Trafalgar Reviews
The 999 Trafalgar reviews listed below are from past clients of Global Journeys that have traveled with Trafalgar. Each review has been individually verified by our team.
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Generally pretty good trip, except for LA Airport and Las Vegas Airport. We visited some fantastic places, our favourites were Bryce Canyon, and the Arches National Parks. Although a very demanding trip the breakfasts were all good, except we did get a bit sick of the 'scrambled eggs'. The other food was not quite what we would eat at home, and some read more places just seemed to pile the food on the plate (too much for us). Most of the accommodation was excellent, however we did not like Denver City itself as we were approached twice by 'beggars' in the street.
We would have liked a bit more time to relax after arriving at our hotels and going to dinner. We were very disappointed that we did not get to explore the Cliffs Dwellings at all, as was on the itinerary, only looking across at them. Trafalgar knew that access to the Spruce House had been closed since Nov 2015, and no alternative was sourced. Also, on the following day at Monument Valley we only got to have dinner with the American Indians at 6.15 P.M. and no tour the next morning. Both these items missed were one of the main reasons for booking the trip. We also felt that 50 people on the coach was too many, as it took at least 5 min to get off at each stop, and often we were there for only 10-15min.
We would have liked a bit more time to relax after arriving at our hotels and going to dinner. We were very disappointed that we did not get to explore the Cliffs Dwellings at all, as was on the itinerary, only looking across at them. Trafalgar knew that access to the Spruce House had been closed since Nov 2015, and no alternative was sourced. Also, on the following day at Monument Valley we only got to have dinner with the American Indians at 6.15 P.M. and no tour the next morning. Both these items missed were one of the main reasons for booking the trip. We also felt that 50 people on the coach was too many, as it took at least 5 min to get off at each stop, and often we were there for only 10-15min.
The Best of France tour by Trafalgar was incredible. We visited beautiful cities like Paris, Lyon, Nice and Bordeaux and also smaller historic towns like Beaune, Biarritz and Carcassonne where we stayed within the impressive castle. The evening meals throughout were top class and were three courses including wine. These meals were either at the hotels read more or at historic buildings such as in Carcassonne and Paris where we dined in one of the oldest and most prominent in the city. The tour was made even more enjoyable by our tour director who was incredibly knowledgeable and a very caring but also efficient person. The other travellers mainly American, Australian and Canadian were great fun to travel with and everyone enjoyed each others company immensely. It really did became a family away from home. Global Journeys were also a great company to deal with regarding booking and ticketing. Always available and very responsive.
Hot and not bothered in Spain & Portugal. 4
Highlights of Spain and Portugal
Dennis, NSW, Australia, Aug 2016
Hola! We had never been to Spain or Portugal before and had only a remnant memory of long forgotten history lessons. Fortunately Krista, our young, dynamic tour guide and our “mother” for the trip, gave us timely history lessons and all the relevant information along the way. Our fellow passengers were an interesting and friendly bunch from a variety read more of countries and cultures and ranged in age from 18 to 86 with the majority in their 60’s . They came from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, USA, Bahrein and South America and Krista was soon able to meld us into one happy family. Immediately after our Trafalgar Tour we caught the train to Barcelona then boarded the Norwegian Spirit for a cruise on the Mediterranean stopping at many iconic ports for shore tours.
After the cosy family feel of the coach trip I felt lost in a sea of strangers on the ship. The staff looking after the shore tours seemed to lose interest in travellers after they had signed up for their expensive shore excursions and had little customer focus. Sure they had large numbers of people to get off the ship to go to a variety of destinations and they were successful at doing this but they seem to overlook that every single passenger has different expectations and physical abilities and each needs special treatment. But maybe Krista had set such a high standard of customer care that any other treatment would seem very ordinary.
We were in Spain in late August early September and it was hot! It was 35 degrees every day but everyone quickly became acclimatised, drank plenty of water. There was one occasion, however, when one person collapsed from dehydration when we went to a bull farm for a BBQ. He was quickly attended to by a kiwi nurse and Mexican doctor from our group until the ambulance arrived and quickly re-joined the group. While it was hot during our tour we had only 5 minutes of light rain and even that was more than usual for the time of year. So if you are travelling at this time of year leave your jumpers and raincoats at home. All of the walking tours were conducted at Spanish pace and every bit of shade was utilised. The air conditioner on the bus was good and our driver, Sergio, had plenty of water available.
The good news about travelling at this time is that the locals are on holidays and, while there are lots of local and international tourists, the roads tend to have less traffic and we encountered virtually no traffic delays.
