best tour companies for europe

Best Europe Tour Companies

Search 583 Europe tour operators and travel companies, with 19,774 reviews.

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All Europe Tour Companies

Europe tour companies range from global operators to local operators specializing in a particular country or region. Tours in Europe are often multi-country, and focus on a range of themes such as food & wine, outdoor activity, and culture. Find  the best  Europe tour operator for your style.

Poseidon Expeditions

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Europe Reviews & Ratings

Highlights of central europe.

An excellent introduction to the countries visited. The tour leader, Peter, plying and explaining the flute. Very pleasant knowledgeable man, with a good sense of ...

Brilliant ... but

I will deal with the 'but' first. This is definitely not a 1; leisurely; more a 2, moderate. The distances to walk are comparatively large and the surfaces (cobbl...

HIGHLIGHTS OF CENTRAL EUROPE

The tour takes in five of Central Europe's historic capitals, allowing you to see as much as possible in the time available. Hotels and breakfasts are good. A few of...

The tour takes in five of Central/Eastern Europe's historic capitals, allowing you to see as much as possible in the  time available. Hotels are good....

Highlights of Central Europe

We picked this trip to pack the best of five countries we had never previously visited into two weeks, and were not disappointed. The tour gave us a taste of everyt...

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Enjoy afternoon tea in London

Sample over 300-years of history in the simplicity of homemade scones with whipped cream and jam. This deliciously British treat is best enjoyed in the afternoon, complete with a hot cup of Earl Grey, cucumber sandwiches and a tower of sugary delights.

Explore ancient Athens

You don't need to be a historian to appreciate the significance of Athens. Your love affair with the city might begin with goddess Athena’s Parthenon temple and the ruins of Acropolis, but it’s likely to end in a quaint alleyway getting a glimpse at daily life in this ancient capital. The story of Athens continues to unfold.

Catch a flamenco show in Spain

Discover the soul-stirring emotion of a Flamenco show in Spain. This expressive art-form has an intangible cultural heritage recognised by UNESCO, merging song, dance and musical instruments into a performance that has to be experienced at least once. Finish with dinner of paella or tapas to round off your perfect evening.

View the Northern Lights in Iceland

Mother Nature’s wonders come to life with the Aurora Borealis or ‘Northern Lights’. In the frosty landscapes of Iceland, this light display offers viewers a genuine pinch-me moment as vivid colours dance across the night sky.

Spend a night at the opera in Vienna

Hear the talents of traditional opera with the ghosts of Mozart and Strauss in your presence. Though there are more than few places to catch the opera in Vienna, none can compare to the State Opera House (Staatsoper).

Our top 5 things to do in Europe & Britain

There are endless pinch-me moments to be found across the many countries that make up the continent of Europe. But where to even begin? Perhaps a Flamenco show in Spain, afternoon tea in London or a Northern Lights viewing in frosty Iceland? Here are some of the highlights of our Europe and Britain trips that you're sure to love. 

Paris, France

The world’s largest gallery and the home of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Louvre is without rival in the art world and is a must see when in Paris. Allow an entire day to explore its eight departments, not missing the Egyptian antiquities, Islamic art and various halls of sculptures. End your day with sunset by the Louvre Pyramid.

London, England

The British Museum

With some eight million works within its permanent collection, The British Museum is an illustrious European landmark. Admire objects brought back from the voyages of Captain James Cook and walk in the controversial presence of the Parthenon Marbles.

Florence, Italy

Uffizi Gallery

The Tuscan capital is home to Uffizi Gallery, where the brushworks of art’s true masters can be found. Names like Raffaello, Leonardo, and Michelangelo fill Uffizi’s grand pink walls, whilst internal courtyards leading to the Arno River reveal the building’s architectural brilliance.

Best museums in Europe & Britain

When traveling Europe with Trafalgar, museum hopping is one of the best ways to understand the culture and history of the places you visit. You’ll find yourself critiquing ancient art and staring in awe at some of the world’s most prominent works. Here are some of our favorites.

Paella Valenciana

Saffron, snails, butterbeans and bomba rice are just some of the ingredients you might find in traditional Spanish paella. Despite originating from the coastal town of Valencia, Paella Valenciana is a variety without seafood. You'll love sitting back to enjoy a steaming plate over the sounds of Spanish jazz in a lively alfresco restaurant.

Beef Stroganoff

Now a staple dish in many parts of the world, beef stroganoff is best enjoyed in its birthplace in Russia with a vodka in hand. This simple dish of beef strips sauteed in a sour cream sauce offers a heart-warming taste of this country’s culinary heritage.

Bouillabaisse

The Mediterranean city of Marseille is where a French culinary icon can be found and devoured. The fragrant stew of bouillabaisse, commonly served with crusty white bread, boils up the finest local seafood and seasonal vegetables with the flavors of fennel, saffron and cayenne pepper.

Best food in Europe & Britain

Our trips to Europe gravitate around indulgent local mealtimes. With new cuisines and cooking methodologies found at every turn, this continent is simply delicious. 

What to pack for a tour in Europe

With such a large expanse of space to explore, on some days, long journeys are unavoidable. The scenery will provide plenty of visual entertainment, while headphones can be used to listen to some local music or enjoy podcasts about European history, culture and politics when you're not enjoying the storytelling from your Travel Director.

A good book

Exploring Europe is best done at a relaxed pace with ample opportunity to absorb your surroundings. Dedicate a few days to sitting in a park or a cafe, alternating between reading and watching the world go by.

Versatile shoes

Within the space of one outing you may experience all kinds of terrain when in Europe. Pack shoes that can see you walking from an elegant restaurant to a cobbled footpath, with a stroll along the soft grass of a park in between.

A blank journal

With the wealth of inspiration tucked into every corner of Europe, you may find yourself compelled to write down notes or memories. At the very least to share recommendations with friends when you return home.

All climate clothing

No matter the time of year you travel, Europe can deliver a myriad of temperatures. From frosty cities of Scandinavia to the temperate hills of Portugal, layered clothing best suits the varying micro-climates across this continent.

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Czech Republic

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Explore all the places we go in Europe

THIS IS WHAT AWAITS IN EUROPE

Towering castles. Untamed natural beauty. Captivating history. Can’t-miss cuisine. This is your time, your moment, your chance to discover Europe.

Destination Must-Sees

One of the most well-known tourist destinations in Greece, Olympia is located in the western Peloponnese, known as the “Valley of the Gods.” Surrounded by beautiful scenery from the Arcadian Mountains, it is home of the first Olympic Games that were held in 776 B. Step into history when you walk through the ruins of the ancient Olympic stadium or witness amazing sculptures at the museum.

France’s romantic capital is a must-see destination, and a gorgeous gateway to the wonders the rest of this country has to offer. Whether your ideal Parisian getaway has you spending some free time sipping coffee at a café and watching the bustling city life, roaming the halls of art at the Louvre, or exploring the bohemian artist’s haven — the Montmartre neighborhood, there’s rich history and culture abound in every corner of the City of Light.

Irish countryside:

Take in the atmosphere of quaint seaside villages, see awe inspiring views of the Lakes of Killarney and explore the picturesque town of Kinsale. Wherever you travel in the countryside, you’ll find that the rolling hills and friendly people you encounter will become a part of your fabric.

