Collette vs Trafalgar

Compare Collette's and Trafalgar'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

63 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
151
DeparturesDepartures
3,418
Average tour lengthAverage tour length
10 days
Average price per dayAverage price per day
$637

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
6,859pp
13 Day Cultural Treasures of Japan (Collette)
Cultural Treasures of Japan

13 Days Tokyo to Kyoto

From
8,525pp
11 Day Discover Croatia, Slovenia and the Adriatic Coast (Collette)
Discover Croatia, Slovenia and the Adriatic Coast

11 Days Ljubljana to Dubrovnik

From
5,193pp
14 Day Exploring South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana (Collette)
Exploring South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana

14 Days Johannesburg to Cape Town

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10,764pp
8 Day Pacific Northwest & California (Collette)
Pacific Northwest & California

8 Days Seattle to San Francisco

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5,193pp
Trafalgar

Trafalgar

1,680 Reviews

Why should we travel with Trafalgar?

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

We are one of the world’ smost-loved and trusted travel companies and the world's leading and most awarded travel brand, spanning all seven continents. Our brand spans four travel categories - tours, small groups, river cruises and rail journeys, organised across three value tiers - Saver, Classic and Premium. With more than 600 itineraries across 75 countries, we make it easy for travellers to find the right experience at the right price.

From the iconic to the unexpected, our guests connect to the real depth of the places we go. You'll break read more bread with locals at our exclusive Be My Guest experiences and unlock local secrets with our Travel Directors and Local Specialists. Whether by land, river or rail, we create memorable journeys filled with authentic local experiences and expert guidance. We handle the details, so your are free to discover the heart of every destination and enjoy those unexpected travel moments.

We consider how we can positively impact the communities we engage with. Through our JoinTrafalgar initiatives powered by TreadRight, our guests don't just leave footprints on the ground but leave a lasting legacy for the betterment of locals and the future of their communities. Backed by nearly 80 years of trusted experience, feedback from over 5 million happy guests and more than 150,000 five-star reviews, we continue to innovate and deliver memorable holidays with responsible travel practices at their heart.

What types of trips do Trafalgar offer?

Coach Tours River Cruises Small Group Tours Rail Journeys

Where can you travel to?

Africa Asia Australia & NZ Canada & Alaska Egypt & Jordan Europe South America UK & Ireland More...

Trafalgar snapshot

Total No. ToursTotal No. Tours
485
DeparturesDepartures
11,929
Average tour lengthAverage tour length
11 days
Average price per dayAverage price per day
$533

Our thoughts...

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

Over 250 coach tours around the world, and one of our clients most popular touring companies, Trafalgar is part of the Travel Corporation, which includes under its umbrella the sister brands of Insight Vacations, AAT Kings, Uniworld, Luxury Gold, Contiki & Costsaver. With a worldwide presence, Trafalgar welcomes guests from around the world so you'll enjoy the company of many nationalities aboard your coach. Sitting between Insight and Costsaver, Trafalgar pride themselves in touring innovation, introducing 'Insider Experiences' (where you get to know and dine with the locals) and travel styles to suit those that prefer smaller groups or those read more that prefer a more leisurely itineraries. Look out for Trafalgar's 'Early Payment Savings' where you can enjoy significant savings on your trip if you book and pay early, as well as further savings if you're a past passenger on any of their aforementioned sister brands.

Who travels with Trafalgar?

A broad international mix of couples, friends, families and solo travellers. Trafalgar welcomes guests from around the world

What's the age range on a Trafalgar tour?

Trafalgar attracts a broad mix of ages, with tours particularly well suited to mature and senior travellers.

How many people will we be travelling with?

Group sizes vary considerably by destination. Europe averages around 40 to 45 guests with a maximum of 53; North America has up to 52, Australia and New Zealand up to 50, Asia generally up to 32, Africa up to 36 and Latin America around 40 to 45.

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

Yes. Trafalgar is well suited to solo travellers, with guided sightseeing, shared experiences and options to either share a room or book single accommodation.

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?

Yes. On many itineraries solo travellers can pay the twin-share rate and be matched with another solo traveller of the same gender.

How would you describe the accommodation on your trips?

Quality 3 and 4-star hotels together with distinctive Stays with Stories and other destination-specific accommodation.

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

Optional experiences, some meals and drinks, additional transfers and gratuities.

Do you have the same guide throughout the trip?

Yes. A dedicated Trafalgar Travel Director accompanies the group throughout the tour and manages sightseeing, logistics and day-to-day arrangements.

Do you use local guides?

Yes. Local Specialists are used in many destinations to provide more detailed expert sightseeing alongside the Travel Director.

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

Tours combine organised sightseeing with independent time. Some itineraries include several hours or full days to relax and explore independently, with optional experiences available during some free periods.

How fit do we need to be?

Travellers should be medically and physically fit enough to participate independently. Requirements vary by itinerary and can include significant walking, steps and uneven surfaces; Trafalgar's Travel Directors and Drivers cannot provide individual physical assistance.

