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APT vs Travelmarvel
Compare the travel styles, pricing, destinations and popularity of APT and Travelmarvel.The Low Down
Initially providing coach touring around Australia and NZ to the local market, APT have grown exponentially over the last decade to now offer trips around the world, and are well known for their European river cruises. Over the last few years APT have introduced small ship expeditions that cruise the waters through Asia, Europe, Canada and off the coast of Kimberley. Catering primarily for the retired market, their trips aren't cheap, but in APT's case - you get what you pay for. Look out for their great Fly Free offers, and Earlybird Savings. The team here at Global Journeys have travelled multiple times by coach, cruise & river with APT, and we definitely recommend them as a quality, consistent, reliable Operator, and our past client reviews back that up.
The lesser known, but equally popular Travelmarvel, is the sister brand of APT. Positioned as a premium Operator, but a level down from APT with regards to pricing, inclusions and the age of it's river ships. Travelmarvel & APT share the same past passenger Rewards Scheme, and many of our clients like prefer to spend a little less, knowing they are still backed by one of Australasia's premier touring companies. With it's roots in coach touring through Australia and New Zealand, Travelmarvel now offer river cruises in Europe & Asia, tours and cruises in Canada and trips around South & Central America. As Platinum Partners of APT & Travelmarvel, our consulting team have an in-depth knowledge and have personally experienced travelling with Travelmarvel and would relish the opportunity to help organise your next holiday.
Stats
No. of Trips
348
No. of Departures
2,490
Avg. Trip Length
16 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$965
Accommodation
4 - 5 Star
Budget
Premium & Luxury
No. of Trips
338
No. of Departures
2,727
Avg. Trip Length
15 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$611
Accommodation
4 Star
Budget
Affordable & Premium
In Their Own Words
We asked the travel companies themselves why you should travel with them
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 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.
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 staff are regarded as a holiday highlight in their own right.
Travelmarvel holidays offer the perfect combination of all the highlights of the destination with outstanding quality and value for money - you won’t go wrong choosing Travelmavel for your next holiday adventure.
Recent Reviews
4.7
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.
Eastern Block and River cruise 0
Eastern Bloc with Magnificent Europe
Judith and Geoffrey, QLD, Australia, Jun 2026
APT is definitely a luxury company - accommodation, meals, staff were all exceptional. Mostly Australians and New Zealanders on our 2 tours which made it easy for us to assimilate and find discussion topics with like-minded people. Our tour guides were also exceptional - very helpful, tolerant and accommodating. This was our first journey with APT and read more we would go with this travel company again.
Global Journeys provided timely updates and information and Mandy was also quick with responses to questions and provided the tactful “prod” we needed to get organized for our trip. It’s too easy to let things slide when you are flat strap with daily business but Mandy was diligent in reminding us of things that needed to be done. Loved the “check list” provided.
Name badges: I could have sworn I packed them but they weren’t in the bag when we opened them in Prague. Some travellers didn’t receive them before they left Australia. I would have preferred that APT gave us the name badges at the welcoming event in Prague. The staff on the cruise ship did prove us with one when we asked.
Global Journeys provided timely updates and information and Mandy was also quick with responses to questions and provided the tactful “prod” we needed to get organized for our trip. It’s too easy to let things slide when you are flat strap with daily business but Mandy was diligent in reminding us of things that needed to be done. Loved the “check list” provided.
Name badges: I could have sworn I packed them but they weren’t in the bag when we opened them in Prague. Some travellers didn’t receive them before they left Australia. I would have preferred that APT gave us the name badges at the welcoming event in Prague. The staff on the cruise ship did prove us with one when we asked.
This was an amazing experience. Our guide/driver Trish was fabulous. A small number of passengers made this trip very personal and everyone was very enthusiastic. A couple of disappointing accommodations but the APT camps were excellent. Dietary requirements were generally good especially at APT lodges. I would recommend this trip and the APT experience on this tour.
Fantastic APT trip through The Kimberley & The Top End 0
Kimberley and Top End
Derek and Alison , New Zealand, Jun 2026
We booked our APT Tour using Global Journeys (Hannah). We had a fantastic time 10/10. 100% met (or actually exceeded) our expectations. Booking process was easy and Hannah helped us manage the process smoothly and always replied quickly to our queries. Trip itself was holiday of a lifetime. 20 of us in the group and we all became 'mates' very quickly. read more Driver / Tour guide Leigh was totally amazing, great personality, unbelievable knowledge and organised everything perfectly.