Ancient cities of Italy:

Italy is positively brimming with the world’s most famous Roman ruins like the Colosseum, Pompeii and many other relics from the ancient past. In fact, many cities in Italy still hold evidence of what once was. You can find an aqueduct, city gate, Roman theater or the ruins of an entire city there.

Destination Must-Dos

Meteora Monastery:

Over 600 years ago Byzantine monks chose to build their monastic community atop limestone rock “towers” that extend nearly 900 feet into the air, making them virtually inaccessible. It is one of the greatest monuments in the world, and is the most important monastic center in Greece. You can climb these rocks and travel the paths hidden behind the massive rocks.

The Palace of Versailles

The iconic Palace of Versailles (UNESCO) and its gardens reflect the extravagant tastes of King Louis XIV, the "Sun King." Alongside a local guide, learn the history and admire the various rooms of the State Apartments, including the Queen's bedchamber and the famous Hall of Mirrors. Be sure to explore the incredible gardens, some of the most famous in the world, which took over 40 years to complete and include intricate architecture, elaborate fountains, and gorgeous statues.

Drift down a canal:

While canals are found across Europe, nothing beats a romantic gondola ride in Venice. Locals like to say the best way to explore the city is to ‘get lost.’ So take a ride along these waterways, step off and then wind your way through the intricate blend of bridges, narrow streets and grand squares.

This was the first capital of Spain located about 43 miles south of Madrid. The history of Toledo dates back to the Roman occupation circa 192 B.C. The old city of Toledo sits atop of a small mountain surrounded on three sides by the Tagus River, and medieval walls on the fourth. From the top of the mountain you can get a 180 degree view of the surrounding landscape.

Expert Advice

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Magnificent landscapes combined with the country’s charming traditions and customs offer new experiences unlike anywhere else in the world. Famous for bullfighting, Spain allows you to grab life by the horns and dive into adventure. Whether it’s the eye-catching architecture of Madrid, the bold Spanish wines, or the shimmering Costa del Sol, this country remains a delight to the senses. Once you experience Spain, you’ll never want to leave and when you do, you’ll always be craving more.

A gem of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is a paradise. On the coasts, sun-soaked beaches meet breathtaking hillside towns all down the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. In the cities, ancient structures rise up shoulder-to-shoulder with modern living. Everywhere you turn, you can find mouth-watering food paired with delicious local wines, medieval architecture paired with Moorish artistic influence, and friendly locals paired with charming attitudes. No matter what you seek, when you go, where you look, or how long you stay, Portugal offers something for every traveler.

Whether it’s old-world traditions and wonderful culture, cuisine, history, fashion or natural beauty, Italy is special to many people for different reasons. Few other countries boast so many legendary cities. There are also many charming hill towns and coastal villages that showcase Italy’s amazing natural beauty. From the big cities to the small towns, there is always something exciting to see in Italy. With so many reasons to visit, the rest is up to you!

A rendezvous with a magnifique experience awaits! As cliché as it sounds, France truly has something for everyone. With over two dozen cities, each with their own nuances of the French culture and contributions to its history, architecture, art and last but not least, the gastronomical delights that the French are famous for throughout the world are yours to explore, experience and fall in love with during your stay. Coast to coast, border to border, there are seemingly endless variations on your French experience to be had. Rolling hills and scenic valleys lined with the fruit of the gods; seaside towns, along sandy beaches with views you just might be sharing with royalty; or maybe snowcapped mountain ranges providing some of the best skiing in the world and an adrenaline rush to match is what you seek. Whatever you decide, France easily makes you feel as if you have stepped out of reality and into the art you learned about and loved since you were a child.

At the heart of Europe, monumental contemporary and historic events shape today’s Germany. From the fall of the Berlin Wall to the rise of the Beatles in Hamburg, the culture of the country is marked by its influential past and present. Imagine yourself exploring postcard-worthy castles such as Neuschwanstein or wandering through medieval cities such as Regensburg. From the Bavarian Alps to the Rhine Gorge to the plains of the north, the range of Germany’s landscapes will capture your heart. Perhaps you’ll also indulge your taste buds as you sample the delicious Marzipan sweet treats of the Hanseatic port of Lubeck, which have been produced there for over 200 years. Whether on a journey on the ‘Romantic Road’ or cruising along the Rhine, know that a stein of German beer or a glass of wine from the Rhine vineyards are both a worthy compliment to a destination that offers far more than the average traveler anticipates.

Switzerland

Incredible skiing on the Swiss Alps and delectable Swiss chocolate are only two reasons for visiting Switzerland. Located between Austria, France, Germany and Italy, you can get quite a diverse European cultural experience depending on which region of Switzerland you choose. And though the food, music, art and people themselves are very much influenced by their European neighbors, they are all still uniquely Swiss. You will leave with plenty of memories to savor for a lifetime.

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Europe Tours & Vacations

Enduring, eclectic, endlessly appealing – Europe is easy to explore and impossible to forget. 

Hike through rugged wilderness, tour 13th-century churches, and sip wine in the sun. In  Europe  you can do it all and do it well. It might be compact, but it is packed with diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and delicious cuisines. They are all only a short flight or train ride away from each other. The walkable ruins of  Italy  will transport you back to when the Romans ruled an empire.  Sweden’s  indulgent national dishes will have your tastebuds begging for more. The natural beauty found in  Scotland  is guaranteed to ignite the mythical side of your imagination. And that’s only the beginning. From the breezy Mediterranean to the chilly Baltics, our European tours have something for every traveler.

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Europe travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do you need a visa to travel to Europe?

Whether or not you need a visa to travel to European countries largely depends on the nationality on your passport and whether the country you're traveling to is part of the Schengen Agreement.

This agreement sees 26 European countries offer visa-free travel to nationals from 60 other countries including Australia, the United States, Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom. 

To determine whether the country you're traveling to requires a visa, head to the   Schengen Visa's information website.  

What is the internet access like in Europe?

You can easily access the internet in most countries in Europe, generally in capital cities and other major towns. Internet access may be limited in regional locations such as national parks or remote villages in some countries. 

Can I use my cell phone in Europe?

You shouldn't have a problem using your cell phone while traveling throughout Europe, however, your international data roaming will need to be activated in order to connect to the internet or send messages (unless you connect to the local wi-fi). 

What are the toilets like in Europe?

Modern, flushable toilets are the standard in the majority of European countries. 

Can I drink the water in Europe?

Tap water in most European countries is considered safe to drink unless it is otherwise marked. 

When should I book a tour in Europe?

There is no 'best time' to travel around Europe as most countries offer plenty to do in every season of the year.

T he most popular time to travel to countries like Greece, Italy, and Croatia is during the summer months (June, July, and August) so you can make the most of each country's respective beaches and warm weather.

C ountries such as Iceland, Norway, and Sweden are known for their snowy landscapes and northern lights sightings during Winter (December, January, and February).

How much does a Europe tour cost?

A tour in Europe can vary depending on the countries you want to visit, the style of tour, and how long you want to go for but you can expect to pay anywhere between USD$1,000 to USD$5,000, with most tours around USD$2,500. 

Is tipping common in Europe?

Tipping isn't as prevalent in Europe as it is in some other countries and definitely isn't expected, but if you like the quality of service you've been given at hotels, restaurants etc then a tip is always appreciated. 

