Why should we travel with Albatross Tours?
We asked Albatross Tours why you should travel with them, here's what they said...
At Albatross Tours, we are all about creating remarkable memories that last a lifetime. We genuinely set out to create unique, immersive, European regional touring experiences to satisfy and delight our travellers. The one aspect that everyone loves about us, is that we pace our itineraries so well. Our longer stays of 2, 3, 4 and even 5-night stopovers in each destination means you will get quality “My Time” to explore and experience hidden delights at your own pace. It’s all about balance.
Something else we know you will love is that our tours read more are genuinely inclusive, from feature dinners to scheduled attractions, everything really is included in the upfront price – so you can forget about ‘optional’ expenses. Even tips for your tour manager and driver are covered. With group sizes averaging 22 per trip and maxing out at 28, all on a full-sized luxury coach, means you will travel in style and comfort for your entire journey. Come share our love of Europe!
Albatross snapshot

Total No. Tours
49

Departures
112

Average tour length
14 days

Average price per day
$846
Our thoughts...
The low down on Albatross from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Albatross are different to many coach operators, and you’ll see this when you read through their itineraries, with each designed around leisurely 2, 3, 4 and even 5-night stays. In our industry we call this ‘hub & spoke’ touring – trips that focus on a particular region or only explore one to three countries in depth but often returning to the same place at the end of each day. The benefit of this style of touring is less time spent travelling, and with far less packing and unpacking along the way.
Focusing only on Europe, and catering to Aussies and Kiwis only, Albatross split their tours into two categories - their summer range and their read more festive winter trips. The latter are very popular - especially for those that don't normally get the opportunity to experience a quintessential White Christmas. With a maximum group size of 28, Albatross also pride themselves on their tour inclusions, so you won’t be constantly dipping into your pocket for gratuities or optional excursions.
Who travels with Albatross?
Australians and New Zealanders, ranging from empty nesters to baby boomers, who want a more authentic and relaxed European touring experience.
What's the age range on a Albatross tour?
Typically 45+
How many people will we be travelling with?
Tours average 22 travellers and are capped at 28, with departures guaranteed to operate with as few as 15 guests.
I'm a solo-traveller, will your tours suit me?
Yes. Albatross typically has four or five solo travellers on each departure, and solo guests have their own hotel room.
Do you offer single rooms?
Yes. Solo travellers pay a single supplement and in most hotels receive a double or twin room for sole use.
Do you offer room-sharing with other solo travellers?
No.
How would you describe the accommodation on your trips?
Hand-selected character accommodation ranging from centrally located city hotels to family-run properties, historic inns, villas, châteaux and other distinctive regional stays.
Are there any extras to pay on top of the tour price shown?
Arrival and departure transfers and some meals are additional. Albatross includes the specified sightseeing and excursions and gratuities for the Tour Manager, Driver and Local Guides.
Do you have the same guide throughout the trip?
Yes. Tours are fully escorted by an experienced Albatross Tour Manager.
Do you use local guides?
Yes. Local guides are used for selected sightseeing and experiences as specified in each itinerary.
How much free time will we have on a Albatross trip?
Every tour includes guaranteed 'My Time', with planned free time ranging from leisurely mornings and free evenings to afternoons and full days at leisure.
How fit do we need to be?
A moderate level of fitness, good health and good mobility is required. Tours can involve stairs, uneven or cobbled surfaces and walking through historic towns and attractions.
Recent Albatross reviews
Caves and castles 1
Andrea, NSW , Australia, Jun 2026
I was reluctant to book another Albatross tour due to a previous negative experience with a tour guide however current tour guide Vili and bus driver Boris restored my faith. Vili is a local from Istria so had extra knowledge and added personal touches to the tour. We had 13 people on a huge coach and I chose Albatross as it was the only tour company read more that went to Plitvice, Lake Bled, Postojna Caves and Predjama Castle. Starting in Vienna and ending in Trieste enhanced following the Habsburg journey. Sadly some of the fellow travellers always had to be the center of attention and I prefer tours that draw a variety of nationalities who seem more tolerant and open minded to other cultures, but this had the best itinerary for what I wanted to see...Grace ensured the booking was smooth so thank you.
Wonderful Tour of German and Austrian Christmas Markets. 1
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.
Ireland 6
Charles and Denise, Queensland, Australia, Aug 2023
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.
Great short tour with 2022 Oberammergau Passion Play 2
Colleen, ACT, Australia, Sep 2022
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.
Stunning Italy 1
Sheena & Alex, VIC, Australia, Sep 2022
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.
Albatross' most popular trips this month...
Why should we travel with Back-Roads Touring?
We asked Back-Roads Touring why you should travel with them, here's what they said...
At Back-Road we have over 30 years’ experience in creating small group tours that focus on forming experiences that immerse our passengers in some of the most incredible destinations in the world. Our dedicated mini-coaches enable us to travel the back roads, avoiding motorways and taking you to the heart of our destinations. We pride ourselves on delivering truly unique travel experiences through expert local knowledge, carefully curated cultural experiences and hand-picked boutique accommodation. Our tours appeal to those looking for a more relaxing read more style of travel, and who enjoy culture, good food, meeting like-minded people and exploring destinations in depth.
Back-Roads snapshot

