Trafalgar Reviews
The 1,795 Trafalgar reviews listed below are from past clients of Global Journeys that have travelled with Trafalgar. Each review has been individually verified by our team.
The 1,795 Trafalgar reviews listed below are from past clients of Global Journeys that have travelled with Trafalgar. Each review has been individually verified by our team.
The trip was a non stop adventure through Southern Ireland. Experiencing local cuisine, beautiful countryside, history and so much more. I found all the staff from Trafalgar extremely helpful, from before I even left for my holiday to the shuttle dropping me off at the airport to come home. A truly wonderful holiday.
Great tour for a week long journey through Scotland. Covered all the big highlights and had some great optional excursions. The guide and bus driver were excellent.
The tour content was perfect and exceeded our expectations, but the tour director was disappointing as he was ill-prepared and unfamiliar with several destinations. His poor organisation and vague instructions saw one family left behind on the excursion to Jungfrau and needing to find their own way back to the hotel. So, except for the choice of tour read more director, a perfect trip and a good case for leaving the payment of gratuities until the end of the tour.
We had a fast paced and busy trip. Little time to relax but excellent for updating knowledge of places we have never been before. Morocco was a little confronting but our tour director Raymond and driver Pedro were able to handle any problems in a relaxed manner making it a pleasant journey for all. A little more time in Portugal would have been nice. read more We did most of the optional extras and would recommend these to get the best from the trip. I would not hesitate to recommend Trafalgar as a coach tour company.
Holiday of a lifetime 12
Spectacular Canadian Rockies with Alaska Cruise
Debra & Lance, QLD, Australia, May 2017
My husband and I booked our Canada and Alaska tour through Global Journeys and it was absolutely the best holiday we've ever had. We started with the Alaskan cruise then toured the Rockies with Trafalgar. Everything was so well planned and exactly what we'd been hoping for from this long dreamed of trip.
The accommodation everywhere was excellent, read more the food was incredible, the sites visited are bucket list worthy and we've made heaps of news friends. We took up a lot of the extra options available on both the cruise and Trafalgar tour and they were all worth every cent. Even without the optional extras though the trip would have been brilliant. I doubt we would have seen or experienced half as much if we weren't on the tour.
I would recommend one change for most though which is tour first then cruise. The land tour is fairly fast paced with early starts.
The accommodation everywhere was excellent, read more the food was incredible, the sites visited are bucket list worthy and we've made heaps of news friends. We took up a lot of the extra options available on both the cruise and Trafalgar tour and they were all worth every cent. Even without the optional extras though the trip would have been brilliant. I doubt we would have seen or experienced half as much if we weren't on the tour.
I would recommend one change for most though which is tour first then cruise. The land tour is fairly fast paced with early starts.
Great trip and a very good time of the year to do Yellowstone. Late snow blocked access to the northern park but the snow added a magical touch to the park.
Great Way To Experience Portugal 3
Country Roads of Portugal
Graham & Caroline, SA, Australia, May 2017
This tour is a great way to see all that Portugal has to offer. Although the tour was full, it didn't feel so and there is plenty of space on the bus. Our tour guide John was excellent and provided great commentary throughout the tour. The hotel accommodation was very good, as were the included meals. This was our third Insight Vacations tour and definitely read more the best one so far. You know you have had a good tour when you can't think of anything to complain about.
Overall accommodation was very satisfactory. Some of the advertising was a little exaggerated re rooms and views. Tour director repeated her family details too often but otherwise did a very good job. Tipping should be included as an option in the cost of the tour. Bus driver was excellent. Views from some accommodation were alleys and back lanes. Nice read more balance with meal inclusions.
