APT vs Travelmarvel

Compare APT's and Travelmarvel's tours, including their travel styles, inclusions, destinations, pricing, accommodation and popularity with past travellers, to see which operator is the better fit for your next journey.

Why should we travel with APT?

We asked APT why you should travel with them, here's what they said...

APT is an Australian family-owned company whose essence began in Melbourne in the 1920s. More than 90 years on, APT offers life-enriching trips to every continent, and through the company’s vast industry experience, meticulous planning and unquestionable passion it's earned a place among the world’s most well-regarded travel companies.

From boutique river cruising to small-group 4WD adventures; traditional coach touring with a decadent twist; epic rail journeys to small-ship expeditions; classic ocean cruising to safaris of discovery by both read more land and air – there’s little APT are unwilling to consider in pursuit of creating the finest holiday experience for its valued guests.

Timeless luxury, exclusive experiences, life enriching moments and true personalisation. APT offers all-inclusive holidays so everything is taken care of. We invite you to join us; you won’t be disappointed.

What types of trips do APT offer?

Land Journeys River Cruises Ocean Cruises Small Group Tours 4WD Overland Tours Rail Journeys

Where can you travel to?

Africa Antarctica Asia Australia Canada & Alaska Europe New Zealand South America More...

APT snapshot

Total No. ToursTotal No. Tours
101
DeparturesDepartures
1,118
Average tour lengthAverage tour length
13 days
Average price per dayAverage price per day
$999

Our thoughts...

The low down on APT from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Initially focused on coach touring around Australia and New Zealand, APT have grown significantly over the past 15 years and now offer trips around the world. They’re particularly well known and highly regarded for their all-inclusive luxury European river cruises. In more recent years, APT have also expanded into small ship expedition cruising, partnering with some of the world’s leading expedition cruise lines to offer voyages through Asia, Europe, Canada and along Australia’s Kimberley coast.

More recently, APT launched their river cruises into the North American market, so it will be interesting to see whether Canadians and Americans embrace read more them as strongly as we have Downunder. Catering primarily to the mature and retired market, their trips aren’t cheap, but in APT’s case, you get what you pay for. Keep an eye out for their Fly Free offers and Earlybird Savings.

The team here at Global Journeys have travelled with APT multiple times by coach, river and small ship cruise, and we confidently recommend them as a quality, consistent and reliable operator - over 450 past APT client's reviews back that up too.

Who travels with APT?

Mostly Australians and New Zealanders, with some international guests.

What's the age range on a APT tour?

Generally 50+

I'm a solo-traveller, will your tours suit me?

Yes.

Do you offer single rooms?

Yes. A single supplement applies and single-room pricing and availability is shown for each departure.

Do you offer room-sharing with other solo travellers?

No.

How would you describe the accommodation on your trips?

Luxury accommodation ranging from hand-picked city hotels and resorts to distinctive lodges and regional properties.

Are there any extras to pay on top of the price shown?

Some optional experiences and meals and beverages not listed as included. Transfers, porterage and tipping are included.

Do you have the same guide throughout the trip?

Yes. APT's fully escorted land journeys are accompanied by an APT Tour Director or equivalent guide, with arrangements varying on some specialist itineraries.

Do you use local guides?

Yes. Local guides and specialists are used for selected sightseeing and destination experiences.

How much free time will we have on a APT trip?

APT combines included sightseeing and experiences with periods at leisure and Freedom of Choice activities on selected journeys.

How fit do we need to be?

Activity levels range from leisurely to moderate on most tours, although adventure and remote-area itineraries can be more physically demanding.

