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15 Best Tour Companies of 2024

Tour companies like Intrepid Travel and G Adventures can help you create the experience of a lifetime. Choosing the right company depends on your destination and travel preferences.

Guided tours can be a great way to experience a new destination, but you want to make sure you get the best experience possible. How can you find the best tour companies to guide your adventure?

Whether you’re looking for group trips, self-guided tours, river cruises, tours for solo travelers, or overseas adventure travel, you want to find a tour operator that can deliver a seamless, enjoyable, and authentic experience, all without zeroing out your bank account.

Here are the top 15 tour companies out there today. I’ll walk you through what each excels at and how to pick the best one for you.

• Our Top Picks
• Best Tour Company Overall: Intrepid Travel
• Best Small Group Tour Company: G Adventures
• Best for Day Tours: Get Your Guide
• Best Tour Company for Solo Travelers: Go Ahead Tours
• Best Tour Company for Families: Adventures by Disney
• Best Tour Company for Seniors: Trafalgar
• Best Tour Company for Europe: Tauck
• Best Tour Company for Italy: Insight Vacations
• Best Tour Company for Ireland and Scotland: CIE Tours
• Best Iceland Tour Company: Nicetravel Iceland
• Best Tour Company for Spain and Portugal: Cosmos
• Best Egypt Tour Company: Exodus
• Best Asia Tour Company: Klook
• Best Tour Company for Israel: Click Tours
• Best Tour Company for Greece: Epos Travel Tours

Intrepid Travel : Best Tour Company Overall

When you imagine travel tours, you may picture massive group tours and a bus packed with 50 noisy, gawking tourists.

That’s not what you get with Intrepid Travel . This company specializes in adventurous and immersive small group tours with an average of 10 people.

Operating on all seven continents, Intrepid offers a huge range of trip types to fit any traveler. You can choose biking tours across New Zealand, river cruises in Europe, trekking in the Himalayas, or wildlife safaris in the Serengeti. There are options for all-female adventures, family expeditions, active trips for adventure travelers, or trips catering specifically to 18-29 year olds.

If you don’t want to spend the trip of a lifetime sitting on your butt looking out a bus window, Intrepid Travel is for you. Their group trips are designed to fully immerse you in the culture and beauty of a new place. Here are two examples of what you’ll get from Intrepid Travel:

With the Alaska: Hike, Bike, & Kayak tour, you are led by an expert guide on a range of active adventures through some of Alaska’s best scenery and national parks. You’ll go sea kayaking, cycle along the rugged Alaskan coast, and hike through Denali National Park.

If you’re looking for more of a cultural experience, the Premium Sri Lanka tour is an incredible journey through the culture, history, food, and wildlife of this island. You’ll explore ancient temples, eat incredible food with locals, and search for leopards in the country’s wildlife preserves.

One last perk: Intrepid Travel is a Certified B-Corp, meaning they are dedicated to doing good in the world. They donate to worldwide relief causes and offset the carbon footprint of every trip they operate.

G Adventures : Best Small Group Tour Company

If you’re looking for small group tours, G Adventures is one of the best in the category. Just like with Intrepid, their tour groups average 10 people, so, with G Adventures, you won’t have to deal with being part of a massive hoard of tourists.

So what sets G Adventures apart? Unlike many tour operators, they focus on helping you get exactly the experience you’re looking for instead of packing every day with a rigid schedule. Every trip offers a wide range of optional activities that you can pick and choose from to personalize your experience. Plus, you can opt for more free time to explore or hang out on your own.

I also love that G Adventures hires all local guides. They put a lot of emphasis on their guides, even calling them CEOs (chief experience officers). That means you get local, insider expertise on your trip. Your tour director will speak the local language, know the best spots to eat, and fully understand the culture.

If you’re looking for big luxurious hotels and resorts, G Adventures probably isn’t for you. Instead of going to the big chain hotels, G Adventures uses locally owned and operated lodgings.

This has two benefits. First, you get a much more authentic local experience. Big hotel chains don’t have the same charm and character as a true local hotel. Second, your money will go toward benefiting the local economy rather than some giant corporation. That’s a big win for G Adventures in my book.

Get Your Guide : Best for Day Tours

You may not need or want a fully guided multi-day group tour, But sometimes it’s nice to have the guidance of a local expert for a truly unique experience that you couldn’t get otherwise. Choosing day tours is a great way to get the benefits of guided group tours without being stuck with a tour group for your entire trip.

Get Your Guide is my favorite resource for finding amazing day tours, entry tickets, and other travel experiences. It’s perfect for more independent travelers who can manage the details of their own trip, but are looking for shorter guided tours.

How does it work? Get Your Guide is essentially an online marketplace where you can search for and reserve tours, museum passes, adventure activities, and more.

For example, let’s say you’re planning a trip to Sweden. On Get Your Guide, you could book a dog sled adventure to see the northern lights, a day cruise on an icebreaker ship, a “ghost-walk” historical tour of Old Stockholm, and a guided ice climbing excursion.

I’m already getting excited about that trip.

Go Ahead Tours : Best Tour Company for Solo Travelers

Solo travel can be a bit intimidating, especially if you don’t have a lot of travel experience. I’ve found that group tours can be a great way to ease some of the stress and make it easier to enjoy your trip as a solo traveler.

Go Ahead Tours is one of the best tour companies that specializes in trips for solo travelers. With their solo trips, you always get a private room at no extra cost, and the other travelers in your tour group will also be solo—so you don’t end up as the awkward 17th wheel in someone else’s family vacation. As a solo traveler with Go Ahead Tours, you get all the benefits and security of a group trip, and you’ll meet other amazing people traveling the world on their own.

Go Ahead Tours focuses on small group itineraries in tour destinations around the globe, from popular destinations to locations off the beaten path. Want a food-centric trip across Italy? Check. Want to visit South America and hike to Machu Picchu? Check. How about a wildlife safari in Kenya? Yep, they’ve got that. Go Ahead Tours offers the best group tours for solo travelers, and you may even make some new friends on the way.

Adventures by Disney : Best Tour Company for Families

Family travel can seem complicated, especially if you have younger kids. Group tours can help simplify planning the dream trip, but tour operators often plan trips focused on adults, so younger travelers may get bored quickly.

Adventures by Disney is one of the few group travel companies that specialize in family-oriented trips and tours, from South America to Scandinavia. Disney Vacations designs their group trips to have something for everyone: wine tastings for the adults, adventure scavenger hunts for the kids, and sights and experiences that will engage your entire family.

Disney Adventures trips are a bit pricier than many other group travel companies, so not all families will be able to afford them. However, if you can make it work with your budget, your family will get an amazing experience that you just won’t find from more mainstream travel.

Trafalgar : Best Tour Company for Seniors

Trafalgar is one of the biggest (and best) group travel companies in the world. They offer hundreds of international trips to popular destinations around the globe.

Trafalgar’s guided tours are great for travelers of all age groups, but they cater particularly to senior travelers. The majority of Trafalgar guests are over 50. It’s also great for family tours to get grandparents and grandkids spending quality time together.

If you’re looking for highly active itineraries with adventure activities packed in, Trafalgar may not be the best for you. They focus more on cultural immersion, history, architecture, and local cuisine. Trafalgar is a great choice if you want to take a deep dive into the essence of your destination.

You can count on having a tour leader who is an expert in the local culture and history, and you will come home with tons of new knowledge.

Trafalgar focuses primarily on land-based tours, but they also offer a range of cruise vacations if you want to travel by sea.

Hotel stays, meals, transportation to/from the airport, and all the logistics are all arranged for you. You can even add on flights, extra hotel nights, and travel insurance so you don’t have to worry about any additional complications for your trip.

