Transformative Moderate Tours &amp; Trips

none

1/5 Terrible

Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Amsterdam, Buckingham Palace, Eiffel Tower, London, Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris

Highlights

See Big Ben and Westminster Abbey from 443 feet high on the London Eye
Go for high tea before catching the Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace
Pedal through the streets of Amsterdam amongst hundreds of thousands of bikes
Marvel at the City of Light from atop the Eiffel Tower
Taste savory and sweet crepes in the capital of culinary creations

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"I've been on 11 EFUB trips and I have to say that Morocco was one of the absolute best trips I have ever been on. Morocco is such a beautiful and diverse country with an even more beautiful and rich culture. Our tour director Rabie made the trip everything it was. He went above and beyond to make sure everyone felt accommodated for, comfortable, and safe. He was one of the most attentive TDs I've ever had and is so extremely knowledgeable and passionate about sharing his country and culture with us. If you get Rabie for your TD, you would be the absolute luckiest. The fact that our group size was one of the smallest I've ever had was also the best. We all became close so quickly and since there is a great mix of down time on this trip, we had so much time to relax and just get to know one another. There are a few long travel days in the middle of the trip on the bus, but are necessary to get from place to place and without them, we never would have saw such amazing places like the High Atlas Mountains, the gorges, and other landscapes. The rest of our days were jammed packed and even included extra activities like a hot air balloon ride over the desert! The optional cooking class was so worth the add-on. It was at the most beautiful resort in the middle of the desert and the tagine we cooked was delicious. I cannot recommend this trip enough - it truly exceeded all expectations and I know I will be back again."

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10 days From$3,479

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Grand Tour of Ireland

none

5/5 Excellent

Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Dublin, Galway, Killarney National Park

Highlights

Make friends with locals and enjoy live music in Ireland’s pub scene
Stand in awe at the Cliffs of Moher, 700 feet above the Atlantic
Kiss the Blarney Stone and receive the “gift of gab”
Explore the Aran Islands, rich in Irish

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"I've been on 11 EFUB trips and I have to say that Morocco was one of the absolute best trips I have ever been on. Morocco is such a beautiful and diverse country with an even more beautiful and rich culture. Our tour director Rabie made the trip everything it was. He went above and beyond to make sure everyone felt accommodated for, comfortable, and safe. He was one of the most attentive TDs I've ever had and is so extremely knowledgeable and passionate about sharing his country and culture with us. If you get Rabie for your TD, you would be the absolute luckiest. The fact that our group size was one of the smallest I've ever had was also the best. We all became close so quickly and since there is a great mix of down time on this trip, we had so much time to relax and just get to know one another. There are a few long travel days in the middle of the trip on the bus, but are necessary to get from place to place and without them, we never would have saw such amazing places like the High Atlas Mountains, the gorges, and other landscapes. The rest of our days were jammed packed and even included extra activities like a hot air balloon ride over the desert! The optional cooking class was so worth the add-on. It was at the most beautiful resort in the middle of the desert and the tagine we cooked was delicious. I cannot recommend this trip enough - it truly exceeded all expectations and I know I will be back again."

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9 days From$2,969

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Ultimate Italy

none

1/5 Terrible

Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Cinque Terre, Colosseum, Florence, Lake Como, Milan, Mount Etna, Naples, Rome, Sicily, Sistine Chapel, Tuscany, Umbria, Vatican City, Venice

Highlights

Float through the Venetian canals aboard a traditional gondola
Step into the Renaissance in Florence
Indulge in Italian food and wine while taking in the Tuscan countryside
See the best of ancient Rome, the Vatican and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel
Take in the turquoise waters and coastal views of luxurious Capri

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"I've been on 11 EFUB trips and I have to say that Morocco was one of the absolute best trips I have ever been on. Morocco is such a beautiful and diverse country with an even more beautiful and rich culture. Our tour director Rabie made the trip everything it was. He went above and beyond to make sure everyone felt accommodated for, comfortable, and safe. He was one of the most attentive TDs I've ever had and is so extremely knowledgeable and passionate about sharing his country and culture with us. If you get Rabie for your TD, you would be the absolute luckiest. The fact that our group size was one of the smallest I've ever had was also the best. We all became close so quickly and since there is a great mix of down time on this trip, we had so much time to relax and just get to know one another. There are a few long travel days in the middle of the trip on the bus, but are necessary to get from place to place and without them, we never would have saw such amazing places like the High Atlas Mountains, the gorges, and other landscapes. The rest of our days were jammed packed and even included extra activities like a hot air balloon ride over the desert! The optional cooking class was so worth the add-on. It was at the most beautiful resort in the middle of the desert and the tagine we cooked was delicious. I cannot recommend this trip enough - it truly exceeded all expectations and I know I will be back again."

