22 rivers in 29 countries worldwide.
What Makes Uniworld Stand Out?
Uniworld provides the pinnacle of luxury river cruising. They are known for their attention to detail, and extremely warm and attentive customer service. Traveling with Uniworld is to enter another world and experience the joy and comfort that comes with unpacking once, and really catering the journey to your pace.
Many excursions are available during the cruise, as well as top line on-board activities and dining.
Like other Travel Corporation brands, Uniworld contributes to the not-for-profit TreadRight Foundation, which works to promote sustainable tourism projects worldwide.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Uniworld?
Uniworld is perfect for those travelers who are looking to relax, only upack once, and can somewhat cater their experience once aboard the river cruise - enjoying as many or as few port excursions (extra fee) or simply exploring on your own before it’s time to leave port.
River cruising with Uniworld is a luxurious experience. Staff are attentive, everything is crisp and clean, and much attention to detail is paid to make sure your experience on board is enjoyable and every possible need is met.
It’s a “dress for dinner” kind of experience aboard Uniworld. Where you can enjoy fine wine, food, and appreciate a bit of a throwback feel. During the days many active travel opportunities can be found such as cycling and walking tours, or if you prefer you can dial it down to enjoy at your own pace. Travelers are often older, in the 50 plus range, many couples, and some friend groups.
Top Destinations?
Destinations include a number of European rivers as well as those in Russia, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Egypt, and India (India cruises begin in 2016, aboard the new Ganges II Explorer).
Uniworld Travel Style
Uniworld ships average a maximum of 130 passengers, and the staff-to-guest ratio is very high. The line is noted for its service and cuisine and has won numerous industry awards. All-inclusive pricing includes unlimited beverages aboard, shore excursions and gratuities, with just a few exceptions.
Why Choose a Cruise with Uniworld?
If you’re looking for a top of the line luxury travel experience on some of the world’s most picturesque rivers, then Uniworld is a fantastic option.
These trips are best suited for active older travelers. There are many excursions available and the amenities on board, service, and culture all create an unforgettable luxury river cruise experience.
Tweets by UniworldCruises
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Intrepid Travel
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Total Trips 1,729 Trips
Average Price
$ 203 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 2 – 64 days
Trip Prices $ 87 – $ 18,320
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Another great intrepid trip
This was our fourteenth trip with intrepid, again another wonderful experience, our guide was very knowledgeable and always ready to to help and advise the trip gave us insight into the Indian way of life, with beautiful scenery and food can't wait till our next trip.
An Amazing experience. As always this Intrepid trip was well…
As always this Intrepid trip was well organised and was an exciting and fascinating journey. We saw the real Cuba from Havana to Santiago and our accommodation being in homestays meant that we were really embedded with the people living in each place we stayed. Our guide, Ira, was excellent. Her knowledge of the history and geography was extensive and she dealt so well with the group and any little problems we had. My wife is gluten free and she went out of her way to make sure that everything she ate was safe, which is always a big worry for us.
The tour was so varied and we saw so much of life in Cuba, the music (we had Salsa lessons), the food, the story of the revolution, the art, the cars, the daily struggles of the people themselves and their hopes for the future.
I would definitely recommend it as an amazing experience and all thanks to Intrepid and their ethos of providing tours that help the local community.
Good people, places, and food.
My trip with Intrepid is what made me fall in love with Kenya. Every place we visited was beautiful and I got to tick a lot of things off my bucket list like seeing 4 of the big 5, seeing flamingos at Nakuru, and hot air ballooning. We got authentic, geniune, and non-gimmicky experience with the people we met (most specifically with the Massai at Hellens camp). The tour guide Julius was extremely knowledgeable, and so were all the other guides we encountered. I never felt wanting for information.
The most pleasant and surprising experience was the food. I did not expect such delicious meals to be provided on a campsite (or side of the road for that matter). We were provided a variety of nutritional meals from our chef Jeremiah: Soups (specificallythe night we had butternut squash soup), salads, samosas, the BBQ
Sardinia & Corsica Sailing Adventure
Trip Type: Small Ship Cruise
Sail Greece: Santorini to Mykonos
Trip Type: Small Ship Cruise
Sail Greece: Mykonos to Santorini
Trip Type: Small Ship Cruise
Intrepid Travel - Quick Facts
Founded in 1989
No Single Supplement (rare exceptions)
Small Groups: max 16 on most trips
Typical Age Range: 18 - 45
Travel Style: Cultural immersion, adventure, overland
Accommodation Style: Camping, Hostels, 3 /4 star hotels
Average Tour Price: $2,377
Top Regions: Asia, Africa, Europe, South America
Other Brands: Peregrine
Commonly compared with G Adventures »
Stride Editorial Review of Intrepid
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 many experiences such as group trips to Hawaii, complete with sipping sunset Mai Tais on Waikiki Beach.
What Makes Intrepid Travel Stand Out?
Responsible travel
Industry experts
Authentic experiences
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. 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 average just 10 travelers each, with a 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.
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 or daring, ahem, encouraging each other to try strange new foods.
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.
Intrepid Travel Style
Intrepid enjoys using local, unique forms of transportation. You might find yourself traveling by felucca in Egypt, on a camel in Morocco, 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 choice 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.
Covid Safety Precautions
Some countries are beginning to reopen to international visitors with entry restrictions while others have remained closed. This will impact trips with Intrepid as some destinations they offer may not be currently allowing travelers to visit. Some tourist attractions may also be closed or operating under restricted hours and capacity.
It is best to monitor the news 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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Premier
Abercrombie & Kent
View Profile
Total Trips 40 Trips
Average Price
$ 704 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 7 – 17 days
Trip Prices $ 3,495 – $ 11,495
Service Level Luxury
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
WARNING. DO NOT USE ABERCROMBIE AND KENT
We booked our bucket list trip to Southeast Asia, we were scheduled to depart on March 4th. That’s when the Corona Pandemic was becoming rampant worldwide. We were reaching out to them constantly during the weeks beforehand, looking to reschedule or cancel our trip due to the travel hazards. We were shocked to find out there was NO understanding nor negotiating options with them or upper management. We have heard from several other friends who had trips scheduled around this same timeframe and their companies reached out to them directly and offered refunds or scheduling changes due to the Corona Pandemic. We will NEVER RECOMMEND OR USE THEM AGAIN. TRAVELERS BEWARE.
I had a great time
Just completed the A&K Southeast Asia and Angkor Wat Tour. I had a great time with Angkor Wat being the pearl of the trip. Our guide Truong was wonderful. He was the best guide I have ever had on any tour by far.
Allow trip rescheduling
Allow trip rescheduling when travel disrupted by world pandemic.
Tanzania Safari in Style
Trip Type: Small Group Tour
Galápagos Wildlife Adventure
Trip Type: Small Ship Cruise
Southern Africa Safari by River & Rail
Trip Type: 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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Premier
Collette
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Total Trips 918 Trips
Average Price
$ 289 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 5 – 27 days
Trip Prices $ 1,269 – $ 15,399
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
we had an absolute wonderful time
My wife & I just returned from your National Parks tour and we had an absolute wonderful time. Great itinerary, tour director (Merrin) and driver (John). First class!
The Best
The best. I've worked with many travel companies, but now I only book my groups through Collette.
Had a river cruise booked for May 2020
Had a river cruise booked for May 2020 on the Danube but unfortunately because of Covid 19 it was cancelled. I had no issues in getting a full refund for my vacation. I will definitely rebook with Collette when things return to normal...
With a history that goes back to 1918, their experience speaks for itself. They provide comprehensive, well-managed guided tours for travelers seeking an exploratory, comfortable travel experience.
Collette - Quick Facts
Founded in 1918
Group size: It varies. Collette offers private and customizable tours, as well as small groups of between 14-24 guests
Typical age range: 45+
Average tour price: $2,996
Accommodation style: 4 star and above hotels and unique locations
Top regions: USA & Canada, Europe & UK
Commonly compared with Tauck and Trafalgar
What Makes Collette Tours Stand Out?
Flexibility & personalization
Expert tour managers
Easy booking process
Private & Customizable tours
Balances iconic must-sees with immersive cultural experiences
A long history in guided tourism means Collette knows every inch of guided travel. Take care of all the details like it’s second nature, and even though it's old hat every traveler is new and they dig into that. Collette recognizes that no two traveler is the same and approach each planning experience from a perspective of flexibility and personalization.
Their goal is to ease the hardship of planning and organizing for the traveler so you can fully enjoy the experience without worry or stress. At Collette, they know guided travel and have been successfully leading tours around the world to a growing, devoted customer base for nearly 100 years.
