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Cosmos vs Trafalgar
Compare the travel styles, pricing, destinations and popularity of Cosmos and Trafalgar.The Low Down
A lot of our clients aren't too fussed about their accommodation (as long as it's clean and comfortable) and are more interested in the destination. Over 1,200 past client reviews with an average 4.5 out 5 star rating, is impressive. Why? Great value and interesting itineraries. Part of the Globus Family, there are further great discounts to be had.Accommodation is 3 to 3/12 star, but a lot of our clients are pleasantly surprised at the quality. Hotels are often located out of the city centre, so prepare your trip budget to allow for transfers or taxis if you want to explore the cities on your own. Allow extra funds for some meals and excursions not included in more premium inclusive itineraries. Like our past clients, we feel very comfortable recommending Cosmos.
Over 250 coach tours around the world, and one of our clients most popular Operators, Trafalgar is part of the Travel Corporation, which includes under its umbrella the sister brands of Insight Vacations, AAT Kings, Uniworld, Contiki & Costsaver. With a worldwide presence along eith local operations in Australasia for many years, you'll enjoy the company of many nationalities aboard your coach, including those from Downunder. 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 that prefer a more leisurely itinerary.Look out for Trafalgar's Early-payment savings where you can enjoy significant savings on your trip as well as further savings if you are a past passenger on any of the aforementioned sister brands.
Stats
No. of Trips
185
No. of Departures
3,958
Avg. Trip Length
14 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$293
Accommodation
3 - 3.5 Star
Budget
Affordable
Trip Styles
Coach Tours
No. of Trips
330
No. of Departures
9,310
Avg. Trip Length
11 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$376
Accommodation
4 Star
Budget
Premium
In Their Own Words
We asked the travel companies themselves why you should travel with them
At Cosmos, we like to think of ourselves as experts in ‘thrillology’ – the art of bringing you an experience, time and time again. With over 50 years of ‘wow’ under our belts and no sign of slowing down, we know how to curate value touring holidays that you’ll never forget; creating the experiences you’ve always dreamed of and showing you the ones, you never thought of. Our job is to take care of the planning and logistics, so that all you have to focus on is living your dreams!
We are the world’s leading and most awarded travel brand spanning all 7 continents of the globe. From the iconic to the unexpected our guests connect to the real depth of the places we go. They will break bread with the locals at our exclusive Be My Guest experiences and unlock local secrets of our Travel Directors and Local Specialists. Everything is taken care of, so they travel with true ease and get the real thing without worrying about a thing.
We consider how we can positively impact the communities we engage with. Through our JoinTrafalgar initiatives powered by TreadRight, 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.
It’s 72 years of destination experience and feedback from over 5 million happy guests that fuels our innovation to continually delivery simply the best holidays.
Recent Reviews
4.5
Ireland & Scotland 1
Highlights of Ireland & Scotland
Terry & Alison, Kevin & Julie, NSW, Australia, Oct 2025
Again Global Journeys and Grace thank you for all travel assistance. Trip was amazing what beautiful countries to explore & through Cosmos a breeze. Loved every minute. Put on your bucket list. Will definitely recommend trip to everyone
Thanks 😀
Thanks 😀
My tour departed on 24 October. There are 46 in our group (too big for my liking). In Ireland it rained nearly everyday so probably should pick an early departure date. In Scotland the drive was a really scenic drive with trees with yellow leaves on both sides of the roads. It rained less in Scotland. Booking with Hannah is so easy and she is such read more an efficient and professional agent. I will book with her again.
The only downside is I don't like our tour guide Kathryn Dolan because she accused me of taking one token (1 pound) from her for the bus ride(at Giant of the Causeway), which I didn't because I was waiting for her to buy the return tickets for me. For this incident she didn't apologize to me. More than 19 people from our group were on the bus. They must have all heard the conversation. I think I have travelled more than 15 tours with Cosmos. I think this is the last tour with Cosmos. She is the second tour guide that I didn't give her tips to in my more than 15 years of travel time. Her 1 pound mistake made her lose 72 pounds tips from me and I wonder how many of my tour mates will give her tips and I purposely gave the tips to the driver in front of her face, and she didn't give me the after tour feedback form that I normally get. (GJ: Ouch!)
