Luxury Gold vs Trafalgar

Compare Luxury Gold and Trafalgar 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.
Luxury Gold

Luxury Gold

57 Reviews

Why should we travel with Luxury Gold?

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

Indulge your passions on a luxurious small group journey, offering the perfect blend of guided and independent exploration. Choose from our worldwide collection of immersive luxury journeys.

How do we define “Luxury”? It’s exceptional dining experiences, including Michelin star restaurants and cooking classes. It’s staying in luxury hotels in central or scenic locations. Luxury is feeling like a VIP accessing iconic sites after hours and meeting remarkable people. It’s having the service of a Travelling Concierge accompanying you along the way read more with incredible commitment to service. When you travel with us, we ensure your experience is elevated, elegant and impeccable.

We put our heart into everything we do and are proud to be leaders in luxury travel. I invite you to relax and enjoy the charm of different cultures as we take care of every detail. Speak with Global Journeys today to start your holiday planning. We look forward to taking you on a journey beyond the ordinary.

What types of trips do Luxury Gold offer?

Small Group Tours

Where can you travel to?

Africa Asia Canada & Alaska Egypt & Middle East Europe South America

Luxury Gold snapshot

Total No. ToursTotal No. Tours
23
DeparturesDepartures
181
Average tour lengthAverage tour length
13 days
Average price per dayAverage price per day
$1,296

Our thoughts...

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

Luxury Gold (a luxury brand brought to you by Insight Vacations) endeavours to elevate travel beyond the ordinary, bringing you the best escorted experience for the best value. Staying in some of the finest hotels, chosen for their prime location, ambience, and level of luxury, and enjoying meals and wine at some of the best restaurants the destination has to offer. Insight have recently expanded their range of luxury vacations to include trips through South America, Africa, and Asia - where you can expect the ultimate in luxury and refinement.

With smaller groups (average of 30 but no more than 40 guests - and Asia & South Africa with only read more 24), relaxed start days, VIP door to door transfers (if you're an Aussie within 50km of an airport) , Luxury Gold offers a seamless stress-free travel experience. If you've travelled with any of its sister brands like AAT Kings, Trafalgar, Insight, Inspiring Journeys or Uniworld further savings are available.

Who travels with Luxury Gold?

Passionate travellers from around the world, travelling as couples, friends, family or solo, who prefer a high-end guided experience in a sociable small group.

What's the age range on a Luxury Gold tour?

-

How many people will we be travelling with?

Small groups average around 18 guests, with a maximum group size of 24.

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

All Luxury Gold journeys cater for solo travellers, and the small-group format is designed to make it easy to meet like-minded guests while the Travel Concierge handles the details.

Do you offer single rooms?

Yes. Solo travellers can book their own room, with single-room pricing and availability shown for each departure.

Do you offer room-sharing with other solo travellers?

No.

How would you describe the accommodation on your trips?

Luxury accommodation throughout, including 5-star hotels, boutique properties, resorts and distinctive destination stays.

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

Meals and activities not listed as included, some optional experiences and gratuities.

Do you have the same guide throughout the trip?

Yes. A dedicated Travel Concierge accompanies the group throughout the journey, providing destination knowledge, practical assistance and personalised service.

Do you use local guides?

Yes. Local Expert Guides are used in selected destinations to provide more detailed local knowledge alongside the Travel Concierge.

How much free time will we have on a Luxury Gold trip?

Free time is built into every journey, allowing travellers to explore independently or work with their Travel Concierge to personalise how they spend their time.

How fit do we need to be?

Every tour is rated Leisurely, Balanced or Dynamic, ranging from shorter walks on mostly flat surfaces to more active days involving longer distances, uneven terrain and additional stairs.

Recent Luxury Gold reviews

Global Journeys was great! Luxury Gold Tour could be improved 0
, NSW, Australia, Mar 2026
The communication and attention to detail from Tracey at Golobal Journeys was excellent. If you are expecting the usual European Luxury Gold standard from this tour you will be disappointed. Some hotels were good, but the others were average. While a double bed was clearly requested, most hotels provided 2 single beds. Many people were looking forward read more to the Bullet Train Rides, but this was a huge disappintment, as we were booked in Economy Class with 3 across seating.