Disappointed that Global Journeys did not advise us that we could break our journey in Abu Dahbi at no additional flight cost. The Troll road excursion was in the tour bus and I question why this was an additional option tour to be paid for. Transfers were well organised. But beware this is a very expensive area to visit. Food and drink costs are well above sometimes 2 + the cost of what you would pay for in Australia. Overall a very enjoyable trip. Good to see that the composition of the travellers included a high number of Australians. Would recommend this tour to anyone
Disappointed that Global Journeys did not advise us that we could break our journey in Abu Dahbi at no additional flight cost. The Troll road excursion was in the tour bus and I question why this was an additional option tour to be paid for. Transfers were well organised. But beware this is a very expensive area to visit. Food and drink costs are well above sometimes 2 + the cost of what you would pay for in Australia. Overall a very enjoyable trip. Good to see that the composition of the travellers included a high number of Australians. Would recommend this tour to anyone
We have been regular visitors to the US in recent years so we look for "new" destinations to explore in addition to visiting family now residing on the East Coast. My husband and I have completed many tours with Insight Vacations in America, Canada and Europe so we have had the opportunity to weigh up the pros and cons of coach tours and in particular read more with this company. Coach tours do not suit all and you regularly need to remind yourself why you have chosen a coach tour as opposed to a self drive holiday following the same route !
Having said that, this trip probably exceeded our expectations. The coach itself was extremely comfortable, plenty of leg room, on board wi-fi and a recharge power points for each seat. Our tour director appeared to have a good knowledge of local history and culture which he shared with the group and prior experience about how to get the best out of each location in the limited time that you have available.There were 33 passengers on tour, 50% Americans ( mainly east coast retirees) and 50% Australians (again mainly retirees). There is a lot of coach travel on this tour with a couple of days of extended mileage. To get the best out of the trip you need to have a good level of fitness. Whilst there is full porterage of your bags, the accommodation did not always have lifts and there are steps to be climbed at some locations. At a couple of overnight stops you do need to walk outdoors from the accommodation to dining areas.
If you are looking for big cities and shopping this tour is not for you. We looked forward to seeing some of the other American Icons away from cities , more of the US National Parks and staying in Rustic Lodges and we were well satisfied.
We did not realise that this tour was stage 3 of an extended West Coast tour that had started in San Francisco. So a few passengers had booked on all 3 stages; several more on the final two stages and others like us joined up for the final stage 3. We in fact, had completed the second stage that included Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion National Parks back in 2010.
We flew from LA airport to Salt Lake City two days in advance of the tour date and would have been otherwise disappointed with the tour's itinerary / commentary of this town. We booked on both a City local tour and a lake local tour before departing Australia ; we were also able to easily walk to Temple Square and also attend the free Mormon Tabernacle Choir Concert on the Thursday evening. We also chose to depart the tour in Denver rather than Rapid City. The Insight coach provided this connection and this gave us better options for ongoing flights to New York. We stayed in a hotel close to the airport for a flight the following morning - note Insight Vacations' warning about booking flight times that are too early.
We chose a tour in early May because we wanted to see snow capped mountains. The south gate into Yellowstone had only just opened for the season, a couple of roads in the park were still closed because of a late snow fall but that was the risk we were prepared to take with this early date. We did not want to experience summer school holiday crowds and traffic jams especially in Yellowstone! The snow covered Grand Tetons were magnificent - it had been a heavy snowfall winter. There was heavy snow still on the ground in the southern parts of Yellowstone, some lakes were still frozen, the waterfalls and mountain streams were raging. It was also still cool enough to enjoy walking geyser trails at Yellowstone and the board walk at Mt Rushmore and for fireplaces to be enjoyed in lodge foyers.