Tauck : Best Tour Company for Europe

Tauck is another big name in group tours that operates on all seven continents. While they have guided tours all around the globe, Tauck is an especially good choice if you’re looking for a group tour in Europe.

It’s easy to go to European cities, see the major tourist sites, and head home without really diving deep into the culture and spirit of the place. My favorite thing about Tauck is that their European tours are designed to give you more than just the standard tourist experience. Their Yellow Roads of Europe tours take you off the beaten path for a truly unique European experience.

Every Tauck tour pairs you with handpicked expert local guides who will help fully immerse you in the experience.

Tauck offers both river cruises and land-based group tours. If you want a unique European experience, imagine cruising through Western Europe along the Seine.

Insight Vacations : Best Tour Company for Italy

Almost every traveler dreams of a bucket list trip to Italy. What’s not to love? Amazing food, amazing sights, amazing culture, Italy has it all.

If you’re looking for the best guided tours in Italy, I highly recommend Insight Vacations . Insight offers tours all over the world, but their Italy tours are especially good. Whether you want to see the major sights, learn to live like a local, or sample the best food from around the country (or all of the above!) they’ve got tours for you.

As an example, you could choose their Best of Italy Tour for your next trip. This 11-day tour includes stays in Rome, Florence, Venice, and more. You’ll learn from local artisans, eat farm-to-table meals on the foothills of Mount Vesuvius, and get a VIP tour of the Vatican (including areas normally off-limits to visitors).

Insight’s tours are all led by local tour guides who speak the language and have in-depth knowledge of the culture and history of each site you visit.

If you’re traveling with a group of 10 or more people, Insight Vacations can also put together custom itineraries specifically for your group.

CIE Tours : Best Tour Company for Ireland and Scotland

If you’re into history, stunning scenery, charming towns, or good times at the pub, you would probably love touring Ireland and Scotland. CIE Tours is technically based in the US, but it’s partially owned and operated by the Irish government. It specializes in travel to Ireland, Scotland, and a few other European countries.

This dialed-in focus means that there are no better guided tours for Ireland and Scotland. I highly recommend their Taste of Scotland and Ireland Tour . In 11 days, you’ll experience sightseeing in Glasgow and Dublin, a day cruise on Loch Ness, carriage rides through the Irish countryside, and a feast in a historic castle.

Their tours have a great balance of exciting sightseeing and activities with enough downtime to relax or do plenty of exploring on your own. It’s a great way to get all the benefits of group travel without feeling like you have no control over your schedule.

If you want more freedom, CIE also offers independent adventures. They will build an itinerary for you and book your lodgings, admission tickets to attractions, and rental car (or you can opt for a private driver). You can choose from their pre-packaged itineraries, or build your own custom trip.

I also appreciate that CIE Tours has fairly affordable rates that include all admission tickets and most of your meals. Plus, they often offer discounts on airfare!

Nicetravel Iceland : Best Iceland Tour Company

Maybe you’ve always been intrigued by Iceland’s wild, untamed beauty (I know I have). If you want to experience this first hand, Nicetravel Iceland is one of the best group travel companies in this amazing country.

Nicetravel Iceland by three local Icelandic families, so they have a lot of local expertise. They offer trips ranging from 8 hours to over a week and have itineraries to suit any type of traveler, whether you want to relax in natural hot spring pools or hike along the glaciers and coastlines.

They focus on small group tours, and you’ll never have more than 19 people in your group. Most of their tours start from the capital, Reykjavik, and will drive you to various destinations in Mercedes Sprinter Vans. Way better than the huge tour buses many other companies use.

In addition to standard tours for sightseeing, they also have a range of tour options for more adventurous travelers. You’re in the right place if you want to explore caves, hike on glaciers, or raft down raging rivers.

Cosmos : Best Tour Company for Spain and Portugal

For a tour operator on the Iberian Peninsula, Cosmos is one of the best choices, especially if you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg. Cosmos has been guiding group travel for nearly a century, and they employ expert local guides to help you get the most from your trip.

The Cosmos Best of Spain and Portugal Tour is an incredible 13-day group travel itinerary. You will stay in 7 amazing cities across the two countries and visit a wide range of historical sites.

Cosmos is also a good choice for responsible travel, as they have several initiatives to support local communities and planet-focused nonprofits like the African Wildlife Foundation, The Ocean Cleanup, and Trees4Travel. I appreciate companies that are taking steps toward sustainable travel.

Exodus : Best Egypt Tour Company

It’s hard to visit any travel website without seeing a picture of the Great Pyramids. Egypt has captivated the minds of explorers and travelers for centuries, and it is worth having on your bucket list.

If you want a guided tour of Egypt, I highly recommend Exodus Travels . With destinations on all seven continents, Exodus Travels is one of the most popular group travel companies for adventurous travelers, and their Egyptian tours are particularly good.

With 9 different guided tours in Egypt, you can find the perfect itinerary for your trip. Exodus Travels is a true expert in the industry and hires incredible guides for their group travel excursions.

Plus, Exodus Travels also offers trips that are perfect for family travel.

Klook : Best Asia Tour Company

Whether you want to experience the hustle and bustle of downtown Tokyo or an adventurous trek to Everest Base Camp, Klook is one of the best group travel companies for Asia.

Klook is more than just a tour operator. It is a marketplace for everything travel, from airline tickets to hotels to tickets to museums, theme parks, and more. Klook offers trips for small groups or individual travelers all around the globe, but they are based in Asia, and that’s where they focus.

Klooks South Korea Tour will take you to Nami Island, through beautiful gardens, and into a centuries-old palace in Seoul.

Click Tours : Best Tour Company for Israel

Click Tours specializes in group travel in Europe and the Middle East, and Israel is by far their most popular tour destination. In Israel, Click Tours will offer trips ranging from 3-day highlight tours to 18-day deep-dive cultural experiences.

They focus on small group travel, and your tour group will have 15-24 guests. That means you get more personal attention and a more authentic experience of the country.

A tour of Israel with Click Tours will focus on historical and archeological sites. You’ll visit temples and ruins that are thousands of years old as well as dive into the amazing food and rich culture of Israel.

Epos Travel Tours : Best Tour Company for Greece

If you’re looking for a group travel trip to Greece, Epos Travel Tours is a local company based in Tripolis that offers tours across the country.

Since Epos Travel Tours specializes only in Greece, you can expect catered trips and insider knowledge. They are truly the experts in travel to Greece, and their trip itineraries are designed to help you get the most from your trip, whether you want to visit historical sites or delve into amazing food and culture.

If you’re into history and architecture, their tour of Ancient Corinth is hard to beat!

Best Tour Companies FAQ

Which is the best tour company in the world.

In my experience, Intrepid Travel is the best tour operator. They have amazing small-group tours.

What are the top travel companies?

The top travel companies for tours include Intrepid Travel , G Adventures , and Trafalgar .

Is Globus or Trafalgar better?

Trafalgar is usually the better choice. They offer amazing all-inclusive tours around the world.

Are tour companies worth it?

Group travel can be worth it if you want the stress and planning taken out of your trip.

Who is the biggest tour company?

Disney is the biggest tour company by revenue.

How do you know if a tour company is legit?

It is a good idea to look for reviews of a tour company on TripAdvisor.

Jakob Thygerson

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The 10 Best Group Travel Tour Companies for 2024

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Executive Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Caroline has a passion for adventure travel and has hiked to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the bottom of the Grand Canyon in pursuit of a good story. Follow her around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

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For those truly epic, once-in-a-lifetime destinations, you want to leave your itinerary to the experts. Whether your dream is to see the Big Five on an African Safari, trek tall mountains, explore European cities, or something even wilder, a group tour is the easiest way to do it.

