Home >
Compare Tour & Adventure Operators
> Collette vs Insight Vacations
Collette vs Insight Vacations
Compare the travel styles, pricing, destinations and popularity of Collette and Insight Vacations.The Low Down
While new to the Australian market in 2017, Collette have actually been operating since 1918. Offering coach touring and small group explorations around the world, you won't find too many Aussies and Kiwis on their trips yet, but clients of ours that haven taken the plunge over the last season have come back with very positive reviews. Collette is very popular in the US and now has offices and support in Australia, Canada and the UK too. Collette market their trips as 4 star accommodation with 5 star service and inclusions - so if that sounds like your cup of tea, then how about this - Collette also includes a roundtrip home to airport chauffeur service for those within a 40km radius of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airports.
Upmarket coach touring, with 4.5+ star accommodation, maximum group sizes of 40 on a full size coach and more leisurely paced touring itineraries. The pricing of Insight's trips tends to attract travellers in their 60's and 70's. If you're tall, then you should seriously consider Insight, as their coaches been reconfigured to allow up to twice as much legroom as on a standard coach. Insight have recently launched trips through South America, and expanded their range of Gold Luxury Vacations, where you can expect the ultimate in luxury and refinement.We find that the feedback we get back from past clients is sometimes a little critical, and we feel this is because of the very high standard some of our clients are expecting due to Insight's positioning in the market. On every multi-day journey, there will always be little annoyances, but as a whole package the team here definitely recommend Insight worthy of your consideration. If you've travelled with any of its sister brands like AAT Kings, Trafalgar or Uniworld further savings are available.
Stats
No. of Trips
187
No. of Departures
3,022
Avg. Trip Length
11 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$738
Accommodation
4 Star
Budget
Premium
No. of Trips
440
No. of Departures
2,610
Avg. Trip Length
12 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$630
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Budget
Premium
In Their Own Words
We asked the travel companies themselves why you should travel with them
At Collette, we consider everyone who travels with us to be our personal guest. Every moment matters to us because we know it matters to you. This may be because at heart we are a family owned company that has been in business for 100 years. It may be because our team are passionate about sharing their own love of travel and uncovering mysteries.
Choosing Collette comes with benefits that take your guided travel experience to another level. Our inclusive tours provide you more value for your money and more of what makes travel special. Let us show you the world!
At Insight Vacations we have been creating magical travel experiences for over 40 years, showcasing the most outstanding destinations and curated experiences in Europe and North America.
Why are we different to any other operator? It’s our unique Insight experiences. It’s our authentic and varied dining options, it’s travelling in smaller groups on customised coaches with twice the legroom, it’s staying in the right hotels in the right location, all brought together seamlessly by our exceptional travel directors. In essence: All the sights, and the insights….up close and personal…in comfort and style.
Travel is such a joy and a personal passion for myself and every member of our team. We’re so proud of the quality, service and value we provide and invite you to try it for yourself. Talk to Global Journeys to find out more about travelling in style and booking your next holiday with Insight Vacations.
Recent Reviews
4.6
We booked this tour because it had all the areas of Umbria and Tuscany that we wanted to visit. Collette is an excellent company, and we thought that every detail was well planned. We definitely got the experience we desired.
Cultural Treasures of Japan 0
Cultural Treasures of Japan
Suzan and Stephen, NY, United States, May 2026
I had a fantastic time on my trip to Japan with Collette. Ethan received my booking after the original booking agent left. He was terrifically helpful, even though it was last minute.... very patient, knowledgeable, and reassuring. My guide on the trip was engaging, lively, and very experienced...taking care of all our needs and enriching the experience read more for everyone. The tour was very well balanced between scheduled activities and free time, and the activities were well chosen and enriching. The land was beautiful, and the hotels were quite luxurious. I booked my own flights, and I ended up with more convenient and efficient flights at considerably lower prices, than those who booked air with Collette. I did use Collette transfers to and from the airports, and they were fine. This was my first tour with Collette and I was delighted by it.
My grandma & I recently completed Collette's Spotlight on Tuscany tour with the pre-extension tour in Rome and had a fantastic experience from start to finish. The itinerary was very well organised and provided a perfect balance of guided activities and free time to explore at our own pace. The accommodation was comfortable and centrally located, making read more day trips throughout Tuscany very convenient. Our tour guide Luca was amazing and always went the extra mile to make the trip even more enjoyable.