We saw plenty of bison, elk, deer, prairie dog and were lucky enough to spot a grizzly bear ambling out of the lake ! There were 2 optional excursions for the tour - we did not book the river float as we had been very satisfied with our memories of a Colorado River Float on another tour. We would recommend the Bison Safari and Cookout optional though ( do not be put off - this is not rough road touring ! )
We were very happy with all the accommodation. We had not anticipated the scale of these lodges. There are many rooms ; not luxury, but all have interesting character décor, good linen, satisfactory bathrooms and pleasant foyers. Meals were usually limited to the accommodation's large dining rooms with a seasonal staff who, in May, were fairly new to the job! While the "no bookings system at Yellowstone" is not always ideal, it is all part of the experience and will make you appreciate even more the wonderful dinner later on at the more intimate U Cross Ranch. Take on board the fact that Americans often have to book a long time in advance to stay at some of these lodges. We were fortunate that our dates enabled us to stay at all the "onsite accommodation" and I would suggest that future travellers read the fine print carefully for accommodation on their chosen dates as a couple of local events impose some limitations.
Custer State Park and the Buffalo Bill Museum were our unexpected favourite destinations on this tour. Eating dinner looking out on the Grand Tetons at twilight is a special memory we will never forget.
This is the first time we have booked with Global Journeys - the savings, in addition to Insight's early payment and past traveller discounts were attractive. All our communication and payments were made online. The process was efficient and I felt confident with the company even without a face to face meeting.
Having said that, this trip probably exceeded our expectations. The coach itself was extremely comfortable, plenty of leg room, on board wi-fi and a recharge power points for each seat. Our tour director appeared to have a good knowledge of local history and culture which he shared with the group and prior experience about how to get the best out of each location in the limited time that you have available.There were 33 passengers on tour, 50% Americans ( mainly east coast retirees) and 50% Australians (again mainly retirees). There is a lot of coach travel on this tour with a couple of days of extended mileage. To get the best out of the trip you need to have a good level of fitness. Whilst there is full porterage of your bags, the accommodation did not always have lifts and there are steps to be climbed at some locations. At a couple of overnight stops you do need to walk outdoors from the accommodation to dining areas.
If you are looking for big cities and shopping this tour is not for you. We looked forward to seeing some of the other American Icons away from cities , more of the US National Parks and staying in Rustic Lodges and we were well satisfied.
We did not realise that this tour was stage 3 of an extended West Coast tour that had started in San Francisco. So a few passengers had booked on all 3 stages; several more on the final two stages and others like us joined up for the final stage 3. We in fact, had completed the second stage that included Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion National Parks back in 2010.
We flew from LA airport to Salt Lake City two days in advance of the tour date and would have been otherwise disappointed with the tour's itinerary / commentary of this town. We booked on both a City local tour and a lake local tour before departing Australia ; we were also able to easily walk to Temple Square and also attend the free Mormon Tabernacle Choir Concert on the Thursday evening. We also chose to depart the tour in Denver rather than Rapid City. The Insight coach provided this connection and this gave us better options for ongoing flights to New York. We stayed in a hotel close to the airport for a flight the following morning - note Insight Vacations' warning about booking flight times that are too early.
We chose a tour in early May because we wanted to see snow capped mountains. The south gate into Yellowstone had only just opened for the season, a couple of roads in the park were still closed because of a late snow fall but that was the risk we were prepared to take with this early date. We did not want to experience summer school holiday crowds and traffic jams especially in Yellowstone! The snow covered Grand Tetons were magnificent - it had been a heavy snowfall winter. There was heavy snow still on the ground in the southern parts of Yellowstone, some lakes were still frozen, the waterfalls and mountain streams were raging. It was also still cool enough to enjoy walking geyser trails at Yellowstone and the board walk at Mt Rushmore and for fireplaces to be enjoyed in lodge foyers.
We saw plenty of bison, elk, deer, prairie dog and were lucky enough to spot a grizzly bear ambling out of the lake ! There were 2 optional excursions for the tour - we did not book the river float as we had been very satisfied with our memories of a Colorado River Float on another tour. We would recommend the Bison Safari and Cookout optional though ( do not be put off - this is not rough road touring ! )
We were very happy with all the accommodation. We had not anticipated the scale of these lodges. There are many rooms ; not luxury, but all have interesting character décor, good linen, satisfactory bathrooms and pleasant foyers. Meals were usually limited to the accommodation's large dining rooms with a seasonal staff who, in May, were fairly new to the job! While the "no bookings system at Yellowstone" is not always ideal, it is all part of the experience and will make you appreciate even more the wonderful dinner later on at the more intimate U Cross Ranch. Take on board the fact that Americans often have to book a long time in advance to stay at some of these lodges. We were fortunate that our dates enabled us to stay at all the "onsite accommodation" and I would suggest that future travellers read the fine print carefully for accommodation on their chosen dates as a couple of local events impose some limitations.
