G Adventures vs Topdeck

Compare G Adventures and Topdeck small group 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.
G Adventures

G Adventures

150 Reviews

Why should we travel with G Adventures?

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

G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.

On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit read more and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.

What types of trips do G Adventures offer?

Adventure Tours Expedition Cruises 18-to-30's Sailing Trips Family Tours Walking & Hiking Tours Wellness Tours

Where can you travel to?

Africa Antarctica Asia Australia Canada & Alaska Egypt & Middle East Europe New Zealand More...

G Adventures snapshot

Total No. ToursTotal No. Tours
875
DeparturesDepartures
51,762
Average tour lengthAverage tour length
13 days
Average price per dayAverage price per day
$367

Our thoughts...

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

G Adventures have impressed us with their ethos, their range of unique itineraries and proven track record with over 100,000 past travellers. Their main competitor in the adventure touring space is Intrepid, with both Operators focused on authentic, affordable small group tours. With over 600 trips around the world and 50,000 departures, G have a stunning range of interesting unique itineraries to choose from, with a focus on South and Central America, Asia and Polar expedition cruising.

G Adventures operate dynamic pricing so prices can change daily - upwards if the trip is filling up, and down if they need to fill some spaces. G have also read more recently incorporated Wellness trips, 18-to-Thirty Somethings adventures and National Georgraphic Signature luxury trips into their portfolio of trip styles.

Who travels with G Adventures?

Adventure-minded travellers from around the world, including couples, friends and a high proportion of solo travellers.

What's the age range on a G Adventures tour?

A broad age mix, from travellers in their early 20s through to 60+, depending on the travel style. 18-to-Thirtysomethings trips are restricted to ages 18–39.

How many people will we be travelling with?

Most small group trips have up to 15 travellers and average around 10, although some trip collections use different group limits up to 18 travellers.

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

Yes. Solo travellers make up a significant share of guests, with shared same-sex rooming available and no single supplement on most group trips.

What percentage of people travel solo with you?

40%

Do you offer single rooms?

Yes. A 'My Own Room' option is available on most tours for an additional cost, although a private room may not be available at every overnight stop.

Do you offer room-sharing with other solo travellers?

Yes. Solo travellers are generally paired with another traveller of the same sex when using shared accommodation.

How would you describe the accommodation on your trips?

Varies widely by travel style, from hostels, guesthouses and homestays to hotels, lodges, camps and premium character properties.

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

Arrival and departure transfers, meals not listed as included, optional activities and 'My Own Room' upgrades.

Do you have the same guide throughout the trip?

Trips are led by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO), with additional specialistw or local guides used for some activities and destinations.

Do you use local guides?

Yes. Chief Experience Officers are locally based, and additional local experts and specialists are used on many itineraries.

How much free time will we have on a G Adventures trip?

Trips combine organised experiences with plenty of free time to explore independently, with the amount varying by itinerary and travel style.

How fit do we need to be?

Fitness requirements vary considerably by itinerary. Each trip has a physical grading so travellers can select an adventure suited to their abilities.

Recent G Adventures reviews

Borneo Tour 0
, QLD, Australia, Sep 2026
September was great time to visit Borneo, not that much rain. No activities were cancelled. Bring binoculars to see the wildlife. Great CEO (Ron)and group of people to travel with.
Trip of a lifetime animal experience 0
, New Zealand, Aug 2026
An 18 day National Geographic tour of Africa included safari drives in 5 different reserves over 3 countries, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. We were thrilled to see the big five game animals but seeing all the animals in their natural environment was just amazing. Highlights were the elephant herds in Botswana and the multiple sightings of the read more big cats, lions and leopard. The smaller and more remote parks were best as there were fewer tourists and safari vehicles. Our guides were excellent and we learnt a lot about the environment and wildlife as well as the culture of the people living there in close proximity to nature.
Kenya Tanzania safari 0
, BC, Canada, Jul 2026
Had a fantastic time. Our drivers for both the Kenya and Tanzania portion were very knowledgeable. They answered our many questions and were patient with our many pictures. Both our drivers were respectful of the animals and were careful not to get too close. Our setup crew had everything up and ready when we hit camp. If anything needed fixing they read more did it quickly. The chefs tried to work around everyone's different food sensitivities.
Great Game Drive Experience in Kenya & Tanzania 0
, NSW, Australia, Jul 2026
Great experience to see all wildlife in nature. All CEOs & drivers are excellent. We saw massive wildebeest, many herds of zebras, gazelles, antelopes, baboons & giraffes, and the iconic "Big Five", plus cheetahs, hyenas, white rhinos, hippos and crocodiles. The only issue was the game drive vehicle in Tanzania was more crowded than in Kenya. Thanks read more Grace for taking care of our booking, answering our questions promptly.
Best Galapagos experience 1
, NSW, Australia, Jul 2026
Amazing trip, G Adventures and South American team made everything easy. Boat was incredible, crew fantastic, guide Omar was a standout. Such a fun group of people from all over the world to travel with too. Included transfers took away any stress. Just do it, most incredible place on earth and a great way to do it.