However, picking the wrong group tour company is the quickest way to ruin your trip. Make sure you choose a tour company that aligns with your goals and travel styles. Do you want an intimate group tour or do you prefer to make lots of new friends in a big group? Does the price line up with what you like (luxury vs. budget)? Is the itinerary going to all the places you want to see? 

We’ve done the research and found the very best group travel tour companies for 2024 for every type of traveler.

Best Overall Group Travel: Exodus Adventure Travels

With trips on every continent, Exodus Adventure Travels covers anywhere on this planet that you could possibly want to go, from popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast to well off-the-beaten-path adventures like Tajikistan. This award-winning group travel company boasts thousands of repeat customers who sign up for trips year after year (97% of past participants would recommend Exodus Adventure Travels to a friend). 

These small group tours operate with only around 8-16 people and always feature experienced local leaders who can give you a unique insight into your destination. Exodus Adventure Travels caters to any type of travel style, including trips broken down by type of activity (think walking, cycling, multi-adventure, winter, or cultural) as well as type of traveler (family, age group, etc.). There are curated collections (coastal, “away from it all”, European wilderness, and trips of a lifetime) to inspire you, as well as self-guided options for when you want all the benefits of a group tour planner without the actual group. Looking for that special safari? Exodus Aventure Travels just partners with the African Wildlife Foundation to create carefully curated luxury adventures that go above and beyond the standard safari. 

Exodus Adventure Travels tours work for almost any budget, with options that range from affordable to premium. 

Top Trip: Explore under-the-radar Europe by foot on Exodus Adventure Travels’ Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia walking tour .

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Best Adventure Group Travel: World Expeditions

World Expeditions has been taking adventurous travelers to remote locations all over the world ever since its first group trek through Nepal in 1975. Today, World Expeditions offers active itineraries on every continent. Intrepid travelers can opt for trips themed around mountaineering, rafting, cycling, hiking, and more. 

World Expeditions aims to leave communities and places where they operate tours better than they found them. Trips are created using the company’s Thoughtful Travel Charter as a guideline, which emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainability, having a positive impact on local communities, protecting wildlife, and more. 

World Expeditions’ trips are capped at just 16 people to provide a good experience for participants, and there are no single supplements for solo travelers willing to share a room with someone of the same gender. 

Top Trip: Summit Africa’s tallest mountain on a fully-supported trek up Kilimanjaro on World Expeditions’ eight day trip up the beautiful Lemosho Route . 

Best Budget Group Travel: G Adventures 

For travelers on a budget, G Adventures offers cheap group tours that make dream destinations accessible to nearly anyone. (Think: sailing the Galapagos for just $1,014 , criss-crossing India’s Golden Triangle for $799 , or spending 8 days in Bali for less than $749.)

G Adventures is one of the best tour companies for solo travelers as well, as most trips don’t have a single-supplement. You can choose to share a room with another G Adventures solo traveler, or pay extra to have your own space.

G Adventures keeps costs down by opting for cheaper hotels and local meals, and making certain activities optional (for an additional cost). Pick your travel style—options range from “basic” to more luxe tours run in partnership with National Geographic. Family tours, local living tours (featuring homestays), and wellness-focused tours are also available. 

Top Trip: G Adventures’ China Express trip is a great way to see the highlights of China if you’re short on both time and budget. 

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Best Educational Group Tours: EF Go Ahead Tours

When you really want to learn about a destination, consider a group trip with EF Go Ahead Tours . EF is the world’s largest private education company, and the Go Ahead Tours arm capitalizes on the company’s relationships with local educators, historians, and tour guides to create group trips that take you deep into a destination. 

These small group tours generally cap at 38 travelers, and feature unique educational experiences. For a bucket list trip, EF Go Ahead Tour’s special event tours are particularly enticing, as they offer behind-the-scenes access to tough-to-plan trips like Oktoberfest in Munich or Cherry Blossom season in Japan. 

Intimidated by solo travel? EF Go Ahead Tours is a great option for solo travelers, since it offers designated trips for solo travelers , where everyone is traveling alone, making it less intimidating.  

Top Trip: Bring the tastes of Italy home with you on EF Go Ahead Tours’ Food & Wine: Piedmont & Tuscany tour (operated in partnership with America’s Test Kitchen), where you’ll learn how to make local dishes. 

Best Responsible Group Travel: Intrepid Travel

Looking for a responsible group travel operator that focuses on bettering the communities and destinations they visit? Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest travel B Corporation, a certification for companies doing good. 

Intrepid Travel’s tours focus on sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and sustaining communities. The company has its own charity, The Intrepid Foundation , which has donated over 10 million dollars to over 160 community organizations. 

Intrepid Travel’s small group tours attract a wide range of travelers, but they are especially great for younger travelers, as they have a large number of trips designed for people aged 18-35 . (Other trips, including family-focused trips, are geared toward any age.)

Top Trip: Experience foodie trip of a lifetime Intrepid Travel’s South Korea Real Food Adventure , which includes time in three cities and an overnight temple stay.

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Best Private Group Travel: Kensington Tours

Whether your group consists of just two people or involves taking the entire extended family, Kensington Tours will take all the hassle of planning out of the equation. This private group operator creates personalized trips and itineraries tailored to your preferences, while their experts handle all the logistics and bookings. 

Plans are entirely flexible, and can even be changed while on the trip on a whim. Need some inspiration? Browse Kensington Tours’ travel ideas , to get some ideas for your next adventure. 

Top Trip: Sail around the stunning shores of Croatia and the Dalmation Islands on a private luxury catamaran on Kensington Tours’ fully customizable tour . 

Best Polar Group Travel: Chimu Adventures

Whether you’re headed north to the Artic or south to Antarctica, Chimu Adventures has the perfect polar group trip for you. Chimu Adventures has some of the most variety for polar trips, with options to fly, cruise, or a combination of both to get to your destination. For an ultra-unique Antarctica trip, Chimu Adventures offers cruises departing from Australia or New Zealand (most Antarctica trips depart from Argentina).

Chimu Adventures is one of the cheapest group trips to Antarctica, with rates starting under $6,000.

Top Trip: If you’re pressed for time (or simply don’t have the stomach for the Drake Passage), Chimu Adventures’ Antarctica Fly Cruise will get you to the ends of the earth quickly and smoothly.

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Best Group Tours for Solo Travelers: For the Love of Travel

Group tours can be a great way to meet new people, but they can sometimes skew on the older age range. If you’re between 25-39 and a solo traveler looking to meet new people, you’ll love For the Love of Travel . All participants on the trips are between 25-39, and according to the company, 80 percent are solo travelers—so you’ll make friends fast. Hoping to meet someone who will be more than just a friend on your next trip? Trips include a balanced number of “gal and guy spots” to ensure an even balance of genders within groups (and of course, non-binary genders are always welcome). 

For the Love of Travel offers weeklong (or longer) international trips as well as shorter weekender trips to closer destinations like Mexico or Costa Rica—perfect for people without a lot of vacation time.

Top Trip: Sleep in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, go sledding with huskies, and warm up in traditional saunas on For the Love of Travel’s Lapland tour , already booking dates for 2024.

Best Biking Tours Group Travel: DuVine Cycling

Biking through the rolling hills of Italy or across the mountain roads of Chile sounds like a dream, but the logistics seem daunting (especially if you don’t want to haul all your own stuff from point-to-point). Enter: DuVine Cycling , a luxury small group tour company that specializes in bike trips. 

With trips across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the United States, DuVine Cycling is a cyclist’s dream. Choose from all-biking trips or mix things up with a cycle and sail bike tour or a multi-sport adventure —no matter what, everything is included, from luxury boutique accommodations to top-quality name brand bikes. 

Top Trip: DuVine’s Holland Bike Tour promises “tulips, windmills, beer, and cheese”—what more could you need?