Are credit cards widely accepted in Europe?

While credit cards are accepted in all European countries (especially in capital cities and other larger cities), smaller cafes or local run businesses may not have EFTPOS machines so it's always best to carry around a little cash to cover these expenses. 

What is ATM access like in Europe?

You should have no problem finding ATMs in most European cities. 

What currency will I need on a Europe tour?

The official currency of Europe is the Euro (€), however, only 19 of the 28 countries in the European Union use this. Countries that still use their own currency include Norway, Switzerland, Belarus, Croatia, Denmark, and Sweden. 

Is Europe safe for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

Europe is considered a reasonably safe continent for LGBTQIA+ travelers with plenty of countries openly accepting, welcoming, and embracing the community.

This is evident in large capital cities such as Paris, Berlin, Madrid, and Vienna.

Some countries still hold traditional religious beliefs such as Belarus and Poland so a degree of caution should be taken when travelling around cities and remote regions in those countries.

Will I need a socket adapter for Europe?

If you plan on traveling to multiple countries throughout Europe then purchasing an all-in-one, worldwide adapter is the safest way to go.

I f you don't want to do that, your safest bet is to buy an adapter that uses C or E/F-type plugs as most European countries recognize this. 

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travelers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

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The Best Tour Companies in Europe

Europe is one of the most popular destinations in the world.

While I love solo travel as much as the next person — and think Europe is one of the best places to backpack around — the continent is also a huge destination for tour groups.

When you think of group tours , you may imagine a horde of camera-clicking tourists wearing socks and sandals swarming off a massive bus, taking lots of pictures, and then moving on to the next site.

In the past, that image was pretty accurate.

But now? Not so much.

These days, the best tours have evolved and are much more nuanced and diverse, catering to all different age groups and travel styles. From hop-on, hop-off tours and river cruises to big bus and backpacker tours and everything in between, there’s a wide variety of tour options now.

No matter what kind of experience you’re looking for (or your budget), you’ll be able to find awesome and insightful tours to help you make the most out of your next trip to Europe.

I’ve taken tours offered by dozens of companies on the continent. Some were good, some bad, some great.

If you’re thinking of taking a tour around Europe — whether because it saves you time or money — here is a list of the best companies:

THE BEST DAY TOURS IN EUROPE

Pretty much every major city in Europe has a free walking tour. They are a fun, insightful way to orient yourself and learn about the history of a city. Plus, you’ll have access to a local expert who can answer any and all questions you have about the destination!

New Europe is one of the largest and best tour companies out there. Its guides are knowledgeable, and its tours cover all the major tourist sites. They also offer specialized tours, like food tours, day trips, and tours to specific historical sites (such as Edinburgh Castle or the Sachsenhausen concentration camp). You can find them pretty much everywhere in Europe. Just remember to tip your guides at the end!

Most tours will last around 3 hours. For their paid tours, prices start around 15 EUR per person and go up from there, depending on the duration of the tour.

–> Click here to learn more about New Europe!

Free Tours By Foot

Another free option is Free Tours By Foot . Like New Europe, they have qualified guides and a wide variety of themed tours in over 30 destinations across the continent. Chances are you’ll be able to find a tour with them (or with a company affiliated with them) in every major city around the continent. Tours usually last around 3 hours, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Since they offer free tours, make sure you tip your guide at the end.

They also have partnerships with other tour companies so you can find more specialized options here as well. For example, they have a great beer tour of Paris (as well as a macaroon tour if that’s more your style). Those tours aren’t free (they cost around 60 EUR per person) but they are a great way to get a specialized insight (as well as to try some amazing French beer and desserts!).

–> Click here to learn more about Free Tours By Foot!

If you’re looking for something a little more in-depth, my favorite walking tour company in Europe is Take Walks , which can be found in London , Athens , and various cities in Spain and Italy .

What makes these food, art, and history tours so special is that they get access to places others don’t, like the Louvre after hours, secret spots in the Vatican or Versailles, etc. The guides are incredibly well informed, so you’ll learn a ton of information. If you’re looking for a paid walking tour company, Walks is the best.

Their tours are usually around 3 hours, though they also have a few full-day options as well. Expect to pay at least 60-90 EUR per person. Be sure to book in advance as well, as many of their best tours (like their Sistine Chapel early entrance tour) sell out fast!

–> Click here to learn more about Walks!

Devour Food Tours

For foodies, my go-to tour company around Europe is Devour . They run delicious food tours in Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the UK. From wine tours to dessert tours to filling hours-long food tours, takes you to local joints that the tourists don’t know about. Their guides are passionate and knowledgeable so you’ll not only feast on delicious eats but you’ll learn a ton about the food and culture too!

Most tours last 1.5-3.5 hours and generally cost around 50-110 EUR per person.

–> Click here to learn more about Devour!

THE BEST MULTI-DAY TOURS IN EUROPE

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel is my go-to choice. I’ve been going on their tours for years and I’ve yet to be disappointed. The guides are excellent, the company offers amazing off-the-beaten-track itineraries, and it is committed to the local environment and supporting local communities. Their small groups ensure you’re never on one of those giant bus tours either.

–> Click here to learn more about Intrepid Travel!

While solo travel will always be my favorite way to travel, I really do enjoy going on tours . They are a fun way to meet other travelers as well as locals while you see and experience new destinations.

So if you’re looking for a tour on your next trip to Europe , be sure to consider the options above.

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Europe: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Europe? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Europe for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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5 Top Tour Operators to Book on Your Next Trip to Europe

Keep the trip-planning process hassle-free with top-rated tour operators across the pond.

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A reputable tour operator can help minimize headaches and maximize value.

Europe offers a treasure trove of museums, archeological sites and historic monuments. But, unless you're an art historian or medieval scholar, in order to fully appreciate these cherished attractions – and make the most of your limited vacation time – you'll want to book day tours with local tour operators. Reserving tours with a reputable tour company can ensure a richer (and more stress-free) experience, especially when traveling with kids in tow. Plus, booking reservations with a trusted guide far in advance can not only ensure availability but can also help you secure discounts and maximize savings. Here's who to go with on your next trip across the pond.

Fat Tire Tours

This English-speaking, British-headquartered tour operator has branches in Paris, Berlin, Barcelona and London, and offers 'skip the line' tours for major tourist attractions as well as unique city tours by bike. Opting for the latter and exploring iconic sights such as the Eiffel Tower  and the Tuileries Gardens from behind handlebars holds more appeal for kids than walking and makes for a more memorable and pleasant experience. Apart from benefitting from a knowledgeable guide as you navigate the city by bike, you'll also have the added element of keeping teens and preteens enthralled. Book a Fat Tire Tour online in advance of your trip, as the operator is very popular, but also look for deals offered by the company after your tour. There are often discounts available for booking second tours, and given the variety of offerings in each city, families could easily spend another day exploring with the Fat Tire crew.

Overome  

Focused solely on the Eternal City , Overome is a highly specialized tour company that offers small group and private tours at major Roman sites, such as the Vatican and Colosseum. While Overome primarily covers the can't-miss points of interest across Rome, their greatest strength lies in their tour guides. Their reputable guides are known for their enthusiasm and friendly demeanors, which help make it easy for families to unwind and enjoy in-depth tours of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, without hordes of tourists at their side during prime visiting seasons. In a city known for crushing crowds at tourist attractions, having a guided tour with a small group can easily transform your trip from stressful and hassle-prone to headache-free.

