Albatross Tours
Albatross Tours are the European tour specialists, crafting extraordinary journeys that create lasting memories. Each of our escorted tours goes beyond the ordinary and are designed for the curious traveller looking to take a dive deep into each region. With longer stays and a thoughtfully paced itineraries, you’ll enjoy immersive experiences, enriching excursions, and genuine cultural connections.
Albatross Tours are the European tour specialists, crafting extraordinary journeys that create lasting memories. Each of our escorted tours goes beyond the ordinary and are designed for the curious traveller looking to take a dive deep into each region. With longer stays and a thoughtfully paced itineraries, you’ll enjoy immersive experiences, enriching excursions, and genuine cultural connections.
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Featured Tours
Explore Europe your way with Albatross
Albatross are European Tour specialists, creating remarkable memories that last a lifetime.
Prepare for stunning weather, delicious food, beautiful scenery, and incredible experiences.
Fall in love with the festive side of Europe. Pack warm clothes but leave room for presents!
Famous five star hotels, first-class travel, delicious food, beautiful scenery, and incredible experiences.
Albatross Reviews
Wonderful Tour of German and Austrian Christmas Markets. 0 German & Austrian Christmas Markets Narelle and Chris, QLD, Australia, Dec 2025
Our tour commenced in Frankfurt with a welcome dinner which was a chance to meet fellow travellers. Albatross tours are usually around 28 passengers but we only had 14 so everyone got to know each other and we had a great time. Our journey included stays in Rothenburg, Oberammergau and Salzburg, finishing in Munich. All hotels were a good standard and read more centrally located so it was easy to get to the main sights and Christmas markets. Highlights of the trip, beside the Christmas Markets, were a Night Watchman tour in Rothenburg, Neuschwanstein Castle visit and a horse drawn carriage from Filzmoos up the mountain where we enjoyed a lovely morning tea. This tour proviided some spectacular and breathtaking sights and we enjoyed every minute of it.
Elena was a great tour manager who worked very hard to make sure everyone enjoyed themselves and she went the extra mile for a couple of travellers who werent as mobile as the rest of us. Our driver, Marco was very skilled, especially manoeuvring the coach in some small streets and tight spaces. As always, it was easy booking through Global Journeys and look forward to booking again.
Elena was a great tour manager who worked very hard to make sure everyone enjoyed themselves and she went the extra mile for a couple of travellers who werent as mobile as the rest of us. Our driver, Marco was very skilled, especially manoeuvring the coach in some small streets and tight spaces. As always, it was easy booking through Global Journeys and look forward to booking again.
Loved the pace and itinerary of this tour with Albatross. Our guide Tom, was wonderful with his knowledge and kindness. Albatross allows you plenty of time to do your own thing as well as include all excursions, most meals and gratuities.
This proved to be a great way to have someone else sort the logistics of attending the 2022 Oberammergau Passion Play and enjoying some of the area between Innsbruck and Munich. Best days were day 3 with the visit to the Neuschwanstein castle and ‘Church in the Meadows’ and of course the 2022 Passion Play on day 4. That day was amazing, staying close read more to Oberammergau and arriving early to avoid the main rush, attend the pre-performance briefing (really helpful to understand the history and impact of the Passion Play on Oberammergau) and explore the town. The performance itself was stunning - in scale, performance quality and so much more.
Our group was relatively small (about 18) and made up of travellers from Australia and New Zealand. The tour guide was great - knew his stuff and was able to make those little adjustments (based on his knowledge and experience) to make the tour even more special. I found the half day own time on the first full day of the tour a bit strange given that the tour itself was only 3 full days. Overall, a really good tour and a great way to see the Oberammergau Passion Play without committing to a much longer tour.
Our group was relatively small (about 18) and made up of travellers from Australia and New Zealand. The tour guide was great - knew his stuff and was able to make those little adjustments (based on his knowledge and experience) to make the tour even more special. I found the half day own time on the first full day of the tour a bit strange given that the tour itself was only 3 full days. Overall, a really good tour and a great way to see the Oberammergau Passion Play without committing to a much longer tour.
