Costsaver Reviews
The 283 Costsaver reviews listed below are from past clients of Global Journeys that have traveled with Costsaver. Each review has been individually verified by our team.
My Husband and I absolutely loved our tour! We had so much fun and saw so many more things than we expected. We picked to do this tour as we were on our honeymoon and we wanted something that was a lot nicer than the cheaper tours that stay in hostels and this was amazing. All hotels bar one was beautiful. Better than we expected. The hotel in Florence read more was terrible We didn't even have a real bed to sleep on it was a mattress on a blank of wood which was on a box smaller than the mattress. Other than that we loved it. We expected to have a pretty relaxed tour being on our honeymoon but this was very fast paced. We had 6:15am wakes most days and had very busy days. We agreed at the end of the tour that we are glad it was like that as we got to see SO MUCH and enjoyed all of it. We did need a holiday after to just chill out as we were so exhausted but still loved the whole tour.
Tour was good overall. Bottled water on the coach was great. Simon and Ivan were fantastic, would like to tour with them again. Had an issue on the first day which has been discussed with our Tour Consultant privately.
I really enjoyed the experience. It was nice not to have worry about connections with trains or juggling maps or worry about finding suitable accommodation, the tour director was really good and we enjoyed the optional excursions.
We absolutely loved Greece! We had a great tour director Nikos who was great in helping us out and taking us to the best places in both Athens, Mykonos and Santorini, although the others on the tour seemed to be a bit lack lustre when it came to doing anything extra. Would definitely book again with Global Journeys as it was much cheaper than the quotes read more we received from other travel agents.
It was the best experience I have ever had in my life, I am still living on the memories I have formed from my trip. I wake up every morning still thinking I am in Santorini, still dreaming about my trip. Best beaches I have ever been and swam in, never have I seen such beauty. It made me want to live there. It was very hard to leave Greece, it has such an amazing vibe.
Excellent value for the money 3
Britain and Ireland Explorer
Phil, Robyn & Alison Laird, Australia, Aug 2013
We really enjoyed our tour of the UK and Ireland. The pace was very good and the stops and attractions we visited were well chosen. Overall the tour was excellent value for the money we paid and the service we received from Georgie at Global Journeys was timely, efficient and most courteous.
The most amazing, fun & eye opening 18 days I ever spent 2
European Cavalcade
Carmelo Michienzi, Australia, Jul 2013
I did a Trafalgar tour about 20 years ago, and though it was good I was by the end very stressed and tired from the early mornings, late nights and constant moving from place to place. Even though I was much more prepared, I wasn't to sure of how this tour would turn out. I just new it would be at least good anyway. My friend that I was touring with read more was all excited because it was her first European group tour. I was much more reserved about it. It turned out to be the most amazing, fun & eye opening 18 days I have ever spent. Went to so many wonderful places and had so many beautiful experiences filled with laughter, friendship, excellent food & lots of bear & wine. Yes I was tired at the end, but it was a happy tired. The worst part of the tour was the drive back from Paris to London as it marked the end of the Magical Mystery Tour. I will definitely do a Trafalgar tour again. Mmm where would I like to go next year...