The only downside is I don't like our tour guide Kathryn Dolan because she accused me of taking one token (1 pound) from her for the bus ride(at Giant of the Causeway), which I didn't because I was waiting for her to buy the return tickets for me. For this incident she didn't apologize to me. More than 19 people from our group were on the bus. They must have all heard the conversation. I think I have travelled more than 15 tours with Cosmos. I think this is the last tour with Cosmos. She is the second tour guide that I didn't give her tips to in my more than 15 years of travel time. Her 1 pound mistake made her lose 72 pounds tips from me and I wonder how many of my tour mates will give her tips and I purposely gave the tips to the driver in front of her face, and she didn't give me the after tour feedback form that I normally get. (GJ: Ouch!)
Starting with Global Journeys, Hannah was great and kept me informed every step of the way. Japan - meeting our tour guide Akiko, she was great, the tour was fantastic, a nice small tour group. Hotels were great too.
One Of Our Best Cosmos Trips Ever 0
Eastern Us & Canada Grand Vacation
Janne & Michael, NSW, Australia, Oct 2025
This was our 8th Cosmos trip and would have to say it was up there with the best, from our tour guide Jason (Cap as affectionately known) and driver Andrew to the overall tour itself. It was an amazing time of the year to go, departing on the 6th October as we got to experience the magnificent change in colours of the trees, from green to red, orange read more and yellow The locations were great, the hotels excellent and all inclusions and optional extras made the most of our time. The local guides used by Cosmos for places like New York, Boston, and Quebec were incredibly knowledgeable and provided us with a heads up to the cities we were visiting.
Along with beautiful scenery, this tour provided time in modern cities and history locations. Due to the Government lockdown during our stay, we were unable to visit the Smithsonian museums in DC, however Cosmos stepped up and organised tickets for our group to visit he National Holocaust Museum, and the following day, extended our time at Arlington, taking the trolley bus further into the cemetery and watching the changing of the guards, which occurs, every hour of the day, 365 days a year and an honor have the time to witness this. Cosmos do it so well, with excellent value for money, professional staff and well thought out itineraries, its hard to consider other options. And as always, Tracy Standing managed our booking flawlessly and made the experience easy.
Along with beautiful scenery, this tour provided time in modern cities and history locations. Due to the Government lockdown during our stay, we were unable to visit the Smithsonian museums in DC, however Cosmos stepped up and organised tickets for our group to visit he National Holocaust Museum, and the following day, extended our time at Arlington, taking the trolley bus further into the cemetery and watching the changing of the guards, which occurs, every hour of the day, 365 days a year and an honor have the time to witness this. Cosmos do it so well, with excellent value for money, professional staff and well thought out itineraries, its hard to consider other options. And as always, Tracy Standing managed our booking flawlessly and made the experience easy.
Italian Lakes 1
The Magic of the Italian Lakes
Terry & Alison, Kevin & Julie, NSW, Australia, Oct 2025
Global Journeys were excellent with our arrangements. Yes we would travel with Cosmos again definitely. We had a wonderful time exploring the Italian lakes region. Personally the best & easiest way to explore foreign countries.
Had a wonderful 8 days touring Ireland with an amazing guide, Carmel, and a bus driver, Tico, who weave a bus through beautiful winding roads. We learned so much and laughed even more.
4.6
Though I had traveled to Germany several times previously, this was the first time ever going with a tour group so I had no idea what to expect. It was the first time for my daughter to visit Germany and I was hoping it would be a good experience for her. I am happy to report that it was a great experience from the moment I booked the trip until we read more returned home.
Candice at Global Journeys was easy to work with and responded to all of my numerous emails promptly. The Trafalgar tour was well planned, giving us the right amount of time for group activities, optional experiences, as well as sightseeing or shopping on our own. Our coach driver, Tyson, and tour director, Justine were top-notch. Professional yet personable. I would highly recommend them and would someday love to be on another tour with them!
