Collette vs Tauck

Compare Collette's and Tauck'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.
Collette

Collette

73 Reviews

Why should we travel with Collette?

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

By Travellers. For Travellers. Family-owned and operated, we’ve been perfecting the art of travel since 1918. As travellers ourselves, we create journeys that feel seamless, personal, and premium, no matter how you choose to explore the world. When we say 'premium' we mean unmatched tour design and industry-leading service, so you’re taken care of every step of the way. Whether you’re on a traditional Classic tour or an Explorations journey with an average of 19 travellers, you’ll feel the Collette difference: smarter design, insider read more access, and journeys created by and for the modern traveller.

What types of trips do Collette offer?

Coach Tours Small Group Tours Short Breaks

Where can you travel to?

Africa Asia Canada & Alaska Egypt & Middle East Europe South America UK & Ireland USA More...

Collette snapshot

Total No. ToursTotal No. Tours
155
DeparturesDepartures
3,835
Average tour lengthAverage tour length
10 days
Average price per dayAverage price per day
$739

Our thoughts...

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

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 read more service for those within a 40km radius of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airports.

Who travels with Collette?

Travellers looking for premium, professionally guided touring that combines major sights, cultural experiences and the social atmosphere of travelling with a group of like-minded people.

What's the age range on a Collette tour?

Designed for the young at heart, curious traveller, averaging +50yrs.

How many people will we be travelling with?

Classic tours average 37 travellers and have a maximum of 44. Small group explorations average 19 traveller's with a maximum of 24 in most destinations. To enhance the experience in places like Africa, our group sizes can be more intimate with an average of 14 travellers to accommodate safari vehicles for a more comfortable adventure.

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

Whether you're new to solo travel or a seasoned pro, travelling with Collette is one of the best ways to experience the world on your own. Group travel makes it easier to connect, feel comfortable and explore with confidence.

What percentage of people travel solo with you?

25%

Do you offer single rooms?

Yes. A reduced 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?

From eco lodges to countryside villas, tented safari camps to premium boutique hotels, our accommodation is chosen to connect you to where you are and goes beyond just a place to sleep.

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

Meals and activities not specified as included and gratuities. Tipping for the Tour Manager, coach driver, local guides and porterage are not automatically included but can be prepaid before departure for Australian and New Zealand travellers only.

Do you have the same guide throughout the trip?

Yes, all tours are accompanied by an expert Tour Manager who leads the way from beginning to end.

Do you use local guides?

Yes. Expert local guides are used to provide destination-specific knowledge and insights.

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

Free time is thoughtfully built in, exactly where you'll want it. Sometimes it’s a free morning, afternoon, or evening. Free time gives you a chance to explore points of interest on your own; to let your curiosity lead you into a shop, wander down a charming cobblestone alley, strike up a conversation with a local, or even enjoy a meal with fellow traveller's who might have been strangers on day one.

How fit do we need to be?

Each itinerary indicates an activity level to demonstrate the expected amount of walking, uneven terrain, stairs, altitude and other physical demands. These are graded as light, moderate, active and very active dependent on the trip style and destination.

Recent Collette reviews

Scenic Slovenia and Croatia 0
, QLD, Australia, Jun 2026
I had the best time on this tour in the beautiful scenic countries of Slovenia and Croatia. This was my first time travelling with Collette tours and I couldn’t have been happier. We visited beautiful places such as Ljublijana, Lake Bled, Plitvice Lakes, as well as the historical and interesting old towns of Split and Dubrovnik on the Adriatic Sea. read more There were guided tours in each place.

We also had lots of fun experiences from exploring little hill top villages, farm to plate lunches, sampling local tasty produce, liquors and wine and little surprises along the way with unexpected extras such as visiting a war bunker and an old salt mine. We had great accommodation and breakfasts in all stays!

Our tour manager Sonja was excellent and being from Croatia gave us great insights into the countries and cultures. Our driver was very safe and professional. All fellow travellers, mainly from the USA were friendly, fun and interested in sharing stories with us three Australians! I’d definitely consider travelling with Collette tours again.
Amazing Tuscan Adventure 0
, PA, United States, May 2026
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
, 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.
Spotlight on Tuscany 0
, QLD, Australia, Apr 2026
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
, 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.