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Topdeck

Topdeck

32 Reviews

Why should we travel with Topdeck?

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

Topdeck's origin story was small group touring. It was 14 absolute adventurers who were fun and spirited and ready to go out there and see everything. At the end of the 90's and into the 2000's, Topdeck moved to large coaches and now we're returning to or roots. Our travellers don’t see bigger groups as ‘more social’ -they want to connect quickly, with like-minded people, in a way that feels less overwhelming and less intrusive.

Small group touring unlocks up so many opportunities. We can now get into local tavernas or hole-in-the-wall restaurants, read more sit family-style, and build that cultural connection. We can run small optional expereinces and secure entry to highlights like the Alhambra much more easily than with a large coach. It makes each experience more immersive and flexible.

What’s changed is the trip itself: better choice of centrally located accommodation, richer in-destination experiences, and more inclusivity.

What types of trips do Topdeck offer?

Small Group Tours 18-to-30's

Where can you travel to?

Asia Egypt & the Middle East Europe New Zealand

Topdeck snapshot

Total No. ToursTotal No. Tours
31
DeparturesDepartures
454
Average tour lengthAverage tour length
13 days
Average price per dayAverage price per day
$302

Our thoughts...

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

Topdeck has undergone a complete brand refresh and their big bus tours are out. An all-new portfolio of small group tours for travellers aged 18 to 32 have been released. There's a maximum of 18 travellers on each trip along with a more targeted age range that has narrowed from 18-39 to 18-32. With a renewed focus on connection, Topdeck's small group trips prioritise authentic, genuine interactions with fellow travellers. Smaller groups allow for a more connected and personal exploration of each destination and a more inclusive and communal atmosphere.

While Europe makes up the backbone of Topdeck's range, they also run a series of tours through read more Asia, Egypt, Morocco and New Zealand. Topdeck's new trips take advantage of public transport where they can - like the use trains over coaches to allow more time in key cities and less time spent travelling.

Who travels with Topdeck?

Young travellers aged 18 to 32, with a highly social and international guest mix. Around 70% book solo, alongside couples and groups of friends.

What's the age range on a Topdeck tour?

Exclusively designed for travellers aged 18 to 32.

How many people will we be travelling with?

A maximum of 18 travellers on Topdeck's small-group trips.

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

Around 70% of Topdeck bookings are made by solo travellers, and being small-groups, it makes it easier to meet other travellers while still providing time to explore independently.

What percentage of people travel solo with you?

70%

Do you offer single rooms?

Yes. Single rooms are available on most trips for an additional charge, with twin and double upgrades also available on many itineraries.

Do you offer room-sharing with other solo travellers?

Yes. Solo travellers can choose multi-share accommodation with other Topdeck travellers. Room configurations vary by trip, with multi-share rooms typically accommodating around six people in total.

How would you describe the accommodation on your trips?

A mix of centrally located hotels and hostels, with distinctive stays on selected itineraries such as floating bungalows, treehouses, campsites, sailing boats and overnight trains.

