Butterfield & Robinson vs Alexander + Roberts - Tour Companies Compared

Born in 1966, Butterfield and Robinson specializes in higher end guided and self-guided biking and walking tours to many of the world’s top destinations.

What Makes Butterfield & Robinson Stand Out?

The seamless combination of luxury minded travel and the active travel style of cycling are what have consistently made Butterfield a household name among affluent 50+ travelers.

You can choose your own activity level, whether it’s a ramble through the Burgundy countryside in France or a more strenuous hike along the Inca Trail in Peru. On cycling trips, bikes are customized to fit the riders, and they have a high staff and support vehicle ratio per guest -- making them a top choice for travelers seeking a high-service biking adventure.

They offer several tours around the world, small group is their primary offering, though private guided and customizable itineraries are also available.

Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Butterfield & Robinson?

They offer trips for all ages, but are definitely most popular among older active travelers with a taste for the finer things.

If a leisurely 25 mile bike ride through European vineyards, stopping for picnics, going at your own pace, and meeting up with your small group for a nice rustic dinner with a well deserved beer or glass of wine at the end of the day sounds like your perfect vacation, then Butterfield & Robinson is for you.

Activity levels vary with the terrain and there are several different activity categories that B&R offers for you to choose from. They’re open to people of all ages -- kids under 18 are eligible to go on special family trips -- and athletic abilities.

Ebikes make it easier for even the most basic physical fitness level to travel farther and in more comfort. Of course it’s not a complete ride with no effort - you must pedal, but it is possible to travel on a cycling trip with Butterfield & Robinson without feeling like you’ve entered the Tour de France.

Trips with Butterfield & Robinson are not budget by any means, though a range of price options are available in the mid to upper budget category.

Top Destinations

Over the years, they’ve expanded to more than 100 biking and walking trips around the world, including Bhutan, the Baltics, Jordan and Colombia as well as favorites like Spain, France, and Italy. Wherever you are, you can expect to be showered with refreshments, route maps, and suggestions for interesting places to stop and explore.

Butterfield & Robinson Travel Style

Most tours with Butterfield & Robinson are easy to moderately paced. Cycling is the primary means of transportation from point a to point b on most trips, with a generous helping of stops to enjoy unique cultural experiences or explore a historical site.

Guided bike trips average about 25-30 miles a day (longer for expert level), while walkers average six to ten miles a day. Group sizes are kept small, to allow for travel along all kind of roads, and create the opportunity for a lot of space between riders, allowing you to find your own pace. On most trips you’ll be joined by more than one guide, allowing for very personalized and dedicated attention throughout your cycling experience.

Small group sizes also help Butterfield be able to arrange unique accommodations. On a B&R trip, it’s not unusual to find yourself in a renovated castle, chateau or other signature lodging.

They are known for cycling, however Butterfield also offers Walking Tours, Family Trips, Boat Trips & Cruises, Safaris, Food & Wine centric tours, and Corporate Holidays.

Why Choose a Tour With Butterfield & Robinson?

Even for avid hikers and cyclists who choose the more expert options, B&R sees to it that all you’ll have to cope with is that next hill. You never have to carry your own luggage or purchases that you might make along the way -- the support van, which you’re likely to encounter several times a day on your route -- takes care of that.

You also have plenty of flexibility in pacing your walk or ride; group members don’t have to stay together -- you can stop at cafes or museums along the way as you see fit. You can even take the afternoon off if you wish.

In short, Butterfield is the pinnacle when it comes to well planned, fun, expertly guided, cycling tours with a luxury travel touch.

Founded in 1947, Alexander + Roberts holds the distinction of being one of the oldest guided tour companies around, and a founding member of USTOA. Unlike many tour companies, they focus equally on small group, private group, and customized travel.  

What Makes Alexander + Roberts Stand Out

• Historical legacy
• Authentic experiences
• Exotic and classic destinations
• Local guides
• Unique itineraries

Alexander + Roberts has over 70 years of tour experience. In fact, the company was the first to provide guided tours of the former Soviet Union during the Cold War era. Since then, A + R have been pioneers, traveling to new far-flung locations like Burma and Cuba before many other operators.

There can be a tendency for old and established guided travel companies to seem out of touch and stuffy, while also getting unwieldy if they try too hard to adapt to the modern traveler.

Alexander + Roberts has managed to remain firm to their classic yet innovative roots - an old fashioned charm comes across. You’ll find a blend of classic itineraries as well as more unique experiences and themes. 

Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Alexander + Roberts?

• Affluent travelers
• 50+ and Seniors
• Couples
• Active travelers

Alexander + Roberts is a US-based tour operator for the affluent traveler wanting to venture beyond the ordinary in a comfortable manner. A + R is best for those travelers looking for a small-group experience with an added element of luxury. They also offer private journeys, custom itineraries, and fully supported independent travel options. 

This is not budget travel by any means. Unlike most tour companies today that don’t require a single supplement, they do (for most tours) at “only $700”. Many activities and meals are included on Alexander + Roberts small group tours.

So if you have more of an independent streak and would like some flexibility but aren’t interested in a private or tailor made trip, you may want to explore other tour companies that provide more free time during the itinerary.

If you’re looking for a professionally planned trip with expertise, luxury, and attention to detail baked into the price then Alexander + Roberts is a good place to start.

Top Destinations

A + R offers hundreds of trips on six continents, including Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. They also offer small-ship cruising in the Americas, Antarctica, Asia, and Europe.

Alexander + Roberts Travel Style

• Small groups (16 max)
• Private travel
• Tailor made travel
• Most meals and activities included

Alexander + Roberts purposefully keeps their tour group sizes small - maximum 16, for added flexibility and authenticity. Hotels are a mix of unique local and boutique properties, all with a touch of luxury. Most meals are included on their standard group departures and guides are local, with the in-depth knowledge that comes with it. 

Why Choose a Tour with Alexander + Roberts?

If you’re looking for a refined experience that still gets you under the surface of a destination, then Alexander & Roberts could be for you. Their trips are not cheap, but do provide good value with many inclusions and years of experience in the industry.