Collette's most popular trips this month...

9 Day Alpine Lakes & Scenic Trains (Collette)
Alpine Lakes & Scenic Trains

9 Days Lake Maggiore to Lucerne

From
7,643pp
13 Day Cultural Treasures of Japan (Collette)
Cultural Treasures of Japan

13 Days Tokyo to Kyoto

From
9,505pp
11 Day Discover Croatia, Slovenia and the Adriatic Coast (Collette)
Discover Croatia, Slovenia and the Adriatic Coast

11 Days Ljubljana to Dubrovnik

From
5,536pp
14 Day Exploring South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana (Collette)
Exploring South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana

14 Days Johannesburg to Cape Town

From
10,957pp
8 Day Pacific Northwest & California (Collette)
Pacific Northwest & California

8 Days Seattle to San Francisco

From
6,173pp

Why should we travel with Tauck?

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

We believe that when you travel, you should never settle for ordinary. You deserve to travel in good company, with someone who cares. We believe that good value sells itself – you should get what you pay for, and then some, in one upfront price with virtually everything included. Leave your worries at home; we take on all the planning, all the logistics. To you, it’s peace of mind travel, to us, it’s 90+ years of integrity.

Wherever we travel, we’re all about taking you to explore the world’s treasures….discover people and cultures you may not read more have known existed…and experience extraordinary, life-changing moments. Since 1925, we’ve built our company on the personal referrals and recommendations of our guests. We can think of no higher testament to our journeys and commitment to customer satisfaction – and no better way to tell you what we do than through their words.

What types of trips do Tauck offer?

Land Journeys River Cruises Small Ship Cruises Small Group Tours Family Tours

Where can you travel to?

Africa Asia Canada & Alaska Europe South America UK & Ireland USA

Tauck snapshot

Total No. ToursTotal No. Tours
84
DeparturesDepartures
1,260
Average tour lengthAverage tour length
11 days
Average price per dayAverage price per day
$1,440

Our thoughts...

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

New to the Australian market in 2017, Tauck actually began operating in the US more than 90 years ago. Today they offer premium river cruises, land tours, small ship cruises, family adventures and small group journeys around the world. Tauck are renowned for the quality and inclusiveness of their trips, whether on land or water, so you can almost leave your wallet at home – don’t actually do that – knowing most things are taken care of. While the majority of their guests come from North America, the feedback we’ve received from the Aussies and Kiwis we’ve arranged trips for has been overwhelmingly positive.

Who travels with Tauck?

Well-travelled couples, friends and solo travellers seeking upscale, fully guided travel, with a predominantly mature guest mix. Tauck Bridges tours cater for multi-generational families.

What's the age range on a Tauck tour?

Primarily mature travellers, generally aged 50 and over.

How many people will we be travelling with?

Classic Tauck land journeys average approximately 35 to 44 guests. Many itineraries also offered small group departures.

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

Yes. Solo travellers are welcome across Tauck's land journeys, with single-occupancy pricing available on departures.

What percentage of people travel solo with you?

-

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?

Upscale hotels, resorts, lodges, historic properties, castles, boutique hotels and distinctive destination stays selected for their setting, character and sense of place.

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

Some meals and Tauck Director and driver gratuities.

Do you have the same guide throughout the trip?

Yes. A dedicated Tauck Director accompanies and manages the journey, although personnel can change on longer or combined itineraries.

Do you use local guides?

Yes. Tauck uses handpicked local guides and experts alongside the Tauck Director to provide destination-specific knowledge and interpretation.

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

Journeys are comprehensive and highly organised, but itineraries regularly include independent time to explore, relax or follow recommendations from the Tauck Director.

How fit do we need to be?

Travellers need sufficient mobility to walk around 0.5 to 1 mile at a time, negotiate stairs and uneven surfaces, stand for up to an hour and board coaches, boats or other transport independently. More demanding journeys require additional fitness.