Recent APT reviews

Cape York 0
, NSW, Australia, Sep 2026
Some of the accommodation was very upmarket, I know it says luxury travel and we need bus parking and close to amenities. So is the Shangri La necessary. Starting with a night at Port Douglas, we could travel a little further for our first stop and it was very luxurious as well. Lunch meals, would a sandwich or salad roll suffice as we are not very read more active sitting on the bus. Overall food and accommodation were excellent.
Lake Eyre wonder 0
, QLD, Australia, Sep 2026
Lake Eyre trip was a bucket list and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Our driver, Michael was informative and the best driver. However, the accommodation in the first couple of days was not the usual that APT would have provided and the welcome dinner was unfortunately by the majority of the group was of a lower standard that was offered. After read more the first 2 stops, accommodation and meals was improved. I would recommend this trip just for the serenity and wonder of Lake Eyre.
Cape York Tip 0
, NSW, Australia, Aug 2026
Another great journey with APT. The organisation and attention to detail by our driver Jordan and tour director Gaille left nothing to be desired. Trip included many highlights, but the standout ones are the time walks to Spilt Rock and Cape York tip. Accommodation was generally good except for the stay at Bramwell. Thanks to Georgie for arranging this read more trip - as always it was well organised.
Exploring the best of the Kimberleys with APT 0
, VIC , Australia, Aug 2026
After a rocky start due to poor communication between APT and Cable Beach resort, we met our APT tour guide/coach driver, Scotty who proceeded to exceed our expectations in his leadership and infectious enthusiasm for the Kimberley region. Travelling in APT’s go anywhere, very comfortable, coach made the long distances over often corrugated dirt roads read more and through river beds well worthwhile. The Bungle Bungles, El Questro Homestead, (a wonderful upgrade option), hikes through Emma Gorge, Tunnel Cave, Bell Gorge and Galvan Gorge were spectacular whilst the Ord River Cruise was well worthwhile. Our privately arranged Sea plane flight, with luxury overnight stay, to the Horizontal Falls ended our adventure on a fantastic note. A final note for APT is to take responsibility for arranging all meal options throughout the trip, and ensure the guests have a proper introduction to each other on the night prior to our departure, so all guests are provided with the same level of service they expect from APT.
West Coast disapointment 0
, QLD, Australia, Jun 2026
In comparison to the Kimberley tour this was disappointing. I expected a different experience with a full quota of passengers and the itinerary, however the accommodation was well below the standard I expected for the cost. Dietary requirements were not well catered for and one picnic lunch was two slices of gf bread with a handful of salad leaves - read more no butter no protein. I think this tour needs to be reviewed and revamped. All the passengers got on well together but I know there was discontent about the very restricted use of the onboard toilet. It was only used once (in an emergency-a requirement) and the bushes were still recommended as the better option. Not acceptable and I have included this in my APT feedback.

APT's most popular trips this month...

15 Day Kimberley Complete (APT)
Kimberley Complete

15 Days Broome to Broome

From
13,225pp
12 Day Tasmania Complete (APT)
Tasmania Complete

12 Days Hobart to Hobart

From
8,325pp
9 Day Essence of the Kimberley (APT)
Essence of the Kimberley

9 Days Broome to Broome

From
8,423pp
11 Day Cooktown and Cape York (APT)
Cooktown and Cape York

11 Days Cairns to Cairns

From
9,893pp
17 Day Kimberley and Top End (APT)
Kimberley and Top End

17 Days Darwin to Broome

From
15,381pp
Travelmarvel

Travelmarvel

119 Reviews

Why should we travel with Travelmarvel?

We asked Travelmarvel why you should travel with them, here's what they said...

Holiday memories are not just shaped by the incredible places you visit, but also by the wonderful people you meet along the way. At Travelmarvel, we know that great service is about going above and beyond, and that’s why our expert team are regarded as a holiday highlight in their own right.

Travelmarvel holidays offer the perfect combination of all the highlights of a destination with outstanding quality and value for money - you won’t go wrong choosing Travelmarvel for your next holiday adventure.

What types of trips do Travelmarvel offer?

Land Journeys River Cruises Small Group Tours Rail Journeys Coastal Cruises

Where can you travel to?

Africa Asia Australia Canada & Alaska Egypt & Middle East Europe New Zealand South America More...

Travelmarvel snapshot

Total No. ToursTotal No. Tours
81
DeparturesDepartures
972
Average tour lengthAverage tour length
12 days
Average price per dayAverage price per day
$699

Our thoughts...

The low down on Travelmarvel from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Lesser known, but equally as popular, Travelmarvel, is the sister brand of APT and are positioned as a premium operator. A level down from APT with regards to pricing and trip inclusions, but both share the same past passenger loyalty scheme, and many of our clients prefer to spend a little less, knowing they are still backed by one of Australasia's leading touring and river cruise companies.

With it's roots in coach touring through Australia and New Zealand, Travelmarvel also offer river cruises in Europe and Asia as well as tours and cruises in Canada and around South & Central America. As Platinum Partners of APT & Travelmarvel for read more many years, our advisor team has an in-depth knowledge of Travelmarvel tours and river cruises having experienced travelling with them on many occasions, and would relish the opportunity to help you organise your next holiday with them.

Who travels with Travelmarvel?