We had to draw lots to see who got the worst seats. While First Class was available for a small extra charge, Luxury Gold thaught this Economy Class Cabin was the way to "Travel in Style". Our guide stated that she had previously requested that First Class seats be provided, but this request has been ignored. We have previously travelled with Luxury Gold in fast trains in Europe and it was always in the highest available class cabin.

Don't expect the usual 40 seat coach with extra leg room. These coaches were poor quality with cramped seats with very little leg room. They even had jump seats in each row (Not used).

There are 3 nights in Sendai where your normal bags are not available. You are expected to carry an overnight bag on the Train. They could very easily send the bags seperately as done previously, but this is another place where they cut corners. The type of people who book Luxury Gold Tours are not Backpackers. They need the comfort of having all their luggage when it is a 3 night stay.

This tour is a Black Mark for Luxury Gold, and is a great disappointment compared to the wonderful tours we have previously done with Luxury Gold.
Excellent Trip with efficient Tour Director 1
, NSW, Australia, May 2025
Beautiful little Villages South of France. Much nicer than visiting large cities. A nice full length coach with only 40 seats provided ample space for the 22 participants. The fast train travelling up to 320 kph was a nice inclusion. Excellent hotels included. Krista our Tour Director was excellent.
Spain and Portugal with Luxury Gold 3
, QLD, Australia, Sep 2022
This was a great tour with excellent hotels and tour guides. The coach was comfortable with plenty of room - maximum 40 passengers - but with Luxury Gold the maximum number is 18 and minimum is 10.

Australians need to be aware that we were asked for an extra 400 euros at the end of the trip - 250 euros for our tour manager and 150 euros for the read more driver. Apparently Americans are given vouchers for these gratuities and the Canadians were given an itemised account which included gratuities. However I am not aware of how much they paid for their trip compared to Australians.

Note: The option to prepay Tour Director & Driver gratuities prior to departure is an option. Please ask us to include this in your quote if you wish - or they can be organised after you have paid your trip deposit.
Most Amazing 2
, United States, Feb 2022
We enjoyed all the highlights and had personal experiences with the sites. The food was great. Really enjoyed the villages we visited.
Elegance of the Nile 1
, United States, Dec 2021
Great itinerary for a trip to Egypt, hits the main sites. Thrilled with the addition of Esna’s temple, which is being cleaned/restored and has amazing colors! Great pace with a 7-day cruise, allowing a break mid-day for a late lunch on the River Tosca. I never felt rushed to get through a site/temple. Again, our Egyptologist guide, Wael, was a wealth read more of information - we couldn’t have asked for a better guide!

Luxury Gold's most popular trips this month...

8 Day Indulgence in Eastern Canada (Luxury Gold)
Indulgence in Eastern Canada

8 Days Toronto to Montreal

From
8,231pp
9 Day Majesty of the Rockies (Luxury Gold)
Majesty of the Rockies

9 Days Vancouver to Calgary

From
16,169pp
12 Day Ultimate Italy (Luxury Gold)
Ultimate Italy

12 Days Rome to Venice

From
18,277pp
10 Day Majestic Switzerland (Luxury Gold)
Majestic Switzerland

10 Days Geneva to Zurich

From
17,247pp
11 Day Elegance of the Nile (Luxury Gold)
Elegance of the Nile

11 Days Cairo to Cairo

From
12,746pp
Trafalgar

Trafalgar

1,028 Reviews

Why should we travel with Trafalgar?

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

We are the world’s leading and most awarded travel brand spanning all seven continents of the globe. From the iconic to the unexpected, our guests connect to the real depth of the places we go. You'll break bread with the locals at our exclusive Be My Guest experiences and unlock the local secrets of our Travel Directors and Local Specialists. Everything is taken care of, so you'll 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 read more 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.

What types of trips do Trafalgar offer?

Coach Tours River Cruises Small Group Tours Family Tours City Breaks

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
33
DeparturesDepartures
662
Average tour lengthAverage tour length
10 days
Average price per dayAverage price per day
$638

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 and solo travellers who want Trafalgar's guided touring style with fewer guests and more intimate local experiences.

What's the age range on a Trafalgar tour?

A broad adult age mix rather than one dominant demographic. Trafalgar welcomes travellers across different generations, including mature and senior travellers.

How many people will we be travelling with?