Custer State Park and the Buffalo Bill Museum were our unexpected favourite destinations on this tour. Eating dinner looking out on the Grand Tetons at twilight is a special memory we will never forget.
This is the first time we have booked with Global Journeys - the savings, in addition to Insight's early payment and past traveller discounts were attractive. All our communication and payments were made online. The process was efficient and I felt confident with the company even without a face to face meeting.
Stayed at some very nice hotels and were given lovely inclusions on the tour. Our tour guide and coach driver were excellent and gave us a smooth and worry free experience. The tour was at times fast paced, but we did have some distances to cover in certain areas. Highlights included Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Yosemite and meeting some wonderful fellow travellers.
This trip was my third with Insight and I am already looking at another holiday with them for next year. I was quite surprised to find out all was included and there was no more added expense for extras. The hotels were luxurious and all the meals were very enjoyable. I have no one highlight, they were all highlights. The tour director Patricia was read more so knowledgeable and I was quite surprised about some of the information she was telling us. The coach was very roomy but unfortunately the foot rest were best suited for tall people, but that is the only concern. The pace was very easy to deal with and we had a fair bit of free time to wonder around. I would recommend them.
Spectacular scenery, excellent organisation 4
Country Roads of Scandinavia
Robyn, QLD, Australia, May 2017
A really well organised tour with an excellent intinerary. The tour leader was fantastic, managing the group, but still being attentive to individuals. The tour hotels were of a high standard, and the coach was comfortable.
Meals were very good, but perhaps they could reflect local cuisine a bit more, even though this would not appeal to all people. read more After seeing the prices in Norway. I am convinced that the tour represented value for money.
Meals were very good, but perhaps they could reflect local cuisine a bit more, even though this would not appeal to all people. read more After seeing the prices in Norway. I am convinced that the tour represented value for money.
Northern Capitals & Russia with Insight 3
Northern Capitals
Margareta & John, VIC, Australia, May 2017
The weather was still pretty cold, but the tour was excellent. We did have the best bus driver and the best tour director. We did enjoy every minute of this tour.
Wonderful trip to Britain & Ireland 2
Britain and Ireland Highlights
Jessica, NSW, Australia, May 2017
First time travelling with tour company - Trafalgar, I'm impressed. Our tour guide Paul is very professional and knowledgeable. Also hats off to all the coach drivers - Richard and others. It's fast paced given the time and places visited, but Trafalgar arranged timing very well. The only slight disappointment was the visit to Guinness Brewery in Dublin. read more It isn't a brewery and not everyone drinks beer, so I would suggest including it as an optional experience. Everything else is wonderful. It's also my first time booking the tour with Global Journeys. I highly recommend their service. The staff - Hannah and others are very efficient. They responded my queries almost on the same day. I definitely will look to book with them again for my next holiday.
Well planned and stressless holiday 6
Iconic Rockies and Western Canada
Learna, QLD, Australia, May 2017
Holland American Line's cruise to Alaska was outstanding. Glad we chose the on land excursions through them as it was hassle free and seamless. Trafalgar was well organised and the hotels outstanding in both location and comfort. The early morning starts were great as we often gained access to sites before the main tourist crowds came.
Only downside read more was we were not aware of the very large group size they Trafalgar run in USA and Canada. Did not expect a group of 52! This was a bit annoying. This did take some of the shine off the trip; it's a lot of people getting on and off the coach, sitting in Restaurants, trying to squeeze into viewing areas etc. Had not read that on the promotions ( which seems to base a lot of their spiel and information on its Europe tours- 40 to 45 people). Next time we'll look at the fine print a lot more and maybe not even travel with Trafalgar.
