Insight Vacations Reviews
The 608 Insight Vacations reviews listed below are from past clients of Global Journeys that have travelled with Insight Vacations. Each review has been individually verified by our team.
The 608 Insight Vacations reviews listed below are from past clients of Global Journeys that have travelled with Insight Vacations. Each review has been individually verified by our team.
Very well organised tour. Perhaps the itinerary could be varied to include some nature parks if possible. Guide was really first class with her personality and knowledge of the cities visited.
All aspects of the tour were great 1
Easy Pace Budapest, Vienna & Prague (Winter)
Sandra Skelly, Australia, Jan 2012
The tour went off without a hitch, everyone involved, the tour director, driver, hotel staff and local guides all were great. There was lots of information, enough free time to poke around and additional tours for those who wanted to delve deeper into the cities and the culture of these amazing places. Without guides the cities themselves would have read more been daunting and could not have been appreciated in the short time frame. Stops in Chesky Kumlov and Bratislava enhanced the experience as the time on the bus was not too great. Overall a good time with a group of friendly people.
70 people prayed for snow and snow is what we got from the 1st morning of our tour, it was amazing. We had the best historian and orator as our tour guide - Vincenzo. A winter wonderland in all its glory. My only complaint was that a couple of the motels would only be rated as 3* and the food on the last night in Offenbach was terrible. Our driver and read more the tour itself - fantastic.
VERY happy with the overall experience 4
Winter Wonderland
Alan & Valerie Jennings, Australia, Dec 2011
I'll bullet point the comments to make it easier to read, but please dont think we were disappointed with the tour, we were VERY happy with the overall experience. The poor points were really disappointments relative to our expectations after reading the itinerary blurb.
Its called a 9 day tour, its really only 7 days the first and last days do not read more contribute to the tour very much at all.
The tour director and driver were very good, helpful, talkative and we always felt safe. I suspect that the tour directors each have their own interest/expertise, ours was history and while we learnt a lot about historical events, we would have liked a bit more information about our surroundings at the time.
The included dinners were poor quality, the welcome meal at the Sheraton Hotel was particularly bad and we actually complained about it at the time. The 'Highlight Dinner' was very average, more like a pub meal and I wont mention the very poor (house) red wine served! This was inconsistent with the 'Business Class' touring style Insight portray.
The Sheraton & Hilton hotel experiences were very good, probably better than expected actually, whereas we stayed at a couple of other hotels that were quite disappointing, surly and unhelpful staff and small/hot/noisey rooms.
The coach was very airy and spacious and quiet, with plenty of legroom (I'm 6' 4')and the driver managed it extremely well particularly in tight spaces/parking.
The tour pace was very good, casual and generally unrushed with the optional tours generally well recieved by everybody on board.
We were disapointed by the cancellation of our chairlift ride up into the mountains in Lucerne (due to poor weather, high winds) and can accept that these things happen, however, there was no alternative offerred, not even a drive up into the mountain villages. Hence we had way too much time in Lucerne just shopping/walking around and felt that there should have been a backup plan for bad weather.
The exposure to the Christmas markets was very good, every one was different in its own way.
A general observation we made (not just on this tour, but everywhere we went in UK/Europe) was that visiting popular places at weekends is to be avoided! We could not believe the crowds, and Valerie actually felt claustrophobic battling our way through the christmas markets on Sat/Sun (she is 5' 2').
Global Journeys (Yvonne) was very supportive and helpful (and patient with all my questions!), particularly when our tour date was cancelled while we were already travelling, she managed to make the new arrangements quite painless for us.
Its called a 9 day tour, its really only 7 days the first and last days do not read more contribute to the tour very much at all.
The tour director and driver were very good, helpful, talkative and we always felt safe. I suspect that the tour directors each have their own interest/expertise, ours was history and while we learnt a lot about historical events, we would have liked a bit more information about our surroundings at the time.