Collette tours are about letting you, the traveler, experience unbelievable, classic, and unique moments around the world.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Collette?
Travelers aged 45+
Moderately active travelers
Upper budget range
Do you love the ease of mind that comes with having every detail taken care of when you travel? Details that allow you to relax and enjoy the special little moments of discovering the world; learning about new cultures, awe inspiring wildlife encounters, and leisurely meals highlighting local cuisine? Then you are ideally suited to Collette tours.
The Collette traveler is typically older, in the 50+ range. Travelers who enjoy the finer things, value a premium to luxury style of accommodation and transportation, yet have an adventurous spirit will love traveling with Collette.
Recent retirees and active seniors who are game for anything are the kind of traveler who relish a tour with Collette - check out this group in Costa Rica - taking part in Costa Rica's famous ziplines!
If you don't want to be encouraged to jump in and push your comfort zone a bit, you may find yourself out of step on a majority of Collette tours. They have several offerings though, so don't let that discourage you.
Collette is ideal for active travelers who enjoy a comprehensive guided tour, with a lot of activity, and local experiences. These tours can involve extensive walking, sometimes over uneven surfaces, so a certain basic level of physical fitness is required.
Tours with Collette are classified by 5 basic physical levels, to help you find one best suited to you:
Level 1 - Mostly flat services and minimal walking. You should be comfortabe with climbing a few stairs, plus getting in and out of the coach
Level 2 - Average physical ability is required such as long stairs and walks of a few hours. Some walks may be over uneven ground.
Level 3 - Slightly longer distances and more frequent walks can be expected. Expect stairs and some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones or nature trails.
Level 4 - Expect to be on your feet longer, including periods of standing and more extensive walking periods. These tours may also feature nighttime activities, so you'll be active for a longer period of time.
Level 5 - Very active travel. Expect adventure experiences and activities, early mornings and late nights. You can also expect to experience the elements so be ready for rain, wind, dust, what have you.
Free days are included in most Collette tours, giving travelers time to relax, take walks on the beach, or maybe do some shopping.
If you’re the kind of traveler for whom the a glass of champagne out in the blazing sun of the Australian outback, gazing at Uluru, sounds idyllic - then Collette would be perfect for you.
Top Destinations
Collette tours travel all around the world, to all 7 continents including Antarctica. They are well known for Central and South America, Australia, and Africa. They also offer an impressive variety of North America tours including several in the United States and Canada.
Travel styles include everything from river cruises to family tours to faith based tours.
Collette Travel Style
Collette promises the “trip of a lifetime” through exclusive outings, luxury touches, and appreciating the moments of anticipation before the world reveals itself. Their travel style is about discovering new cultures, embracing the explorer within -- in time for a cocktail at the end of the day.
They have 6 broad classifications for travel style: Classic, Explorations, Spotlights, River Cruise, Faith, and Impact Travel:
1. Classic Collette Tours - This is what they call their Flagship collection, group tours that make the postcard come to life. Visit all the must see sites, enjoy cultural experiences, all with a professional and knowledgeable guide, there to help make your travel as seamless as possible. Groups are on the larger side
2. Explorations - These tours are about going deeper, meeting locals, and getting off the beaten path. “Authenticity” is a big word for Collette Explorations. You’ll experience the destination in a smaller group, an average of 18 people, allowing for access to more local experiences not available to larger groups. Classic sites will also be included in your itinerary, but the focus is mostly on unique experiences.
3. Spotlights - Have a shorter amount of time and don’t want to miss anything? Collette Spotlight tours are designed to maximize your city stay or short getaway experience. These are primarily walking tours, packed with sightseeing, historical and cultural information, but with some downtime as well. Typically these tours are between 5-9 days.
4. River Cruise - A very popular mode of travel, particularly for 50+ travelers, river cruising is ideal for those seeking a leisurely vacation, unpacking only once, enjoying gliding by beautiful sites and participating in various guided shore excursions. Collette river cruises go around the world, including China, Egypt, and Europe.
5. Faith - For those travelers interested in visiting religious sites, Collette has a group of tours dedicated to faith based travel. Visit world famous icons and learn their ancient histories.
Collette Faith tours visit everything from grand churches to the humble beginnings of the three major world religions in the Holy Land. Tours are history based with an emphasis on finding deeper spiritual significance and meaning. They also have trips to the Oberammergau Passion Play.
6. Impact Travel - Being a responsible traveler is an important component on all Collette tours, however if you’re seeking to do more to give back, their Impact Tours are a great way to do so. Sightsee with a purpose as you assist with local initiatives, volunteering among the community, helping in classrooms, and protecting local wildlife.
Why Choose a Tour with Collette?
Flexibility in planning
Extensions available pre or post tour date
Private airport transfer
Expert planners
If you are looking for an entertaining, fully escorted, active tour to explore new cultures, and enjoy unique experiences, Collette could be for you. They provide a dedicated guide, and handle all the details throughout the tour.
Free time is available on some days, but for the most part expect fairly full itineraries and a good amount of walking on their group tours. Some optional excursions are offered during the tour, so you can tailor your experience to a certain extent.
This is a great opportunity for meeting fellow travelers in a similar age range. Collette tours are open to everyone, but the majority of people on your tour will be older - in the 50+ range. Collette tours are ideal for travelers who want to have fun, enjoy the outdoors, and are open to new experiences.
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Insight Vacations
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Total Trips 1,554 Trips
Average Price
$ 313 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 4 – 28 days
Trip Prices $ 1,325 – $ 9,925
Service Level Luxury
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Our trip was cancelled due to COVID and after 90 days still no refund
We spent $21,000 for my son's graduation trip for the family. Of course the company cancelled the trip and after 90 days they still have not refunded a dime. We got travel insurance but that has not helped us. It is devastating and we can get in touch with our travel agent but Insight will not deal with us directly. They told our travel agent today that now it could take up to 120 days to see a refund. I am afraid our money is gone
Well thought out journey. Am very pleased I went.
Excellent guide, who went out of his way to show us places not on the official tour. Tour was educational and well worth while. However, some of the buffet meals were below your standard.
Milan, Venice, Firenze and Rome were beyond anticipation,...Absolutely Wonderful!!!! You can leave off Pisa.
Francis Touscheck was fantastic. Very informative and knowledgeable on the history. Christine was also fantastic in Rome, Vatican.
Located in London, and part of the sweeping family-owned Travel Corporation, Insight Vacations provides signature itineraries according to 7 specific trip styles.
What Makes Insight Vacations Stand Out?
Insight does not skimp -- hotels tend to be centrally located, if more expensive, so that guests can experience a destination at night and have more free time at their disposal.
“Signature” experiences dot every itinerary: these may be interesting historic hotels, special activities (such as a private opera or orchestra performance),or authentic local restaurants. Most everything is included in the base rates.
You can choose from numerous different trip styles with Insight Vacations:
Discovery Journeys: Recommended for first time visits, these are classic tours designed to introduce travelers to the country or region. Most top tourist sites will be included in these itineraries. These are often multi-country and city trips.
Regional Journeys: Forget the country hopping fast paced tour style - these trips are for exploring one region at a slower pace. Great for travelers who want to experience all sides of one destination and are not concerned with country counting.
Country Roads: If you're feeling "been there done that" about most destinations but don't quite know how to explore beyond the tourist track without missing anything, this is the style for you. Discover the local side of the destination with insights from the experts. Recommended for well traveled people visiting for a second or third time.
Easy Pace: For the independent traveler unsure if a guided tour is the best fit, Insight offers "Easy Pace" tours. These provide ample free time to explore on your own and plenty of flexibility to the itinerary. You'll spend 3+ days in each stop which is a great way to slow down and enjoy the journey.
Special Interest: Have a particular hobby or interest you'd like to dive deeper into? Insight's Special Interest tours could be a great fit. Think a tour of Europe centered around flower shows or a trip to discover Europe's artistic legacy.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Insight Vacations?
Affluent travelers
50+
Social travelers
Foodies
Insight’s typical customers are upscale English-speaking baby boomers in their 50s and 60s.
The kind of traveler who appreciates the finer things, loves the idea of a day out in the fresh air followed by a private dining experience with high caliber food and wine, will love the exceptional service that comes with an Insight Vacations tour.
If you enjoy meeting new people in a small group setting, the group travel experience with Insight is all about creating the intimacy and opportunity to meet new friends and make lasting connections. And they provide a few different ways to make this possible, from groups of around 32 people, to special interest trips.