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

Arrival and departure transfers, meals not listed as included, optional 'Your Options' activities, entrance fees and excursions not specifically included in the itinerary. Tips are generally included, with some destination and sailing exceptions.

Do you have the same guide throughout the trip?

Yes. A Topdeck Trip Leader accompanies the group, manages the logistics and provides destination recommendations and local insights throughout the journey.

Do you use local guides?

Specialist or local guides may be used for selected experiences, while the main sightseeing and day-to-day journey is led by the Topdeck Trip Leader.

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

Topdeck aims to provide at least 48 hours in each key city, combining included activities with substantial free time and optional 'Your Options' experiences.

How fit do we need to be?

Fitness requirements vary by itinerary and activity. Trips can include extensive sightseeing on foot and optional active experiences, so travellers should check the individual itinerary for any more demanding activities.

Recent Topdeck reviews

Experience of a lifetime 0
, ON, Canada, Sep 2025
I have traveled a lot for school and work but this Euro trip was by far the best experience. I got to experience new cultures, try new foods, meet incredible people and have memories for a lifetime with new bonds I created. This is a VERY fast paced trip. It gives you teasers of each city. Be prepared to pack, tour and explore in a short period of time. read more It gave me a broad perspective of the cities I would like to visit again. Thank you for a great tour and a lifetime of memories Topdeck!
Central Europe Highlights 1
, New Zealand, Jan 2023
Fantastic trip, accommodation and travel were great and the team leader was amazing. Found it a great way to get an overview of Europe, though I think in retrospect more time in fewer places would have been better as at times it felt quite rushed. Ultimately though I was able to see and do what I wanted to do, though each day was fairly jam packed to read more do it all. Really enjoyed myself.
A great getaway, so much to see and do. 3
, SA, Australia, Aug 2019
Amazing tour and a great group to travel with. Would definitely recommend to others and do again at some stage.
Simple and easy way to see picture-perfect Norway and Mother Russia 4
, QLD, Australia, Jul 2019
The Red Star Special is a long trip (37 days), but you will never want those 37 days to end. It is very fast paced and exhausting tour but really worth it. And you visit all of the places I only used to dream of visiting, ticking off many bucket list items.

This trip takes you up to the top of Europe, stopping at many small towns in Norway. Accommodation read more through Norway is very basic, but they all come with some amazing views (just make sure you bring a sleeping bag). There is a lot of driving, but the group had quite a strong camaraderie which makes the bus days still a lot of fun. To keep the cost down through Norway, a Topdeck Chef travels with you and cooks breakfast, lunch and dinner for you. They are generally basic bulk meals (i.e. lots of pasta, salads, toast/cereal), but still taste good.

There are a large number of people on this trip that only do the Scandinavian section of the trip (leaving before Russia) and a number of people joining for the Russia section. This makes the trip feel like a whole new tour and helps to combat any fatigue you many be feeling from the last 21 days. Russia is equally as amazing as Scandinavia. Don't let the issue of having to get a Russian visa put you off going to Russia. Topdeck use a local Russian guide to take you through St Peters, Novgorod and Moscow. The Russia days have a lot more jam-packed than most of the other days on the trip, with a lot less free time to wander and explore the place yourself. But Topdeck take you to a lot of the places that you would want to see on your own anyway.

If you are looking to see as much as you can in as little time as possible I would recommend this. Our trip leader was highly knowledgeable and always happy to help if you had a question about where to go or what to do. The other people on the trip were mostly from Aus/NZ and were mostly age 25+.

Booking through Global Journeys was easy and I would use them again. Overall this is an amazing trip and I couldn't recommend it enough!
Amazing highlights trip of Europe 3
, SA, Australia, Jul 2018
My partner and I completed a 34 day discover Europe trip with Top Deck and had the most amazing time. Our tour leader was so professional and incredibly knowledgeable and our driver was amazing. We made life long friends and saw some of the best parts of Europe. Would definitely travel with Top Deck again.

We booked the tour with Jemma through Global read more Journeys. She was brilliant, easy to contact and very efficient. Everything was hassle free, and I would definitely book with Global Journeys again. Overall, brilliant service from all involved and an unforgettable holiday.

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