We saw so much on this trip that it’s hard to pick favourites without listing everything mentioned in the Trafalgar brochure. My favourite town was Lisbon but there is always something to see and do in most towns and, naturally, there is never enough time to see and do everything. We were reminded about Spain & Portugal’s rich and varied history from the Moors to the Spanish Inquisition and the days when both countries explored and dominated large parts of the world. We heard lots about Christopher Colombus and saw his final resting place and went to Cadiz where Columbus set off to see the world. We were reminded about Vasgo De Gama and other fearless explorers of the 15th and 16th centuries and saw various memorials to them. I was a little disappointed then, considering the importance of the sea in the history of these countries, that we didn’t go to any maritime museums. We did go to yet another church when in Lisbon which I later learned was immediately adjacent to the maritime museum. We had free time the following day but we were advised by someone that the museum was closed on Mondays.
We were happy with all of the hotels although there was crowding on two occasions when several different tour groups all descended on smallish dining rooms at the same time for breakfast. While some of the hotels were a little way out of the city centre they were usually close to public transport and the hotel staff generally gave good advice on its use. We find that it is always a good way to immerse oneself in a new place by using public transport.
Sergio, our driver, gave us a smooth and safe journey.Our guide Krista was always cheerful and available to help anyone with problems and certainly did all she could to ensure that everyone got the best holiday. We loved this trip and would recommend it to our friends. I have booked several holidays through Global Journeys and it is always the first website that I look at when planning a trip and have advised many friends to do the same. Georgie at Global is a pleasure to deal with and is always prompt with her correspondence and good advice.
After the cosy family feel of the coach trip I felt lost in a sea of strangers on the ship. The staff looking after the shore tours seemed to lose interest in travellers after they had signed up for their expensive shore excursions and had little customer focus. Sure they had large numbers of people to get off the ship to go to a variety of destinations and they were successful at doing this but they seem to overlook that every single passenger has different expectations and physical abilities and each needs special treatment. But maybe Krista had set such a high standard of customer care that any other treatment would seem very ordinary.
We were in Spain in late August early September and it was hot! It was 35 degrees every day but everyone quickly became acclimatised, drank plenty of water. There was one occasion, however, when one person collapsed from dehydration when we went to a bull farm for a BBQ. He was quickly attended to by a kiwi nurse and Mexican doctor from our group until the ambulance arrived and quickly re-joined the group. While it was hot during our tour we had only 5 minutes of light rain and even that was more than usual for the time of year. So if you are travelling at this time of year leave your jumpers and raincoats at home. All of the walking tours were conducted at Spanish pace and every bit of shade was utilised. The air conditioner on the bus was good and our driver, Sergio, had plenty of water available.
The good news about travelling at this time is that the locals are on holidays and, while there are lots of local and international tourists, the roads tend to have less traffic and we encountered virtually no traffic delays.
We saw so much on this trip that it’s hard to pick favourites without listing everything mentioned in the Trafalgar brochure. My favourite town was Lisbon but there is always something to see and do in most towns and, naturally, there is never enough time to see and do everything. We were reminded about Spain & Portugal’s rich and varied history from the Moors to the Spanish Inquisition and the days when both countries explored and dominated large parts of the world. We heard lots about Christopher Colombus and saw his final resting place and went to Cadiz where Columbus set off to see the world. We were reminded about Vasgo De Gama and other fearless explorers of the 15th and 16th centuries and saw various memorials to them. I was a little disappointed then, considering the importance of the sea in the history of these countries, that we didn’t go to any maritime museums. We did go to yet another church when in Lisbon which I later learned was immediately adjacent to the maritime museum. We had free time the following day but we were advised by someone that the museum was closed on Mondays.
We were happy with all of the hotels although there was crowding on two occasions when several different tour groups all descended on smallish dining rooms at the same time for breakfast. While some of the hotels were a little way out of the city centre they were usually close to public transport and the hotel staff generally gave good advice on its use. We find that it is always a good way to immerse oneself in a new place by using public transport.
Sergio, our driver, gave us a smooth and safe journey.Our guide Krista was always cheerful and available to help anyone with problems and certainly did all she could to ensure that everyone got the best holiday. We loved this trip and would recommend it to our friends. I have booked several holidays through Global Journeys and it is always the first website that I look at when planning a trip and have advised many friends to do the same. Georgie at Global is a pleasure to deal with and is always prompt with her correspondence and good advice.