Viator tours are offered in multiple countries across Europe and beyond, making this tour company the most expansive on this list. Travelers booking a tour through Viator can look forward to a range of offerings from daytrips from Paris to Normandy or Mont Saint-Michel to tours of Belgian Christmas markets to walks through Turkish bazaars . How does Viator offer such an extensive list of tours? They act as a middleman, pairing travelers in need of tours with local tour operations in European cities. First, travelers book the tour of their choice through Viator. Then, a subsequent email confirmation lists the local meeting point for the tour and includes information on the local tour company used. While Viator users do have to deal with two companies rather than one, they can count on the process to be streamlined and user-friendly. Best of all, Viator rigorously vets their local operators, so travelers don't have to worry about whether they're in good hands.

Walks of Italy

With tours offered in Venice, Rome, Florence, Pompeii, Tuscany, Milan and the Almalfi Coast, Walks of Italy is a standout pick for specialty tours across Italy. The company is known to tap visitors into the local culture with treks to off-the-beaten-path sites and hidden gems across the country. In other words, after you've seen the major landmarks, or think you know all there is to know about an Italian destination, take a Walks of Italy tour to discover lesser-known places. Their Rome as a Local Tour takes visitors across the city and into the suburbs to hit all the attractions guidebooks tend to gloss over, from chariot tracks on the Appian Way to aqueducts to the secret keyhole to St. Peter's Basilica. As your Walks of Italy tour guide takes you to less-trodden local points of interest, you're bound to feel more like an insider than a tourist.

Brit Movie Tours

Offering a fun way to explore London and the United Kingdom, Brit Movie Tours specializes – as you may have guessed – in movie locations for fans of series shown on both the big and small screen. Families will be most interested in their Harry Potter tour, which takes fans across the capital for three hours via motor coach to locations such as Kings Cross station and 12 Grimmauld Place, but there are also tours for fans of Doctor Who, the Beatles, Sherlock and more. Tours range in size, so look closely at tour descriptions. Also, consider private tours if a top priority is exploring top locations without heavy crowds.

Before You Book

All the tour operators on this list specialize in half-day and full-day tours in major European cities and all companies offer both small and large group tour sizes, ranging in price from approximately 30-200 euros per person. When possible, book your reservations in advance and opt for a small group size of 10 or fewer participants for the most value.

Tags: Europe , Vacations , Travel , Travel Tips

About En Route

Practical advice on the art of traveling smarter with tips, tricks and intel from En Route's panel of experts.

Contributors have experience in areas ranging from family travel, adventure travel, experiential travel and budget travel to hotels, cruises and travel rewards and include Amy Whitley , Claire Volkman , Holly Johnson , Marsha Dubrow , Lyn Mettler , Sery Kim , Kyle McCarthy , Erica Lamberg , Jess Moss , Sheryl Nance-Nash , Sherry Laskin , Katie Jackson , Erin Gifford , Roger Sands , Steve Larese , Gwen Pratesi , Erin Block , Dave Parfitt , Kacey Mya , Kimberly Wilson , Susan Portnoy , Donna Tabbert Long and Kitty Bean Yancey .

Edited by Liz Weiss .

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The 15 Best Tour Operators in 2022

These are the companies Travel + Leisure readers trust to provide them with travel expertise and memorable experiences.

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

When it comes to an itinerary, Travel + Leisure readers want more than a string of photo opportunities — and the right tour operator makes all the difference in creating a trip of a lifetime versus one that simply checks off a list of sights. This year, our readers were especially drawn to companies that utilize local expertise and experience to thoughtfully design trips that will entertain as well as inspire.

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. Readers rated tour operators and safari outfitters based on their staff and guides, itineraries and destinations, activities, accommodations, food, and overall value.

The top picks were noted for their deep knowledge of destinations and guides who "go the extra mile." One reader who has been traveling for more than five decades said a trip with Classic Journeys (No. 2) was the "very best" they had experienced. Others noted attention to pandemic safety details, while one who went to Norway was charmed by a "wonderful surprise dinner in Bergen out on the water that was fantastic."

Tour operators that seamlessly navigated the logistics of a trip also came out on top. Quasar Expeditions (No. 9) was noted "for really planning out every detail" so that "all you have to do is show up and have a great time." Meanwhile, of TCS World Travel (No. 10), a guest said: "You never lift a finger and just spend your time actually exploring the destination." They even added that they "learned so much" along the way.

Among the five companies on this year's list that weren't on last year's were two women-only tour operators that cater to travelers of all ages. AdventureWomen (No. 14) has multiday tours designed by women from Bhutan to Yellowstone National Park, while Explorer Chick (No. 15) has everything from day trips — like glassblowing in Baltimore and cave rappelling in St. Louis — to full itineraries in Machu Picchu and the Galápagos. One reader said her Everest Base Camp trip with AdventureWomen was filled with "like-minded women" who "bonded so well," while another said she felt it was a "safe tour group for women."

No matter which tour they chose, readers were most taken by the people they met along the way, as one said of Trek Travel (No. 13): "By the end of the trip, a group of strangers felt like longtime friends." Find out which other companies round out the list of the best tour operators below.

1. DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co.

A tour with DuVine goes far beyond just riding a bike — it's a way to really see the character of a destination. Case in point: even those who say they're not necessarily cycling fans have been converted. That's part of what helped the tour operator — which runs trips in Europe, the U.S., Latin America, and Africa — skyrocket from No. 14 last year to this year's top spot. Its "top-notch biking equipment" and "challenging but doable itineraries" didn't hurt either. One reader was especially taken by a guide picking figs off of a local tree in Puglia for an extra energy boost during a tough climb, as well as another guide singing to the group after dinner. As another reader put it simply: "They exceed your expectations."

Score: 99.12

More information: duvine.com

2. Classic Journeys

Score: 99.04

More information: classicjourneys.com

3. Artisans of Leisure

Score: 98.38

More information: artisansofleisure.com

4. (tie) Black Tomato

Score: 98.33

More information: blacktomato.com

4. (tie) GeoEx

More information: geoex.com

4. (tie) Wilderness Travel

More information: wildernesstravel.com

7. Inside Japan Tours

Score: 98.14

More information: insidejapantours.com

8. Kensington Tours

Score: 98.03

More information: kensingtontours.com

9. Quasar Expeditions

Score: 97.84

More information: quasarex.com

10. TCS World Travel

Score: 97.78

More information: tcsworldtravel.com

11. Butterfield & Robinson

Score: 97.33

More information: butterfield.com

Score: 96.95

More information: tauck.com

13. Trek Travel

Score: 96.90

More information: trektravel.com

14. AdventureWomen

Score: 96.11

More information: adventurewomen.com

15. Explorer Chick

Score: 95.87

More information: explorerchick.com

• Europe Tours
• Tour Operators

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in Europe 2024/2025

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in Europe. Below you will find 173 of the best tour operators and travel agencies in Europe offering in total 4293 tours and holidays through-out Europe. Combined they have received 6169 customer reviews and an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The top tour activities offered in Europe are: Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history, Adventure and sport & Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife.