Booking online made me a bit apprehensive but Georgie Walpole has just been wonderful in assisting me and my friend process this trip. Last minute, my friend needed a document sent to the French Embassy in the Philippines for her visa application and Georgie never hesitated to directly send the document via email. Thanks again Georgie. The tour was read more wonderful and exciting. Our tour director, Gerry (Gerald) Baines was such a jolly guy - he had a lot of knowledge, not only of the places we went to (10 yrs experience), but even the history of people from those places. I even teased him 'Mr. Knowledge Overload'. Gerry was very accommodating, knew everyone's name and always concerned for our safety and enjoyment. He always had tips of what to eat, what to see, where to buy souvenirs on each destination we went to. He marked out the tour progress on our maps when we moved from one city to the next, and was very diligent in setting departure times. In our group, there were 50 tourists, and would you believe about 80% Aussies. There were 9 people from South Africa, 2 guys from NZ, 1 Canadian and my friend Evelyn from the Philippines. Everyone was friendly so we got along fine. The swapping of seats was our daily chore as we had to remember where we sat last. As each one moved to the front-most seat, there was an introduction session, telling everyone who we were and sharing funny or embarrassing stories. The bus was comfortable and clean, but somehow the lights inside the bus were not turned on when we go through tunnels (a lot of them going to Paris). The hotels we stayed in were really nice except the one in Lucerne, Switzerland. The rooms were so tiny and didn't have air-conditioning. Everyone was complaining about the heat. We tried to leave the windows open but there was too much noise outside. Being a first-timer in Europe, it was a mystery as to what I would see at each stop.
Even while on the road, I tried not to sleep as there were so much beautiful scenery to see(wish we could have stopped at some), and Gerry was doing his information update. Sunflowers were in bloom and filled the fields which was a sight to see. The castles in Germany were a marvel, so many of them. And who would go to Germany and not have a sausage? It was a nice train and cable car ride to see the snow-capped (only a few as it was summer) from Stanserhornbahn, Switzerland. In Innsbruck, Austria my friend and I were fortunate to catch a concert in the townhall, caught the last 2 songs for the night. It would have been wonderful to see more of Rome, but as the summer heat was getting intense, I personally preferred to be indoors. The Pantheon provided that bit of shade. We passed by the area of Genoa and it was just a wonder to see how they built highways on concrete stilts between mountains. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) in Florence, Italy is my favourite site. My jaw dropped when I saw this structure, it's so beautiful. Paris of course was the highlight of this tour as it was my birthday when we went up the second level of the Eiffel Tower. Gerry was so thoughtful and offered me a drink at the cafe near our hotel for my birthday and we were able to chat a bit. Also that night, while most of our tour mates went to watch a show at the Moulin Rouge, a family also from Sydney invited us to join them for dinner. We didn't join all the optional tours but we were able to venture out on our own, discovering more things. Wish we could fit everything during this tour. Overall it was an enjoyable experience. I'm already planning on a second tour to further explore Europe, probably in 2015 and this time I'll bring a better camera!
Even while on the road, I tried not to sleep as there were so much beautiful scenery to see(wish we could have stopped at some), and Gerry was doing his information update. Sunflowers were in bloom and filled the fields which was a sight to see. The castles in Germany were a marvel, so many of them. And who would go to Germany and not have a sausage? It was a nice train and cable car ride to see the snow-capped (only a few as it was summer) from Stanserhornbahn, Switzerland. In Innsbruck, Austria my friend and I were fortunate to catch a concert in the townhall, caught the last 2 songs for the night. It would have been wonderful to see more of Rome, but as the summer heat was getting intense, I personally preferred to be indoors. The Pantheon provided that bit of shade. We passed by the area of Genoa and it was just a wonder to see how they built highways on concrete stilts between mountains. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) in Florence, Italy is my favourite site. My jaw dropped when I saw this structure, it's so beautiful. Paris of course was the highlight of this tour as it was my birthday when we went up the second level of the Eiffel Tower. Gerry was so thoughtful and offered me a drink at the cafe near our hotel for my birthday and we were able to chat a bit. Also that night, while most of our tour mates went to watch a show at the Moulin Rouge, a family also from Sydney invited us to join them for dinner. We didn't join all the optional tours but we were able to venture out on our own, discovering more things. Wish we could fit everything during this tour. Overall it was an enjoyable experience. I'm already planning on a second tour to further explore Europe, probably in 2015 and this time I'll bring a better camera!