We have just recently come back from "The Italian Grande Tour" with Albatross. We booked it through Global Journeys back in 2019 for 2020, but due to Covid we had to wait until 2022 before we could finally set off. All through the three years of postponements Georgie Walpole handled our booking with such ease, she was wonderful so thank you Georgie. read more I highly recommend Georgie and her team at Global Journeys.
I have to say it was a fantastic tour from beginning to end. Our tour guide Antonia was the best you could ever wish for. She treated us like family and did a fabulous job throughout, throwing in the odd witty remarks every day, we all adored her. Our driver Ermano was great too and an excellent driver, we all felt really safe with him. The reason we chose this tour was because of the 3,4 and 5 night stays. It beats one night stays hands down. The hotels we stayed in were mostly excellent especially the La Palma in Stresa which was my favourite. The Italian scenery was outstanding especially around the Amalfi Coast. So much was packed into the 18 days, we got to see and do so many things. We went in early September and the weather was perfect. There were 28 in our tour and we all got on really well, so much so we have set up WhatsApp and communicate often. I definitely would recommend Albatross and this tour to anyone wishing to see Italy and have everything done for you.
I have to say it was a fantastic tour from beginning to end. Our tour guide Antonia was the best you could ever wish for. She treated us like family and did a fabulous job throughout, throwing in the odd witty remarks every day, we all adored her. Our driver Ermano was great too and an excellent driver, we all felt really safe with him. The reason we chose this tour was because of the 3,4 and 5 night stays. It beats one night stays hands down. The hotels we stayed in were mostly excellent especially the La Palma in Stresa which was my favourite. The Italian scenery was outstanding especially around the Amalfi Coast. So much was packed into the 18 days, we got to see and do so many things. We went in early September and the weather was perfect. There were 28 in our tour and we all got on really well, so much so we have set up WhatsApp and communicate often. I definitely would recommend Albatross and this tour to anyone wishing to see Italy and have everything done for you.
Holiday was exciting, we enjoyed the husky ride and the snowmobiles the most. The tour could have offered more options regarding activities and meals. Global Journeys did a great job.
Nice itinerary for a Christmas tour, but fellow travellers make or break enjoyment level 2 Christmas in the Slovenian Alps Beryl, ACT, Australia, Dec 2019
The Xmas markets were very pretty and worth doing as a new experience. The standard of accommodation was pretty good, (only one hotel in Innsbruck was not clean and up to standard) but internal heating was too warm everywhere. For future travellers, layers is the way to go, T-shirts under jumpers and then overcoats, allows for stripping off the layers read more as things get warmer inside. Lake Bled was the highlight of the tour and a great place to spend 4 days over Xmas. Although the itinerary was good, more free time for meals and less included meals with fellow travellers would be an improvement and could make the tour cost more economical and enjoyable.
Since we first booked this trip we were excited about it, as it ticked so many boxes of what we wanted in a pre-Christmas tour in Europe and it didn't disappoint. We travel to Europe every December and select different regions. Having toured extensively through Germany, Austria, Hungary etc. we decided on a tour through France with Albatross Tours for read more this years trip. We have previously booked through Yvonne at Global Journeys and were very happy doing so again. Great price, good communication and everything made simple for us too.
This was the first time we had toured with Albatross and would recommend them as they lived up to what they promised. We started in Paris then travelled via the French Alps to Milan. It was a relaxed trip with more than one night stays at each stop. Inclusions were wonderful, especially the trip to the palace at Versailles, snow shoeing and horse drawn carriage in the beautiful alpine town of Megeve. Of course seeing Paris for the first time was a bucket list dream come true.
Our tour leader, Yasmina was the loveliest and most interesting person we have ever had on any tour. She was very knowledgeable and we learnt so much about every place we visited. Our bus driver was very capable, even though some of the roads were snow covered and very narrow and winding. All accommodation was great and of a high quality. Our fellow travellers were very friendly which made the trip even better. We will definitely consider Albatross Tours next year and of course will book with Global Journeys.
This was the first time we had toured with Albatross and would recommend them as they lived up to what they promised. We started in Paris then travelled via the French Alps to Milan. It was a relaxed trip with more than one night stays at each stop. Inclusions were wonderful, especially the trip to the palace at Versailles, snow shoeing and horse drawn carriage in the beautiful alpine town of Megeve. Of course seeing Paris for the first time was a bucket list dream come true.