Small Group tours average 16 travellers and have a maximum of 18.

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

Small groups averaging only 16 travellers provide an easy social environment, and solo travellers can choose room-sharing or their own room on eligible itineraries.

Do you offer single rooms?

Yes. Solo travellers can book their own room for an additional single supplement, subject to availability, with reduced supplements available on selected departures.

Do you offer room-sharing with other solo travellers?

Yes. On eligible tours in Europe, North and South America, Australia and New Zealand, solo travellers can be paired with another guest of the same gender and pay the twin-share price. The option is not available in Asia, Africa or the Eastern Mediterranean.

How would you describe the accommodation on your trips?

Hand-picked boutique hotels, inns, premium accommodation and distinctive destination stays that suit smaller-groups.

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

Arrival and departure transfers, optional experiences, meals and drinks not listed as included and gratuities.

Do you have the same guide throughout the trip?

Yes. A dedicated Travel Director accompanies the group and manages the journey throughout.

Do you use local guides?

Yes. Local Specialists and hosts are used for selected sightseeing and experiences alongside the Travel Director.

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

Small Group tours balance included sightseeing with independent time and optional experiences, allowing travellers to explore independently as well as participate in organised activities.

How fit do we need to be?

Travellers should be able to manage the walking, steps, uneven surfaces and transport involved without individual physical assistance from the Travel Director or Driver.

Recent Trafalgar reviews

European whirl 0
, VIC, Australia, Sep 2026
Whilst the trip had early starts and heat in Venice and Rome it was fantastic to see so many bucket list things and the Trafalgar people were so good. Recommend this trip. Thank you to Kayla for handing the booking. Every thing went smoothly.
The “Grand Prix” tour 0
, NSW, Australia, Aug 2026
The speedy ‘Grand Prix’ tour of the UK was a great experience that touches all the must-see places. The Tour Director and coach captain both did an excellent job to fill each day with wonderful unforgettable memories.
Fantastic tour of Croatia and Slovenia 0
, NSW, Australia, Aug 2026
All the sights, hotels, breakfasts, tour guide, bus driver were fantastic. Recommend this tour 100%. Very hot in August in Split and Dubrovnik.
An Unforgettable Nordic Adventure 0
, VIC, Australia, Aug 2026
I had a wonderful 20-day Nordic Adventure travelling through Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway gave me a wonderful glimpse into countries and cultures that felt so different from home. The highlights for me were experiencing the wilds of Lapland and the spectacular scenery of Norway. Geirangerfjord and the surrounding mountains were simply breathtaking, read more and there were so many moments along the way when I found myself appreciating just how beautiful Scandinavia is. But the biggest highlights for me was the Lofoten Islands. The dramatic mountains, waterways and beautiful coastal scenery were absolutely spectacular.

I particularly loved that this itinerary includes Lofoten, as many other Nordic tours don’t which gave us the opportunity to experience a part of Norway that I may otherwise never have visited. I also really enjoyed sharing the journey with such a great group of fellow travellers. Our Tour Director, Joel, and coach drivers helped make the trip even more enjoyable with their knowledge, organisation and care throughout the journey. I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to experience the beauty and diversity of Scandinavia — and especially the incredible Lofoten Islands.
Wonderful France 0
, CA, United States, Aug 2026
I had a great trip, the hotels were all great but one. They seemed to be a 4 star . The food and choice of entertainment was amazing. Also the choice of towns was great. We covered a lot of France and points of interest in history. Our guide was the best I have had ever.

Trafalgar's most popular trips this month...

10 Day Costa Rica Nature Adventure with Guanacaste (Trafalgar)
Costa Rica Nature Adventure with Guanacaste

10 Days San Jose to Liberia

From
5,291pp
18 Day Best of South Africa with Victoria Falls (Trafalgar)
Best of South Africa with Victoria Falls

18 Days Johannesburg to Victoria Falls

From
10,740pp
14 Day Best of China with Yangtze Cruise (Small Group) (Trafalgar)
From
8,823pp
9 Day Classic China (Small Group) (Trafalgar)
Classic China (Small Group)

9 Days Beijing to Shanghai

From
7,287pp
8 Day Costa Rica Nature Adventure (Trafalgar)
Costa Rica Nature Adventure

8 Days San Jose to San Jose

From
3,080pp