At first we thought the tour coach was not very comfortable and a bit squashy. The first tour guide Juan Carlos was difficult to understand mainly because the PA was not very good from where we were about half way down. Also listening to everything in the 3 languages was tedious but I guess that's the way it is. Once we got to Pompeii and had a new read more tour guide everything was good. The accommodation was fantastic and the meals lovely especially in Amalfi they were quite gourmet. The guide for Capri, Marco, was also very entertaining and we had a lovely day at the Blue Grotto and Capri. We liked having free time in Amalfi to do our own thing and the small bus trips to and from Amalfi were excellent with time to stop and take photos too. Overall we enjoyed our holiday with Costsaver tours and would recommend them to others. So thank you Georgie for all your help.
All the cities were beautiful and the tour was pace was great 2
Jewels of Italy
Kaye Dyson, Australia, Jul 2013
The tour director, Chris, was excellent. His knowledge of Italy was never ending. He was also a lot of fun and organised everything smoothly. The coach was comfortable and we made friends with lots of people on board. All the cities were beautiful and the tour was paced to our liking. Our main disappointment was that the hotels were so far out of each read more city it made it difficult to go into town by ourselves. By the time we added on the optional tours it made the holiday a lot more expensive. The standard of the hotels was good.
Once on the tour everything went like clockwork 5
Britain and Ireland Explorer
Maria Canning, Australia, Jul 2013
Booking the tour over the internet was a little scary. However the emails I sent to Yvonne regarding my concerns, no matter how trivial, were always answered. Now about the tour experience. On arrival in London our bags were the last to come off the plane. By the time we got through customs most of the crowd had departed. Standing at the information read more stand was the Representative from Trafalgar tours, she knew we had to arrive so was still there waiting. She put us on our transfer bus, explained how another Rep would be at the hotel between certain times to explain what time we would depart on the coach and gave us the name of the Tour Guide. Once on the tour everything went like clockwork. The only negative would be if we didn't go on the 'optional tour or dinner' there wasn't a lot to do. For example we stayed at Airth which was a long way out of town. And again we decided not to do the 'Cardiff Castle Tour' but we couldn't stay at the hotel we had to wander around the city of Cardiff for two hours before continuing on for the afternoon tour. If we were to travel again by coach we wouldn't hesitate to tour with Trafalgar.
Loved every minute of the tour & made lots of new friends 4
Highlights of Spain, Morocco and Portugal
Carol Smith, Australia, Jul 2013
The tour was great and our tour director - Jason Simpson - was fantastic. Visited lots of great places, the highlight being the Medina at Fes. Loved every minute of the tour & made lots of new friends.
A good tour showing the the highlights of Europe 4
Mahta Naziri, Australia, Jul 2013
Overall it was a good tour showing the the highlights of Europe. The extra excursions was a bit expensive , many of them due to the cost of unlimited drinks for dinner. The cost of drink should have been paid separately by the users or at least only one drink to be included and any extra should be covered by the individuals themselves, which would have read more been fairer. Instead some had to pay for the cost of unlimited drink of others. The seating in the coach was not good for us. We were allocated seats behind seat a young and very noisy group, and the coach was full so we could not move.
I went with my teenage kids and they loved it as well 2
Jewels of Italy
Michelle Hewitt, Australia, Jul 2013
Danilo our tour director was awesome. I have never met anyone who cared so much about everyone's needs as he did. He made the trip so much better. The itinerary was really good except the time in Florence at the leather store - that was a waste of time and should be scrapped from the tour. Everyone else thought so too. Besides this, it was well thought read more out and executed. I went with my teenage kids and they loved it as well. I would travel with Trafalgar again.