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17 days From$2,939

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England, Scotland & Ireland

none

1/5 Terrible

Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Belfast, Dublin, Edinburgh, Galway, London, Stirling Castle

Highlights

See Big Ben and Westminster Abbey from 443 feet high on the London Eye
Escape to the cozy cafe where J.K. Rowling penned her story of a young wizard
Pour the perfect pint of Guinness while overlooking Dublin’s skyline
Make friends with locals and enjoy live music in the pubs of Ireland and Scotland
Visit Shakespeare’s birthplace and childhood home, Stratford-Upon-Avon

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"I've been on 11 EFUB trips and I have to say that Morocco was one of the absolute best trips I have ever been on. Morocco is such a beautiful and diverse country with an even more beautiful and rich culture. Our tour director Rabie made the trip everything it was. He went above and beyond to make sure everyone felt accommodated for, comfortable, and safe. He was one of the most attentive TDs I've ever had and is so extremely knowledgeable and passionate about sharing his country and culture with us. If you get Rabie for your TD, you would be the absolute luckiest. The fact that our group size was one of the smallest I've ever had was also the best. We all became close so quickly and since there is a great mix of down time on this trip, we had so much time to relax and just get to know one another. There are a few long travel days in the middle of the trip on the bus, but are necessary to get from place to place and without them, we never would have saw such amazing places like the High Atlas Mountains, the gorges, and other landscapes. The rest of our days were jammed packed and even included extra activities like a hot air balloon ride over the desert! The optional cooking class was so worth the add-on. It was at the most beautiful resort in the middle of the desert and the tagine we cooked was delicious. I cannot recommend this trip enough - it truly exceeded all expectations and I know I will be back again."

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15 days From$2,599

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London & Paris Escape

none

1/5 Terrible

Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Buckingham Palace, Eiffel Tower, London, Notre Dame Cathedral, Palace of Versailles, Paris

Highlights

See Big Ben and Westminster Abbey from 443 feet high on the London Eye
Explore the grounds of Oxford, which inspired famed writers C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling
Go for high tea after catching the Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace
Watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night with a glass of wine in the Champ de Mars
Float past Paris’ most iconic landmarks on the Seine River

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"I've been on 11 EFUB trips and I have to say that Morocco was one of the absolute best trips I have ever been on. Morocco is such a beautiful and diverse country with an even more beautiful and rich culture. Our tour director Rabie made the trip everything it was. He went above and beyond to make sure everyone felt accommodated for, comfortable, and safe. He was one of the most attentive TDs I've ever had and is so extremely knowledgeable and passionate about sharing his country and culture with us. If you get Rabie for your TD, you would be the absolute luckiest. The fact that our group size was one of the smallest I've ever had was also the best. We all became close so quickly and since there is a great mix of down time on this trip, we had so much time to relax and just get to know one another. There are a few long travel days in the middle of the trip on the bus, but are necessary to get from place to place and without them, we never would have saw such amazing places like the High Atlas Mountains, the gorges, and other landscapes. The rest of our days were jammed packed and even included extra activities like a hot air balloon ride over the desert! The optional cooking class was so worth the add-on. It was at the most beautiful resort in the middle of the desert and the tagine we cooked was delicious. I cannot recommend this trip enough - it truly exceeded all expectations and I know I will be back again."