However if you prefer the idea of traveling in a private setting, Insight will customize the travel experience to what you and your friend group or family group want to see.
Foodies will definitely enjoy traveling with Insight Vacations as well! They make food and dining a focal point of interest on their itineraries, in a way that really stands out.
Top Destinations
Insight Vacations offers premium motor coach tours throughout Europe, the UK, and North America. In recent years, they've added more Asian and North African destinations.
Insight Vacations Travel Style
Insight seeks to fill a “premium” niche that falls above first class and a notch below luxury. Customer comfort on the road is a priority. If visions of cramped bus tours come to mind, note that Insight coaches have been stripped down to 40 seats, compared to 49 to 53 for normal tour buses. This allows for double the leg room, and a truly upscale coach travel experience.
Meanwhile, tour directors and local guides keep passengers entertained by delivering “insights” (in English) into local culture, history and politics.
They also take your dining experience into account. Insight offers several different ways to make food a highlight during your trip. These include fine dining options at innovative local restaurants, unique farm to table meals, cooking demonstrations, and even learning to make local dishes yourself.
Similar attention is paid to selecting the hotels and accommodations you will enjoy throughout your Insight Vacations tour. Lodgings are chosen for their central locations as well as significance to and representation of the destination.
Why Choose a Tour with Insight Vacations?
Comfortable and upscale
Local insights
Group size 35-40
Numerous travel themes
The Insight Vacations tagline is “the art of traveling in style”. They take this idea seriously both pre trip and while you’re on the ground.
If you’re looking for luxury beyond the silk sheet stereotype, consider Insight Vacations. Everything is planned out to the letter, groups are small, and you experience personalized service and passionate travel guides every step of the way.
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EF College Break (EF Ultimate Break)
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Total Trips 27 Trips
Average Price
$ 229 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 7 – 17 days
Trip Prices $ 1,469 – $ 3,679
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Take Your Money During a Pandemic
If you are looking for a kind, ethical company to rip you off $450.00 in cancellation fees even though you did not cancel your trip it is cancelled by a world pandemic EF Ultimate Break is for you.
Great trip!
The Grand Tour of Ireland was such an amazing trip and I met so many great people! The landscapes were beautiful and I loved being able to just get to Ireland and have the entire trip planned for me already.
I booked a trip with them
I booked a trip with them. They cancelled that trip and are refusing to give refunds. I don't think I'm asking too much to get a refund for a service I never received.
Highlights of Australia (Apr–Sept)
Trip Type: Group Tour
London & Scotland Escape
Trip Type: Group Tour
Thailand & the Islands (May–Sept)
Trip Type: Group Tour
Newly rebranded as ‘EF Ultimate Break’, EF College Break has been a leader in educational tours, language services, and study abroad experiences since 1965.
What Makes EF Ultimate Break Stand Out?
A strong sense of fun, with an educational twist
Affordable travel for college aged adults
Strong emphasis on social activities, meeting locals and making new friends
Flights included in the price of the trip
Generous payment plans
EF stands for “Education First”, and they have been offering educational travel experiences, exchange programs, work and teach abroad assistance, and language courses for over 50 years. They focus on making sure the often daunting and complicated process of planning an abroad experience, whether for pleasure or a career change, remains as simple as possible.
Their travel experiences were named EF College Break, however they rebranded in 2017 becoming EF Ultimate Break, reflecting a fresher more youth driven outlook, and placing less emphasis on the education aspect and more on the fun aspect.
Their tours are about being completely immersed in your destination and appreciating all it has to offer with your tour group who are guaranteed to become your good friends by the end. This is like a study abroad journey with all the fun and none of the schoolwork.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling With EF Ultimate Break?
18-29 Year Olds
Social Travelers
Travelers looking to enjoy the nightlife, but also get up early for sightseeing
College students
Budget travelers
Single and Solo travelers
This is the kind of trip that active outgoing, social college aged adults interested in learning and having fun will enjoy. If you have a “work hard play hard” kind of mentality you will fit in well with their approach to traveling.
EF Ultimate Break specifically caters to 18-29 year olds, and their pretty strict about this (though the broader spectrum of their educational programs are open to adults and working professionals).
Their main target being 18-29, tours are designed to not be price prohibitive, itineraries include a lot of social activities, and the emphasis is on having fun and staying active, with a sprinkling of educational value thrown in for good measure. Enough for you to maybe convince a parent to put up some of the cost.
Incredibly studious types who gravitate to history tours, archaeological sites, and long moments in each stop learning from a guide may want to check around first before choosing to travel with EF Ultimate Break. One of their mantras is “we don’t do boring” and let’s face it museums often fall under that category.
The emphasis is on being active, seeing and doing a lot - both on the historically significant side as well as the locally immersive side (which in this case might mean your bunkmates are frequently sampling the nightlife).
Top Destinations
EF Ultimate Break covers destinations all over the world
Europe
Central America
South America
Asia
Australia / New Zealand
There is a strong emphasis on Europe for EF Ultimate Break, though they do offer group travel experiences around the world. In Europe they cover many popular countries in Western and Central Europe, including Italy, Iceland, and the UK.
In Central America, you can find trips in Cuba, Belize, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama, and in South America they have departures to Peru, Ecuador, and Argentina.
In Asia, EF Ultimate Break has tours in China, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Lastly you can also find tours in South Africa, and Australia and New Zealand.
EF Ultimate Break Travel Style
Tours are designed to be easy to pay for using installments; and they have a few different payment plans to choose from. You can choose from 1-2 week, 2-4 week, and 4+ week durations, and filter by a variety of trip type.
While on your tour: Accommodations are standard and basic. Think multi-bed hostel rooms with randomly selected roommates from your tour group, more than hotels. A variety of transportation modes will be used, from private motor coach to train to bicycle.
Your Tour Director is a local, ready to introduce you and welcome you to their home - acting as a tour guide and friend.
Why Choose a Tour With EF Ultimate Break?
If you’re a college aged adult looking for a stress free and adventurous tour experience, EF Ultimate Break could be the perfect choice. This is for the type of traveler for whom backpacking through Europe sounds fun, but you’d rather do it with a little less stress, a little more companionship, and the guarantee of a hot meal and drinks with friends. But the adventurous backpacker spirit remains.
Not only that, but they provide generous payment plans, and almost everything is included making it really hard for you to make the excuse that an awesome travel experience is out of reach financially. They want you to see the world, have fun, and provide many ways to make it happen.
They also have a number of other brands with similiar outlooks on education and travel including "EF College Study Tours", "EF Explore America", "EF Tours Girls Trips", "EF Educational Tours Canada", "EF Go Ahead Tours", and "EF Gap Year".
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CIE Tours
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Total Trips 132 Trips
Average Price
$ 200 per day
Size Regional Expert
Tour Length 5 – 24 days
Trip Prices $ 642 – $ 4,881
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
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.
Here is their policy on their own website
Here is their policy on their own website.
CIE TOURS CANCELLATIONS: If it becomes necessary to cancel a coach tour prior to departure, at the discretion of the company, CIE Tours will offer the next available date at no additional land cost or will make a full refund of all monies paid to CIE Tours. CIE Tours cannot accept responsibility for any additional costs or fees relating to such a tour booking or for any cancellation penalties due to non-refundable airfares, unless ticket is purchased from CIE Tours. Airline penalties may apply.
And yet they will not honor it. Stay away from this company. They do not care about you after they get your money.
Best tour ever!
we weren't sure about doing a tour when went to Ireland. After a tour with CIE we can't imagine doing anything else. Best tour ever!
Irish & British Focus with Paris
Trip Type: Group Tour
British & Irish Grandeur
Trip Type: Group Tour
Taste of Wales & Ireland
Trip Type: 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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CroisiEurope
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Total Trips 2 Trips
Average Price
$ 91 per day
Size Local Specialist
Tour Length 6 – 8 days
Trip Prices $ 1,447 – $ 1,447
Service Level Luxury
Operator Type
River Cruise Line
CroisiEurope isn't focused on their customers
I planned a 3 week vacation this April that included a 7 day, CroisiEurope cruise on the Rhine. Due to the pandemic, my flights, hotels and cruise were canceled by the respective companies. I got refunds for my hotels and flights, but not from CroisiEurope.
They finally agreed a month ago to give me a refund, but then a few days ago, I got an email that they are not going to honor their agreement and I no longer get a refund.
To make matters worse, I get a SPAM email from them offering "risk-free" cruises to new customers.