I would never usually book this type of organised tour, however I booked this tour purely because I didn't have the time to organise the logistics of the trip myself. And, while subject to the ridicule of my friends, who have been to Europe several times over, I stuck to my guns...and am I so glad I did! While my expectations were not high (as I have read more always organised my own travels in the past), I was very pleasantly surprised! My chief concern was being on a coach with 46 strangers...this turned out to be a highlight. What a wonderful, eclectic mix of people! In the initial stages I found the coach travel infuriating, but as soon as I resigned myself to the fact that this was exactly what I had signed up for, I relaxed and went with the flow. It is known as the 'Calvalcade' for one reason, and it certainly lived up to the title. So my advice is, take responsibility for your choice! It is yours alone and there are other options. If you want a leisurely tour, then this is not for you! Our tour director Raymond (Ray) Padilla was personable, funny, knowledgeable, approachable and professional. We adored him! Our coach driver Andrea', in our collective view, is the best driver in the world, no exceptions! We saw so much in our 18 days that it was hard to comprehend, but that is exactly what this tour is about and why I selected it. For me it was a 'taster' and now I know exactly where I will re-visit, sooner rather than later. As a senior school history teacher I appreciated Ray's ability to retain the vast complexity of European history and while he modestly claimed to 'know a little about a lot', I knew 'a lot about a little' and so was happy to come away having learned much about the historical, social, cultural, political and religious contexts of Middle History, outside my areas of specialisation. Well done Ray, A+! I have one gripe, and that regards the ambiguity of the language on the intinerary. This needs to be articulated with with greater transparency. Also the optional extras were not always worth the cost and so alternatives should be clearly conveyed so that people are aware of their options when not participating. While the hotels were always better than expected, I think all of us would have happily preferred a hotel 'down grade' to be closer to town in most locations. To his credit, Ray always helped us to organise alternatives when not participating in the optional extras. Overall this experience was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life, and while trying to be objective and critical, all that comes to mind are the fabulous memories!
Optional Excursions are more or less mandatory 7
European Experience
Carmen Williams, Australia, Jun 2013
Thank you very much Georgie for your excellent service and attention to our needs. The tour was excellent and well planned. Our experiences were unparalleled due in principal to our super Tour Director - Brek Collings. There are no superlatives to describe his knowledge, professionalism, attention to detail and congeniality. There were few hiccups - read more the hotel in Stans/Switzerland left much to be desired. The restaurants in Rome were a rip off and dishonest, perhaps Trafalgar could include dinners in this 'risky place'. Finally, Trafalgar could make it abundantly clear that the 'Optional Excursions' are more or less mandatory and have been left as optional only because the basic Trafalgar Tour is a CostSaver one. We enjoyed all the excursions but there were some in our tour group that were financially unprepared.
So glad we chose the bus tour, everything was done for us 2
Carol Millist, Australia, Jun 2013
The 15 day European Impressions bus tour was stress free and just right for us. We had considered doing the trip ourselves by hire car initially, but ever so glad we chose the bus tour. Everything was done for us. The only extra decisions we had to make was which optional excursions to take. We took all but 2 of them. Those two occasions that we opted read more out of the excursions allowed us some extra time to catch up on laundry and sleep. Our tour guide, Annereike, went the extra mile to give us the best possible experience. Our bus driver, Joris, was the best.
Liked not having to do optionals 3
Joanne Inman, Australia, Jun 2013
Liked not having to do optionals and having time out to do our own thing, rather than having all the options included. Hotels were not in the middle of town but out a bit, however I liked this too as it meant nice walks, no hustle and bustle. In addition, there was never an early start - all this being conducive to a great holiday. The itinerary and read more the staff were wonderful, the company sure know their stuff!
So many interesting places, learnt so much history 3
Imperial Highlights
Clare Topp, Australia, Jun 2013
Thoroughly enjoyed this tour of central Europe. Visited so many interesting places, learnt so much history, met wonderful people and the organisation was excellent.
Excellent package for first time traveller to UK and Ireland 6
Britain and Ireland Experience
Carlo Magno, Australia, Jun 2013
Excellent package for first time traveller to UK and Ireland. I can only wish I took the longer travel days. The tour guide David, was very knowledgeable of the British History and very professional. The places we visited were historically significant. As a whole I quite enjoyed and very satisfied with the tour.