• Tours in Europe
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173 Tour Operators in Europe with 6,169 Reviews

• Address Guram Rcheulishvili 1, Tbilisi, Georgia
• Response Rate 91%
• Response Time 1 hour

• Address 6 Fife Road, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey,, London , England
• Response Rate 83%

• Best-in-Class Top 5% of companies
• Excellent Service Top 10% of companies
• Superior Service Top 15% of companies

Taste and Slow Italy

• Address via Borghetto, 30a, Fossato di Vico, Italy
• Response Rate 99%

Expat Explore

• Address 10 Merryweather Place, London, England
• Response Rate 90%

G Adventures

• Address G Adventures Ltd, 60 Bastwick Street, London, England
• Response Time 3 hours

Sunnova Travel

• Address Korkutreis Mah. Ilkiz Sok. 12/2 Sihhiye Cankaya, Ankara, Turkey
• Response Rate 98%

Iceland Untouched

• Address Meistaravellir 11, Reykjavík, Iceland
• Response Rate 100%

Penguin Travel

• Address 2, Sveta Gora str. , Sofia, Bulgaria
• Response Time 2 hours

Choose Balkans

• Address Rruga Reshit Çollaku, Pallati 38, Shkalla 2, Tirana, Albania

• Address 33 Kern Road, Toronto, Canada
• Response Rate 88%

Exodus Travels

• Address Grange Mills, Weir Road, London, England
• Response Rate 85%

Sail in Greece

• Address International House, 24 Holborn Viaduct, London, England

Sicily Activities

• Address Via Leonardo da Vinci 10, Taormina, Italy
• Response Rate 79%

• Address 1B Osiers Road, Wandsworth, London, England

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The best tour operators in the world: 2023 Readers' Choice Awards

By Condé Nast Traveller

It’s been a challenging few years for tour operators but the names below are in it for the long haul (as well as the short and medium), honing itineraries and managing expectations. So who prepared your travel documents this year? Red Savannah and Black Tomato scored highest for first-hand knowledge, and Exodus Adventure Travels and Abercrombie & Kent for on-the-ground support. But when it came to all-round endeavour, Scott Dunn and The Turquoise Holiday Company were leaders of the pack. Both report a surge of interest in Asia, as well as multi-generational travel, solo adventures to Namibia, Bhutan and Mexico, and authentic experiences such as outback stations in Australia and bear lodges in Canada.

These are the best tour operators in the world, according to the 2023 Readers' Choice Awards . The scores below are percentages representing overall average levels of satisfaction.

The best general tour operators in the world 2023

15. Cox & Kings. Score 88.00

14. Hayes & Jarvis. Score 89.44

13. Carrier. Score 90.73

12. Simpson Travel. Score 91.48

11. Kuoni. Score 92.82

10. Mr & Mrs Smith. Score 93.29

9. Kensington Tours. Score 94.14

8. Audley Travel. Score 94.77

7. Original Travel. Score 95.44

6. Cazenove + Loyd. Score 95.92

5. The Ultimate Travel Company. Score 96.75

4. Abercrombie & Kent. Score 97.12

3. Elegant Resorts. Score 97.39

2. Red Savannah. Score 97.96

• The Turquoise Holiday Company. Score 98.42

The best travel specialists in the world 2023

15. Wild Frontiers. Score 94.81

14. Martin Randall Travel. Score 95.17

13. Intrepid Travel. Score 95.40

12. Wilderness. Score 96.54.

11. Inntravel. Score 96.88

10. Oxford Ski Company. Score 97.15

9. Kirker Holidays. Score 97.47

8. andBeyond. Score 97.61

7. Ampersand Travel. Score 97.65.

6. InsideJapan Tours. Score 97.79

5. Steppes Travel. Score 97.88

4. Black Tomato. Score 98.03

3. Exodus Adventure Travels. Score 98.15

2. Healing Holidays. Score 98.35

• Scott Dunn. Score 98.70

THE 10 BEST Europe Tours & Excursions

Europe tours.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Skip-the-Line Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Tuscany Day Trip from Florence: Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa and Lunch at a Winery

2. Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator with Summit option

3. Small-Group Wine Tasting Experience in the Tuscan Countryside

4. Pompeii Small Group tour with an Archaeologist

5. Park Guell & Sagrada Familia Tour with Skip the Line Tickets

6. Complete Douro Valley Wine Tour with Lunch, Wine Tastings and River Cruise

7. Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour

8. Venice In a Day: Basilica San Marco, Doges Palace & Gondola ride

9. Skip-the-Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's | Small Group

10. Paris Catacombs: Skip-the-Line Catacombs Audio Guided Tickets

11. Colosseum Arena Floor, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Guided Tour

12. Skip-the-Line Group Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica

13. Capri Blue Grotto Boat Tour From Sorrento

14. Expert Guided Tour of Colosseum Underground OR Arena and Forum

15. Copenhagen Sightseeing Classic Canal Tour With Live Guide

16. Legendary Venice St. Mark's Basilica with Terrace Access & Doge's Palace

17. Rome: Skip the Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St Peter 6 PAX Group

18. Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour

19. Skip the line: Uffizi and Accademia Small Group Walking Tour

20. Eiffel Tower Elevator Tour with a Guide (Ecklectours)

21. Historic Milan Tour with Skip-the-Line Last Supper Ticket

22. Rome: Guided Group Tour of Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

23. Versailles Palace and Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour from Paris

24. Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City from Dublin

25. Authentic Douro Wine Tour Including Lunch and River Cruise

26. Skip-the-Line: Louvre Museum Masterpieces Fully Guided Tour

27. Versailles Palace Live Tour with Gardens Access from Paris

28. Avila & Segovia Tour with Tickets to Monuments from Madrid

29. Louvre Museum Must-Sees Private or Semi-Private Guided Tour

30. Florence Sunset Walking Tour with Wine & Food Tasting

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The 10 Best Group Travel Tour Companies for 2023

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her adventures 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 2023 for every type of traveler.

Best Overall Group Travel: Exodus Travels

With trips on every continent, Exodus 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 Travels to a friend). 

These small group tours operate with only around 12-16 people, and always feature experienced local leaders who can give you a unique insight into your destination. Exodus 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 Travels just partners with the African Wildlife Foundation to create carefully curated luxury adventures that go above and beyond the standard safari. 

Exodus 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 Travels’ Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia walking tour .

A Taste of the Sweet Life in Slovenia

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 $1,124 , criss-crossing India’s Golden Triangle for $559 , or spending 8 days in Bali for less than $800.)

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 7 million dollars to over 130 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 18-29 . (Other trips, including family-focused trips, are geared toward any age.)

Top Trip: Experience unforgettable wildlife encounters on Intrepid Travel’s Premium Uganda & Rwanda trip which includes time with the mountain gorillas of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. 

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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). Can’t stay long? Book one of Chimu Adventures’ scenic flights to Antarctica , which fly as far as the south pole in one spectacular 16-hour day.

Chimu Adventures is one of the cheapest group trips to Antarctica, with rates starting under $5,000.

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 nearby destinations like Mexico or Denver—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 Safari: Around the World by Private Jet trip , already booking dates into 2024.

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Travel beyond Europe - Good tour companies?