The included dinners were poor quality, the welcome meal at the Sheraton Hotel was particularly bad and we actually complained about it at the time. The 'Highlight Dinner' was very average, more like a pub meal and I wont mention the very poor (house) red wine served! This was inconsistent with the 'Business Class' touring style Insight portray.
The Sheraton & Hilton hotel experiences were very good, probably better than expected actually, whereas we stayed at a couple of other hotels that were quite disappointing, surly and unhelpful staff and small/hot/noisey rooms.
The coach was very airy and spacious and quiet, with plenty of legroom (I'm 6' 4')and the driver managed it extremely well particularly in tight spaces/parking.
The tour pace was very good, casual and generally unrushed with the optional tours generally well recieved by everybody on board.
We were disapointed by the cancellation of our chairlift ride up into the mountains in Lucerne (due to poor weather, high winds) and can accept that these things happen, however, there was no alternative offerred, not even a drive up into the mountain villages. Hence we had way too much time in Lucerne just shopping/walking around and felt that there should have been a backup plan for bad weather.
The exposure to the Christmas markets was very good, every one was different in its own way.
A general observation we made (not just on this tour, but everywhere we went in UK/Europe) was that visiting popular places at weekends is to be avoided! We could not believe the crowds, and Valerie actually felt claustrophobic battling our way through the christmas markets on Sat/Sun (she is 5' 2').
Global Journeys (Yvonne) was very supportive and helpful (and patient with all my questions!), particularly when our tour date was cancelled while we were already travelling, she managed to make the new arrangements quite painless for us.
Absolutely nothing to complain about 1
Best of Spain & Portugal
George & Kathleen Crank, Australia, Oct 2011
The tour was a great success. Previously I had driven around Spain and Portugal, but being driven by an expert who knew all the best routes and having hotels and meals arranged was much more relaxing. Having to give up complete freedom for an organized tour was well worth it. The tour was well organized with a brilliant tour guide (Mark) who supplied read more us with information from his lifetime experience of these countries. It was constantly interesting and informative. We were taken to out of the way places which we would not have known about on our own. The bus was comfortable with lots of room to relax. As well as the organized parts we were frequently left on our own to wander around interesting places and find shops and cafes. All the hotels were really good, some much better than we normally choose. Breakfasts and dinners were very good. I can think of absolutely nothing to complain about in the whole time of our journey.
Absolutely delighted with this tour 2
Wonders of Turkey
Alana, Rob & Georgia Buick, Australia, Sep 2011
We were absolutely delighted with this tour. The quality of the accommodation was excellent as were the included tours and all the meals. The bus was spacious, clean and very comfortable. The tour guide, Rashid Ergner, was exceptional. He had an amazing knowledge of all aspects of Turkey and even though Georgia was the only child on the tour she enjoyed read more this tour as much as us. We would highly recommend this Insight tour and would consider Insight again if we choose to tour again.
I would thoroughly recommend this tour 2
Country Roads of France
Elizabeth & Gerard Marshall, Australia, Sep 2011
Country Roads of France' was a really enjoyable tour. Probably the best way to see the 'real' France. Travelling through the countryside and seeing all the villages was delightful. The upgrade to the Fairmont at Monte Carlo was a bonus. I would thoroughly recommend this tour.
Very energetic tour, fell in love with Italy 1
Italian Escapade
Maureen & Michael King, Australia, Sep 2011
The Insight tour was great, very energetic. We really enjoyed the tour and fell in love with Italy. The accommodation was great, the hotels which were chosen couldn't be better. The food unfortunately was very ordinary compared to the Uniworld cruise we went on. The Tour director was wonderful and the tour guides were good. All in all very good time was had by all.
I found Georgie to be an excellent Travel Agent - always willing to answer my many questions about my Tour of Italy. The Insight 10 days Best of Italy was amazing, I saw many more sights than I expected - our Tour Guide was fun and very professional. When I go on another tour, I will be contacting Georgie at Global Journeys for any assistance that I need.