Best Luxury Group Travel: Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent has been delighting discerning travelers since 1962. Today, they take travelers on unforgettable adventures across over 100 different countries and all seven continents. Although Abercrombie & Kent’s trips are pricey, they encompass once-in-a-lifetime experiences like private jet tours around the world or luxury chartered cruises .

There are trips designed for solo travelers and families , and the small group journeys max out at around 14-18 guests.

Top Trip: Swim with whale sharks in the Philippines, feed proboscis monkeys in Malaysia, and photograph wild tigers in India on Abercrombie & Kent’s Wildlife & Nature: Around the World by Private Jet trip , already booking dates into 2024.

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The Top 15 Tour Operators in 2021

Scott Bay is a magazine editor specializing in travel, architecture, and gear. He was previously an assistant editor at Travel + Leisure . His work has also appeared in Wired , Architectural Digest , Wallpaper , Robb Report , Saveur , Daily Beast , and more.

Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite tour operators .

This year's World's Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year's honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.

Linking up with the right tour operator can take an amazing trip and turn it into a trip of a lifetime . This might seem like magic, but their in-the-know expertise and long-standing relationships open the doors for the seemingly impossible — a private Jeep safari with a professional tracking team in the depths of Torres del Paine or one-on-one cooking classes from a chef that runs a Michelin-starred restaurant in the south of France. And if any group has traversed the world enough to discern the best tour operators out there, it's the readers of Travel + Leisure .

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.

The companies that made the list have the skills and connections to create itineraries that reflect their clients' personal interests. No. 3 VBT Bicycling Vacations curates two-wheeled trips all over the globe . One reader said, "Their staff make all the difference." No. 2 Mountain Lodges of Peru puts together highly personalized trekking adventures to Machu Picchu. As another reader exclaimed, "This is the way to visit Machu Picchu!"

But at the top of the list is Quasar Expeditions. Though primarily known for its cruises (the company won the small-ship ocean cruises category this year), it also operates a roster of dynamic safari-style excursions in South America. Read on to find out what sets it apart and which other companies join it on this year's list of the best tour operators in the world.

1. Quasar Expeditions

Quasar Expeditions is for adventurers. The highly specialized itineraries are designed to make guests feel like they're James Cook or Charles Darwin. "Quasar Expeditions' guides are the ultimate, passionate gatekeepers to the Galápagos Islands," one reader said. "Their enthusiasm and love of the islands and the wildlife encourages you to share in their passion and desire to conserve the natural beauty and habitat of the area while still allowing low-impact tourism." Another raved, "Excellent isn't a high enough rating to describe our experience with Quasar Expeditions. Extraordinary in every way!" And while Quasar is best known for its Galápagos trips, it gets high marks for its Patagonia itineraries, which takes guests into the best parts of Chile's Torres del Paine and Argentina's Los Glaciares — two of South America's most spectacular national parks.

Score: 99.58 More information: quasarex.com

2. Mountain Lodges of Peru

Score: 98.93 More information: mountainlodgesofperu.com

3. VBT Bicycling Vacations

Score: 98.70 More information: vbt.com

4. Classic Journeys

Score: 98.60 More information: classicjourneys.com

5. TCS World Travel

Score: 97.55 More information: tcsworldtravel.com

6. Black Tomato

Score: 97.25 More information: blacktomato.com/us

7. Inside Japan Tours

Score: 96.84 More information: insidejapantours.com

Score: 96.72 More information: tauck.com

9. Wilderness Travel

Score: 95.71 More information: wildernesstravel.com

10. Trek Travel

Score: 95.71 More information: trektravel.com

11. Geographic Expeditions

Score: 95.70 More information: geoex.com

12. Thomson Family Adventures

Score: 94.89 More information: familyadventures.com

13. Greaves

Score: 94.74 More information: greavesindia.com

14. DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co.

Score: 94.64 More information: duvine.com

15. Odysseys Unlimited

Score: 94.39 More information: odysseys-unlimited.com

See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2021 .

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8 Ways to Choose the Perfect Tour Company

Last Updated: November 3, 2023

That idea of tours being bad is an old and outdated perception.

These days tour groups have become more adept at the changing landscape. They feature smaller groups, more authentic experiences, a better environmental impact, and more local guides.

I love group tours.

Even though I am an independent traveler, I find group tours super fun, a great way to meet people, learn more from an informed guide, go to places you normally can’t, and wet your feet in travel. My first trip overseas was on an organized tour. I didn’t know the first thing about travel and that tour gave me the confidence to travel on my own. It was the taste test I needed to become hooked on travel. Tours give a lot of people time to adjust to the “travel lifestyle.”

Unlike in the past, today’s tours are eco-friendly, cater to all travel styles, over cheap, and make a point to use local transportation and guides. And many destinations (like Halong Bay, the Galápagos Islands, the Serengeti, Machu Picchu, Antarctica, Everest) are virtually inaccessible without an organized group tour!

In this article, I am going to tell you how to find the best tour company so you get one that is inexpensive, eco-friendly, provides local guides, and gives back to the local community:

1. Research the costs

With tour companies, it’s not always true that you get what you pay for. Many tour companies nickel-and-dime you, while some are really good at maximizing value for your every penny. Ask how your money is spent to find out if you are really getting the best value for your money. How much of your fee is their overhead? Are you paying for top-notch hotels but staying in two-star guesthouses? You want a company that is transparent with why prices are the way they are.

Moreover, make sure you ask if there are added fees to pay when arrive. Many companies require you to pay additional money when the tour starts or don’t include park or attraction entrance fees. That cheap tour won’t be so cheap if you have to pay for everything while you’re there!

2. Make sure you are the audience 

Is the tour geared toward older couples? Young people? Families? You don’t want to end up on a loud Contiki tour full of drunk twenty-year-olds when all you want is a quiet holiday.

There’s a tour company for everyone — just make sure you don’t end up on one that isn’t yours. Most tour companies list their guest demographics on their “About” page, and you can usually see from the photos of their tours who goes on it.

You can also tell the audience based on accommodation: if it’s hostels or guesthouses, it’s usually for backpackers and budget travelers; if it’s fancy digs, it’s for older travelers and families.

This is very important because these are the people you’ll be traveling with so you want to make sure it’s the kind of people you are traveling with. I’m still friends with the people from my first tour in 2003 because they were people like me. The tour in Japan that was filled with older families? Not so much. We didn’t have much in common. Wonderful people but we didn’t connect.

So, I always look for tours that have my demographic in them.

3. Get local guides

Guides can make or break your trip. They are going to explain everything to you and keep the flow of the tour going. I don’t want them hiring some young kid, non-expert, or someone who doesn’t know the place well. I’ve been on tours where the guide was a walking encyclopedia, and on somewhere the guide was a glorified timekeeper.

Make sure the company uses knowledgeable, local guides. The guide should be a local or at least a long-term resident, know the local language, have travel experience, and know life-saving techniques.

If you are unsure about the guides, call the customer service line and ask them about their guides.

4. Safety record 

Make sure the company follows all the proper safety requirements and is accredited by the local government, the government where they are registered, and any other appropriate trade organizations.

5. A balanced schedule 

You’re paying for them to fill most of your day. How do they do that? Are they doing that? Do they have a lot of activities organized, or do they leave you to your own devices?

That said, you don’t want a schedule that is crammed with things to do. Make sure you get a schedule of all the activities and pick a tour that is balanced. Running around will leave you wishing you had a holiday from your holiday, but you don’t want to be sitting around all day, either.

I love taking small group tours because they generally have a good balance. Any tour that requires you to be on a huge bus and hits 6 cities in 5 days is not a tour to take!