Collette Alpine Lakes and Scenic Trains tour 0
Alpine Lakes & Scenic Trains
Nida and Dante, NSW, Australia, Apr 2026
We recently had the pleasure of joining Alpine Lakes and Scenic Trains Tours, and it was nothing short of exceptional from start to finish. The entire experience felt thoughtfully designed, balancing breathtaking natural beauty with comfort and seamless organization. The alpine lake destinations were truly stunning—crystal-clear waters surrounded by read more dramatic mountain landscapes that looked almost unreal. Each stop was timed perfectly, allowing enough time to explore, take photos, or simply sit and appreciate the peaceful surroundings without feeling rushed.
The scenic train journeys were a highlight in themselves. Traveling through winding valleys, across historic bridges, and past panoramic vistas offered a unique perspective you simply can’t get by road. The trains were clean, comfortable, and well-equipped, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destinations.
What stood out most was the professionalism and warmth of our tour guide Armando. He was knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate about the regions we visited. His insights added depth to the experience, sharing stories and local history that made each location even more meaningful.
Logistics were handled flawlessly—transport connections, timing, and best accommodations all ran smoothly, which made the trip feel effortless and relaxing. It’s clear that a lot of care goes into planning these tours. Big thank you to the best driver, Diego and tour director Armando Disanto.
We would highly recommend Alpine Lakes and Scenic Trains Tours to anyone looking for a well-curated, memorable travel experience. It’s an ideal blend of nature, comfort, and discovery.
And to Global Journeys, Tracey who assisted us from the beginning until the end of our booking. She made everything hassle free and stress free. Thank you so much Tracey for your help. We would gladly book with them again.
The scenic train journeys were a highlight in themselves. Traveling through winding valleys, across historic bridges, and past panoramic vistas offered a unique perspective you simply can’t get by road. The trains were clean, comfortable, and well-equipped, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destinations.
What stood out most was the professionalism and warmth of our tour guide Armando. He was knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate about the regions we visited. His insights added depth to the experience, sharing stories and local history that made each location even more meaningful.
Logistics were handled flawlessly—transport connections, timing, and best accommodations all ran smoothly, which made the trip feel effortless and relaxing. It’s clear that a lot of care goes into planning these tours. Big thank you to the best driver, Diego and tour director Armando Disanto.
We would highly recommend Alpine Lakes and Scenic Trains Tours to anyone looking for a well-curated, memorable travel experience. It’s an ideal blend of nature, comfort, and discovery.
And to Global Journeys, Tracey who assisted us from the beginning until the end of our booking. She made everything hassle free and stress free. Thank you so much Tracey for your help. We would gladly book with them again.
Wonderful tour of Rome and Amalfi Coast 0
Rome & Amalfi Coast
Ferdi and Virginia, NSW, Australia, Mar 2026
It was great to be back in historic Rome, especially exploring with a group. Our local guides were knowledgeable and the hotel's central location made it easy for us to see the city's major landmarks. The transition to Amalfi Coast was seamless with well organised excursions. We enjoyed the stunning coastal views. We stayed in Vietri sul Mare, a quieter read more base with beautiful scenery, though we would have preferred Salerno for more activity and easier access to restaurants and transport.
The extension to Naples was an eye-opener. We were glad to experience its organised chaos. We were surprised the group wasn't taken to Piazza del Plebiscito, which we discovered on our own.
Our tour manager Giorgio kept everything running smoothly and our driver Luigi ensured we were taken to our tour destinations safe and on time. Our group of 31, all from the States and who mostly knew each other, with just the two of us from Australia, was warm and friendly making the experience even more enjoyable.
Also have to highlight the help from Tracey Standing, who assisted us in reinstating the tour in time after we had cancelled due to uncertainty in our flights via Abu Dhabi. We're glad we made it to this trip.
The extension to Naples was an eye-opener. We were glad to experience its organised chaos. We were surprised the group wasn't taken to Piazza del Plebiscito, which we discovered on our own.
