Classic Journeys vs Peregrine Adventures - Tour Companies Compared

Classic Journeys began in 1995 and has since carved out a unique niche in the luxury travel market, providing high end travel with an adventurous twist, all over the world.

What Makes Them Stand Out

They describe themselves as having “sophisticated gusto” an apt way to get an idea of their travel style. It’s luxury travel but not the stuffy sort. In France, you might find yourself in the chateaux-lined Loire Valley or the lavender fields of Provence. In Italy, you might walk the Amalfi Coast or through Sardinia. In Southeast Asia, you can meet the locals while walking through Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. In North America, you might explore Nova Scotia's coast or the streets of Savannah and Charleston. In Latin America, Cuba, Costa Rica, Belize and Chile are all possibilities. As Classic Journeys puts it: "We meet and mingle…in markets, vineyards, piazzas and homes." And always at a relaxed pace.

Who Travels With Them

Many of their customers are independent minded travelers who are fed up with planning the logistics. As such they focus on keeping an element of spontaneity in their trips. You’ll enjoy their itineraries if you enjoy unique local experiences combined with the luxury that comes with having everything expertly taken care of. Group size ranges between 10 and 18 on their walking, culinary, and family tours, and they can also arrange private custom itineraries.

Where Do They Operate

They arrange trips all over the globe, from South America to New Zealand. A majority of trips are in France, Italy, Canada, and the United States.

Why Travel With Them

They emphasise keeping the feeling of spontaneous, authentic local travel in their approach to guided travel. You can choose from between specialized itineraries in four main “buckets”: Cultural Walking Adventures, Culinary Tours, Family Multi-Sport, and Private Journeys. Local guides will provide a deeper perspective as you experience each destination from all sides, through unique and immersive cultural activities, never losing the element of luxury travel.

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.

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