Here’s an excerpt of the email: “We understand that some of our guests might be hesitant about making a cruise reservation or traveling at this time. For this reason, Croisieurope has introduced a Risk-Free Guarantee. So that you can plan your journey with peace of mind, we guarantee to hold your 2020 cruise departure reservation without deposit, and wait for final settlement until 15 days prior to departure.”
So, for a new customers, CroisiEurope is willing to offer risk free travel, but customers that paid money and had their cruises canceled by CroisieEurope these past 2 months, we get no guarantee of anything and they will keep our money.
I think anyone considering a cruise with CroisiEurope should be very hesitant and consider another cruise company that will stand behind its customer. I can’t recommend them since they are solely focused on acquiring new customers and don’t care about their existing customers, especially once they have taken their money.
Wonderful tour
We sailed on the Po River in Italy and on the Seine from Paris to Normandy. Wonderful! Now we are looking forward to Germany and the Danube!
Amazing Trip
Amazing Ship, Crew, Decor, Food & Spacious Rooms! MS Dulce France ❤️⭐️
The Beautiful Blue Danube
Trip Type: River Cruise
Pleasant Portugal – Porto and the Douro Valley
Trip Type: River Cruise
CroisiEurope is an independent, family owned business that specializes in providing river cruises throughout Europe. The Company sets itself apart from other river cruise lines by including French cuisine aboard created by Michelin-starred chefs.
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Premier
Audley Travel
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Total Trips 495 Trips
Average Price
$ 297 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 4 – 25 days
Trip Prices $ 1,453 – $ 28,074
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Custom/Private Tour Operator
In praise of Audley Travel in difficult times
I approached PC at Audley with a list of where we wanted to go in Australia and the specific dates. PC accommodate all these requirements and then suggested, from her knowledgeable first hand experiences, additional visits that we may like to make and three splendid hotels to stay in. We were due to fly three days after the FCO stopped out bound flights due to Covid-19. I can imagine that Audley were hard pressed to cope with many the disrupted travel arrangements, but PC calmly rearranged the itinerary for October. Regrettably, our second venture was also hit by Covid-19. PC had said that Audley would contact us 45 days before the planned departure. She phoned 46 days before that date and introduced the conversation with ‘We are not letting you fly’, a phrase which to me showed real customer care in a particularly difficult period for the company. PC then gave us three possible alternatives arrangement. For family specific reasons we chose to have a refund, which was paid within 14 days.
This was our first Audley experience. PC will organise our 2022 Australia trip and my wife and I will use Audley regional experts to plan a future visit to Sicily and Karalla.
Excellent service from Audley Travel yet again!
My wife and I booked a two week holiday to Malaysia in the autumn of 2019 and planned to travel in March 2020. This would have been our fourth long haul holiday booked with Audley Travel. We have previously been to India twice and to Costa Rica. We have had excellent service from Audley on every occasion.
In February 2020, seeing what was happening in the Far East with Covid19 we postponed our trip to October thinking that it would all be over by then! Wishful thinking! We have had superb support from Izi , Senior South East Asia specialist who advised at the end of August that because of travel restrictions currently in place in Malaysia the holiday had to be cancelled and that we would have a full refund. This was we received within three weeks.
Audley Travel is a great company to deal with - highly professional. We will have no hesitation in booking our next long haul holiday with Audley Travel which hopefully will be in 2021 ?
Have no fear your deposit will be returned in these difficult times
Having planned a two week trip to Japan in 2019 to travel in 2020 we decided to use Audley for the first time. The preparations were covered wonderfully with great detail and lots of information and difficult questions answered. Naturally the language being completely unknown to us we feared being left somewhere without help but this was not to be the case.
Sadly whilst away in Australia the COVID-19 hit the world earlier this year. We had expected at best to get a voucher for our deposit but we had our hand held while Audley dealt with their massive problem and we have received all our deposit back. We could have tried another trip but as we are in our 70’s we decided to stay at home for another year so our money back was a better solution.
Everything went as smoothly as possible considering the strain Audley were under and we thank them very much for that.
Colin Cavill
Culinary tour of Thailand
Trip Type: Group Tour
Highlights of New Zealand
Trip Type: Group Tour
Colonial Mexico & Beach
Trip Type: Group 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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Premier
Active Adventures
View Profile
Total Trips 66 Trips
Average Price
$ 474 per day
Size Global Operator
Service Level Luxury
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Great Safaris
View Profile
Total Trips 46 Trips
Average Price
$ 355 per day
Size Local Specialist
Tour Length 1 – 17 days
Trip Prices $ 1,495 – $ 7,995
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Custom/Private Tour Operator
first class service
My husband and I just got back from our honeymoon trip booked through Great Safaris. It was a trip of a lifetime and we were so impressed by the accommodations, food and first class service. We saw more animals than we ever expected to see and our safari guides were very knowledgeable. Our trip was two weeks and Great Safaris picked all the right spots in Kenya and Tanzania!
Safari camps in South Africa and Botswana and explored the Cape Town region.
Travel with comfort, great food, safety and wonderful game viewing experiences. First time trip to Africa for my wife and I. All the guides and boat and safari camp staff were professional and fun. The transfers and connections were seamless. The home hosted dinner near Cape Town gave fascinating perspectives on life in South Africa.
highly recommend Great Safaris
My husband and I contacted Dave Herbert at Great Safaris after our friend (who is an experienced travel agent) highly recommended him. She has traveled to Africa numerous times and has always relied on Dave to make her arrangements. Not once has she ever been disappointed. So, following her lead, we gave him a call and told him what our budget was as well as what we wanted to see for our first time there. He recommended that we go for 19 days and go on safari to Kenya and Tanzania. He then put together an incredible itinerary that included Samburu National Park, the Masai Mara, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and the Serengeti. We stayed in deluxe accommodations throughout.
Every detail was attended to throughout our trip. Roundtrip transfers were included from small, dirt air strips to and from our lodges; private or semi-private drivers/guides took us on safari twice a day for a minimum of 7 hours per day; the food at each lodge was above average or outstanding, depending on where we were and often was included in the price of our tour; all inter-Africa flights were booked with excellent airlines (sometimes we were the only 2 passengers in the plane!); round trip flights from Los Angeles to Nairobi with a stopover in Dubai were also included in the price (we traveled on Emirates Airlines per Dave’s recommendation–definitely a good call); and we received outstanding service wherever we stayed.
We highly recommend Great Safaris and Dave Herbert if you are planning your first trip to Africa or your fiftieth! He knows the continent like the back of his hand because he goes there and sends his staff there continually to ensure that what they’re selling to their clients meets their high standards. You cannot go wrong with Great Safaris!!!
Cape & Kruger – Cape Town and Kruger Park Safari
Trip Type: Group Tour
Greatest Show on Earth
Trip Type: Group Tour
Tanzania Adventure
Trip Type: Group Tour
Based in Glendale, California, Great Safaris is a wholesaler that highlights a host of luxury safaris and other trips throughout southern and eastern Africa as well as Egypt and parts of the Middle East.
What Makes Them Stand Out?
They promote some “trips of a lifetime” such as a 32-day Cape to Cairo journey by train, safari vehicle, plane, and river cruise ship with stops at a number of wildlife reserves (including Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park) as well as Victoria Falls and Ethiopia.
Who Travels With Them?
Families, small groups of friends, or individuals seeking a first-class African wildlife safari or tour of Egypt.
Where Do They Operate?
Great Safaris specializes in South Africa, but also operates in Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, the Seychelles, Egypt; and parts of the Middle East (Israel, Jordan, and Abu Dhabi, which are usually combined with African destinations).
How Does It Work?
Great Safaris outlines a wealth of safari possibilities and Egypt tours and offers personal consultation on selecting your trip. Then you book your tour through your favorite travel agent.
Why Travel With Them?
CEO Dave Herbert has lived extensively in South Africa and knows the region well. He works only with highly experienced agents who are also intimately familiar with Africa.
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Preferred
Peregrine Adventures
View Profile
Total Trips 877 Trips
Average Price
$ 396 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 3 – 48 days
Trip Prices $ 430 – $ 39,905
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
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
Santiago Experience – Independent
Trip Type: Self-guided / Independent Tour
South America in Depth
Trip Type: Small Group Tour
Essence of South America
Trip Type: Small Group Tour
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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Great Value Vacations
View Profile
Total Trips 406 Trips
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 4 – 16 days
Trip Prices $ 499 – $ 8,892
Service Level Budget
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
The unfairness of per person policy.