Total No. Tours
49

Departures
1,045

Average tour length
9 days

Average price per day
$592
Our thoughts...
The low down on Back-Roads from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
As their name suggests, Back-Roads focus on regional tours off the beaten track across Europe, the UK and Ireland. They're actually owned by Flight Centre Group, and known as Blue-Roads in North America, and with a maximum group size of 18, they offer a relaxed, well-organised way to explore beyond the main tourist routes. The small group size is a major part of their appeal, with our past guests enjoying the chance to get to know their fellow travellers, along with their varied itineraries that blend history, scenery, local food and cultural experiences with smaller character hotels and distinctive stays.
Who travels with Back-Roads?
Travellers from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, the UK and South Africa, including couples and solo travellers who prefer intimate, leisurely paced small-group touring.
What's the age range on a Back-Roads tour?
-
How many people will we be travelling with?
A maximum of 18 guests, with an average of around 15.
I'm a solo-traveller, will your tours suit me?
Yes. Solo travellers are welcomed and travel in their own room while still enjoying the company and security of a small group.
Do you offer single rooms?
Yes. Solo travellers receive their own double room for a 25% single supplement.
Do you offer room-sharing with other solo travellers?
No. Back-Roads does not offer room sharing between solo travellers.
How would you describe the accommodation on your trips?
Characterful accommodation including country inns, town-centre hotels, villas, historic properties and occasionally castles.
Are there any extras to pay on top of the tour price shown?
Arrival and departure transfers, meals and drinks not specified and optional activities.
Do you have the same guide throughout the trip?
Yes. Tours are accompanied by an expert Back-Roads Tour Leader throughout the journey.
Do you use local guides?
Yes. Local guides are used for selected sightseeing and specialist experiences.
How much free time will we have on a Back-Roads trip?
Tours are deliberately leisurely paced and balance included sightseeing with regular free time for independent exploration.
How fit do we need to be?
Travellers should be able to walk upstairs unassisted and manage normal sightseeing on foot. Historic accommodation may not have lifts, and some itineraries involve walking on uneven surfaces.
Recent Back-Roads reviews
Backroads London to Paris via Channel Islands 0
Donna, QLD, Australia, Aug 2026
Amazing tour though the minivan is small! It was only 16 not 18 thank goodness so we had a bit of space. I’d recommend this trip as it has history, ancient and modern. Learnt so much, and our guide Nicole was fantastic. And Adam our driver was always nearby to help with bags and whatever we needed! Overall great trip.
Great time 0
Richard and Kerrie, NSW, Australia, Jun 2026
We had a great time lots of interesting sights and lots of laughs. We met some lovely fellow travellers whom I’m sure we will keep in touch with. Transport very comfortable and accomodation very good. Tracy did everything she could have to keep us fully informed and will definitely call again if we travel for a 3rd time with Backroads.
Wonderful French tour 0
Ruth, NSW, Australia, May 2026
There were so many highlights in this tour! There was only 8 of us making up a merry band of travellers, so still plenty of room on a minibus. Monet's garden at Giverny was a standout, as well as Honfleur and the Loire Valley, where we stayed in a chateau for a night. Christian was a dedicated and personable guide and Mihai was an excellent driver.
Sicilian Delight 2
Susan, NSW, Australia, Nov 2025
This tour combines both the ancient history of Sicily and the culture of the Sicilian people through their food and living traditions. It included unique accommodation such as an Olive Farm and a previous Monastery as well as beautiful hotels. One other highlight was a five course degustation luncheon with matching wines on the slopes of Mt Etna. Included read more in the tour is also visits to community programs fighting against crime and teaching young people the art of early chocolate making. These, as well as many other activities, were achieved without long days of travel which is the disadvantage of many larger tours.
Leisurely Puglia tour 1
Denise, QLD, Australia, Oct 2025
This was my 1st Backroads tour. This is a regional tour visiting some lovely scenic towns. Lecce was my favourite: biggest town we visited with wonderful limestone Baroque architecture. We stayed in a lovely palazzo here. Very energetic, fun, tour leader. A full group of 18. Bus was very cramped and not comfortable. Thank goodness we weren't travelling read more long distances. My gluten free diet request was well catered for at all hotels and included dinners. The last 2 hotels we stayed in were quite basic. I am usually a solo traveller. On this tour I travelled with a Canadian friend. We prefer a busier, more active style of travelling. I felt this tour was more suited to couples rather than solo travellers.This was the 2nd of 3 tours over 6 weeks that I arranged with the friendly and professional assistance of Georgie and Hannah.
Back-Roads' most popular trips this month...