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8 days From$2,869

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Berlin, Prague & Munich Oktoberfest

none

3.4/5 Average

Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Berlin, Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle, Prague

Highlights

Partake in the world’s biggest party: Oktoberfest
Experience Berlin, from its elaborate history to its beer gardens and eclectic citizens
Discover the fairytale magic of Prague’s Old Town and Golden Lane
Stop for an eye-opening tour of Dachau, a WWII concentration camp
Visit Neuschwanstein, the majestic hilltop castle that inspired a familiar Disney icon

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"I've been on 11 EFUB trips and I have to say that Morocco was one of the absolute best trips I have ever been on. Morocco is such a beautiful and diverse country with an even more beautiful and rich culture. Our tour director Rabie made the trip everything it was. He went above and beyond to make sure everyone felt accommodated for, comfortable, and safe. He was one of the most attentive TDs I've ever had and is so extremely knowledgeable and passionate about sharing his country and culture with us. If you get Rabie for your TD, you would be the absolute luckiest. The fact that our group size was one of the smallest I've ever had was also the best. We all became close so quickly and since there is a great mix of down time on this trip, we had so much time to relax and just get to know one another. There are a few long travel days in the middle of the trip on the bus, but are necessary to get from place to place and without them, we never would have saw such amazing places like the High Atlas Mountains, the gorges, and other landscapes. The rest of our days were jammed packed and even included extra activities like a hot air balloon ride over the desert! The optional cooking class was so worth the add-on. It was at the most beautiful resort in the middle of the desert and the tagine we cooked was delicious. I cannot recommend this trip enough - it truly exceeded all expectations and I know I will be back again."

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11 days From$3,619

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Basque Pyrenées

By Classic Journeys

none

4.9/5 Excellent

Small Group Tour

Lodging level

Luxury - 5 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Basque Country, Bilbao

Highlights

Exploring seaside towns and bucolic villages
Living in luxury at a seaside Belle Epoque hotel
Challenging friendly locals to a game of pelota

Themes

50 plus, Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Family Friendly, Local Immersion & Homestays, Relaxing Retreats, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"My mom, sister and I booked a luxury tour to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos with Classic Journeys at a significant expense. We expected an experience comparable to industry leaders like Tauck, Micato, & Abercrombie and Kent. Unfortunately, the service provided by Classic Journeys did not meet the high standards of luxury travel, despite their claim to be in those ranks. Summarized concerns & shortfalls of Classic Journeys below: Pre-Trip Preparation: The lack of attention to detail began with visa arrangements; their team didn’t clearly communicate Visa requirements. They were unaware that proof of visa was necessary to board the flight to Vietnam from the US. In many instances, you can get a Visa upon arrival, etc. This failure of communication resulted in last-minute fees, expediting costs, and significant stress. Important travel details like vaccines, luggage restrictions, and fitness levels required for the daytrips were poorly communicated. **Accommodations and Logistics**: Our experience with accommodations was EXTREMELY disappointing. We were compelled to book extra nights at our expense due to inefficient tour logistics. One hotel was over an hour away from the airport, contrary to the 15 minutes we were told. Additionally, we encountered last-minute hotel downgrades and substandard room assignments. It is not expensive to book a 5-star hotel in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Nice rooms in luxury hotels were typically under $250/night. When we arrived at disappointing accommodations, we googled the cost of the rooms. In multiple instances, they were in the $75 - $80/night range, while beautiful rooms were available at nearby hotels for $150 - $200/night. For the amount we paid for the trip, we were horrified to discover that Classic Journeys penny pinched on such an important trip element. At one point, we were housed near trash and service areas, and instructed to dispose of soiled toilet paper in a bin rather than toilet. It is clear that Classic Journeys was seeking to capture profit at the expense of their travelers. **Air Travel and Benefits**: Classic Journeys failed to include our airline loyalty information for the various flights we took getting from point A to B, costing us access to benefits like extra baggage and VIP lounge access. On one flight, for which we would have had status benefits, we were seated on the last row of the plane in seats with no recline. They also did not allow us to access our own reservation details, including confirmation and ticketing numbers so that we could enter loyalty information ourselves, despite multiple requests. **Lack of Itinerary Details **: The physical demands of activities like a 2-3 mile walk on rolling terrain and uneven ground in extreme heat (105 degrees) were not disclosed beforehand, which is crucial for planning. Most luxury tour companies have a rating system that is utilized to indicate the level of exertion required for the day-trip, for example one tennis shoe for low activity level, two tennis shoes for moderate activity or fitness level, and 3 tennis shoes for a strenuous or difficult activity. Classic Journeys had no such rating system. I informed Classic Journeys of a significant knee injury that occurred on a ski trip in February. I also told them it was very possible that I would be in a knee immobilizing brace from mid-thigh to ankle. They told me they didn’t feel any modifications were necessary, with the exception of one day when we rode bikes. My mom is also a Type 1 diabetic and has had 2 knee replacements. We informed Classic Journeys of these health conditions. They didn’t provide adequate information regarding preparation for the activities in their itinerary. While our guides and drivers (contracted from another agency) were exceptional, the numerous logistical and service failures from Classic Journeys have prompted us to write this review. Future travelers should be wary and consider all available options when booking a luxury tour, especially given the significant cost and expectations of such trips."