I am around 100’s and 100’s of people everyday at work . So when it comes to my vacation I just want some peace and quiet.
Some me time.
So I prefer to embark on adventures by myself . However as a solo traveler I just can’t fathom the fairness of how pricing is calculated. Same date same trip cost $1174 per person if you travel in pair for a total of $2348 . I would pay $2089 if I travel solo. So I would have to pay an additional $915 per person.. for the same trip... because I am by choice a solo traveler. The pairs total price is $259 more than mine ... for 2 people.
Now that’s an expensive bed that I’m paying for just to sit there untouched.
Fair or unfair ?
AWESOME in every way!!
Dionte was the travel expert who helped us. She was AMAZING!! She knew the answer to every question I could possibly come up with! Best experience in booking a vacation, EVER!
We love the trips we have booked…
We love the trips we have booked through Great Value Vacations. The customer service is topnotch and the website super easy to navigate. We will definitely book future trips! Thanks so much.
Jordan and Vicki
Athens & Santorini
Trip Type: Self-guided / Independent Tour
Greece & Egypt: Adventure through Early Civilization
Trip Type: Small Ship Cruise
Great Value Vacations provides pre-packaged, competitively priced vacation itineraries suitable to all traveler types.
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 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.
Covid-19 Update
In response to the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 and travel, 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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Affordable World
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Total Trips 22 Trips
Average Price
$ 160 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 8 – 16 days
Trip Prices $ 1,299 – $ 2,599
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Highly Recommended
We did the tour to Bangkok and Phuket in off season. We were concerned about the weather and if we would get a sub-par experience. But we had a wonderful time and would definitely recommend Affordable World!! Great company. Very organized and thorough. Our tour guide was amazing! He explained all of our stops and even some extra tid bits about the country. We were transported in air conditioned vans/sprinters to every stop. We felt right at home!
I would totally recommend
Glad I went to Thailand and China last year. Guides were great, helpful, and knowledgeable. The accomodations were nicer than I anticipated. Information on baggage (3 places) was a little unclear. I would totally recommend. Single travelers fee was better than other companies.
The trip was amazing
Just returned from Greece touring Athens and Crete (Chania & Heraklion). Our tour guides were extremely knowledgeable and excellent every step of the way! Entire trip went smoothly. Our group received excellent care from beginning to end. All transportation and hotels were top notch. The trip was amazing and we would use Affordable World again.
Thailand Scenic 9 Days 7 Nights
Trip Type: Group Tour
China Scenic 11 Days 9 Nights
Trip Type: Group Tour
Japan and Beijing 10 Days 8 Nights
Trip Type: Group Tour
Similar Companies
Myths and Mountains, Intrepid, G Adventures
Known For
50-Plus Travel Tours, China Tours
As America’s #1 volume tour operator to Asia, Affordable World formerly Affordable Asia strives to provide budget friendly tours, as a part of their parent company, Ritz Tours Inc.
What Makes Them Stand Out?
Affordable World is one of the leading value tour companies to Asia and now offering tours to Greece and other parts of the world. Offering various vacation and city packages, including multi-country, they provide a carefully selected combination of hotels, sights, and activities to provide you with the resources to make the best decision on the tour you want.
Who Travels With Them?
Affordable World's trips are budget friendly, and open to everyone. You will visit main attractions, and most tours do not involve strenuous activity. Tours are low to mid budget range and offered year round.
Where Do They Operate?
Their tours are available throughout Thailand, China, Japan and have now extended to other parts of the world.
Why Travel With Them?
For an introduction to Asia, with experienced and knowledgeable tour guides, this is an excellent choice. They’re a great way to learn more about your destination as you travel through, and all at an affordable price.
Commonly Searched Together:
Compare Affordable World with these other tour companies
Affordable World (Affordable Asia) vs Myths & Mountains
Affordable World (Affordable Asia) vs Intrepid Travel
Affordable World (Affordable Asia) vs G Adventures
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Apple Vacations
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Total Trips 4 Trips
Average Price
$ 600 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 5 – 7 days
Trip Prices $ 2,453 – $ 5,100
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Not reliable
They are not refunding trips booked in the middle of coronavirus worldwide epidemic.
Apple Vacations
A friend of mine booked 4 of us on an Apple Vacation to Iberostar Paraiso Del Mar in Cancun. One of the best vacations we ever had! No problems with flight, no problems with transfers. The airport in Cancun is difficult, but this had nothing to do with Apple Vacations. The hotel was wonderful, staff friendly and pleasant, and food was great. We had such a great time we went back again about a month later.
Apple Vacations
Our experience with Apple Vacations was phenomenal. First off, we got a great deal on our vacation package. All the Apple Vacations' representatives were courteous and informative both on the phone and on the resort. They provided transportation to and from the airport which was always on time and comfortable. Will be using them again.
Highlights of Panama
Trip Type: Group Tour
Since 1969, Apple Vacations has been one of the top U.S. purveyors of all-inclusive vacations to mostly warm-weather resort destinations.
What Makes Apple Vacations Stand Out?
All inclusive vacations
Transfers included
Award-winning tour company
Exclusive non-stop vacation flights
Easy-to-reach Apple representatives
Great value
Operating on huge volume, Apple offers a wide array of discounts and will match any competitors’ prices if lower than theirs. Round-trip transfers between the destination airport and hotel are always included with every package. Transportation is taken care of at no additional cost, rather than overcharging for pick-ups like most travel sites. There is also a variety of added values such as room upgrades, golf discounts, and free weddings just to name a few.
Who Travels With Apple Vacations?
All ages
Those who love beach vacations
‘Soft’ adventurers
Solo and group travelers
Anyone looking for an all-inclusive vacation package will love traveling with Apple Vacations. Majority of their travelers are US natives, but they welcome everyone onto their tours. It should be noted that all tours are conducted in English.
Apple Vacation tours typically aren’t physically demanding - the most you’ll have to potentially prepare for is 1 hour of walking at a leisurely pace.
Top Destinations
Mexico
Carribean
Hawaii
Central and South America
Apple Vacations will take you to all the tropical destinations that are popular with North Americans. White sand beaches that stretch for miles in Aruba, volcanoes and hidden waterfalls in Hawaii - the types of destination that everyone dreams of going to. Whilespecializing in warm-weather destinations, they also offer ski destinations in the winter. Go skiing with Apple Vacations in the U.S., Canada, South America, Europe, and even Japan!
Apple Vacations Travel Style
Apple Vacations is all about the classic fun-in-the-sun adventures. They typically focus on culture, nature, and soft adventure-themed activities. This could mean exploring a Riviera Maya adventure park on an Apple Vacations tour to Cancun, or snorkelling with tropical fish on an Apple Vacations Hawaii tour.
Accommodations range anywhere from 3 star hotels to 5 star resorts. You can choose what type of hotel you’d like to stay in depending on your interests, budget, and occasion. They work with big hotel chains that are great for weddings, family reunions, parties, and the like. It’s suggested to do some hotel research as every place offers a different experience. However, if you’re hoping for quirky local accommodations or culturally immersive homestays, you won’t find it here. Most meals are included, with many being large buffets catered by the hotel.
On Apple Vacations’ non-stop charter flights, they’ll typically leave in the morning and return in the evening, maximizing your time at your destination. (If departure cities aren’t convenient, they’ll work with commercial airlines to get you there.) Once you arrive at your destination airport, you’ll get a free transfer to your hotel (with a few exceptions).
Why Choose a Tour with Apple Vacations?
If you enjoy tropical vacations with open bars and buffets by the poolside, then you should travel with Apple Vacations. You get to choose what activities you’d like to do, and be in charge of how much free time you’d like. Additionally, the non-stop charter flights are a big plus, enabling you to avoid the delays and hassle of traveling by commercial airlines. If you don’t want to do a lot of planning or prep work and are primarily looking for a relaxing vacation, Apple can be an excellent choice.
However, if you’re hoping for quirky local accommodations or culturally immersive homestays, you won’t find it here.
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Perillo Tours
View Profile
Total Trips 26 Trips
Average Price
$ 260 per day
Size Local Specialist
Tour Length 4 – 14 days
Trip Prices $ 1,699 – $ 3,990
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
It was my dream to go to italy
It was my dream to go to italy, we went 2019 Perillo Tour and Angelica made my dream so memorable loved every minute. We are planning to go back 2022 Can’t wait!