Our tour leader, Yasmina was the loveliest and most interesting person we have ever had on any tour. She was very knowledgeable and we learnt so much about every place we visited. Our bus driver was very capable, even though some of the roads were snow covered and very narrow and winding. All accommodation was great and of a high quality. Our fellow travellers were very friendly which made the trip even better. We will definitely consider Albatross Tours next year and of course will book with Global Journeys.
Outstanding tour all round 7 Sardinia & Corsica, the Lands of Myths & Legends Fiona, WA, Australia, Sep 2019
I have recently returned from the Albatross Sardinia & Corsica Tour, and I had a truly wonderful time! For travellers like myself who have been to most European countries, this tour itinerary offered something new and very exciting to visit. Even though Sardinia is technically part of Italy, and Corsica part of France, they even still maintain their read more original languages in both regions. Both places are large islands with very mountainous landscapes, beautiful azure blue harbours and seas, history and sites reaching back at least to the Bronze Age and wonderful cities and towns to visit. Corsica was actually where Napoleon Bonaparte was born, and one of the inclusions was to visit where he lived.
Our Tour Guide Gilberto was excellent and he looked after us very well. All places were at least a 2 night (if not 3) stay and the tour was at a relaxed pace with plenty of free time. Gliberto was always happy to give suggestions and to organise outings during that time for who wanted to go. There was quite a few single travellers on the tour and everyone got on well and had a wonderful time. Thank you so much to my Global Journeys Travel Advisor, Tracey, who very professionally organised this tour for me, and really made me feel at ease as I was travelling by myself, which I haven't done in a long time.
Our Tour Guide Gilberto was excellent and he looked after us very well. All places were at least a 2 night (if not 3) stay and the tour was at a relaxed pace with plenty of free time. Gliberto was always happy to give suggestions and to organise outings during that time for who wanted to go. There was quite a few single travellers on the tour and everyone got on well and had a wonderful time. Thank you so much to my Global Journeys Travel Advisor, Tracey, who very professionally organised this tour for me, and really made me feel at ease as I was travelling by myself, which I haven't done in a long time.
Albatross Brochures
Download the latest Albatross brochures to read at your convenience.
Albatross European Christmas, New Year & Northern Lights (2026-27)
Celebrate the magic of Europe’s festive season with small group tours featuring enchanting Christmas markets, charming medieval towns and spectacular New Year celebrations. Designed exclusively for Australian and New Zealand travellers, these carefully more crafted journeys offer an unhurried and memorable experience, with limited departures and a maximum of just 28 guests.
Albatross Europe & UK (2027)
Discover Europe with Albatross Tours, where small group journeys, longer stays and hand-picked hotels create a more relaxed and immersive travel experience. Thoughtfully designed for Australian and New Zealand travellers, these tours combine iconic sights, more hidden gems, expert tour managers and plenty of free time to explore at your own pace.
The Albatross Tour Experience
Choose to travel with Albatross on your next adventure!
Tours Designed For You Albatross Tours have created tours specifically for people like you travelling to the far side of the world, and wanting more from their escorted coach tour than a few hurried, all too brief visits and repetitive, long intercity drives. That is why we ensure the touring pace is always so much more sensible! Longer stays in each destination provide you with far more time for sightseeing, and a more fulfilling overall touring experience.
That is also why we make sure each tour is genuinely inclusive, with no additional 'on tour' costs. We know Australians and New Zealanders can be uneasy with tipping, so we have included all 'on tour' gratuities and end of tour tips. We include two, three, four and even five night stays in each captivating city and region. One night stops are avoided where possible, and some days are left completely free – for the simple pleasure of it!
Albatross Tours have created tours specifically for people like you travelling to the far side of the world, and wanting more from their escorted coach tour than a few hurried, all too brief visits and repetitive, long intercity drives. That is why we ensure the touring pace is always so much more sensible! Longer stays in each destination provide you with far more time for sightseeing, and a more fulfilling overall touring experience.
That is also why we make sure each tour is genuinely inclusive, with no additional 'on tour' costs. We know Australians and New Zealanders can be uneasy with tipping, so we have included all 'on tour' gratuities and end of tour tips. We include two, three, four and even five night stays in each captivating city and region. One night stops are avoided where possible, and some days are left completely free – for the simple pleasure of it!