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7 days From$4,495

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Zambia Family Safari Vacation

By Classic Journeys

none

4.9/5 Excellent

Private Guided

Lodging level

Luxury - 5 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Full schedule

Visits

Livingstone, South Luangwa National Park

Highlights

Zip-lining over the Zambezi River
Walking with a herd of elephants to their watering hole
Visiting a village school to meet their peers and learn the local handshake

Themes

Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Safari, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"My mom, sister and I booked a luxury tour to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos with Classic Journeys at a significant expense. We expected an experience comparable to industry leaders like Tauck, Micato, & Abercrombie and Kent. Unfortunately, the service provided by Classic Journeys did not meet the high standards of luxury travel, despite their claim to be in those ranks. Summarized concerns & shortfalls of Classic Journeys below: Pre-Trip Preparation: The lack of attention to detail began with visa arrangements; their team didn’t clearly communicate Visa requirements. They were unaware that proof of visa was necessary to board the flight to Vietnam from the US. In many instances, you can get a Visa upon arrival, etc. This failure of communication resulted in last-minute fees, expediting costs, and significant stress. Important travel details like vaccines, luggage restrictions, and fitness levels required for the daytrips were poorly communicated. **Accommodations and Logistics**: Our experience with accommodations was EXTREMELY disappointing. We were compelled to book extra nights at our expense due to inefficient tour logistics. One hotel was over an hour away from the airport, contrary to the 15 minutes we were told. Additionally, we encountered last-minute hotel downgrades and substandard room assignments. It is not expensive to book a 5-star hotel in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Nice rooms in luxury hotels were typically under $250/night. When we arrived at disappointing accommodations, we googled the cost of the rooms. In multiple instances, they were in the $75 - $80/night range, while beautiful rooms were available at nearby hotels for $150 - $200/night. For the amount we paid for the trip, we were horrified to discover that Classic Journeys penny pinched on such an important trip element. At one point, we were housed near trash and service areas, and instructed to dispose of soiled toilet paper in a bin rather than toilet. It is clear that Classic Journeys was seeking to capture profit at the expense of their travelers. **Air Travel and Benefits**: Classic Journeys failed to include our airline loyalty information for the various flights we took getting from point A to B, costing us access to benefits like extra baggage and VIP lounge access. On one flight, for which we would have had status benefits, we were seated on the last row of the plane in seats with no recline. They also did not allow us to access our own reservation details, including confirmation and ticketing numbers so that we could enter loyalty information ourselves, despite multiple requests. **Lack of Itinerary Details **: The physical demands of activities like a 2-3 mile walk on rolling terrain and uneven ground in extreme heat (105 degrees) were not disclosed beforehand, which is crucial for planning. Most luxury tour companies have a rating system that is utilized to indicate the level of exertion required for the day-trip, for example one tennis shoe for low activity level, two tennis shoes for moderate activity or fitness level, and 3 tennis shoes for a strenuous or difficult activity. Classic Journeys had no such rating system. I informed Classic Journeys of a significant knee injury that occurred on a ski trip in February. I also told them it was very possible that I would be in a knee immobilizing brace from mid-thigh to ankle. They told me they didn’t feel any modifications were necessary, with the exception of one day when we rode bikes. My mom is also a Type 1 diabetic and has had 2 knee replacements. We informed Classic Journeys of these health conditions. They didn’t provide adequate information regarding preparation for the activities in their itinerary. While our guides and drivers (contracted from another agency) were exceptional, the numerous logistical and service failures from Classic Journeys have prompted us to write this review. Future travelers should be wary and consider all available options when booking a luxury tour, especially given the significant cost and expectations of such trips."