Highlights?? there are too many to mention, but helicopter ride over the Bunge Bungles would be in the top five. Walk to Mitchell Falls, tour through Arnhem Land / Kakadu National Park, huge selection of Aboriginal rock art to view, Emma Groge walk, numerous amazing swimming spots such as Zebedee Springs are just a few that come to mind. Accommodation at APT Wilderness Lodges (ensuite glamping) and the cuisine we were served was also another definite highlight. Only downside is that, due to the distances that need to be covered, we spent an average of five hours on the (very comfortable, with Starlink) 4WD bus and also this meant lots of early starts each day eg. breakfast at 6am for 6.45am departure. As long as you can handle this I say go for it, you will NOT be disappointed.
Highlights?? there are too many to mention, but helicopter ride over the Bunge Bungles would be in the top five. Walk to Mitchell Falls, tour through Arnhem Land / Kakadu National Park, huge selection of Aboriginal rock art to view, Emma Groge walk, numerous amazing swimming spots such as Zebedee Springs are just a few that come to mind. Accommodation at APT Wilderness Lodges (ensuite glamping) and the cuisine we were served was also another definite highlight. Only downside is that, due to the distances that need to be covered, we spent an average of five hours on the (very comfortable, with Starlink) 4WD bus and also this meant lots of early starts each day eg. breakfast at 6am for 6.45am departure. As long as you can handle this I say go for it, you will NOT be disappointed.
Fantastic Lake Eyre and Flinders Ranges 0
Lake Eyre and Flinders Ranges
Robert and Denise, QLD, Australia, May 2026
It was the trip of a lifetime. Lake Eyre lived up to its reputation and the Flinders Ranges were spectacular, with an amazing flight over Wilpena Pound. Meals were first class. The coach, operated by Gary. Was top notch. We couldn’t drive on two sections of the roads but APT chartered two planes on two occasions. Hannah from Globus is very professional and friendly.
From the start Grace was very helpful with our booking. Our trip itself was absolutely fantastic and we would highly recommend it. We felt so lucky the whole trip. We felt that travelling mid to late May was the perfect time to travel. The country was so lush and green and there was so many beautiful flowers to be seen, plus so much water in all the read more falls, yet we were earlier enough in the season to be ahead of most travellers as some roads were not yet open after such a late wet season. On that note we were absolutely delighted when APT flew our whole group from Drysdale station to their lodge at Mitchel Plateau as the road in was not open. The next day they then helicoptered the group up to the Mitchell falls and back again, as the walking track was also closed. This by itself ensured that we will be choosing to travel with APT for our future trips.
We were also lucky enough to be on a trip with two guides, Kylie and Dean. We are aware that other trips only had one guide. We feel having two guides added so much to our trip in a number of ways.
Firstly it allowed the driver (mainly Dean) to concentrate on driving, while the other guide (Kylie) did an outstanding job of setting a very happy and respectful tone on the bus. . She had obviously done an incredible amount of research which she shared with us daily about geographical features, cultural issues, and fauna and flora. This was interspersed with a couple of fun games and some music while giving enough quiet time for us to chat between ourselves or just take in the scenery.
The bus was always immaculately clean every morning and plenty of snacks made available to eat while on the bus.
Having the second guide also meant we felt a lot safer on our walks, with one guide leading the way while the other guide was at the rear helping those in the group who were a little slower or needed a bit more help to negotiate any tricky parts. All together this made for an amazing trip!
We were also lucky enough to be on a trip with two guides, Kylie and Dean. We are aware that other trips only had one guide. We feel having two guides added so much to our trip in a number of ways.
Firstly it allowed the driver (mainly Dean) to concentrate on driving, while the other guide (Kylie) did an outstanding job of setting a very happy and respectful tone on the bus. . She had obviously done an incredible amount of research which she shared with us daily about geographical features, cultural issues, and fauna and flora. This was interspersed with a couple of fun games and some music while giving enough quiet time for us to chat between ourselves or just take in the scenery.
The bus was always immaculately clean every morning and plenty of snacks made available to eat while on the bus.
Having the second guide also meant we felt a lot safer on our walks, with one guide leading the way while the other guide was at the rear helping those in the group who were a little slower or needed a bit more help to negotiate any tricky parts. All together this made for an amazing trip!
4.6
To the top of Australia 0
Cape York and Tropical North by 4WD
Gary and Lea, 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
Gulf Savannah Discovery by 4WD
Gary and Lea, 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.
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.
Our river cruise was incident-free, well organised, and attention to detail could not be faulted. For our age group, it was paced, and every request was attended to with professionalism. The ship was clean and comfortable, and the meals were well presented with a good choice. We did enjoy the friendly atmosphere created by the ship's crew.
Canada & Alaska 0
Reflections of the Rockies and Alaska Cruise
Karen and Michael, NSW, Australia, May 2026
Very happy booking with Global Journeys. I had quick responses to any queries from Hannah Perry. Loved every moment of our Travelmarvel Reflections of the Rockies & Alaska tour. Everything was streamlined to make our journey pretty perfect.
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)
Tour was great and Tracey was excellent in organising, communication and promptness of our booking. Would highly recommend Global Journeys.
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