Enjoy Longer Stays We understand you want more from an escorted tour than a few hurried, all too brief visits to the destinations you have travelled so far to see. Which is why we have developed our hub and spoke style touring.
Enjoy longer stays with 3, 4 or even 5 night stops and take day trips out to explore the local region. Everybody hates unpacking their bags every evening, and then having to re-pack them again early the next morning. That's why, apart from possibly the first or last night of the tour, there are virtually no 'one night stops' on any of our programmes.
Not just the usual highlights, but also many more, unique, authentic, regional experiences, often well away from the bustling tourist crowds. Best of all, it also means we can factor in genuine, essential leisure time for you - ‘My Time’!
We understand you want more from an escorted tour than a few hurried, all too brief visits to the destinations you have travelled so far to see. Which is why we have developed our hub and spoke style touring.
Enjoy longer stays with 3, 4 or even 5 night stops and take day trips out to explore the local region. Everybody hates unpacking their bags every evening, and then having to re-pack them again early the next morning. That's why, apart from possibly the first or last night of the tour, there are virtually no 'one night stops' on any of our programmes.
Not just the usual highlights, but also many more, unique, authentic, regional experiences, often well away from the bustling tourist crowds. Best of all, it also means we can factor in genuine, essential leisure time for you - ‘My Time’!
See More & Experience More With Albatross When we design our tours we first look at each region and we ask what must be done, what can be done, and what should be done. Our objective is to give you a more rewarding experience and allow you time to 'stay a while' and savour the destination. We then break these down into carefully balanced touring days.
Some days might have quite conventional visits to towns and cities. On other days we will add activities that are distinctly provincial, maybe quirky or possibly even something for the simple pleasure of it.
When we design our tours we first look at each region and we ask what must be done, what can be done, and what should be done. Our objective is to give you a more rewarding experience and allow you time to 'stay a while' and savour the destination. We then break these down into carefully balanced touring days.
Some days might have quite conventional visits to towns and cities. On other days we will add activities that are distinctly provincial, maybe quirky or possibly even something for the simple pleasure of it.
Albatross Tours Genuinely Inclusive Albatross tours are genuinely inclusive and include all of those special excursions and visits, sightseeing tours and feature dinners. We even include the end of tour tips to your tour manager and driver! You will not be charged on your tour for special 'optional' excursions such as a feature dinner or entry to an attraction such as Neuschwanstein Castle. Why? We believe these expensive hidden extras usually costing over $100 per person per day are entirely predictable so we have already included them in our tour price.
This means you will find it far easier to budget for your daily holiday expenses and you will have complete transparency on where you money is going. We encourage you to compare our tour prices on a cost per day basis, and take into consideration that Albatross Tours have NO additional 'on tour' costs. Rest assured, by the time you get back home and walk back through your front door you will not have paid any more.
Albatross tours are genuinely inclusive and include all of those special excursions and visits, sightseeing tours and feature dinners. We even include the end of tour tips to your tour manager and driver! You will not be charged on your tour for special 'optional' excursions such as a feature dinner or entry to an attraction such as Neuschwanstein Castle. Why? We believe these expensive hidden extras usually costing over $100 per person per day are entirely predictable so we have already included them in our tour price.
This means you will find it far easier to budget for your daily holiday expenses and you will have complete transparency on where you money is going. We encourage you to compare our tour prices on a cost per day basis, and take into consideration that Albatross Tours have NO additional 'on tour' costs. Rest assured, by the time you get back home and walk back through your front door you will not have paid any more.
Small Group Touring - No more than 28 Travellers. The average group size with Albatross is just 22. You get so much space on a full size coach! We cap our tours at 28 travellers and give you the peace of mind to know we guarantee our tours will depart with as few as just 15!
Albatross Tours is one of the earliest innovators of small group touring. We saw the enormous benefits our travellers would enjoy when combining small, more personal groups with longer stays at each delightful destination. There is a massive difference!
You’ve travelled far to experience Europe. With Albatross Tours, you’ll never feel like just one of the crowd, you’ll feel special. Our small group size means our client to Tour Manager ratio is halved and you are guaranteed a high level of personal service and attention.