A holiday not to be missed! 6
Best of Ireland and Scotland
Josh & Joanne Rodrigues, NSW, Australia, Aug 2016
I never allow the hype to get to me but the beauty of both the Irish and Scottish countryside is simply stunning. We intend to return and do it at our leisure perhaps in Spring to capture different colours - such is the allure of this magical place. Thanks to Trafalgar and the excellent team of tour director, Dan and drivers Nial and Tom, we were given read more a great insight to the places we visited.
Great tour with Trafalgar Tours of Uk and Ireland and booked through Global Journeys. Highlights for me included the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Stonehenge, kissing the Blarney Stone, Lock Ness, Ring of Kerry and Glencoe.
Global Journeys is a good company to buy a holiday from and Yvonne Brooks was very helpful. Our 21 days Grand European trip was very good, the only thing that was not good is some of the hotels that we stayed in were 3 star not as promised all 4 star hotel.
The trip was excellent, the program was run smoothly. Our tour director and driver as well as local guides were very friendly, very professional and full of knowledge of the places we visited.
Iceland for everyone 2
Iceland including the Blue Lagoon (Winter)
Carolyn Neary, VIC, Australia, Aug 2016
Tour was very good value, Iceland was wonderful, bit expensive. My accommodation as a single was very average. Hotels provided excellent meals and service. The days were a bit long but there was a lot to see. All included trips were wonderful, but some of the extras not up to scratch. Overall a place not to be missed.
Worry free adventure across Eastern Europe 3
Bohemian Highlights
Ryszarda Krystyna, WA, Australia, Aug 2016
Our tour trough five countries was very memorable, mostly due to fantastic travelers. Besides beauty of the cities we visiting, it was fun and enjoyable time after day's tours. Local guides was very professional and enthusiastic when showing us their city. Accommodation was very pleasant and in high standard. The real highlight was dinner on the boat read more on Danube in Budapest, after it was sky-show! I left my new friends in Prague and travel back to Poland by train.
Spectacular Holiday 4
Iconic Rockies and Western Canada
Peter & Dot Anderson, SA, Australia, Aug 2016
The scenery on this tour was spectacular. The entire tour was perfect. Everyday just got better and better. Trees, rocks and water. Fantastic. Trafalgar's Travel Director( Ben) and driver (Dan) were brilliant. They went well beyond of what was expected. Ben Hutchinson's handling of the tour was outstanding. He was so passionate and he is a proud Canadian. read more He made our experiences so much better because of his desire to please. Thank You Ben. Global Journeys once again provided us with faultless handling of our booking. Thank you Michelle, loved it.
Trafalgar was a very good tour - visited all the key places in UK and Ireland. Tour Director was excellent. We shared the coach with a total of 46 passengers so it took a bit of time getting on and off the bus at each stop. But all our fellow passengers were nice. There was a fair bit of necessary travel by bus each day and not always enough time read more to see what we wanted at each stop but that was a consequence of doing a 20 day tour across all of the UK and Ireland. All the accommodation was nice and most of the optional tours were good. Only negative was that at times the coach was too cold. Global Journeys provided a cheaper price than booking direct with Trafalgar and no problems booking through them.
A Wonderful Tour Experience 3
Susan & Paul, ACT, Australia, Aug 2016
The Best of Finland, Russia and the Baltic States Tour was a wonderful tour experience! We had a very experienced and knowledgeable Trafalgar Tour Director, a very professional and hard working coach driver, and a happy, warm and friendly tour group. The Tour admirably covered all the highlights of the countries we visited, immersing us in their history read more and development. Hotels were all first class, and the included breakfasts and dinners were very good, especially the 'Be My Guest' dinner. We saw so much more than we expected. We still had a great balance between organised touring and free time, and a good range of excellent included and optional excursions. There were lots of pleasant surprises and unanticipated experiences along the way! Michelle from Global Journeys took care of our bookings and arrangements very efficiently and professionally, and we would happily book with Global Journeys again.
We had the best tour director ever in Jason who shared his passion for these countries to us in every way. All aspects were covered to help us understand each country from cultural, economic, gastronomic, music, art and geographical. The optional extra excursions that went with this tour were the best I have experienced. Any minor problems were well read more handled and my overall impression was an excellent glimpse of life in the Iberian peninsula.
Were fortunate to have very good weather for entire tour commencing in August. Hotel standard on occasion exceeded expectation - although some did not offer free wifi. Some optional excursions were very expensive. Transfers offered to airport on last day of tour should be extended to rail /bus / ship.
