Traveling on tours offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the world’s wonders, immerse oneself in diverse cultures, and create unforgettable memories.
Whether it’s marveling at historic landmarks, experiencing vibrant local traditions, or savoring exotic cuisines, tours provide a structured yet adventurous way to discover new places. Guided by expert locals, travelers gain deeper insights and access to hidden gems often missed when traveling alone.
From bustling cityscapes to serene landscapes, each tour is a unique journey, catering to various interests and comfort levels. Embracing the spirit of exploration and camaraderie, going on tours is not just about seeing new places, but about living them.
Best Tour Operators
National Geographic Expeditions
Experience the National Geographic Expeditions tour day
National Geographic Expeditions aligns its tours with the core values of its parent company: exploration, science, education, and storytelling. Launched in 1999, they offer guided tours on all seven continents, including experiences like sunrise photography at Machu Picchu and train journeys through the Swiss and Italian Alps.
Their tours are designed for meaningful exploration and cater to different traveler types, including photographers, families, and independent travelers.
They offer a range of travel methods, such as land, small ship, train, river cruise, and private jet tours. The company’s Signature Land tours, led by NatGeo experts, feature high-end accommodations and special access to field researchers and sites.
Collette
Enjoy Spectacular Scandinavia tour with Collette
Collette stands out in the realm of tour operators with its diverse array of travel options that include land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, and city stays. This company, which tends to attract a more mature, value-oriented audience, does not skimp on quality, offering four-star hotels and meals in well-reviewed local restaurants.
Collette is also committed to sustainable tourism, utilizing local businesses and restaurants and investing in community and environmental projects. With local guides employed on all trips, they ensure an authentic experience.
The tour sizes vary, accommodating both classic and small group tours, and they cater primarily to adults, specifically couples aged between 50 and 70. Their destinations are extensive, covering continents from Europe to the Polar regions.
Tauck Tours
magic of autumn in New England with TAUCK traveling company
Tauck Tours, a family-owned company with almost a century of experience, offers guided tours across more than 100 destinations in over 70 countries, spanning all seven continents. They are known for delivering experiences that exceed expectations, providing authentic, behind-the-scenes access to worldwide destinations.
Tauck’s tours are distinguished by their focus on local customs, traditions, flora, and fauna, and they offer upscale meals and accommodations. Their tour guides, known as Tauck Directors, are seasoned professionals from 40 countries.
The company offers a variety of trip styles, including land tours, small group journeys, river cruises, and family journeys. Tauck also partners with documentary filmmaker Ken Burns for thematic trips.
Alpaca Expeditions
Salkantay Trek with Alpaca Expeditions Travel Peru
Alpaca Expeditions is a highly reputable tour company specializing in group and private hikes to Machu Picchu, including several Inca Trail alternatives. With a focus on responsible tourism, they support local communities through sustainable practices, like using eco-friendly equipment and providing fair wages to porters.
Their group sizes are capped at 16 people to ensure a personalized experience. The company’s commitment to customer safety and comfort is evident in their numerous positive reviews, which highlight their attention to detail and knowledgeable staff.
However, Alpaca Expeditions may not be the most budget-friendly option and their small group sizes can limit availability.
AB Expeditions
Ab expeditions local inca trail operator
AB Expeditions is a Cusco-based travel company that specializes in small group tours, particularly focusing on the Inca Trail and other treks in the Peruvian Andes. Founded by industry veterans Abel and Elsa, the company has a strong commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.
Their tours are known for their personalized touch, thanks to the small group sizes which allow for a more intimate and tailored experience. They place a strong emphasis on the welfare of their porters and guides, ensuring they are well-cared-for, which is a key aspect of their responsible tourism ethos.
The company’s tours are designed to provide an authentic experience of the local culture and landscapes, combining adventure with cultural immersion.
The positive reviews on Tripadvisor highlight their knowledgeable guides and commitment to community social projects, reflecting the company’s focus on creating a positive impact both for their clients and the local communities they interact with.
Traveleez
Enjoy the quaint beauty of Curacao with Traveleeze Travel Agency
Traveleez is an emerging name in the world of Inca Trail tours, distinguishing itself through a blend of exceptional service and social responsibility. They specialize in immersive, expert-led tours that delve deep into the rich tapestry of Inca culture. The company is committed to delivering memorable Andean adventures, emphasizing quality, safety, and comfort.