Not worth your money
My Mom and I had the opportunity to visit Italy this summer on the 9 day Rome and Amalfi Coast Tour. Italy is a beautiful country and everyone needs to see and experience it before they die. However, I would NOT recommend Perillo Tours (PT). Here’s why: Introductions of group members were not done at the orientation. There are still people on the tour that I did not meet or know their names. And, we were only given the first couple of days of our itinerary, which was VERY broad and lacking detail. I am still in shock that it was HAND-WRITTEN and lacking so much important information. For example, it would say that Breakfast was at 7 and we would depart at 7:30, we would tour the Coliseum and the Roman Forum, have lunch, and we would return to hotel at 5:30. I had so many questions: Where is breakfast located? Where do we meet to depart as a group? How long is each part of the tour? How long will we be on our feet/in direct sunlight? Will bathrooms be accessible on the tour? What time is lunch? Where is lunch? How long do we have to eat lunch? In my opinion, these are valid questions that should have been written down on the itinerary that was given. I will say that some of these questions were addressed verbally, but it would have been more relaxing for me to have at least had approximate plans written down on the itinerary. In our orientation, we were told that water was provided on every bus. NOT TRUE. I asked for a water bottle and was told that only the bus ride to Amalfi would have water bottles. So yes, you guessed it. My Mom and I went most of the day without water. This was frustrating knowing that we had perfectly good water bottles in our room and that we were misinformed during orientation. I think that it is also important to note that on the tours you don’t always get to jump the lines. At all of the tour sites, we still had to get in the “tour group line” and wait our turn to go. Most of the time, we were standing in direct sunlight for 30+ minutes. Specifically, while we were waiting to tour the Blue Grotto at the Isle of Capri, we had to wait in a rocky boat for 45+ minutes. Keep in mind the conditions. It’s hot, humid, loud, and the fumes from ALL the boats is almost unbearable. Then the captain of the boat randomly decided to jump out of line and move our boat closer to the cliffs for some reason. This area of the water was full of waves and not an ideal spot to anchor a boat. Accurate time frames or time estimates are almost nonexistent with PT. Not only is this confusing and not helpful, but this was a trend of the entire tour. No one knew any answers and it almost felt like we were being misinformed or dare I say lied to. My Mom and I decided to do one of the optional tour add ons. We understood that it was at an additional fee, but thought it would be worth it. Long story short, it was not. This tour started at 2, so we had a short window to rest, eat lunch, and regroup. We were told the walking tour would be 2 hours. It ended up being 3.5 hours in the heat of the day, direct sunlight, with no bathroom breaks, and only two stops at fountains to refill our water bottles, per my requests. At this point, my Mom becomes ill. She is light headed, nauseated, and no longer able to walk at the pace of the group (probably due to the heat, lack of water, and fast-pace of the tour, but that’s just a wild hunch). I informed the tour guide of this and he responded loudly in front of other group members, “Well, what do you want me to do?!” I suggested that my Mom and I end the tour early and head back to the hotel in a cab. He told me that this was a pedestrian only part of town and that we would have to walk to find a cab pick-up area. He also made it very clear that PT would NOT pay for the cab ride. I was shocked to say the least that he did not seem to care that my Mom was sick and did not offer to help us in any way. When we arrived back at the hotel, we were given less than an hour to rest and get ready. So at this point, we had been up and moving in direct sunlight, with very little water for about 8 hours. Sounds relaxing and fun, right? My Mom was still feeling ill and was not able to go out for dinner with the rest of the group, so I asked PT to please send a meal from room service, so she could have dinner. PT would not accommodate this request because hotel room service was too expensive. Instead, they sent up a bucket of ice to our room. Confused about this? Yeah, we were too. At the restaurant, I was handed a to go bag of food to give to my Mom, but we didn’t arrive back to the hotel until 10 PM and in my opinion, mozzarella cheese and prosciutto was the last thing my Mom needed to eat that late. If a person cannot go out to dinner because they are ill from the tour, then room service should be provided by PT to help them feel better. I have so many more things to add, but not enough character space to do so. In summary, do NOT book with PT!
Every single thing went perfectly and smoothly and it was a dream come true
We took the North Classic Tour in Sept 2019. It was the dream vacation we had been hoping for and planning for 15 years! We added Sicily at the beginning and my grandparents’ hometown outside Milan at the end, using all of Perillo’s recommended hotels and drivers, etc. We cannot say enough about Perillo Tours. All of their personnel from Devin in the office who helped us plan and patiently & cheerily worked with us and answered our many questions, to Daniela, our tour host in Italy, who I never want to visit Italy again without! She is just so wrapped up into my memories of Italy that I can’t separate her from our trip. Her knowledge and help and professionalism were top-notch! She was fabulous. We absolutely loved our trip: every hotel, every restaurant, every excursion (we took them all!) and all local guides were excellent, and our tour bus comfortable and tour bus driver was the incomparable Stefano! I could go on and on. Our personal local drivers hired by Perillo to escort us through our grandparents’ villages were fabulous, and not only drove us, but educated us the entire time about everything we were seeing and were totally Invested in our finding family and any info we could find. And I cannot finish without saying, although we planned to keep to ourselves, we met four of the dearest friends we’ll ever have on day one of this trip. So much so that everyone thought the 6 of us came together. Every single thing went perfectly and smoothly and it was a dream come true. Thank you, Perillo!
South & Sicily
Trip Type: Group Tour
The Essence of Costa Rica
Trip Type: Group Tour
Rome & Tuscany
Trip Type: Small Group Tour
Founded in 1945, and headquartered in New Jersey, Perillo was a pioneering company in the guided travel industry.
What Makes Perillo Stand Out?
Destination expertise
Well-balanced itineraries
Generous and satisfying meals
First-rate hotels
Perillo has been a name in the tourism industry since the 1940s, known for operating tours of Italy. Today Italy is still their main focus, though they have expanded to offer limited departures in Hawaii, Greece, and Costa Rica.
They provide well thought out and classic itineraries, showcasing the traditional sights, nicely augmented with local insider knowledge. Perillo is a classic tour company, offering several trip options including custom tours, destination weddings, and traditional escorted group trips. On the trip, you’ll benefit from their extensive experience and destination knowledge.
They have a dedicated Italy brand, “Perillo Italy Tours”, which expands on their long legacy providing Italy guided experiences, as well as a “Learning Journeys” brand. Their learning journeys travel to many more destinations, and cover a very wide range of interests, including certification classes for certain skills.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Perillo?
Older travelers
Solo female travelers
Those interested in classic, custom, and themed tours
All ages are welcome on Perillo tours, however their type of travel may be more enjoyed by older travelers looking for a calm, fully managed tour. Perillo is a bit old fashioned. They do one thing and do it well, and haven’t changed much in the 60 years that they’ve been around. So if you’re looking for a traditional guided tour, busy but not with too many bells and whistles, Perillo is a great choice.
One unique offering through Perillo is their faith-based journeys. This was one of the first types of tours designed by Perillo. You can visit Greece and the Holy Land, as well as several important religious destinations in Italy.
For travelers seeking an authentic religious-themed travel experience Perillo’s extensive experience leading and planning these kinds of tours is nearly unmatched.
Custom trip options are also available through Perillo. These custom group experiences cover a wide range of interests including yoga / health and wellness retreats, festivals, and learning tours geared toward universities. If you’re planning a destination wedding or honeymoon they have services dedicated to this as well.
Their Learning Journeys are perfect for solo female travelers and enthusiastic life learnings passionate about learning new skills, languages, or diving deeper into the history of a certain destination and culture.
Top Destinations
Perillo is known for, and primarily focuses on, Italy tours. Here their breadth of knowledge is impressive as they began operating Italy tour packages in 1945. Perillo Italy tours cover the whole country, including Sicily, with special emphasis on classic sights and local eats.
Perillo also offers escorted tours in Hawaii, Greece, and Costa Rica.
Their “Learning Tours,” focus on niche educational travel and classes around the world, including Africa & the Middle East, Asia, and Australia.
Perillo Travel Style
Large groups or private vacation packages
Tried and true is Perillo’s style. They may not have the most flashiest or easily navigable website out there, or the most unique itineraries, but they know guided tours, they know Italy, and they stick with the classics.
Hotels, meals, and activities on Perillo tours have been personally vetted and experienced by the founder, and they have everything down to a science.
Perillo Itineraries are between 9-10 days on average, often focusing on cuisine and historical sights. Groups tend to be between 20 and 40 people, and they often arrange private departures for large groups such as families or wedding parties.
Special interest tours are another popular kind of itinerary offered through Perillo. In Italy, they offer a number of golf tours, faith-based tours, and culinary tours. Learning tours often focus on cooking, as well as art and history, science, and wildlife.