The average group size with Albatross is just 22. You get so much space on a full size coach! We cap our tours at 28 travellers and give you the peace of mind to know we guarantee our tours will depart with as few as just 15!
Albatross Tours is one of the earliest innovators of small group touring. We saw the enormous benefits our travellers would enjoy when combining small, more personal groups with longer stays at each delightful destination. There is a massive difference!
You’ve travelled far to experience Europe. With Albatross Tours, you’ll never feel like just one of the crowd, you’ll feel special. Our small group size means our client to Tour Manager ratio is halved and you are guaranteed a high level of personal service and attention.
Explore More
Your guide to travelling with Albatross Tours
FAQs
Who will I be travelling with?
Our unique touring style and better itineraries attract a wide variety of travellers, from early empty nesters to baby boomers. Perhaps more importantly, it is about the type of people we carry… usually Australians and New Zealanders. People who want to see more, experience more and who want a more authentic European holiday experience.
What is the average Albatross group size?
With Albatross Tours some groups may be as small as 15 travellers and we cap all tours at only 28 guests. We believe travelling in a smaller group ensures a more pleasurable touring experience for you. It allows us to select more private hotels and attractions for you to experience, plus you have much more room on the coach!
What is the typical age of an Albatross traveller?
The typical age of an Albatross traveller is 45 years and over. Our unique style of touring allows our tours and itineraries to attract a wide variety of travellers, from empty nesters to baby boomers and families on our Christmas & New Year tours. Perhaps more importantly, it is about the type of people we carry, usually Australians and New Zealanders. People who want to see and experience more, people who want a more authentic European holiday experience.
Why do you stay longer at each stopover?
We want you to enjoy your holiday! Longer stays allows you to experience more in each town, city or region. Another bonus is you are not constantly moving hotels. How delightful to unpack for a number of nights and really experience where you are staying, explore the local area and develop a real feel for the region. Stay longer – see more!
How do Albatross tours differ from other European coach tours?
Albatross tours are specifically designed for you, the Australian and New Zealand traveller. With our small group sizes and leisurely 2, 3, 4 and even 5 night stays you get more time to relax and savour the superb places we visit. Our touring programmes offer the perfect balance of included regional and city sightseeing along with that essential free time to do your own exploring.
Will I have free time while touring?
Yes, absolutely! And since we do not sell ANY optional excursions your free time remains free! We believe the perfect touring holiday includes a balanced mix of included activities as well as free time to enjoy tour surrounding. Let’s face it, part of the joy of a destination is to relax and enjoy a leisurely lunch or wander through the streets and experience the local culture.
Do you offer pre and post tour accommodation?
We offer pre and post tour accommodation for most tours. However, this is only possible if your group actually starts or ends with one or more nights included that city. In this instance if you would like to extend your stay before or after your tour at that same hotel, your Global Journeys travel advisor will happily book this on your behalf.
If I am a single person travelling, do I need to pay the Single Supplement?
Yes, and the good news is that in most hotels you will be offered a double room for single use. This means when travelling on an Albatross tour you will mostly have a hotel room to yourself with either a double bed or two twin beds.
Is my tour guaranteed to depart?
Some of our departures are automatically guaranteed to run! You will be happy to know that we undertake to run any tour even on as little as 15 travellers. Plus your Global Journeys travel advisor can let you how many guests Albatross have on any tour, giving you peace of mind when you book.
How much money do I need to budget for optional meals and excursions?
Nothing! Unlike most other tour companies we simply don’t sell extra ‘optional’ tours once you arrive. All the excursions, activities and meals we outline are already included. Most dinners, even special regional restaurant dining is already included. To help matters we also include a glass of wine, beer or soft drink with dinner and later, tea or coffee*.
*Note: Drinks are not included with dinner on the following tours - Norway - Fjords, Viking Folklore & Flåm and Northern Lights, Ice Hotels & Huskies tours.
*Note: Drinks are not included with dinner on the following tours - Norway - Fjords, Viking Folklore & Flåm and Northern Lights, Ice Hotels & Huskies tours.
Do your tours include arrival and departure transfers?
Albatross do not include arrival and departure transfers. Please ensure you book your transfers or request them from your Global Journeys travel advisor.
How much luggage can I bring?