Only downside read more was we were not aware of the very large group size they Trafalgar run in USA and Canada. Did not expect a group of 52! This was a bit annoying. This did take some of the shine off the trip; it's a lot of people getting on and off the coach, sitting in Restaurants, trying to squeeze into viewing areas etc. Had not read that on the promotions ( which seems to base a lot of their spiel and information on its Europe tours- 40 to 45 people). Next time we'll look at the fine print a lot more and maybe not even travel with Trafalgar.
Celebration of the majesty of the Canadian Rockies 5
Iconic Rockies and Western Canada
Alison, NSW, Australia, May 2017
The itinerary and the enthusiasm, organisational manner and knowledge shown by our Trafalgar's Tour Director, Dan Wilson, were excellent. Many highlights: breakfast in the Butchart Gardens, Vancouver Island, and its early morning light in the glorious spring-time gardens; walking through the village of Whistler led by Wendel and a visit to the First read more Nations Cultural centre; driving along mountain roads confident in the care and skills of Trafalgar's driver, Bill; early morning gondola ride to the peak at Sulphur Mountain, Banff; travelling up to and onto the Athabasca glacier; experiencing the snow in Jasper and wild-life sightings.
The Gold-Leaf Rocky Mountaineer train journey from Jasper to Vancouver does not represent value for money. Having an aisle seat on the train was a significant disadvantage, and I have written to the Rocky Mountaineer company with my specific comments. There were 52 passengers on the coach, and I would have preferred a smaller group. We all seemed to get on well enough and I was very happy with my seating companion on the coach.
The Gold-Leaf Rocky Mountaineer train journey from Jasper to Vancouver does not represent value for money. Having an aisle seat on the train was a significant disadvantage, and I have written to the Rocky Mountaineer company with my specific comments. There were 52 passengers on the coach, and I would have preferred a smaller group. We all seemed to get on well enough and I was very happy with my seating companion on the coach.
This was a fabulous itinerary, we travelled through some important and incredible cities. Our guide Emma was wonderful. The driver was adequate, no personality but I guess he didn't need to have one, we just like a driver with a bit of a spark. Included tours were wonderful, extras where underwhelming and expensive and rushed. I would just go with read more the inclusions and use the free nights and afternoons (not many) to catch your breath or perhaps explore a city for yourself. Overall, the accommodation was awesome, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Costa Del Sol is a bit of a yawn, but you can use this time to relax.
What a fabulous trip! Our Tour Guide, Simon, was the best. This was the first time we had used Global Journeys and we'd certainly use them again. Both Michelle and Madeline were great with all responses to any questions or concerns received in an amazingly short timeline. Thank you so much.
This was the best of Ireland, tour director was totally inspiring with the history of both countries and the local guides outstanding. Optional extras a real treat and highly recommended! If you only choose a few of the extras make sure you do the Inishowen peninsular and the giant causeway trip, the Irish Ceilidh evening, the jaunting cart ride through read more the Bourne-Vincent National park and the Kilkenny afternoon pub visit with an introduction to hurling and a great sing along!
Highlight of the holiday was the 'Cabbie trip' in Belfast for a ride through the recent past and a look into both sides of the 'troubles'.
You will be entertained and more than amused to experience that unique Irish hospitality and humour wherever you go.
Highlight of the holiday was the 'Cabbie trip' in Belfast for a ride through the recent past and a look into both sides of the 'troubles'.
You will be entertained and more than amused to experience that unique Irish hospitality and humour wherever you go.
We have had the pleasure of Tracey supporting our travels through Global Journeys over the last few years. Tracey is very professional, courteous, knowledgeable and always considerate. She makes it easy for organising our travel and we hope she can support our future travel plans.