Recent Tauck reviews

Beautiful, safe Colombia 0
, NT, Australia, Jan 2026
Well organised, informative and a very safe trip to Colombia. Travelling with Tauck is a luxurious experience. The travel itinerary was interesting and varied, hotels were good quality, transportation was well organised and comfy and the food was plentiful (lots of quality three course meals included). Key highlights included a private tour of Boltero read more museum in Bogotá guided by Botero’s grandson, Colombian Paso Fino horse experience at Normandia Equestrian Center in Medellín, staying at the beautiful Sofitel Legend Santa Clara hotel in Cartagena and an impromptu salsa class in Cartagena. The local guides generously shared their knowledge along the way and were instrumental in facilitating efficient check in for internal airline flights. Highly recommended trip for those wanting to go beyond traditional places especially as tourism in Colombia continues to grow. Beautiful country, beautiful people.

Tip: If booking airline flights through Global Journeys, ask for each passenger to have their own individual travel reservation number. Due to airline system upgrades, Colombian/ Panamanian airlines at international airports do not appear to recognise multiple passengers booked under the same travel reservation number (you’ll be stuck at the airline check in counter for an additional 2 hours for each flight you take).
Spirit of the Desert with Tauck 22
, CA, United States, May 2025
Just a bare glimpse (see our photo) of our amazing Tauck journey “The Spirit of the Desert”. It was fabulous!!! Colorado River, Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce at sunrise (2 of those), Zion, and the clouds lifting over the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Thank you, a million times over! It was wonderful! I hope you have the opportunity to do it. Happy trails.
Warsaw, Budapest, Vienna and Prague 4
, Korea, May 2023
The poor weather (rain, cold and wind) was a distraction throughout the tour which, unfortunately, had a negative effect on many of the venues. It made the tour guides jobs particularly difficult. Not Tauck's problem but, nonetheless, it was unfortunate as it negatively impacted the tour. When we booked this tour, we compared it to another Tauck Eastern read more European tour referred to as a Jewish Heritage Tour. As we are are not of Jewish faith, we felt that this tour would not be meaningful to us. In hindsight, we are not sure that the tour we chose would have been much different from the Jewish Heritage Tour. Most of the members in our tour group were in fact Jewish and the focus of the tour definitely was on the Jewish faith and the Holocaust. I would like to suggest that Tauck make more of an effort to differentiate between these two tours. There is much to consider in an Eastern European tour that does not focus so highly on the Jewish heritage.

On a very positive note, the local tour guides were excellent, very knowledgeable, courteous and friendly. Our Tauck Tour Guide was also excellent with extensive experience in Eastern Europe. One final negative comment, unfortunately. Even though we realize that Tauck does not make hotel room assignments, we feel that they can do a much better job of influencing the hotels on our stay to provide rooms that are more comparable to the cost of our tour. We have not once during our Tauck tours been assigned a hotel room with a view of anything but rooftops of adjacent buildings or a view of another section of the hotel itself. That's not what we feel we deserve for the money we pay for these tours. On a closing note, we are booked on our next Tauck tour to Portugal in October and plan to book a follow-on Tauck tour to New Zealand on 2024.
Tauck Grand Alaska tour 3
, NSW, Australia, Aug 2022
Denali was spectacular and thoroughly enjoyed the plane ride up over Denali. The trip into the park was also great and we did see some bears and Dall sheep way off into the distance. The Lodges were all Princess Lodges and were very crowded. Quite a number of us caught COVID so didn't make the cruise which was very disappointing but enjoyed what we did see.
Tauck Capital Cities Plus Niagara Falls 4
, NSW, Australia, Aug 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this tour. We had a great Tour Director and everything was well organised. She gave very informative information on the places we were visiting and had a great sense of humour. The accommodations were fabulous and there was a great group of people on the tour.

Tauck's most popular trips this month...

12 Day Grand New England (Tauck)
Grand New England

12 Days Boston to Boston

From
14,642pp
14 Day Warsaw, Budapest, Vienna & Prague (Tauck)
Warsaw, Budapest, Vienna & Prague

14 Days Warsaw to Prague

From
18,008pp
18 Day A Portrait of India (Tauck)
A Portrait of India

18 Days Delhi to Mumbai

From
17,513pp
8 Day Michigan's Lakes & Mackinac Island (Tauck)
Michigan's Lakes & Mackinac Island

8 Days Traverse City to Detroit

From
8,900pp
8 Day Seaside New England: Boston, Cape Cod & Newport (Tauck)
From
10,187pp