Hotel porterage is included for one large suitcase per person. Since Albatross carry smaller groups there is usually extra space to stow more bags and any further luggage. Please liaise with you Tour Manager and Driver regarding porterage for additional luggage. Please note some locations do not provide porterage, please refer to your itinerary documents for further details.
What type of hotel rooms are available?
The available hotel room types available are:
- Twin Rooms: Throughout much of central Europe traditional style hotels often only offer ‘French Twins’. These are 2 separate beds and mattresses that may be pushed together or even attached together.
- Double rooms: On occasion there may be dedicated double rooms available however you may find you are allocated a ‘French Twin’ room instead as this is the European style of hotel room.
- Single Rooms: Single rooms in many hotels are customarily smaller than twin and double rooms.
Do you offer hotel room upgrades?
Albatross are not able to offer upgrades on rooms that have been booked as part of your selected itinerary. We do ensure all hotels used do offer comfortable facilities to make your touring holiday as enjoyable as possible.
When and how will I receive my travel documentation?
Approx. 4 weeks prior to your tour departure, assuming full payment and your Traveller Information Forms have been received, your Global Journeys travel advisor will send them electronically to yourself. If you are departing our fair shores earlier, please ensure your Global Journeys travel advisor has been advised, and we can of course get them to you earlier.
How much money do I need to budget each day when on tour?
A lot less than you think! Remember that all excursions and activities we display are included in your tour price, with no later offered extras or option lists. The majority of your meals are already included, with some dinners having wine, tea and coffee available. Many items in Europe are of similar pricing to Australia and New Zealand.
How much should I budget for tips on tour?
Nothing! We have already taken care of that for you. At Albatross Tours we understand that knowing when to tip, who to tip and how much to tip can make you feel uncomfortable. That’s why we have included all tips whilst you are ‘on tour’ including the end of the tour tips for your Tour Manager and Driver. That’s makes life easier!
What standard and size of coaches do you use?
We use first class, full size touring coaches with 40 - 45 seats. This means where the average group size is 22 travellers every one gets a window seat and a spare seat! Wi-Fi is available on most coaches and there is an on-board toilet for emergencies.
Note: Occasionally we may also use day charter coaches for sightseeing and in rare cases when touring groups numbers are below 15 we may use a smaller coach, without a toilet.
Note: Occasionally we may also use day charter coaches for sightseeing and in rare cases when touring groups numbers are below 15 we may use a smaller coach, without a toilet.
What type of hotels will I be staying in?
We hand select hotels for you which are authentic and full of tradition. Specifically chosen for their style, location and ambience to add significant flavour to your holiday. Whether it be with dramatic alpine views, modern spa facilities or full of local charm, you can be sure your stay will add lifetime memories to your tour and become highlights in themselves.
What laundry facilities are available on tour?
Where you are staying three or more nights at one hotel they may offer a laundry service. It is imperative that you check prior to dropping any laundry off that it will be returned before you are due to check out of the hotel! The prices for washing are normally per garment.Tip: It is very easy to wash small garments by hand in your room and they should dry overnight. Warning: Hotel laundry rates throughout the world are generally very expensive. Please check with the hotel reception regarding the pricing first.
How much walking is involved on your tours?
Our tours require a moderate level of fitness due to the unique places we visit and stay. On some occasions coach drop off points are 10 minutes or so walk away from an old town centre. If you are joining us on one of our walking tours we recommend comfortable shoes and that you are able to walk at a moderate pace.
What meals are included on my tour?
All of our tours include daily breakfast served at the hotel. Certain tours include special lunches, and the majority of dinners including welcome and farewell dinners. Meals are enjoyed in various locations from your hotel to authentic local taverns, restaurants or bistros, to beautiful vineyards. On evenings where dinner is not included you are provided time to discover a local restaurant of your own choice.
Can you cater for special dietary needs?
Yes, of course. When booking your tour please ensure you special dietary needs are advised. Once you arrive and begin your tour please reconfirm your dietary needs with your Tour Manager. Please note, whilst every effort is made to ensure your dietary needs are properly catered for we cannot guarantee absolute satisfaction every time.
Terms & Conditions
All the boring small print. We recommend you read them, as no one likes surprises!
- Please read Albatross Tours Terms & Conditions
- Please also read Global Journeys' Terms & Conditions if you haven't already.