Wonderful trip, we had such a great time 1
European Grandeur
Gary & Jennifer Corben, Australia, Sep 2011
Jenny and I returned today from our trip to England and Europe today (25 October 2011). Many thanks to Insight and to Global Journeys for co-ordinating our travel itinerary. Our transfers and accommodation in London (Thistle Marble Arch) were great and we enjoyed our 5 or so days in London. The Insight 'European Heritage Tour' was one of the best spent read more 34 days of our life. At first I was cautious about spending 34 days touring Europe in a coach but the experience turned out to be fabulous. The coaches used by Insight are set up for 40 people rather than the 50 plus seat coaches. Plenty of leg room to lay-back when you are tired, scheduled breaks every two hours or so. Every hotel met or exceeded our expectation. Nobody could ever complain about the high standards of accommodation provided by Insight on this tour. Our tour commenced in London on 15 September with around 30 passengers, two couples were from Canada and the remainder were Aussies. Some left the tour in Athens where another 8 passengers joined us, yes, another 8 Aussies!
The included tours, excursions and meals were excellent as was the included three-night Greek Island Cruise. I will be writing to Insight separately to acknowledge the great time we had. However, such times are only achieved through great planning, coordination and teamwork between Insight, the tour director and the coach driver not to mention a wonderful group of fellow passengers. Betty Griffiths, our tour director and Dino, our Italian driver, are true professionals, noteworthy organisers, good companions and great representatives for Insight. When we were approaching the Greek border from Albania we learnt that the border was closed for our coach. Betty and Insight arranged for a Greek Coach to meet us on the Greek side of the border to transfer us and our baggage for the next two days then onward to Athens. The paper work needed for our coach to cross the border to Greece could not be processed because the public servants were on a 48 hour strike. As you are probably aware the Greek Government has imposed severe austerity measures because of the EU monetary crises. At first it looked as though we would have to take our bags off our coach and trolley them 850 metres down the road (being no-man's land between the Albanian and Greek border). Alas, Betty convinced the Albanian Police to drive her down to the Greek border and then got permission to drive our coach down the 850 metres of road to make the baggage transfer much easier. How easy was that? Dino had to stay with his coach in Albania for the duration of the two day strike in Greece. He ultimately met up with us in Athens. Upon arrival at our first night in Greece (Ioannina) one couple received sad news of the death of a close family member and they needed to urgently return to Australia. Their timely return would not have been possible without Betty Griffiths. At short notice Betty went to unprecedented lengths to coordinate their departure from Greece, albeit during a 48 hour general strike.
A truly remarkable tour director! Betty and Dino should be commended, they were just great. On another day, when leaving Athens, we were passing the Greek Parliament, red traffic light and the coach was surrounded by about 300 protesting students. No panic, five or so minutes delay and off again. All of these exciting extras at no extra charge! What more could you ask? Finally a big thanks to Yvonne Brooks at Global Journeys for all of her help in organising this wonderful trip, we had such a great time. The standard of service and follow up to every question that I raised was quickly satisfied. We received all of our travel documents on time. Global Journeys were very efficient. Who said that great holidays cannot be successfully organised on the internet? I will be recommending Global Journeys to all of our friends. (Ed: Review based on slightly different itinerary. Trip name and itinerary updated this season)
The included tours, excursions and meals were excellent as was the included three-night Greek Island Cruise. I will be writing to Insight separately to acknowledge the great time we had. However, such times are only achieved through great planning, coordination and teamwork between Insight, the tour director and the coach driver not to mention a wonderful group of fellow passengers. Betty Griffiths, our tour director and Dino, our Italian driver, are true professionals, noteworthy organisers, good companions and great representatives for Insight. When we were approaching the Greek border from Albania we learnt that the border was closed for our coach. Betty and Insight arranged for a Greek Coach to meet us on the Greek side of the border to transfer us and our baggage for the next two days then onward to Athens. The paper work needed for our coach to cross the border to Greece could not be processed because the public servants were on a 48 hour strike. As you are probably aware the Greek Government has imposed severe austerity measures because of the EU monetary crises. At first it looked as though we would have to take our bags off our coach and trolley them 850 metres down the road (being no-man's land between the Albanian and Greek border). Alas, Betty convinced the Albanian Police to drive her down to the Greek border and then got permission to drive our coach down the 850 metres of road to make the baggage transfer much easier. How easy was that? Dino had to stay with his coach in Albania for the duration of the two day strike in Greece. He ultimately met up with us in Athens. Upon arrival at our first night in Greece (Ioannina) one couple received sad news of the death of a close family member and they needed to urgently return to Australia. Their timely return would not have been possible without Betty Griffiths. At short notice Betty went to unprecedented lengths to coordinate their departure from Greece, albeit during a 48 hour general strike.