We've traveled in Europe with Rick Steves, independently, and with a small group. We're looking beyond Europe and are wondering what companies best replicate the RS experience. We're looking for small groups of less than 25 people, not being overscheduled, especially with captive "shopping opportunities", and local guides. We're looking for comfortable accommodations and local restaurants, not luxury hotels and touristy buffets.

We've traveled with a small company in the Galapagos and liked it, and went to Oaxaca with GAdventures and enjoyed that, too.

I've heard of Overseas Adventure Travel, National Geographic, and Gate One Travel. I'm looking for info on companies that offer good value and experience. Please share any insight into tour companies you like and their strengths and weaknesses, such as cost, group size, and experience.

I know good travel is subjective, and one person's preferences and budget are different from another's. With feedback I'll still need to research my options. Your insights are appreciated.

Happy travels, Scott

One caveat about Overseas Adventure Travel (commonly called OAT) is that I have not yet taken a trip with them yet, but have heard so many good things about them here that I signed up for a tour to Egypt and Jordan with them in early 2025. So far everything has been great.

Some of the comments I've heard here is that their guides are really good. The Egypt/Jordan tour attracted me because it's a very small group (from 8-16 people total). I also liked that they were touring on the Nile with the small Egyptian dahabeya boats, rather than the larger cruise ships. You can have them take care of the flight arrangements if you want. And they do not charge a single supplement fee for many cruises (although this may not apply to you). I'm also including a few other posts that discuss them.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/beyond-europe/logistical-questions-about-egypt-tours-and-o-a-t https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/beyond-europe/overseas-adventure-travel-vs-odyssey-unlimited-vietnam

Lastly, here is an article I read that seems to really give a decent viewpoint of various tour companies. It's limited to ones who travel to Egypt, but I thought it had some good information it it. https://www.fodors.com/world/africa-and-middle-east/egypt/experiences/news/photos/11-tour-companies-to-make-your-trip-to-egypt-more-successful

Odysseys Unlimited.

Small group, native tour directors, better hotels than RS, bellman service so you can bring any size bag you want, excellent meals mostly with wine or beer included, no shopping stops. Local guides.

The prices qouted on their webpage include airfare but you can call them for land only prices.

Excellent customer service. I've traveled with them four times.

We have had a great experience with Gate 1 Travel. Also, for a safari in Kenya and/or Tanzania we loved Good Earth Tours ( a firm in Tanzania). In the past, we have enjoyed Trafalgar (New Zealand), that was excellent, but a bit pricey. We had an excellent tour of Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, Peru with Peru Agency Tours.

We did some great travel tours in Russia and China with a firm that is out of business.

For a great four day Canadian Rockies tour from Vancouver, Key West Tours was super and the price was great.

Not me, but two different friends of mine swear by Natural Habitat Adventures, depending upon where you might want to travel.

Thanks, everyone for your input. It's very useful. There are a lot of companies out there and a lot of ways to travel. This gives me a head start when evaluating future trips.

Scott, there are a few tour companies that have been started by former Rick Steves guides, and all have gotten good reviews here. Sarah Murdoch is one - she now runs Adventures with Sarah and has tours all over the world. Another one is Imprint Travel started by Reid Coen. Seymour Tours with Mark Seymour is another one of these - his tours are mainly in the UK and France, but several members here have taken them and rave about them.

All three are smaller tour companies and use the same type of tour philosophy as Rick Steves, with small groups, lots of physical activity, you carry your own luggage and so on.

Gate 1 is a good company. However, the only tours they run that are guaranteed to be a “small group” (max of 22) are their “Discovery” tours. Their other tours can run to as many as 40 people.

Our Gate 1 tours were not small group and we had 30 in one and 33 in another.

I've done 3 small group trips with Road Scholar and like their offerings. They have larger groups as well so make sure you sort by group size if you search their site. They have tons of small group tours. I like Road Scholar's pacing. They tend to spend more nights in most cities vs. other tour groups.

I've used Insight Vacations in the past for travel to areas other than Europe and found them to be excellent, and very close in many ways to the "Rick Steves tour experience". I would definitely travel with them again.

Have a look at their website - https://www.insightvacations.com/en-ca/vacation-finder/2023-2024-worldwide-premium-guided-tours?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjMbQ-_ergQMVnyytBh2lLwUbEAAYASABEgJcXPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds .

I haven't traveled with them, but just correcting the link to Imprint Tours cited above: https://imprinttours.com/

I've also traveled with Gate1 and GAdventures - not the RS experience, but I primarily wanted them for logistics/transport and they served that purpose. I had very good local guides on the GAdventures tour in Ecuador and Peru, the company has a pretty big presence in S. America. There was good communication from the company ahead of and during the trip, and things that went awry (like canceled flights) were outside their control. We had 20ish people in the group, which I think was probably unusually low. GAdventures uses a module system for tours, so your group size fluctuates depending on which tour you pick and how long you're gone. So for my Ecuador part of the tour we had 20 ish people, but only 10 of us continued on to the Peru portion. Pros and cons to that if you're wanting a cohesive group. One pro was we shed some of the difficult personalities after the first part (but con, we picked up new ones). Hotels were decent quality and well located for the most part. For solo travelers their single supplement was high compared to trip cost.

The guide for Gate1 in Vietnam was great, but the group size and composition (close to 40 travelers, many newbies due to the Groupon offer for the tour) made it impossible for him to excel at his craft. Their hotels were business style and typically not located in center of town (though you know this ahead of time as they disclose the specifics before you book). Gate1 uses the same module aspect as GAdventures - in Bangkok we had two people, Cambodia five, and Vietnam 40. Their single supplement was more affordable.

Short story, I'd use either company again, but it would depend on a number of factors that would be trip-dependent and based on comparisons to other options available at the time.

I just returned from my third Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) tour, this one "Crossroads of the Adriatic" through countries of the former Yugoslavia, and I like them a lot. I think they offer what your message describes. Group size maximum 16 on most tours, free single supplement readily available also on most. Impressions of the others you mention, with caveat that I have not myself traveled with them: Gate 1: I saw something of their operations as their groups were frequently in the same hotels as our OAT, and their guides (as ours did) posted daily itineraries on the bulletin board, which were fun to compare. As stated by other commenters, their groups are larger, often at least twice the size of OAT. Gate 1 groups tend to have more of a mix of travelers from different countries, for better or worse. OAT focuses on the U.S. market and virtually all OAT travelers are Americans. The equivalent Balkan Gate 1 tours seemed to be a bit faster paced (less time in each city) and have relatively more "optional" (i.e., extra charge) activities than OAT, compared to those included in the tour price (which of course you can skip if you want, but have paid for, so most don't). The guides seemed equivalent -- ours was great, but they are independent contractors who often work with different companies, so she had done Gate 1 tours also, and knew the ones doing the Gate 1 tours we encountered. But obviously you'll get more personalized attention from your guide in a group of 16 than in one of 40. National Geographic: With "name brand" tours like these (or Smithsonian, college alumni affiliation, etc.) I think you pay a LOT for that brand name. I've seen the Nat Geo brochures for Egypt, for example, which I did with OAT, and it looked like they charge at least twice as much for what appears to be more or less the same thing in every important respect (accommodations, tour length, activities). These brand name tours seem often to have a U.S. expert (such as a college professor) accompanying the group in addition to local guide, but frankly, there has never been a time on any of my OAT tours that I felt that I would have needed or wanted to be guided by a U.S. professor instead of, or in addition to our incredibly knowledgeable in-country guides, or had any desire to pay extra for that.