Candice at Global Journeys was easy to work with and responded to all of my numerous emails promptly. The Trafalgar tour was well planned, giving us the right amount of time for group activities, optional experiences, as well as sightseeing or shopping on our own. Our coach driver, Tyson, and tour director, Justine were top-notch. Professional yet personable. I would highly recommend them and would someday love to be on another tour with them!
Splendours of Japan 12 days 1
Splendours of Japan with Hiroshima
Eddie and Antonietta , SA, Australia, Mar 2026
I really enjoyed the Trafalgar itinerary, all the experiences were excellent. My highlight was going into the country and learning about people’s culture. My only tip is the couple of nights dinner is not provided, do some research on the coach as your travelling to where you’d like to go to dinner and book. Fellow travellers were a good mix of people, read more all were friendly and polite. Global Journeys was very good and helpful, Hanna always got back to us promptly. Accomodation was excellent as well as location. It was a good time to travel but if you want to see the Cherry Blossoms in full bloom go in April or May as February they were just coming into bloom.
Another fantastic Holiday Spendors of Japan 0
Splendours of Japan with Hiroshima
Michael, WA, Australia, Mar 2026
This tour was an excellent introduction to the special features of Japan: its history, culture, contemporary developments and aesthetic achievements. Well chosen events and locations meant we were introduced to Shinto and Buddhist traditions, technological advances, sushi making, traditional paper making, types of saki, and a wide range of geographical read more features from Mount Fuji-san to traditional gardens and samurai temples. Tokyo and Kyoto were focal points, but we also travelled through the Japanese mountains entering an amazing complex of roads and tunnels through steep terrain, tree-covered hillsides and cultural heritage sites.
Our tour guide, Mr Arch provided a continual commentary of interesting background and explanation. Mr Arch was extremely professional and courteous always ensuring all guests had the opportunity to really enjoy the Spendors of Japan. Mr Arch is an excellent representative of the Trafalgar brand in Japan and he really did go above and beyond to make this tour a success. Thank you Mr Arch for an outstanding job. There were numerous high points and no lows. Finally,a big thanks to Hannah for organising this trip and I look forward to many more adventures with Global Journeys.
Our tour guide, Mr Arch provided a continual commentary of interesting background and explanation. Mr Arch was extremely professional and courteous always ensuring all guests had the opportunity to really enjoy the Spendors of Japan. Mr Arch is an excellent representative of the Trafalgar brand in Japan and he really did go above and beyond to make this tour a success. Thank you Mr Arch for an outstanding job. There were numerous high points and no lows. Finally,a big thanks to Hannah for organising this trip and I look forward to many more adventures with Global Journeys.
The trip was fabulous, the cities explored were so imperial and impressive. Our Tour Director Agnes was wonderful, she knew everything about all the cities and places of where to go in your spare time. She was also thoughtful and attentive to all the travellers. Highly recommend Trafalgar and Global Journeys for an amazing adventure. Hotels were excellent.
Central Europe is a majestic experience, grand castles, impressive architecture, delicious food, beautiful streets and parks. Our Tour Director Kate was superb, incredibly knowledgeable on the country's history, food, politics and customs.
8 Days Xmas Markets Europe 0
Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland
Laksh, VIC, Australia, Dec 2025
You get what you signed up for - loads of unvarying Xmas markets! The wares are the same whether it is Vienna, Munich, Salzburg, Innsbruck or Lucerne with minor price diff. The Euro Xmas traditions & stories are interesting. Glugwein mugs are fun to collect. Itinerary is great & good weather definitely helps. You will get more fog than snow due to unseasonably read more warm winter frm mid to late Dec 2025. Optional experiences are grear - be prepared for extra €600. Great timing & organisation to avoid crowds but Tour Director rather blase & not informative. Included meals went downhill after the start at Vienna with mediocre welcome dinner & venue. Accom is central & not bad. Overall- pretty good 7 days tour but counting the last day which is just drop off at airport at Zurich is diabolically misleading!
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