Recent Trafalgar reviews

Disappointed with Travel Director 0
, VIC, Australia, Oct 2026
The Best of Portugal tour with Trafalgar had 52 people on it, way too many for my liking. It was a nice tour but had too many optional extras and were very expensive for what they were, especially the dinners. The tour director Tiago was not accommodating, I witnessed him being dismissive of travellers requests and concerns. He did the bare minimum read more and talked about himself too much and how if we didn’t rate him a high score he won’t get much work. Of all my trips with Trafalgar this is my least favourite.
Trafalgar Splendours of Japan 0
, WA , Australia, Oct 2026
A fantastic tour with so many interesting and new experiences, including Hiroshima. It was very busy every day from early morning to evening. Our tour leader was excellent with so much knowledge to share and interesting facts to tell us. Japan is a very clean country and the people very friendly. Every day had something special to experience. The read more accommodation was excellent. Highly recommend this tour.
Awesome adventure 0
, CA, United States, Oct 2026
I booked this trip last year with the hope of seeing the Northern Lights, and it turned out to be an amazing adventure! One thing I think people should understand before booking is that while you can see the Northern Lights with the naked eye, they are not always visible or as vibrant as the photos you see online. We were fortunate enough to see faint read more green colors, and our smartphones captured much more than our eyes could see. Even without a spectacular display, experiencing the Northern Lights was still special.

There were plenty of optional excursions, and we chose to do all of them. They were 100% worth it! The reindeer farm was a great experience, and the husky sledding adventure was so much fun, even though there was no snow. We also visited the Icehotel, and what an amazing and fun experience that was! Seeing the incredible ice sculptures and the creativity that goes into creating the hotel was fascinating. We learned that the outdoor ice hotel is being built later and later in the year. I can only wonder if climate change and warming temperatures are contributing to that. The permanent Icehotel was awesome and well worth seeing!

We also toured the Vasa Museum and the Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm. The Vasa Museum literally took my breath away! Seeing the Vasa ship in person was incredible and definitely a highlight of the trip. I highly recommend allowing extra time in Stockholm to explore these attractions and enjoy the city.

A little advice for future travelers: Consider arriving a day or two early to adjust to the time difference. The 10-hour time change (from California) was much harder to adjust to than I expected! I would also recommend staying an extra day or two after the tour to give yourself enough time to truly explore Stockholm.

Another important tip: Pack for the Arctic weather! We traveled in October, and it was COLD. If you're traveling to Finnish and Swedish Lapland, make sure you bring proper cold-weather clothing, including a warm winter jacket, insulated pants, gloves, a hat, and appropriate footwear. Some people in our group had to purchase additional clothing because they weren't adequately prepared. You don't want to spend your time being cold when you should be enjoying the experience!

Our tour guide, Mike, was awesome! He was personable, funny, knowledgeable, and made everyone feel comfortable throughout the trip. He also did a great job managing a group of 27 people, which is no easy task. Our driver, Kristoff, got us everywhere safely, and our two local experts, Lucas (Northern lights hunting) and Adi Nobel and Vasa Museum** (I hope I spelled their names correctly!), were great as well. I really enjoyed Adi's tours he was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable. You could just tell how passionate he was.

Our group of 27 people was the perfect size. Everyone got along really well and, best of all, everyone was ready on time, which helped keep everything running smoothly. The first couple of days involve quite a bit of travel, but once you settle into the pace, the trip is fantastic.

If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure with great guides, beautiful scenery, fun excursions, and a wonderful group experience, I highly recommend this trip! The Northern Lights are a bonus, but there is so much more to see and experience along the way. I would absolutely consider traveling with Trafalgar again!
Spanish Experience 0
, NSW, Australia, Oct 2026
We had a fabulous trip, very well organised, participating in all options easy to do, tour director and bus driver very experienced and knowledgeable. Our travel consultant Grace has been excellent organising and answering our queries in a very timely manner we have many more trips on the go!
Canadian Maritimes 0
, NSW, Australia, Sep 2026
Excellent time to travel for changing leaf colours- beautiful kaleidoscope everywhere. Insight coaches very comfortable & spacious, but seat rotation somewhat inconsistent!! Accommodation hotels very comfortable with large rooms though Digby Pines Resort had smaller rooms & needs upgrading. Itinerary good & local guides very knowledgeable & entertaining read more even in very adverse weather conditions at times. Found some “lessons” on local products too detailed. Included meals good.

Trafalgar's most popular trips this month...

12 Day European Whirl (Trafalgar)
European Whirl

12 Days London to Paris

From
5,194pp
14 Day East Coast USA and Canada (Trafalgar)
East Coast USA and Canada

14 Days New York to New York

From
8,027pp
20 Day Grand Scandinavia (Trafalgar)
Grand Scandinavia

20 Days Copenhagen to Oslo

From
10,411pp
8 Day Britain and Ireland Highlights (Trafalgar)
Britain and Ireland Highlights

8 Days London to London

From
3,731pp
15 Day Best of Spain & Portugal (Trafalgar)
Best of Spain & Portugal

15 Days Madrid to Barcelona

From
6,823pp