USA Western Discoverer 1
Mrs Harjit Kaur, NSW , Australia, Aug 2016
Happy with the itinerary. Optional tours - highlights were Grand Canyon helicopter ride and Walk on the Golden Gate Bridge. Definitely worth taking these two extra optionals. Hotels were great, road trip to so many different landscapes just amazing. However, about the group photo it was simply poor photography! We were 54 fellow travellers in two long read more rows, so our faces are barely recognised. There was no date and place mentioned on the photo.
Worry free holiday 1
Richard & Barb, VIC, Australia, Aug 2016
August is a very good time to travel, Trafalgar is a very good to tour company, and our guide Jay was excellent, it was a amazing trip.
Wonderful trip full of experiences of Western Europe. 2
Grand European
Jenny & Andy, NSW, Australia, Aug 2016
Being in Western Europe in August was very busy, but the tour was very well organised, with access and entry into tourist sites being organised in such a way that the group did not waste any time in queues etc - very impressive. The tour covered as many experiences as possible, but we liked that - not for those wanting a leisurely holiday! Debra, the read more tour guide was extremely knowledgeable, about all the sites and hotels, and the background and history of the areas. She provided a wealth of information, in paper handouts, as well as videos, and her own anecdotal commentary from time to time on the coach. She was fluently multi-lingual, which inspired confidence. The local experts were also very good. The driver was also very good. Accommodation was better that I expected, but on such a tour you really want to be out of the hotel room!
The only disappointing part was the very short time in Wales. We arrived to late to buy souvenirs and left before the shops opened. The meal at the vineyard was good but badly timed.
Slower pace tour. Beautiful scenery of the alps. 4
Best of Switzerland
Anita & James Davies, WA, Australia, Jul 2016
One again Hannah was a great help in booking this tour back to back with the 15 Day Bohemian tour. Best of Switzerland was at a much slower pace, with views of the magnificent alps and lakes. Our tour director Woolfgan, a pleasant and happy person, although being bilingual, the different ascents and dialects of tour guests caused him minor problems. read more Unfortunately his time management skills weren't good, and we relied on each other to work out our daily schedule. He was not always available when questions needed to be addressed. Needless to say the coach drivers did an excellent job as usual. Negatives were arriving in the Hilton Hotel Evian at the end of the day, having to wait an hour in the coach, as our rooms weren't ready. This happened again when we arrived in Zermatt, personally my husband and I waited for 1 1/2 hours for our room to be ready! Highlights of this tour were taking a cable car to 3779m to Klein Matterhorn - then taking oldest mountain railway and Cabrio cable car to reach 1900m on Mt Stanserhorn, and the train from Triano to St Mortiz.
Great short trip - amazing landscapes and beautiful scenery 4
Best of the Canyonlands
Melisa , VIC, Australia, Jul 2016
Booking is always easy and seamless, Hannah was efficient as always and prompt to respond and provided exceptional service. Korie our Trafalgar Travel Director was a local, so she was very knowledgeable and informative. Our Coach Driver was friendly and personable and kept the coach to a very high standard. You wont be disappointed when you visit this read more spectacular canyon country, so many highlights and awe inspiring landscapes. Each destination is completely different, and the terrain seems so surreal you would think it was a painting! But to fully understand the scale of the Grand Canyon, take the helicopter ride - its spectacular!
Not sure why there's a requirement to bring a torch as we never have a need for one, but a wide brimmed hat and lots of water is a must, especially with the high altitude. However, I was surprised to find out that this tour was actually joining the Scenic Parks tour group that started in LA, so it was little awkward joining a this late stage. In addition, the two final days is Vegas were free time and any optional tours were arranged via third party tour groups - no Trafalgar Travel Director or Coach required - it was unfortunate as I had already prepaid my gratuities. Ideally, I would have liked the tour to include Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park however the existing group had already visited these parks before we joined the group in Denver.
Overall, a great short trip that was breath taking and magical.
Not sure why there's a requirement to bring a torch as we never have a need for one, but a wide brimmed hat and lots of water is a must, especially with the high altitude. However, I was surprised to find out that this tour was actually joining the Scenic Parks tour group that started in LA, so it was little awkward joining a this late stage. In addition, the two final days is Vegas were free time and any optional tours were arranged via third party tour groups - no Trafalgar Travel Director or Coach required - it was unfortunate as I had already prepaid my gratuities. Ideally, I would have liked the tour to include Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park however the existing group had already visited these parks before we joined the group in Denver.
Overall, a great short trip that was breath taking and magical.