6. Environmental impact

There’s a growing trend among travelers called ecotourism . It’s about more responsible travel, not only toward the environment but also toward the locals in an area. This means using local guides, hotels, and services, and making sure to reduce waste and your footprint on the local habitat.

Moreover, these companies tend to offer better and more interactive tours that also give you a good degree of autonomy.

I think it’s important to pick a company that provides great value and gives back to the place you are visiting. After all, did you go there to ruin it for others? Doubtful.

Check with groups like the International Ecotourism Society for a list of companies that have been certified “eco-friendly.” With so much money pouring into the industry now, you have a lot of companies fraudulently saying they practice ecotourism but end up being involved in terrible labor practices, animal abuse, and waste.

7. Group size

Tour companies that have smaller groups tend to be much more mindful of the environment and the impact they are leaving. It’s a lot easier to meet people in a group of 10-15 than it is in a group of 60. I don’t like to go on tours with more than 15 people on them. However, I have friends who love Contiki tours with 40-50 people. Know what you are getting yourself into, so you don’t find yourself with a group too small or too large for your tastes.

Just remember larger groups tend to stay at bigger, more impersonal accommodations (they can only accommodate the numbers), eat at more touristy restaurants, and tend to travel to more destinations quicker.

In my expert opinion, small group tours are the best.

8. Check their reputation

How have other travelers enjoyed their time? Look for online reviews to see what a company’s reputation is. It might not always be what they claim, and it’s important to find out the truth before you book.

Remember that MOST people only write a review if something goes wrong. Someone might give a tour company one star just because their eggs were runny. Find the average. Someone might hate a tour because the weather was hot. Seriously. These are actual negative reviews from the tour operator company, Thomas Cook:

“On my holiday to Goa in India, I was disgusted to find that almost every restaurant served curry. I don’t like spicy food.”

“We went on holiday to Spain and had a problem with the taxi drivers as they were all Spanish.”

“We booked an excursion to a water park but no-one told us we had to bring our own swimsuits and towels. We assumed it would be included in the price.”

“No-one told us there would be fish in the water. The children were scared.”

“Although the brochure said that there was a fully equipped kitchen, there was no egg-slicer in the drawers.”

“When we were in Spain, there were too many Spanish people there. The receptionist spoke Spanish, the food was Spanish. No one told us that there would be so many foreigners.”

“We had to line up outside to catch the boat and there was no air-conditioning.”

So how can you trust the reviews you read online?

Take them with a grain of salt. You can read reviews on websites TrustPilot . The approval rating should look like a bell curve but with more A’s and B’s than C’s. I look for companies that average 85% or higher (or 4 out of 5 stars). If a company is that highly rated, the negative reviews are probably just outliers.  

My Recommended (Best) Tour Companies

Here are some of my favorite small, day-tour, or backpacker bus tour companies:

• Take Walks – This is my favorite walking tour company. They run a wide variety of insightful and entertaining tours around Europe and the US. What makes them so good is they get you inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock too!
• Get Your Guide – A massive marketplace for tours, activities, and excursions. If you’re looking for something niche, you’ll find it here!
• Devour Food Tours – My go-to tour company for tasty food tours around Europe and the US.
• Kiwi Experience – A hop-on, hop-off bus tour company in New Zealand for backpackers!
• Baz Bus – A hop on, hop off again bus tour company in South Africa for all travelers.
• New Europe – Free walking tours throughout Europe.
• Free Tours By Foot – Pay-what-you-like tours throughout Europe and the United States. They are one of my favorite free walking tour companies in the world!

THE #1 COMPANY FOR MULTI-DAY SMALL GROUP TOURS

When it comes to multi-day, multi-week tours (think trips through Morocco, sailing in the Galápagos, etc.), I highly recommend using Intrepid Travel .

Intrepid is my favorite and best small group tour operator out there! I really love their guides, their small groups, off-the-beaten-track itineraries, and their commitment to the local environment and community. I always have an incredible time on their tours. They are my favorite multi-day tour operator and the only one I use now (the picture at the top of this page is me on their Patagonia trip). Intrepid is environmentally friendly, uses local guides and transportation, doesn’t rush their tours, and are quite inexpensive. I don’t even consider anyone else when it comes to multi-day trips.

I love tours. They are a great way to meet people, get a local to add value and knowledge, and see places you can’t get to alone! I don’t take them often but I do take them. And, since I follow the above rules, I always have a good time. Some of my favorite travel memories were when I was on a group trip. If you follow my tips above, you’ll never go wrong either.

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11 Guided Tour Companies That Offer Trips Around The World

By: Author Elizabeth Ciobanu

Posted on Published: 11/28/2023  - Last updated: 12/12/2023

Traveling the world is on many people’s bucket list. However, if you are anything like me, venturing out on your own to parts unknown — especially outside of the United States — can be a bit overwhelming if not a little scary.

Thankfully, if you are okay traveling with other people, guided tours can be a great way to see the world, and learn more in the process. 

Guided tours give you the expertise of a local or long-term employee who knows the area well to act as your guide, allowing you to delve deeper into an experience than ever before.

Other travelers who make up your group will most likely be like-minded as they also signed up for the same adventure, meaning you can make new friends while enjoying an amazing vacation. 

1. Around The World Specialists

Aptly named, Around the World Tours by Around the World Specialists has guided tours of a few varieties. The private jet trip allows you to circle the globe and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime adventure complete with National Geographic experts.

All the traveling will be from the immense comfort of a private jet. 

The private jet guided tour will venture to legendary destinations like Tibet and Machu Picchu, along with a stop at the Taj Mahal and Marrakech. Natural wonders like the island paradise of Samoa, the Serengeti Plain, and the Great Barrier Reef will also be part of the itinerary. 

This trip lasts 24 days, and the group size goes up to a maximum of 75 people. The first stop is right in America at the National Geographic Society in Washington,  D.C. The adventure will start with a welcome reception and dinner. 

Day two begins the journey out of the United States as the group will make its way to Lima and then Cusco, where you will explore the Plaza de Armas , an impressive cathedral that is considered a perfect combination of Inca and Spanish Renaissance styles. There is stop after stop along this National Geographic-themed world tour.

If you are into history, or art or just like seeing amazing architecture and world wonders, this tour will be a treat for you. Cusco and Machu Picchu in Peru, Easter Island in Chile, Apia in Samoa, the Daintree Rainforest in Australia, Angkor Cambodia, Kathmandu, Nepal, Lhasa, and Tibet in Nepal and Agra in India, Tanzania, Wadi Rum in Jordan, and Marrakech in Morocco are all stops along this world-renowned private jet tour, all with expert guides along the way. 

The private jet option is impressive enough, but there are also options to travel by train around the world, to safari around the world, to drive around the world, and even to experience all seven wonders of the world. These and more options are all available at Around the World Tours . 

Named “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure for 26 consecutive years, Tauck specializes in a wide variety of guided tour options that will take you all over the world.

You can choose from 19 tours and cruises in Latin America, 20 tours in Africa, 117 tours and cruises in Europe, 20 tours and cruises in Asia, one cruise in Antarctica, seven tours in Australia & New Zealand, 18 tours and cruises in Canada, and even 49 tours and cruises with the United States itself. 

Tauck has been offering some of the best land-based tour groups throughout seven continents since 1925.

I particularly like that this company caters to families, but they also are perfect for solo travelers or even couples. The group size on these tours is between 35 and 44 guests, though that number can change based on the season and the type of tour. 

Tauck enjoys a reputation for great attention to detail and ease of planning as notable parts of its guided tour experience. This has likely helped it earn the many awards it has kept throughout the years.

If river cruises are of particular interest, it’s worth noting that Tauck has also been named the “World’s Best River Cruise Line” as well.  