Primarily mature-aged travellers who enjoy a relaxed, social style of group touring with a blend of included sightseeing and time to explore independently.

What's the age range on a Travelmarvel tour?

Generally 55+, with many travellers in their 60s and 70s.

I'm a solo-traveller, will your tours suit me?

Solo travellers are welcome on Travelmarvel tours, with solo offers available on selected departures.

Do you offer single rooms?

Yes. A single supplement applies and single-room pricing and availability is shown for each departure.

Do you offer room-sharing with other solo travellers?

No.

How would you describe the accommodation on your trips?

Premium hand-picked hotels and resorts, selected for comfort, service and convenient access to key attractions.

Are there any extras to pay on top of the price shown?

Optional Enhance Your Journey experiences and meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary. Transfers, porterage and tipping are included.

Do you have the same guide throughout the trip?

Yes. Land tours are escorted by experienced Travelmarvel Tour Directors, although that varies on some rail and cruise components.

Do you use local guides?

Yes. English-speaking local guides are used throughout many itineraries to provide localised specialist destination knowledge.

How much free time will we have on a Travelmarvel trip?

Tours deliberately balance structured sightseeing with leisure time, allowing travellers to explore independently or choose additional experiences.

How fit do we need to be?

-

Recent Travelmarvel reviews

14 Day South Western WA 0
, NSW, Australia, Sep 2026
Had a wonderful trip a fantastic group of 32. Kayla answered all my questions without delay and everything went smoothly. I would have no hesitation in booking with Global Journeys in the future.
Calgary to Vancouver 0
, WA, Australia, Aug 2026
Wonderful tour. Met all our expectations. Many thanks to Hannah for your help. You went above and beyond to make sure we received what we wanted.
To the top of Australia 0
, NSW, Australia, Jul 2026
Interesting and informative trip. Well worth the effort and definitely a 'bucket list' tour. Accommodation, meals, 4WD vehicle and driver/guide Noel were all very good although the Bramwell Station accommodation was quite cramped. Our thanks to Grace for her assistance throughout the booking process.
Far North Queensland and beyond 0
, NSW, Australia, Jun 2026
We combined the Gulf Savannah and Cape York trips back-to-back. Both tours were very interesting and worthwhile.
Highlights of the Gulf Savannah tour were sunset and drinks on a sand island in the Gulf at Karumba, exploring Cobbold Gorge and going deep into the Undarra Lava Tubes. Our driver/guide (Danny) was personable and informative, but some of read more the accommodation and meals were very basic.

Highlights of the Cape York tour were travelling the Bloomfield 4WD track, crocodile spotting in Weipa, exploring Bamaga, walking to the tip of Cape York, and checking out the highlights of Thursday Island. Our driver/guide (Noel) was excellent and very experienced/knowledgeable about the areas visited. Accommodation and meals were generally good, although Bramwell Station is quite different!

As usual, Grace from GJ was a great help with our booking, liaising professionally with Travelmarvel when the tour dates were changed late in the process.
Interesting and mostly enjoyable tour. 1
, VIC, Australia, May 2026
The tour started well with the efficient pick up at the airport and the first 2 nights in a great hotel in Tokyo. The welcome dinner was not up to scratch, but our tour guide helped things along with attentive service. The bus and following few days were all great with glimpses of Japanese life and country. Should have stopped for view of Mt Fuji, not read more a glimpse as the bus rushed by. Mostly the hotels were good quality but for at least 3 nights they were less than 4 stars, not the premium as promised. Included lunches and dinners were good, albeit some at venues a long way from the accommodation. The bullet train was an experience but the other train journey on the last day was a waste of time. Seemed we did the same things X3 (temples/shrine, Japanese lunch/dinner/ bus ride with flashes of scenery)

Travelmarvel's most popular trips this month...

10 Day Grand Tasman (Travelmarvel)
Grand Tasman

10 Days Launceston to Launceston

From
4,601pp
10 Day South West Explorer (Travelmarvel)
South West Explorer

10 Days Perth to Perth

From
5,777pp
15 Day New Zealand Getaway (Travelmarvel)
New Zealand Getaway

15 Days Auckland to Christchurch

From
6,953pp
20 Day Highlights of South America (Travelmarvel)
Highlights of South America

20 Days Rio de Janeiro to Lima

From
14,442pp
15 Day New Zealand Rail Adventure (Travelmarvel)
New Zealand Rail Adventure

15 Days Auckland to Christchurch

From
8,031pp