We don't usually do multi-day tours, but we did in Namibia. We did a private, custom safari with Tracking Namibia Safaris. This was recommended to us by someone on the Safari Talk forums who had done two trips with the owner.

It was absolutely wonderful, and wasn't any more expensive than doing a group trip. The owner, Francois, designed our itinerary based on the list I gave him, finding our accommodations for us, and finding savings for us in the process. The lovely thing about being on a private safari was that we could choose how long to spend at a sighting (within reason, of course), and sometimes choose our route, based on Francois' description (i.e. longer and more scenic, or shorter and also scenic but slightly less so).

Tracking Namibia also goes to Botswana, and, I think, the Victoria Falls area.

https://trackingnamibia.com/destinations/

So, I guess I didn't exactly answer your question. It's not exactly a Rick Steve's style experience, but it's excellent.

I don't want to knock anybody, and I have no personal experience, and if I have misremembered somebody will correct me; but with the new resurgence of the scourge of covid and stories in several of the forums here about people having to cancel or drop off tours because of catching covid; isn't OAT one of the companies which we read a lot about here on the Forums a couple of years ago because of their reluctance to refund in that case?

Our originally scheduled OAT Egypt tour was in 2020. We didn't ask for a refund, but rescheduled it for a year later, which worked out very well. Regarding those who get COVID (or have another medical problem) on the tour and have to drop out and/or incur additional expense, I think their policies are the same as most companies, which is that that's what travel insurance is for (which they sell as an add-on, or you can buy your policy separately). One person did get COVID on one of my OAT tours, and while I don't know the financial details, I do know the guide and their other staff worked very hard to make sure she was well taken care of in terms of medical treatment, accommodations and onward travel.

Good to know, Slate! And Nigel, before I booked my tour, I scoured this forum for mention of OAT to check reviews and so on. I didn't see anything about what you were talking about.

@Mardee - I do recall that there were stories about tough refunds from OAT. I also have seen tons of stories about poor airfare connections and routing if you let OAT book. But I think poor airfare choices are a problem when any tour company books your flight.

I am giving OAT a try later on this month for a Baltics tour. It's my first trip with them. I'll post a review at some point, I am sure:)

My wife and I have used OAT and Nat Geo, but don't love the larger sizes of their groups which can often feel like a "bus tour". I believe Gate One has even larger groups, but we've never traveled with them.

We've found some companies that send much smaller groups and give a more "intimate" feel. They still give you the group travel dynamic which we love, but without being in a huge group at each destination and have more direct access to the tour guides which is really what we want. My personal favorite has become Wilderness Travel. They're a little more expensive than GAdventures and OAT, but you absolutely get your money's worth. They go all over the world and we've never been disappointed in our 8+ trips with them! https://www.wildernesstravel.com/

My husband and I just used Gate 1 to go to Vietnam in October. It was our first experience of a group tour and we were quite pleased. There were 37 in our group, but it didn't feel too large to us. The tour group members were well traveled, some independently and some on multiple Gate 1 tours.

The hotels were nice and mostly well located to do things on our own if we wished. Not quirky, but that's fine with me. I appreciated that we never had to handle our own luggage and there were no buddies or name games. I hate that kind of thing.

Our guide was super well organized, personable, and incredibly knowledgeable. We liked it so much that we booked another Gate 1 trip to China for May 2024.

It is encouraging to me hear the positive reports about Gate 1 travel. I am going to try them for first time next October.

I love Rick Steves tours. I've done 5 of them. However, when I started looking at Turkey and could compare the two tours side by side for the same dates, I discovered I could follow the same basic route and save $1700 by trying Gate 1. (Single room on both tours and all the "optionals" from Gate 1 added in). I don't expect the tour to be the same experience and I know that there will be more people on it. I do think it will be a good experience. I will report back to the forum afterwards with the results of this experiment.

I went to Belize last year and have an upcoming trip to Japan with EF Go Ahead tours. Was very pleased and the group size was 16 for Belize. I think they cap at 22. They take tours all over the world and I know four or five other couples who have used them multiple times and have always been happy.

I'm going to take my first tour with Travel Fever Tours next month. It's a tiny company (mom and pop) in Vermont. I have friends who have traveled with them. They just have a few destinations. I'm going to Oaxaca and the max on the tour is 12 people. I think this is the case on most of their tours, which are mostly art oriented, culinary oriented or hiking oriented (Camino, among others). They're currently offering eight tours between January and September 2024.

We have friends who have enjoyed Exodus, particularly their Costa Rica trip. They are going with the same company for Italy in 2024. Another set of friends loves Nat Hab (Natural Habitat) that is connected to the World Wildlife Fund. They are actually traveling the world based on trips to see certain animals. I have done 12 domestic outdoor trips with Sierra Club but they also do international trips.

Scott, do you have on your current bucket list that you can post? Depending on where you would like to go I am sure this board can provide you with a lot tour companies and guides.

A bit more on Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT): we used them for an African safari last year. The guides were outstanding, they include several experiences to interact with the local people and culture, and groups are limited to 16 participants or less - not a large bus tour. I personally recommend their quality - and very competitive pricing!

Nigel’s right, there were several posts on this Forum by people 3 1/2 years ago who wanted complete cash refunds when Covid-19 broke out. OAT apparently offered credits for future travel, and while Rick Steves Tours apparently gave full refunds at the time, apparently OAT did not.

I can’t verify the details of all that, but we had also signed up for a trip this year to Jordan and Egypt, which also originally included Israel. We actually were supposed to be on that tour right now, but after the war started, OAT took the Israel portion off the trip, and added Cyprus, plus Greece as an option. Well, a week-and-a-half ago, they cancelled the trip outright for safety reasons, and offered a complete cash refund. They also offered a credit incentive if we rescheduled the trip into the future - which we’ve done. OAT has a substantial catalogue of trips around the world, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better company for a better price.

Thank you for the great replies.

Ed: Bucket list is pretty much everywhere. :) , but Japan is on our shortlist, as well as Australia and New Zealand.

We have gone to Japan and Egypt/ Jordan with Odysseys Unlimited. Their tours have a maximum numbers of 24 participants. Lovely hotels, excellent guides. Highly recommend them. These are our only tours as we are basically independent travelers.

We were on a tour in Yellowstone NP two weeks ago and our driver / guide who works for Xanterra spoke very highly about both National Geographic and Tauck. With any tour company it comes down to what you want to do, how active you want to be, do you want to travel privately or with a group and ultimately how much you want to spend.

We recently took a Globus Journeys small group(21 people) Highlights of the South Pacific Tour to New Zealand and Australia. It was wonderful! I posted a trip report on the New Zealand portion in the Beyond Europe Forum and will do Australia next week. There were no captive shopping opportunities(except olive oil tasting) which really wasn't much of a shopping thing since transporting those bottles would not be easy. I highly recommend this tour. We have never been on a RS tour so don't know how it would compare. This is not a blanket recommendation for Globus but an enthusiastic recommendation for a tour that was done really well.

Bucket list is pretty much everywhere, but Japan is on our shortlist, as well as Australia and New Zealand.