Tauk is a family-owned company that commits to delivering the experience you expect or exceeding them. They are always looking for new ways to enhance the travel experience and make these tours even more memorable, and they have exclusive access to some spots in the world that are simply unavailable to the general public.

According to Tauk, it isn’t just about the places you visit but how you experience them that makes the difference. 

You would be hard-pressed to find a guided tour company that has been orchestrating group trips longer than Colette , which has been working in the field since 1918. The group touring company features tours to all seven continents with 179 tour options. The most popular tour destinations with Colette are Italy, Iceland, and Ireland. 

While other group tour companies typically have over 50 people, Colette, as a company, specializes in small groups. Consequently, their small group exploration tours range from as few as 14 people up to 24 people.

The only aspect that might dissuade you from opting for a Colette tour is the fact that they typically cater to older clientele or those aged 55 and older. I, for one, welcome the extra help and the potential for honorary grandparent induction, though, so this isn’t necessarily a bad thing as I see it. 

The guided tours by Collete take the traditional tour and reimage it a bit. The tours are designed for the curious traveler who wants to dive into the culture and explore all a destination has to offer.

You will get to eat in locals’ homes, take cooking classes, travel by train, and even take tuk-tuks and explore cities via food tours. All these activities are designed for you not just to visit a destination but to connect with the local culture. 

4. Intrepid Travel

Known as the company that specializes in small group travel with good views, good friends, and for good times, Intrepid Travel has more than 1,000 trip options to more than 100 countries.

They are the perfect option for the eco-conscious traveler as they have had an active stance on sustainable travel and climate action for some time. 

You can enjoy several options through Intrepid Travel, most of which are more geared towards the active traveler. There are walking and cycling tours that will inspire even the most active person while they also have many family options that aren’t quite as strenuous. 

Intrepid has been in business since 1989, so they have a long history of creating fun, adventurous guided tours. They aim for even smaller tour groups than any others already mentioned on our list, as they try to keep groups under 10 people, hence its reputation for being a great small group tour company. 

Tour options include many possibilities, from walking, trekking, and cycling tours to family tours and polar tours. The family tours are especially interesting to me for obvious reasons, and I love that they favor real-world experiences over produced ones or those behind a screen. 

Family tours include kid-friendly accommodations and activities, like kicking a football with Maasai tribespeople, searching for wildlife in Yellowstone National Park with a wolf tracker, or overnighting on a train in Egypt.

Intrepid believes that a sense of adventure should never disappear no matter your life stage, so they cater to families with all ages. 

5. Thomson Family Adventures 

Known as the family travel experts, Thomson Family Adventures is geared towards families and promises to excite, educate, and enthrall all participants.

Since its beginning in 1998, Family Adventures has been offering hand-crafted trips that promise memorable, active, and fun experiences. 

Group sizes are kept on the smaller size, topping out at 25 people. Some of the most popular guided tour options include the Perfect Family Safari in Tanzania, the Galapagos Mult-Sport Adventure , and the Azores Family Adventure . Tour duration varies but most often ranges from 9 to 12 days. 

The Perfect Family Safari is perhaps my favorite that Thomson Family Adventures offers. It achieves a perfect balance, providing an entire trip of fun for all age groups. It includes wildlife viewing in the Ngorongoro Crater for the Big Five: elephants, rhinos, lions, African buffaloes, and leopards. 

The trip also includes a guided hike with a local wildlife scout that helps you and your family identify rare species and find elusive animal tracks.

You and the other members of your group will experience the generosity of the Tanzanian people firsthand and be able to visit local villages and schools, allowing you to interact with the local Maasai culture. 

6. Classic Journeys

Classic Journeys founder Edward Piegza explains the difference in his world tours: “join us on our cultural walking adventures, as we explore the world on foot, at eye level.”

Classic Journeys believes that travel is a way to fuel the soul, to connect with other cultures, and to build relationships. Through their well-connected local guides, they are able to offer some of the most memorable experiences to their guests. 

This award winning company, founded in 1995, has been the recipient of prestigious awards like the “ World’s Best Tour Operator” by Travel + Leisure, along with being named a National Geographic 50 Tours of a Lifetime .

It is considered by many as one of the most culturally rich and authentic walking tours in the world. 

The curated daily walks allow guests to immerse themselves in culture and history. Local guides direct small groups, averaging just around 10 guests per each departure. Itinerary activities, hikes, and walks are included at no extra charge. 

7. G Adventures

Founded in 1990, G Adventures was initially launched as a way to span the divide between mainstream travel and solo adventures.

Groups usually are made up of between 10 and 15 people, which allows you to get to know those you are traveling with well. It is considered a more affordable option than many other tour companies, especially as it is related to global travel, such as going from Croatia to Tanzania. 

G Adventures allows you to input your travel style and signify if you would like an active experience, a family one, one that promotes wellness, one that focuses on local living, or a more classic experience.

This company believes that everyone deserves to experience the trip of their dreams, even if budget constraints make this seem out of reach. 

Joining a small group adventure with G Adventures – the G stands for good – gives you the welcome safety and comfort of group travel while still offering you the freedom of individual or solo traveling.

Locally based guides provide knowledge on locations and are not called tour guides at G but instead given the title of Chief Experience Officers or CEOs.

8. Adventures by Disney

When it comes to family travel, there is likely no other name trusted more than Disney. That is why Adventures by Disney , which features trips to all seven continents, is yet another worthy addition to our list.

Tour sizes are a bit larger with Adventures by Disney ranging from between 30 and 40 guests. 

Tour types include adult exclusives, river cruises, expedition cruises, land adventures, and escapes. Escapes are so named because they are slightly shorter than typical guided tours. They include destinations like Paris and Buenos Aires.

Disney is now offering trips to 40 different countries and features 45 different itineraries, all with Disney’s signature commitment to excellence. 

Kids, even those under ten years of age, are welcome on these guided adventures. Adventures by Disney has been adding more guided family tours to its options since its original founding in 2005. This makes it a popular choice for families with kids, so expect to make some new friends! 

9. Artisans of Leisure

With a name like Artisans of Leisure , you know you are in for a luxurious experience with highly customizable itineraries. These award-winning luxurious tours specialize in providing a heightened type of international travel.

There are destinations around the world spanning from Asia and Europe to the South Pacific and Latin America. There are even luxury tours to tour the Middle East and Africa. 

To begin booking your trip through Artisans of Leisure you choose your destination and then your special interest tour option.

This means a focus on spa and wellness, action and adventure, family tours, honeymoon tours, etc. There are even tours specifically designed with art and architectural interest as well as garden tours, and more. 

The luxurious family tours offered are designed to allow you to create memories with your children. All age groups can come along, spanning from kids to grandparents. Each tour is tweaked to meet your family’s own interests and needs, ensuring that all age groups, even as young as toddlers have a fun experience. 

Family tours include appropriate tour pacing, childcare (if you want), family-friendly hotels and resorts, and expert private guides who bring historic sites and famous attractions to life.

There are private sightseeing and conveniences like skipping lines that are provided as part of this family tour package. 

10. Tour Radar

Offering trips in more than 160 countries all over the globe, Tour Radar provides countless experiences from safari trips to cultural and culinary experiences.

You begin by working with a booking agent to join a group. Then you have the option of booking a private adventure or opting for a self-guided tour. 

These tours are seamlessly organized and include everything from meals to activities and experiences. Tour Radar gives you options when it comes to types of adventures.

You can join a group adventure and enjoy a guide and more ease of travel, create your own group for private adventures, or customize an existing itinerary offered by the company to create a unique adventure. 

Tours are available all year long and include many, many destinations and itineraries. There are options for all age groups ranging from family trips to those that are more geared toward seniors, to couples and young adults options.