Why Choose a Tour With Perillo?
Classic sites and itineraries
Guides with significant destination expertise
For an Italy tour that appreciates the standards and approaches their itineraries from a local point of view, Perillo is the place to go. Their tours operate from the major cities to the charming hill towns more off the beaten path. You'll have a carefully crafted tour with a thoughtful balance of sightseeing, free time, optional activities, and relaxation.
They are not the flashiest of tour companys, and their website is somewhat difficult to navigate to find all the options available - of which there are a good number. But they certainly have laurels to rest on given their extensive background and long historic legacy in guided tourism.
Covid-19 Updates
Perillo is updating their status regarding trip operations on a regular basis. As of October 2020, all November 1 - 15th departures are postponable without subject to cancellation fees.
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Quark Expeditions
View Profile
Total Trips 14 Trips
Average Price
$ 745 per day
Size Local Specialist
Tour Length 8 – 20 days
Trip Prices $ 5,195 – $ 16,195
Service Level Luxury
Operator Type
Small Ship & Expedition Cruise Line
Honor the contracts
Honor the contracts you make with your customers. You don't have the right to keep refunds that are promised. Shame on you! I will spread the word far and wide to warn others of your deceitful practices.
I can't recommend Quark Expeditions highly enough
We have just arrived back after our trip on the Ocean Endeavour. I can't recommend Quark Expeditions highly enough. They say that you can tell how good a company and its staff are by how they react when things don't go to plan.Well, not being allowed to land back in port due to the Coronavirus Pandemic is not going to plan and Quark were simply amazing. I cannot recommend them highly enough. They and their staff went above and beyond at every opportunity. They never once left any of the passengers feeling that the were on their own, they could not have done more. As for the staff, they were exceptional. All concerned deserve so many good things to happen once this crisis is over. I urge you to book with them, you will not regret it for a moment. All that they did was massively appreciated by every single passenger I spoke to. Thank you.
Quark's administration is very poor
Quark's administration is very poor. When a trip is canceled they refuse to provide a refund. Our June 9 trip was canceled and our only option was to reschedule for 2021. But that will probably be canceled as well. How long will they hold our money. Furthermore, they will be adding $600 to the trip in 2021. Insult to injury! Trip insurance does not cover pandemics! Stay away from Quark no matter how lovely the trips!
Introduction to Spitsbergen - Polar Bear Safari
Trip Type: Small Ship Cruise
East Greenland: Northern Lights
Trip Type: Small Ship Cruise
Canada to Greenland: Baffin Bay Explorer
Trip Type: Small Ship Cruise
Founded in 1991, Quark specializes in polar expedition cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica.
What Makes Quark Expeditions Stand Out?
Adventurous and off the beaten path destinations
Knowledgeable and expert guides
Small groups
Strong commitment to sustainable travel
If you'd like to follow in the wake of some of the great Arctic and Antarctic explorers, this company will provide you the opportunity. Passengers often board Zodiacs to get out on the water or make landings in remote locations.
Quark was in fact the first company to lead cruises for tourism through the Northwest Passage; adventure and pushing boundaries is in their blood and their destinations and itineraries reflect this.
Quark has been a leader in expedition-style cruising for nearly a quarter century, specializing in the polar regions. You can travel in an icebreaker -- including one that's nuclear-powered and goes to the North Pole -- or in smaller, more mobile ships, all of which hold fewer than 200 passengers.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Quark?
Adventurous travelers
History buffs
Ages 45-65
Wildlife lovers
Photographers
Travelers who choose Quark will be adventurous minded, seeking a cruise not for the luxury aspect but for the types of destinations only accessible by this mode of travel. Be ready for lots of winter weather and challenging but rewarding shore excursions.
Quark cruises are all about functionality first - designed to be able to travel to remote corners of the globe.
This is not to say that the accommodations are bare bones - but travelers who love the mechanics of expedition cruises and are interested in the style of these ships will most enjoy traveling with Quark among other expedition cruising enthusiasts.
Because these ships are quite small, the stateroom space allotted for their limited passenger numbers is spacious and comfortable.
Top Destinations
Quark is known for traversing the polar regions - the rugged Arctic and expansive Antarctic. Their ships are designed specifically to cut through icy waters and navigate remote byways.
Quark Expeditions Travel Style
The Quark cruise style is comfortable but not excessive. Think packing hiking boots and thermal layers instead of a cocktail dress or dinner jacket. Accommodations are comfortable but basic and the style aboard ship is informal.
For Quark the travel experience is about what’s on shore rather than on board - though the on board amenities are certainly not non-existent. Travelers used to luxury cruises may find the Quark on board experience a bit jarring.
Why Choose a Cruise with Quark?
If you are seeking a true adventure on board state of the art vessels designed to visit remote polar destinations than Quark is for you.
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AAT Kings
View Profile
Total Trips 7 Trips
Average Price
$ 271 per day
Size Local Specialist
Tour Length 1 – 22 days
Trip Prices $ 2,311 – $ 8,250
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
was totally disgusted by the behaviour
AAT Kings I was totally disgusted by the behaviour of your tour guide and the passengers at Ashgrove Cheese in Tasmania on Sunday afternoon 22nd March 2020. Absolutely no consideration for other people was shown and there was a total disregard for the mandated social distancing rules with your passengers physically jostling members of the public and each other. The authorities have been notified
Amazing Trip
We just returned from a family trip to Ayres Rock. We had several tours booked with AAT Kings & wow the service was amazing. Staff were so friendly & welcoming & looked after everyone.
Even when off duty, we ran into them and they were happy to chat. The tours were also very well organised & were beyond my expectations.
Absolutely no consideration
AAT Kings I was totally disgusted by the behaviour of your tour guide and the passengers at Ashgrove Cheese in Tasmania on Sunday afternoon 22nd March 2020. Absolutely no consideration for other people was shown and there was a total disregard for the mandated social distancing rules with your passengers physically jostling members of the public and each other. The authorities have been notified
Highlights of Australia and New Zealand
Trip Type: Group Tour
Discover Australia
Trip Type: Group Tour
Tasmania - The Unknown Wilderness
Trip Type: Group Tour
Beginning in 1912, AAT Kings has been a pioneer in leading guided bus-tours in Australia and New Zealand.
What Makes AAT Kings Stand Out?
AAT Kings operates coach tours through Australia and New Zealand. They offer multiple holiday types including day tours, extensive guided tours, immersive travel experiences, and outdoor adventure tours. See the best of what Australia and New Zealand have to offer, from natural phenomenon, to urban areas, to cultural experiences.
Their appreciation for the native cultures is one thing that really makes them stand out from the rest. Your tour will include many moments highlighting the Aboriginal culture in Australia and the Maori culture in New Zealand.
Because they have such a strong and specific destination focus and have been around for over 100 years, they have had many years to hone truly unique itineraries. This focus means they have many strong connections with local outfits, restaurants, wineries, and other key places you’ll visit on your itinerary.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with AAT Kings?
AAT Kings have a wide variety of tours, appropriate for all ages and activity levels. Coach tours are perfect for older travelers or families with young kids. You can cover a lot of ground in comfort and most logistical aspects are taken care of.
Their tours are best suited to those travelers who want an element of comfort, good value for the cost of the tour, and are interested in learning about the culture in Australia and New Zealand. In addition they also will enjoy an easy tour pace with time to relax.
Top Destinations
AAT Kings operates tours throughout most regions of Australia and New Zealand.
AAT Kings Travel Style
There are a few different ways you can travel with AAT Kings. Their main offering is group tours utilizing large comfortable coaches - these tours are between 4-22 days. They also offer smaller group tours, known as “Inspiring Journeys” which allow for a more immersive experience, and more premium style accommodations.
If you’d like a small group, but are less concerned with higher end details, AAT Kings also offers budget small group tours, focused on Australia, known as “Aussie Adventures”. You may find that these tours don’t hit as many tourist sites, but they do highlight the culture in an unforgettable immersive way. Ideally suited to young travelers who love a good time.
Short breaks and day tours are also available through AAT Kings. Their “Short Breaks” are great for travelers with a sense of adventure and who want to travel with different groups throughout your Australia or New Zealand trip. Perfect for combining independent travel sensibilities with a professionally planned itinerary.
Why Choose a Tour with AAT Kings?
Is your next trip to Australia or New Zealand? The unique focus that AAT has in these countries will provide a different kind of experience than a typical itinerary from a global operator might.