A truly remarkable tour director! Betty and Dino should be commended, they were just great. On another day, when leaving Athens, we were passing the Greek Parliament, red traffic light and the coach was surrounded by about 300 protesting students. No panic, five or so minutes delay and off again. All of these exciting extras at no extra charge! What more could you ask? Finally a big thanks to Yvonne Brooks at Global Journeys for all of her help in organising this wonderful trip, we had such a great time. The standard of service and follow up to every question that I raised was quickly satisfied. We received all of our travel documents on time. Global Journeys were very efficient. Who said that great holidays cannot be successfully organised on the internet? I will be recommending Global Journeys to all of our friends. (Ed: Review based on slightly different itinerary. Trip name and itinerary updated this season)
Would very much recommend this tour 1
Best of Spain & Portugal
Elizabeth & Gerard Marshall, Australia, Sep 2011
Really enjoyed the 'Best of Spain & Portugal'. Tour guide was very professional but relaxed. Places visited were very interesting. Loved the fact that there was so much leg room on the bus. Enjoyed the Spanish lifestyle.
The Insight tour to Northern Europe Capitals and Russia was generally excellent. The Tour Director and Driver were both excellent and very caring. The Tour Director was most knowledgeable and at times humourous in her commentary. The accommodation was first class with exception of Vitebsk in Belarus which was a poor Russian concrete construction hotel read more with poor facilities. Meals where provided, were first class with exception of Vitebsk, where we were given our Russian ration. My greatest critisim was the local tour leader in Berlin who had great difficulty in filling in an hour let alone filling in 2 hours of the tour, given Berlin with its recent history since WW2. I received more information talking to a German man alongside the Berlin Wall. The tour guide in Vitebsk seemed to being giving the tour party the local Communist line on how good the city was and how well the people were treated by the Russians. The visit to the Marc Chagall home was a waste of time as the tour group (cut in two), rooms were so small for the tour party that crowded into the house to hear the Guides (translated from Russian) that they could not see the paintings/photographs on the walls. The Chagall Museum and its etchings were not generally appreciated by the tour party and it had a limited appeal to audiences. It appeared the visits to the Chagall locations were a fill-in as there was nothing better to see in Vitebsk. By comparision the visit to Vilnius, with a similiar history to Vitebsk, was brilliant. Overall the tour was both educational and entertaining and the tour group mixed very well to make a happy time. Would highly recommend Insight tours.
Hectic but enjoyable, we saw all that we wanted 2
Best of Italy
Jim & Judith Samuel , Australia, Sep 2011
This was the very first bus tour my husband and I had experienced. My husband had always said he would not go on one. Well he has now changed his mind. We had a wonderful tour. It was hectic but enjoyable and we saw all that we wanted. Our tour guide Belinda Richardson was an absolute gem. So knowledgeable and enthusiastic, we could not have had better. read more The bus with it extra legroom was much appreciated and the hotels generally were more than acceptable. The only hiccup was in Assisi, the meal was awful everyone complained, but all the rest were magnificent (not good for the waistline). So thank you Global Journeys for a wonderful trip. We certainly hope to do another one!