Keep in mind that although there are no age limits, it’s important to check the activities on the itinerary before booking if you have small children or older adults in your party. 

11. Austin Adventures

As another company that specializes in family adventures, Austin Adventures prides itself on finding and curating unique family vacation itineraries. If the idea of snorkeling to see an underwater volcano, or watching a baby sea turtle hatch sounds appealing, this could be a good fit for your family. 

City exploration, cycling, hiking, and more are all part of Austin Adventures, which likes to keep groups small. Experience tours in New Zealand, Africa, Europe, or the Americas.

As a mom, I appreciate the fact that Austin Adventures does all the planning for me. You simply choose the destination and show up. Yes, this means that you don’t have to worry about food, as snacks, beverages, meals, transportation, equipment, activities, and guides are all provided with these all-inclusive group tours. 

Details matter and Austin Adventures is a member of the Family Travel Association Certification Program , which means that all their trips are audited by a trusted third-party expert in family travel to ensure an unforgettable experience.

With an average group size of around 12, there is a 6 to 1 guide-to-guest ratio – and they’re an industry leader in this. 

Austin Adventures has a single purpose amongst their global team: to guide their guests in building meaningful connections with the world around them and with each other through their uniquely shared experience.

Popular trip options include the Machu Picchu and Amazon Adventure, Patagonia Hiking Adventure, Ultimate North Island Adventure, Kathmandu Valley and Bhutan Aventure, and the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek just to name a few. 

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17 days to Egypt, Jordan and Israel was our first booking with Odynovo , and Susan, our Rep.There were 6 of us traveling. We had planned our way there and our way ou...

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Top notch private tour of israel, egypt and jordan.

First time using Odynovo, and the experience was flawless. We traveled to Israel, Jordan and Egypt by private tour with 5-star hotels. It was an action-packed itiner...

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We did a 10-day private tour package across Egypt. Memphis was just plain terrible. In Cairo, their airport liaison, Ahmed, was TERRIBLE — from the moment we met him...

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Two beautiful weeks in Vietnam and Cambodia, best vacation ever! Exotic Voyages assisted us during the trip making sure everything was fine and everything was great,...

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Escorted Touring Holidays | Travelsphere

Escorted tours led by the heart, guided by experts.

Since 1962, we have been creating extraordinary itineraries to destinations around the world. Our customers desire to explore new destinations, learn about different cultures and to simply try something new, paired with the pioneering spirit of our team, drives us to put together award-winning holidays around the globe. 

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From the very start of your holiday and throughout, our expert Holiday Director will be on hand to help guide you through your chosen adventure, sharing insights about the local culture, and of course taking you to all the best sights as well as a few places of interest that you won’t find in a guidebook. What’s more, there’s free time built into each tour for you to make your own discoveries too. 

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A guided holiday to suit you

We create tours that take you to worldwide destinations and bring together like-minded people. Our  Relax & Discover tours typically stay in one or two hotels with a balance itinerary of included excursions and time at leisure.  Our Classic Touring holidays help you to discover multiple amazing destinations on one holiday. On every tour, you’ll enjoy authentic shared experiences to immerse you in local culture. 

Escorted Tours to Far Away Places 2024 & Beyond

Grand Tour of Canada & the Rocky Mountaineer

From east to west, this ultimate trip across Canada takes in all the must-see highlights and includes a breathtaking journey on the Rocky Mountaineer train.

• Return flights
• 15 nights in great quality hotels plus 1 night in flight
• 5 meals: 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches

South Africa Safari - Tracking the Big Five

• 7 nights in a 5 star safari lodge, 2 nights in flight
• 20 included meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunched, 7 dinners

Chile, Argentina & Brazil

A chance to explore breathtaking sights in three fascinating South American countries.

• 11 nights in 4 and 5-star hotels, 2 nights in flight
• 11 meals: 10 breakfasts, 1 dinner

The whole holiday was a fantastic experience. The knowledge of the local tour guide was second to none. To see all the wonderful wildlife life will truly be memorable to me. I feel that the holiday was great value for money.

Explore the world on an escorted tour

Travelsphere has carefully created incredible itineraries to more than 50 countries around the world. Explore the vibrant cities and contrasting wide-open spaces of the   USA  &  Canada . Discover the cultural delights of   Italy  or uncover the incredible sights of  India . Wherever in the world you choose to travel, we’ll help you make the most of it. 

Travel as a force for good

We believe travel should be as responsible as it is fulfilling, and that our tours can have a positive impact on both our customers and the communities we visit. As well as helping local businesses earn an income from tourism, in partnership with   Planeterra  we also support a range of projects and social enterprises.

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Pompeii, Paestum & Herculaneum

Uncover captivating stories, marvel at majestic ruins and wander the well-preserved streets of some of Italy’s most fascinating archaeological sites.

• 7 nights half-board in a 4-star hotel
• 14 meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners and welcome drink

Puglia & Basilicata

These two spectacular regions in Italy’s heel abound with incredible sights. Look out for traditional Trulli houses, Sassi cave dwellings and ornate Baroque buildings.

• 15 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners

Grand Tour of Italy

Explore Italy from top to toe on an incredible journey that takes in the iconic cities of Venice, Florence and Rome and discovers the wonders of Pompeii, Sicily and more.

• 14 nights in 4-star hotels
• 23 meals: 14 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 8 dinners

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Europe is ever-changing and distinctive, with a diverse mix of cultures, plenty of fascinating history and truly picturesque landscapes to discover

Experience the contrast of unique traditions and modern cities – a distinctive diversity that makes this sprawling continent a holiday destination you’ll never forget.

North America

Vast plains and deserts, dense forests and stunning sandy beaches, coupled with iconic cities and plenty of fascinating history make North and Central America unforgettable holiday destinations.

Incredible national parks filled with exotic wildlife can be discovered at every turn, with plenty of opportunities to see the Big Five – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino.

South America

Vibrant atmospheres, spectacular wildlife and distinctive cities contrast and merge in incredible South America.

Travel to the other side of the world where man-made wonders and unique wildlife make Australasia truly unforgettable.

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2024 Grand Canyon, Mighty 5 Utah & Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV, USA

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About this trip

Tour Includes:

• Senior center to John Glenn Columbus airport transfers.
• 8 nights hotel accommodations-Las Vegas, NV (1), Springdale, UT (1), Moab, UT (2), Page, AZ (2), Las Vegas, NV (1).
• 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners.
• 2 nights to enjoy Las Vegas.
• National Park Entrance Fees - Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, Capital Reef and Arches. 
• Colorado River Scenic Float Trip.
• Guided Tour of Antelope Canyon.
• Navajo Guided Tour of Monument Valley.
• Gratuities for included meals.

Tour Does Not Include:

• Airfare (available January 2024) estimated $600 per person, or book your own.
• Meals (other than listed), items of personal nature, baggage handling, travel insurance, gratuities for local guides, outfitters, tour director and driver.

Tour Description

Enjoy the natural beauty of the west and the bright lights of Las Vegas. Admission to National Parks include Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Arches and national monuments, Navajo country, scenic drives, gentle hikes and a float trip on the Colorado River. Motorcoach transportation, guided touring, 16 meals and a Southwest Adventure Guide.