Their tours have a luxury touch without being full blown dress for dinner type tours (and without the luxury price tag!). You might find yourself enjoying a white tablecloth dinner in the Australian Outback, or sipping a glass of wine on a private vineyard tour. These little touches are some of what makes AAT Kings special.
If you’re traveling with young kids, AAT Kings could also be a great option for you. They have a number of family friendly tours to choose from. If you’re looking for a hassle free, premium coach tour experience, led by dedicated, knowledgeable, and fun tour guides, AAT Kings is the perfect choice.
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Reviews Write a Review
This was an awesome trip and a great way to spend the holidays.
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
KM
Kimberly M
December 2020
This was an awesome trip and a great way to spend the holidays.
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Operator Active Adventures Company Reviews
Thank you for the trip of a lifetime!! The Kea was the perfect trip for my parents and our kids, alike. Greg and Laura couldn
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
MM
Michelle M
December 2020
Thank you for the trip of a lifetime!! The Kea was the perfect trip for my parents and our kids, alike. Greg and Laura couldn
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Operator Active Adventures Company Reviews
On this trip we have seen very beautiful parts of the country and the two young trip leaders worked very hard. However, my overall experience was below expectations. First of all, except for the first 3 days, we spent too much time on the bus. On many days the bus time is more than 5 hrs/day. I understand that due to the heavy rain in the week before our trip, part of the west coast road was closed and we would have to take another route. However, when this happens, subsequent arrangements should also be made so that alternative best option can be taken. No body briefed us about the alternative options. We were just being told what change would be made. Those changes in my view didn
Details
Value3.0
Guide3.0
Activities3.0
Lodging3.0
Transportation3.0
Meals3.0
JZ
Jenny Z
December 2020
On this trip we have seen very beautiful parts of the country and the two young trip leaders worked very hard. However, my overall experience was below expectations. First of all, except for the first 3 days, we spent too much time on the bus. On many days the bus time is more than 5 hrs/day. I understand that due to the heavy rain in the week before our trip, part of the west coast road was closed and we would have to take another route. However, when this happens, subsequent arrangements should also be made so that alternative best option can be taken. No body briefed us about the alternative options. We were just being told what change would be made. Those changes in my view didn
Read More
Our trip was a little different because of the road closure, so it's hard to know how it would have been if everything went smoothly. The road closure to the glaciers ended up leaving with us with a lot of driving time in the van and that was less than ideal, but we understand there wasn't much that could have been done. Our group complained incessantly about the changes and that added a little difficulty to the enjoyment but our guides Alicia and Roisin did their best and they were amazing. Honestly, if we had known of the closure and the subsequent changes I'm not sure I would have done the trek because it was too much time in the van. All in all we tried to make the most of it. We probably wouldn't recommend it to anyone else the way it was for us, but all in all it was okay. We have a few specific suggestions...
About the food: It was okay...there were a couple of meals that were prepared by our guides that we were happy with, but we think its a bad idea to charge so much and have the food be mediocre at best. It's absolutely not the fault of the guides...they had their hands full during the day to say the least. We think it would be a good idea to either hire a dedicated cook for the group who cooks while the guides take care of their guiding responsibilities or just have us eat every meal out. It seems like too much to expect the guides to do so much with the group during the day and then expect them to prepare meals worthy of the amount charged. If you'd like specifics, we can address them in a separate email...we want to help, not complain.
Also, it might be good to outline just how much time is going to be spent sitting in a van because we had no idea. I know we were in the van way more than expected because of the change in itinerary but it might be nice to mention on the itinerary just how many van hours there are compared to hours outside. Some days were only allowed maybe 2 hours outside with the rest of the time in the van and that was not clear in advance. I think other members of our group also had different expectations and that created complications that expectations did not match reality.
Overall, with amount of time in the van and the quality of the food, we think the trip cost way more than it should. Despite our dissatisfaction the guides were amazing and we have no complaints with them...the trip in general just could be organized better or cost significantly less. The two guides made it all okay and were the reason we had a decent time.
Details
Value3.0
Guide3.0
Activities3.0
Lodging3.0
Transportation3.0
Meals3.0
CA
Christian A
December 2020
Our trip was a little different because of the road closure, so it's hard to know how it would have been if everything went smoothly. The road closure to the glaciers ended up leaving with us with a lot of driving time in the van and that was less than ideal, but we understand there wasn't much that could have been done. Our group complained incessantly about the changes and that added a little difficulty to the enjoyment but our guides Alicia and Roisin did their best and they were amazing. Honestly, if we had known of the closure and the subsequent changes I'm not sure I would have done the trek because it was too much time in the van. All in all we tried to make the most of it. We probably wouldn't recommend it to anyone else the way it was for us, but all in all it was okay. We have a few specific suggestions...
About the food: It was okay...there were a couple of meals that were prepared by our guides that we were happy with, but we think its a bad idea to charge so much and have the food be mediocre at best. It's absolutely not the fault of the guides...they had their hands full during the day to say the least. We think it would be a good idea to either hire a dedicated cook for the group who cooks while the guides take care of their guiding responsibilities or just have us eat every meal out. It seems like too much to expect the guides to do so much with the group during the day and then expect them to prepare meals worthy of the amount charged. If you'd like specifics, we can address them in a separate email...we want to help, not complain.
Also, it might be good to outline just how much time is going to be spent sitting in a van because we had no idea. I know we were in the van way more than expected because of the change in itinerary but it might be nice to mention on the itinerary just how many van hours there are compared to hours outside. Some days were only allowed maybe 2 hours outside with the rest of the time in the van and that was not clear in advance. I think other members of our group also had different expectations and that created complications that expectations did not match reality.
Overall, with amount of time in the van and the quality of the food, we think the trip cost way more than it should. Despite our dissatisfaction the guides were amazing and we have no complaints with them...the trip in general just could be organized better or cost significantly less. The two guides made it all okay and were the reason we had a decent time.
Read More
About the food: It was okay...there were a couple of meals that were prepared by our guides that we were happy with, but we think its a bad idea to charge so much and have the food be mediocre at best. It's absolutely not the fault of the guides...they had their hands full during the day to say the least. We think it would be a good idea to either hire a dedicated cook for the group who cooks while the guides take care of their guiding responsibilities or just have us eat every meal out. It seems like too much to expect the guides to do so much with the group during the day and then expect them to prepare meals worthy of the amount charged. If you'd like specifics, we can address them in a separate email...we want to help, not complain.
Also, it might be good to outline just how much time is going to be spent sitting in a van because we had no idea. I know we were in the van way more than expected because of the change in itinerary but it might be nice to mention on the itinerary just how many van hours there are compared to hours outside. Some days were only allowed maybe 2 hours outside with the rest of the time in the van and that was not clear in advance. I think other members of our group also had different expectations and that created complications that expectations did not match reality.
Overall, with amount of time in the van and the quality of the food, we think the trip cost way more than it should. Despite our dissatisfaction the guides were amazing and we have no complaints with them...the trip in general just could be organized better or cost significantly less. The two guides made it all okay and were the reason we had a decent time.
Positive: The locations are fun and beautiful, but sadly it is 'getting there' that takes the joy away.
Negative: Spending up to 5 hours on a bus each day was never listed in the itinerary and was extremely frustrating and very disappointing to endure. Two participants in my group actually left the tour midway due to low expectations.
Details
Value3.0
Guide3.0
Activities3.0
Lodging3.0
Transportation3.0
Meals3.0
SP
Steven P
December 2020
Positive: The locations are fun and beautiful, but sadly it is 'getting there' that takes the joy away.
Negative: Spending up to 5 hours on a bus each day was never listed in the itinerary and was extremely frustrating and very disappointing to endure. Two participants in my group actually left the tour midway due to low expectations.
Read More
Negative: Spending up to 5 hours on a bus each day was never listed in the itinerary and was extremely frustrating and very disappointing to endure. Two participants in my group actually left the tour midway due to low expectations.
I loved seeing all the beautiful scenery, but the time spent on the bus each day was much longer than I anticipated. I didn't know that we would be hiking every day, as I thought there would be more different activities involved. For instance, we could have gone tubbing or stopped at the glow-worm caves.
Details
Value3.0
Guide3.0
Activities3.0
Lodging3.0
Transportation3.0
Meals3.0
TB
Tom B
December 2020
I loved seeing all the beautiful scenery, but the time spent on the bus each day was much longer than I anticipated. I didn't know that we would be hiking every day, as I thought there would be more different activities involved. For instance, we could have gone tubbing or stopped at the glow-worm caves.
Read More
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