What sets Traveleez apart is its approach to travel – it’s not just about exploring majestic landscapes but also about empowering community futures. A portion of the company’s profits is dedicated to enhancing local youth education, making every journey with them a step towards positive community impact.
This blend of cultural immersion and social responsibility makes Traveleez stand out in the crowded field of tour operators. Their tours offer an opportunity for travelers to experience the wonders of the Inca trail while contributing to the betterment of the communities they visit.
Infinite Adventures
Infinite Adventures
Infinite Adventures specializes in unique and adventurous multi-day trips, particularly throughout Alaska. With over a decade of experience, they have curated the best spots for an authentic Alaskan adventure.
The company’s focus is on small group tours, which allows for a more personalized and intimate experience. Their tours are designed to cater to those seeking an adventure in the wild, rugged terrains of Alaska.
Their trips cover a wide range of activities and destinations, providing an opportunity to explore the natural beauty and wildlife of Alaska. The company is known for its meticulous planning and attention to detail, ensuring that each trip is not just an adventure but also a safe and comfortable experience.
Infinite Adventures’ approach to travel is about creating unforgettable memories in one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. Their tours are ideal for those who want to experience the raw beauty of Alaska in a small group setting.
World Expeditions
mountaineering trips with World Expeditions
World Expeditions is a seasoned player in the adventure travel industry, with over 40 years of experience in offering authentic and unique holiday experiences. Their focus is on paths less traveled, ensuring that their trips are not just adventures but also an exploration of uncharted territories.
They offer a variety of tours, including trekking, cycling, cultural tours, and wildlife adventures, catering to a wide range of interests and fitness levels.
The company covers an extensive range of destinations, from the high peaks of the Himalayas to the remote corners of Antarctica. They are known for their pioneering spirit in designing groundbreaking trips, often venturing into areas that are not typically covered by mainstream tour operators.
Their commitment to responsible and sustainable travel is evident in their approach, focusing on minimizing environmental impact and maximizing social engagement with local communities.
Trafalgar
Trafalgar tours
Trafalgar is a renowned family-run travel company that has established itself as a key player in the global travel industry. They offer a wide range of group tours across various destinations, focusing on providing immersive experiences that connect travelers with the essence of the places they visit.
Trafalgar’s tours are known for their deep engagement with local cultures, offering unique experiences like dining with locals in their homes or visiting hidden gems off the beaten path.
Their tours cover a diverse array of destinations including Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Trafalgar prides itself on its well-planned itineraries that strike a balance between famous attractions and lesser-known locales, ensuring a comprehensive travel experience.
The company’s commitment to responsible tourism is evident in its efforts to sustain and enhance the communities and environments they operate in.
The Coyote Trip
Explore the Golden Gate Bridge with The Coyote Trip
The Coyote Trip is a unique tour operator that embodies a philosophy of open-mindedness and embraces new experiences. Their ethos is centered around engaging with the communities they visit, offering a more immersive and meaningful travel experience.
This operator specializes in group tours, designed to welcome new experiences and foster connections with local cultures and people.
Their tours are crafted to provide travelers with an opportunity to explore in a way that is both adventurous and culturally enriching. The Coyote Trip’s approach is about more than just visiting a destination; it’s about integrating into the local environment and gaining a deeper understanding of the places and people encountered along the way.
This company is an excellent choice for travelers who are looking for tours that go beyond traditional sightseeing and offer a more holistic and engaging travel experience.
Discovery Nomads
Beautiful scence at Uluru with Discovery Nomads
Discovery Nomads is an adventure travel company that stands out for offering independent tours and small private group tours. Created by seasoned travelers who have explored over 90 countries, their tours are designed to cater to those who seek an adventurous and personalized travel experience.
Discovery Nomads focuses on providing tours that are not just about seeing new places but truly experiencing them. The company covers a broad range of destinations, offering unique itineraries that are tailored to the interests and preferences of the travelers.