Our tour manager Giorgio kept everything running smoothly and our driver Luigi ensured we were taken to our tour destinations safe and on time. Our group of 31, all from the States and who mostly knew each other, with just the two of us from Australia, was warm and friendly making the experience even more enjoyable.
Also have to highlight the help from Tracey Standing, who assisted us in reinstating the tour in time after we had cancelled due to uncertainty in our flights via Abu Dhabi. We're glad we made it to this trip.
The trip was well organized with a variety of attractions and activities, supplemented by stories and anecdotes shared by the guide. Accommodations were comfortable and stylish. Also kudos to the consideration and flexibility of our guide. Due to weather event, we changed our arrival schedules a few times and ended up arriving one day late. Our guide read more has been very patient and helped us make alternative arrangements.
4.5
This was a very good bus trip, and we particularly enjoyed travelling by ferry to the Orkney Islands. It is something not normally included in many Scotland trips. The sites there- Italian Chapel, Ring of Brogdar, Skara Brae and Skaile House were particularly interesting. Ethan Battison helped us tremendously in planning this trip and we highly recommend him.
I loved having my trip organised by an experienced tour director. It takes a lot of the stress out of travelling, especially in non-English speaking locations. Hotel check-ins were a breeze & the min. 2 nights hotel stays were far better than just 1 night. The early starts were a bit challenging at times but it meant we saw more & were able to gain read more access to venues & events before the crowds arrived. The breakfasts were terrific as were our tour director & driver. The accommodation was great except in Rome where it wasn't satisfactory as my original room was very small, so after requesting a better room the reception man reluctantly moved me to a slightly better room. He wanted extra payment but I refused, after all I had paid a single supplement & expected a reasonable room.
Venice was exhausting. It was extremely hot & virtually no shade & the café waiters frowned if you stood under their outdoor umbrellas. Getting in & out of the smaller boats was difficult in Venice. Throughout the trip, some guests complained about the amount of walking & struggled trying to keep up with the guides.
Overall it was a lovely trip which took us to very special places, one being the music academy in Budapest with a solo piano performance. That was stunning. I chose not to do all the optional extras as I needed some unstructured time at the end of a long day, plus some optional extras were too expensive.
Venice was exhausting. It was extremely hot & virtually no shade & the café waiters frowned if you stood under their outdoor umbrellas. Getting in & out of the smaller boats was difficult in Venice. Throughout the trip, some guests complained about the amount of walking & struggled trying to keep up with the guides.
Overall it was a lovely trip which took us to very special places, one being the music academy in Budapest with a solo piano performance. That was stunning. I chose not to do all the optional extras as I needed some unstructured time at the end of a long day, plus some optional extras were too expensive.
We have completed this part of our ambitious 3 month holiday. We were very happy with Traceys handling of our booking and getting our documents released early before we left australia. We are now looking forward to our next Insight tour of Iceland commencing next week!
Destinations, bus comfort & top hotels made this tour exceptional. Included meals were always top class & guide was friendly, knowledgeable & helpful. Only negative was that 1 night stops made trip seemed rushed - 2 nights in each location would have provided more leisurely experience.
From the begining to the end, booking, touring Germany, Austria, France and Switzerland, our tour guide, coach driver, hotels, food, Qatar airlines - it was a wonderful experience with no blips.
Interesting tour of Eastern Europe. 0
Highlights of Eastern Europe
Christine and Stephen, NSW, Australia, Oct 2025
Our guide, Brad, was amazing. He had such an extensive knowledge of everywhere we went. This was our fifth Insight tour and I would highly recommend them. Our booking with Global was seamless and Hannah was very efficient and helpful. The places we visited were very interesting, I especially enjoyed the dinner river cruise at night in Budapest. The read more Parliament building alone, is worth the effort.
Popular Trips
14 Days Johannesburg to Cape Town
Operator: Collette
From
11,202pp
Save
911pp
11 Days Ljubljana to Dubrovnik
Operator: Collette
From
5,781pp
Save
518pp
15 Days Madrid to Barcelona
Operator: Insight Vacations
From
6,788pp
Save
1,289pp
22 Days London to London
Operator: Insight Vacations
From
11,935pp
Save
2,729pp
16 Days Paris to Paris
Operator: Insight Vacations
From
7,678pp
Save
1,548pp