I suggest you look at Tauck Tours: https://www.tauck.com/ and Smithsonian Journeys: https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/

Not as upscale as the other two, but good: https://www.gocollette.com/en# Although their opening page is currently promoting "Experience America", they have tours to Europe, Asia, Australia, and many more destinations.

Thanks to everyone for the replies and suggestions!

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Coach / Bus Tours & Trips in Europe

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One Journey Four (5) Countries 2024 - from Zagreb

It was a perfect trip from the moment I go off the plane until the time I had to say goodbye.

Europe Escape

Thank for MARYSOL AND SE BASTIANO a great deal I finally seen Europe a great deal, I enjoyed Interlaken Switzerland Casino as I invested £10.00 and won £300.00 Swizz Francs . I love Switzerland and France. I think it's quite too much walking for me . You should try to incorporate renting some of GOLF CARTS TOur Like me Rosita did in Florence we rented a Cart tour Cart ride and was able to a lots around Florence. I glad to made a lot of new friends specially from South Africa they are all wonderful and sweet and other countries.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Northern Spain & Portugal 16-Day Tour from Barcelona

Great tour, excellent guides, Carlos exceded from Barcelona to Porto , from Porto to Caceres great lady guide, from Caceres to Madrid, also excellent lady guide...

• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Europe Jewel

Good route which covered the main attractions of Mid Europe. The trip is compact and efficient and the optional excursions add on the contents. Tour leader Matt is full of knowledge about various area’s history and events, he also looked after the team well and tried to accomodate customers’ needs, A really caring and professional tour leader. Pascal is not only a brilliant driver who tried to park the coach as close as possible for group’s access, he was also taking care of the team in many ways and his warm greetings and kind words won our hearts. If you haven’t or only seen a couple of European countries, this trip will be the one to open your eyes or the one to expend your European experiences. Additionally, the trip is good value for money.

Best of the Adriatic

I concluded the UK/Ireland/France trip in mid-October and am still raving about it. Indus travel (specifically Rachel) did a wonderful job - very responsive and attentive to detail. Trip well-organized, very knowledgeable guides. Look forward to travelling with Indus again.

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European Delight

Overall I, and my companions, enjoyed the trip however there were some significant elements which we were not happy with. On the TWO itineraries we received for Rome the following was noted: "08.30hrs- In the morning, we have a scenic tour of the city, which will be a great introduction to “The Eternal city”. We enter the tinystate of the Vatican. The Vatican City is a principal centre of Christianity in the world. You will be able to visit St. Peter’s Basilica. And wehave also included admission to the Roman Coliseum, the principal symbol of Rome.’ Day 2: Rome TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS: City tour of Rome. Roman Coliseum (admission price included). It’s clear from the above two notes that we would visit the Coliseum – admission included! Yet, we did NOT visit the Colosseum but walked through the less interesting and impressive Forum. We were very disappointed as the Colosseum was one of the sites we were looking forward to visiting. We were not aware of Europamundo's 'circuit' format which required we frequently changed coaches, drivers and tour directors. This was somewhat disconcerting as we were required to remember which bus we were on and who our director was at a time when we were on holidays and looking for something of a stress free vacation. Most of the tour directors were excellent, though we found the second director, who travelled with us from Innsbruk to Prague, was at times brusque and seemed to prioritise Spanish-speaking travellers when they joined us. We were disappointed that most of the options were not raised with us - except the option to Moulin Rouge because tickets had not been pre-booked. Similarly, we waited hours to access the Eiffel Tower because tickets had not been pre-purchased despite the fact that it was part of the trip rather than an option. We had pre-paid for a canal trip in Amsterdam, however it wasn't mentioned by the director and so we missed out on that. We were reimbursed. Though we enjoyed the trip and cities we visited, for the reasons above I wouldn’t choose Europamundo for future vacations,.

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Enchanted Landscapes

I want to thank and shoutout to all of the amazing tour guides especially Gabriella from Rome-Italy and Patricia from France to Switzerland. Despite how tight the schedule is, and the limited time given to experience and explore different destinations. It was exhausting and I feel like you are always on the go, and it felt rushed, but I understand because of a lot of factors that may affect it by the traffic and how other passengers are prompt with time that is why there are adjustments. I have met a lot of wonderful people on the tour, and I will for sure come back to Europe and explore what is out there.

European Cavalcade (End Paris, 18 Days)

It was FANTASTIC!! I would recommend this tour to anyone. We were so happy to have Steve as our tour guide.

Britain and Ireland Delight (Summer, 8 Days)

I really enjoyed the trip

Essential Britain & Ireland

Hello, We have just returned from the UK, we thoroughly enjoyed our tour and excursions, except for the last day in Edinburgh were on the morning of 24th Aug we went to the dinning room with our tour group to find no breakfast, and no porter to help with our luggage, we were drop off at the train station were our tour guide left us at the top of the train station and we were told to make our own way to the platform with all our luggage and no assistance. After fining the correct train there was no assistance what so ever to board the train, and being a bank holiday in the UK the trains were absolutely jam packed a very uncomfortable ride and very disappointed and very hot. Once arriving back into London, we need to unload our own luggage, and had find the Cosmos tour guide ourselves, she was un certain of where to go and what to do due to the public holiday as the pickup point had changed, we had to drag our luggage down some stairs in 32 degree heat, a homeless man luckily assisted us to get down the stairs, there were a couple of elderly gents who were very distressed as you can understand, very unprofessionally organised. We had a wonderful trip but the last day spoiled our vacation, and the 14 other passengers on the tour who were also on the train agreed this should have been better organised knowing it was a public holiday in the UK

Rome to London Quest (Summer, 10 Days)

Great experience, got to see a lot in a small durarion. Remi was very knowledgeable on different countries and provided a fun experience.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Sicily & Aegadian Islands (10 days/9 nights) - starting from Catania

Best of Ireland and Scotland (15 Days)

Everything went smoothly.

• Walking Adventure
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European Discovery (Summer, Start London, Classic, 12 Days)

Highlights of Ireland & Scotland

Wonderful experience.

What people love about Coach / Bus Tours in Europe

This tour with Elite Travels was busy - so much to see in so little time. Hotels and food were great. Best part was Damir, our guide for the entire trip. I've taken many tours and he stands out as the best of them all. He was excellent in every way - in giving us clear instructions, telling us what to expect for the day, very patient, answered all out questions, and was very knowledgeable of the places we visited, including their histories. Our driver, Tatiana, was not just an expert driver, but very helpful and kind. Our English speaking local guides were all good, but I would point out Kristina as the best. She had all kinds of surprises for us, including giving me a dance lesson on a local dance and writing my name in cyrilic alphabet. Scars and stories from the war of the 1990s are heartbreaking but I deeply appreciated seeing and hearing them firsthand. Travel must be an educational experience of both the good and bad. So thank you, Elite Travels for a wonderful 10 day journey!

Thank for MARYSOL AND SE BASTIANO a great deal I finally seen Europe a great deal, I enjoyed Interlaken Switzerland Casino as I invested £10.00 and won £300.00 Swizz Francs . I love Switzerland and France. I think it's quite too much walking for me . You should try to incorporate renting some of GOLF CARTS TOur Like me Rosita did in Florence we rented a Cart tour Cart ride and was able to a lots around Florence. I glad to made a lot of new friends specially from South Africa they are all wonderful and sweet and other countries.

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