Their tours are perfect for those who prefer a more independent style of travel but still want the convenience and expertise that comes with a guided tour. Whether it’s exploring remote landscapes or delving into the heart of bustling cities, Discovery Nomads offers an array of options for the modern, adventurous traveler.
Luxury Gold
Visit the famous Hawke’s Bay Craggy Range via Luxury Gold Vacations
Luxury Gold stands out in the realm of tour operators for its focus on providing exclusive and high-end travel experiences. Their tours are characterized by VIP experiences and unique access to renowned landmarks and people.
They cater to travelers looking for luxury and exclusivity in their journeys, offering meticulously crafted itineraries that combine comfort with unique experiences.
The tours offered by Luxury Gold are designed to introduce travelers to incredible people and places, often with access that goes beyond what is available to the general public. T
his operator is about offering the extraordinary, with each journey meticulously planned to include exclusive experiences that reflect the culture and history of the destinations. From private dining in iconic locations to meetings with renowned experts in various fields, Luxury Gold’s tours are for those seeking to travel in style and luxury.
Doctor Gumbo Tours
Check out the historic Napoleon House using Doctor Gumbo Tours
Doctor Gumbo Tours, based in New Orleans, offers a unique and engaging approach to tours, focusing on the rich cultural and culinary heritage of the city. Founded by Dylan O’Donnell, a.k.a Doctor Gumbo, the company aims to provide tours that are both informative and entertaining.
They specialize in food and drink tours, showcasing the diverse and vibrant culinary scene of New Orleans. These tours not only offer a taste of the city’s famous dishes but also delve into the history and stories behind them.
Doctor Gumbo Tours also offers walking tours that explore the historical and cultural aspects of New Orleans. These tours are designed to be interactive and fun, steering clear of the mundane and instead offering a lively and engaging experience.
Their unique approach to storytelling and focus on the rich traditions of New Orleans make these tours a favorite among visitors who want to experience the true spirit of the city. Whether it’s exploring the culinary delights or the historical streets, Doctor Gumbo Tours provides an immersive and memorable experience of New Orleans.
China Discovery
Embark on a captivating journey to India’s iconic Taj Mahal with the esteemed China Discovery Tours
China Discovery is a top-rated tour company specializing in customized and group tours across China. Based in Chengdu, they offer a wide range of tour packages that showcase the diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage of China.
From the modern skylines of Shanghai and Beijing to the ancient wonders of Xi’an and the natural beauty of Guilin, China Discovery covers an extensive array of destinations.
Their tours include popular options like the Kunming Lijiang High-Speed Train Tour, which connects two major cities in just 3.5 hours and features attractions like the Stone Forest and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Another highlight is the Beijing Shanghai Tour by High-Speed Train, offering a blend of imperial history and modern urban life.
China Discovery’s tours are known for their attention to detail, personalized service, and focus on creating a unique travel experience for each traveler.
Lily’s Beijing Tour
Experience the enchanting Tiananmen Square in Beijing with the delightful Lily Fuwa Tours
Lily’s Beijing Tour Guide & Car Service stands out as a highly rated tour company in China, specializing in tailor-made tours in Beijing. With a team of knowledgeable guides boasting years of experience, they offer insights into the city’s rich cultural heritage.
They offer a variety of tour packages, including the Beijing One-day Highlight Tour, which covers Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and Mutianyu Great Wall. For a more extensive exploration, their Three Days Boutique Private Tour includes iconic landmarks like Temple of Heaven and Jingshan Hill.
Lily’s Beijing Tours are also known for accommodating budget-conscious travelers, with options like the Skip The Line Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall Group Tour. The company is praised for its exceptional customer service, comfortable vehicles, and accommodating guides.
Travelers looking to explore Beijing’s historical and cultural landmarks in a personalized and memorable way will find Lily’s Beijing Tours an excellent choice. Their tours are well-suited for those who want to delve into the history and beauty of Beijing with the guidance of experienced and caring professionals.
Final Thoughts
Exploring the world through the lens of these diverse tour operators offers unique and enriching experiences, each tailored to different interests and preferences.
These operators exemplify the varied ways travelers can engage with new destinations, whether through local cuisine, historical insights, or personalized itineraries. Ultimately, choosing the right tour operator can transform a simple trip into a memorable adventure, deeply connecting travelers to the places they visit.