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3 people - 2 beds

1 person - 1 bed

4 people 2 beds

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Yury Gagarin Cosmonauts Training Centre (Zvezdny Gorodok - Star Town) (7 hours)

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The Yuri A. Gagarin State Scientific Research-and-Testing Cosmonaut Training Center is a Russian training facility responsible for training cosmonauts for their space missions. It is in Star City of Moscow Oblast, a name which may refer to the facility itself or to its grounds. (Read more about Yury Gagarin Cosmonauts training center )

The secret Star City was built to train Soviet cosmonauts, including Yuri Gagarin, the 1st man in space. Many other famous Russian cosmonauts trained here with Gagarin: German Titov, Valentina Tereshkova, the first female cosmonaut, and Alexei Leonov, the first cosmonaut to exit the spaceship into space . The best facilities were built for them: the world’s largest centrifuge and hydro laboratory. Many cosmonauts from other countries (USA, Japan, Germany and many others) also have trained here together with Soviet Russian cosmonauts. On this Star (Space) City Tour you will see:

• Models of Soyuz Soviet spacecraft 
• World's largest centrifuge with an 18-meter radius 
• Hydro laboratory, with the model of the International Space Station in water, which allows to simulate the weightlessness and many more

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• Professional English-speaking guide assistance. Other languages upon request (additional charge may apply)
• Roundtrip transportation to and from your central hotel (Comfortable car/minivan with A/C)
• Fully private tour to ensure a personalized experience
• Entrance fee to Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre (territory)
• Entrance fee to Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre Museum
• All taxes, fees and handling charges
• Food  / Drinks
• Personal expenses
• Gratuities to guide/driver (optional)

The tour price already includes all the taxes & fees, you will not see any of them later during the checkout.

Adult pricing applies to all travelers

IMPORTANT! To book the tours please provide us with the copy of your passport (scan of page with photo) and the following information (for all the travellers):

1. Surname / Names (as in passport) 2. Passport number 3. Passport expiry date 4. Date of birth 5. Place of birth (country, city, state) 6. Place of current residence (country, city, state) 7. Citizenship 8. Place of work 9. Position held 

This information is required to get access to the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, as per their security policy.

If it took Gagarin 1 year to get prepared, now it takes 7 years to become a cosmonaut, and 50 days to pass  security  check for foreign visitors.

Due to the security policy of the Centre, the guided tours are to be arranged in 50 days before the tour date. Last-minute arrangements are not available. 

Departure: from your Moscow hotel

Return: to your Moscow hotel (or any other place in Moscow that you choose)

Sights included in program

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Our flexible payment options allow you to pay 20% of a deposit first and the remaining 80% in 14 days prior to your tour date - payment can be done both online or over the phone. This gives you the peace of mind knowing your spaces are booked on the tours and that you do not miss out on making the most of your time in Russia.

Also you get 5% discount and get the best, top-rated and most experienced and knowledgeable hand-picked tour guide appointed on a priority basis. In our experience, exceptional travel experiences are almost always delivered by exceptional people. With that in mind, we utilize a comprehensive approach to select and employ the best tour guides only. Multilingual and well travelled, each possesses deep insight into the diverse attractions and cultural patterns throughout the region. With us guides undergo a rigorous selection process, achieving outstanding knowledge of local culture and language. Rest assured that the best tour guides only will be working on the tours to give you excellent opportunity to explore the best of the sights during both short and long-term stay in Russia.

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Elektrostal, visit elektrostal, check elektrostal hotel availability, popular places to visit.

• Electrostal History and Art Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Electrostal History and Art Museum in Elektrostal. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

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7 tips for visiting bourbon distilleries and traveling the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

So you’ve caught the bourbon itch, and you’re eager to travel the Kentucky Bourbon Trail .

Cool — but so have hundreds of thousands of other people, too.

The Kentucky Distillers Association reported 2.55 million visits to Kentucky’s distilleries in 2023, and visitors came from 48 states, 20 countries, and six continents. Kentucky bourbon’s popularity has boomed over the past decade, and craft distilling and the tourism industry has blossomed alongside it. The demand means walk-in tours and tastings aren’t always available and reservations for lodging, experiences, and dining are often encouraged.

If you plan to travel the Kentucky Bourbon Trail , come prepared.

Ahead of the summer travel season, The Courier Journal reached out to tourism officials in Louisville, Bardstown and Frankfort to distill down just how far in advance you should hammer down your plans.

Ready to hit the trail? Here's what to know about planning a Kentucky bourbon adventure.

Is there a time of year when Kentucky Bourbon Trail is less busy?

The end of winter, generally, tends to be the least busy time to visit Kentucky, but in recent years, many distilleries have seen an uptick around the winter holiday season and even in January, February and early March.

When should you book a tour at a Kentucky bourbon distillery?

Tourism officials recommend booking tours at least a month in advance, but this largely depends on the distillery you want to go to. Distilleries individually release calendars for booking dates, some distilleries, like the ever-popular Buffalo Trace Distillery (which is not on the official Kentucky Bourbon Trail), opens bookings two months in advance and offer a waitlist. Other distilleries have calendars that extend out three months or more in advance.

Officials suggest researching the distilleries you know you want to visit first, figuring out when those calendars will be released, and booking those must-see experiences as soon as possible. Set calendar reminders in your phone, so that you can circle back when the time comes.

When should I book a hotel or Airbnb for a trip along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?

If you're planning a trip for a weekend in April, early May, September, or October book ahead as much as possible. In most cases, you can find accommodations in Frankfort with about two weeks' advanced notice. Bardstown officials recommended booking at least 1-2 months in advance. For major events, such as Bardstown's Kentucky Bourbon Festival in September, some people secure rooms a full year ahead of time.

When should I make a reservation at a Kentucky bourbon distillery restaurant?

In general, officials recommend booking a dining reservation at least two weeks ahead of time. Distillery restaurants, typically, operate fewer hours than traditional restaurants, so their reservations will be scarcer. If you’ve already secured a bourbon experience at a distillery, try to book a reservation that coincides with it.

When should I book a tour company to help me travel the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?

Again, officials recommend locking this down as soon as possible. Many tour companies open up their calendars for booking as much as a year in advance.

How many Kentucky bourbon distilleries can you visit in a single day?

Tours typically range from 30 to 90 minutes. As you're planning your calendar, make sure you’re watching how closely you stack them and what your travel time between distilleries may be. Many distilleries have cocktail bars and gift shops, so even if you have some lag time in between, you will almost certainly have somewhere interesting to linger.

The closer the distilleries are to each other, the more you can visit in a day. Louisville, for example, has several distilleries within walking distance of each other, and in Lexington, you can hit three distilleries back-to-back at the Distillery District . Travelers will need a car or tour bus to get around distilleries in Bardstown or Frankfort. 

A leisurely traveler can hit about three in a single day, whereas a more thorough planner might go to five.

What are the hidden gems along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?

Smaller craft distilleries tend to be easier to book a tour with than internationally known brands. Distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour may have more availability than the traditional Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

For example, Whiskey Thief Distilling Company in Frankfort still offers walk-in tours, but they recommend you call ahead.

Many newer or smaller distilleries are not on the official Kentucky Bourbon Trail such as J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery in Frankfort as well as Louisville's Buzzards Roost and NuLu Whiskey Company .

Bardstown Bourbon Company and Castle & Key also operate tasting rooms in downtown Louisville.

Features columnist Maggie Menderski writes about what makes Louisville, Southern Indiana and Kentucky unique, wonderful, and occasionally, a little weird. If you've got something in your family, your town or even your closet that fits that description — she wants to hear from you. Sometimes she writes about bourbon, too. Say hello at [email protected]. Follow along on Instagram @MaggieMenderski.

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Elektrostal, visit elektrostal, check elektrostal hotel availability, popular places to visit.

• Electrostal History and Art Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Electrostal History and Art Museum in Elektrostal. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

• Cities near Elektrostal

• Places of interest
• Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
• Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino
• Peter the Great Military Academy
• Ramenskii History and Art Museum
• Bykovo Manor
• Pekhorka Park
• Balashikha Arena
• Malenky Puppet Theater
• Balashikha Museum of History and Local Lore
• Saturn Stadium
• Orekhovo Zuevsky City Exhibition Hall
• Noginsk Museum and Exhibition Center