The best organised tour that we have done 1
Wonders of Turkey
Lorraine Peatling & Paolo Muzzicato, Australia, Aug 2011
We were very happy with our tour of Turkey. It was the best organised tour that we have done. The hotels were excellent except the Dederman in Cappadocia. Rashid our tour guide was the best with his extensive knowledge and sense of humour, he got us to the sights, museums etc. at the right times so we didn't have to cue. It was the first tour that I read more have done where the tour guide has given his phone no and room no to us. We were very happy with Yvonne's help in booking this tour for us. Thank you all very much. (Ed: Review based on slightly different itinerary. Trip name and itinerary updated this season)
Would go again and recommend it to friends! 2
Italian Elegance
Christina Beresford, Australia, Aug 2011
Thoroughly enjoyed the trip despite 45 degree heat on some days. Tour leader was excellent, informative and very well organised. Met some fabulous people and saw a great deal of Italy. My only constructive comments would be perhaps to be careful that at breakfasts and some dinners that are arranged that the members of the tour aren't made to feel like read more second class citizens by putting them at back tables (this happened quite a lot to us). Felt like feeding time at the zoo on some occasions. Secondly we stayed at one hotel in Bolzano (Aldi) which was really sub- standard with a dinner that could be barely eaten. Other than that brilliant! Would go again and recommend it to friends!
Very impressed with Insight 1
Country Roads of Bavaria, Switzerland & Austria
Colin & Heather Hallett, Australia, Aug 2011
We had a wonderful trip. Thanks Yvonne at Global Journeys for making the booking and payment process painless and easy to understand. And for your patience and understanding when we rang you to clarify some aspects of the tour as this was our first overseas trip. Happy to recommend Global Journeys to others and will contact you again for our next trip. read more The trip itself was fantastic. We were very impressed with Insight Vacations. Sue, our Tour Director was a wealth of knowledge and has a true passion for Europe and travel. Everything happened with a minimum of fuss. The places we visited were wonderful and the hotels we stayed in were also very good. Would definitely travel with Insight again.
We would recommend the tour Road to Rome to anyone. Our tour director Gary was exceptional in all details a very caring manner nothing was a trouble. As for the extras offered they were all more than we had expected so pleased we took the lot. We shall definitely travel with Insight Tours again in the near future. Thank you Yvonne for care and attention read more nothing seemed to be a trouble to you, thanks.
First tour I have taken solo, and I am already planning my next 3
Treasures of Morocco
Ashne Davey, Australia, Jun 2011
Had a great time. Our tour director went that extra mile to please us all. Each destination was just fabulous. Accommodation was first class. This was the first tour I have taken solo, and I am already planning my trip for 2012. Well done! Forgot to mention our excellent coach driver!
Tour certainly fulfills expectation 3
European Grandeur
Donnalee & Mario Marino, Australia, Jun 2011
As an introduction to Europe, the tour certainly fulfills expectation. There are a couple of items where I think improvement could be made. Weather forecasts on the board to ensure appropriate apparel/sunscreen etc. Better explanation of how the optionals work and how little free time there is if you take them up. The ability to sign up for extras the read more day before as you do not know what the city/place you are visiting is like. The quality of the food on the included dinners. A 'tell everyone a bit about yourself' opportunity to help get to know everyone. An indication of the time on the road each day. Things I think were excellent were, the room on the coach, most of the road stops, the tour guide's knowledge, how much we actually saw and did & the price of the extras. Overall, our experience was very good and we now have the knowledge and skill to return to Europe, back to the places we liked and to others we did not even see. Thanks for showing us what we can do! (Ed: Review based on slightly different itinerary. Trip name and itinerary updated this season)
Yvonne looked after our tour and air travel bookings. She was extremely helpful, professional and timely with her responses. She certainly assisted in making the planning of our trip easy. A big thank you. The Italy tour overall was just fantastic. Specific problems in regards to hotels were limited to Florence - we stayed at the LLadro. Rooms were read more small with limited non smoking options. The smell of smoke in our room was overpowering. We were moved for the second night but to a very small room. The dinner at this hotel was also sub standard. The tour guide and driver were great and we made many friends. Would recommend it.
