The best tour operators in the world: 2023 Readers' Choice Awards

By Condé Nast Traveller

Scott Dunn

It’s been a challenging few years for tour operators but the names below are in it for the long haul (as well as the short and medium), honing itineraries and managing expectations. So who prepared your travel documents this year? Red Savannah and Black Tomato scored highest for first-hand knowledge, and Exodus Adventure Travels and Abercrombie & Kent for on-the-ground support. But when it came to all-round endeavour, Scott Dunn and The Turquoise Holiday Company were leaders of the pack. Both report a surge of interest in Asia, as well as multi-generational travel, solo adventures to Namibia, Bhutan and Mexico, and authentic experiences such as outback stations in Australia and bear lodges in Canada.

These are the best tour operators in the world, according to the 2023 Readers' Choice Awards . The scores below are percentages representing overall average levels of satisfaction.

The Turquoise Holiday Company

The best general tour operators in the world 2023

15. Cox & Kings. Score 88.00

14. Hayes & Jarvis. Score 89.44

13. Carrier. Score 90.73

12. Simpson Travel. Score 91.48

11. Kuoni. Score 92.82

10. Mr & Mrs Smith. Score 93.29

9. Kensington Tours. Score 94.14

8. Audley Travel. Score 94.77

7. Original Travel. Score 95.44

6. Cazenove + Loyd. Score 95.92

5. The Ultimate Travel Company. Score 96.75

4. Abercrombie & Kent. Score 97.12

3. Elegant Resorts. Score 97.39

2. Red Savannah. Score 97.96

  • The Turquoise Holiday Company. Score 98.42

Scott Dunn

The best travel specialists in the world 2023

15. Wild Frontiers. Score 94.81

14. Martin Randall Travel. Score 95.17

13. Intrepid Travel. Score 95.40

12. Wilderness. Score 96.54.

11. Inntravel. Score 96.88

10. Oxford Ski Company. Score 97.15

9. Kirker Holidays. Score 97.47

8. andBeyond. Score 97.61

7. Ampersand Travel. Score 97.65.

6. InsideJapan Tours. Score 97.79

5. Steppes Travel. Score 97.88

4. Black Tomato. Score 98.03

3. Exodus Adventure Travels. Score 98.15

2. Healing Holidays. Score 98.35

  • Scott Dunn. Score 98.70

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Audley Travel Award Mar 24

Audley Travel wins Luxury Travel Workplace of the Year at the TTG Luxury Travel Awards 2024

The award is given to the company that is perceived to be the best place to work in the luxury travel space.

Audley Travel has been recognised for its efforts to foster workplace team engagement, well-being and development; listening to its employees, measuring satisfaction and creating a caring, inspiring and inclusive workplace; as well as championing its dedication to sustainability and its B Corp certification.

Audley Gold

Audley Travel wins three awards at the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards

Audley Travel has won three awards at the 2023 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards: Gold for Favourite Tour Operator for Culture & Heritage, Silver for Favourite Tour Operator for General Touring and Bronze for Favourite Tour Operator for Nature & Wildlife. The Wanderlust Awards celebrate the best tour operators, tourism boards and destinations globally and received more than 91,000 votes from Wanderlust readers.

Citywire Awards 2023

3i wins Private Equity category at Citywire’s Investment Trust Awards 2023

3i has won the Private Equity category at the Citywire Investment Trust Awards 2023. The Citywire awards recognise the best-performing investment trusts in the three years to 31 August 2023, with the judging panel praising 3i’s 135% growth in net asset value.

AJ Bell Award 2023

3i wins FTSE 100 Company of the year

3i has been named FTSE 100 Company of year in the AJ Bell Investment Awards 2023. The awards recognise the highest-quality funds, investment trusts and listed companies and are voted for by AJ Bell customers.

Audley Travel July 2023 Award

Audley Travel wins Best Tour Operator at the Telegraph Travel Awards 2023

Audley Travel  has been named Best Tour Operator at the Telegraph Travel Awards 2023. The Telegraph awards celebrate the best destinations, airlines and travel companies around the world and are voted on by almost 30,000 Telegraph readers.

EPF 2023

Action ranked favourite retailer in France 2023

Action has been ranked first in EY-Parthenon’s annual study of France’s retail landscape. The   study  involved the interview of a panel of over 9,300 consumers in France. It measures the percentage of fans among customers that made a purchase in the relevant category over the last 12 months.

Value Creation Innovation Award

3i wins Value Creation Innovation Award

3i has won the Value Creation Innovation Award at the Actum Group Private Equity Value Creation Awards 2023. The Award recognises innovative ways of growing a company and new value creation strategies in a particular business or sector.

Korea Economic Daily, Infrastructure Best Client Service

3i wins Best Client Service, Infrastructure, Mid Cap, Award

3i has won Best Client Service, Infrastructure, Mid Cap, in the Best Asset Managers by Korean Investors Awards 2022. The Awards, created by The Korea Economic Daily Global Edition, recognise the highest-performing asset managers based on a comprehensive survey of asset owners in Korea, including pensions, sovereign wealth funds, mutual aids, insurance companies, and major banks.

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Audley Travel wins two categories at the Which? Awards 2022

Audley Travel has won two categories at the Which? Awards 2022: Best Tailor-Made Holiday Provider and Best Smaller/Independent Holiday Provider. Which?’s Recommended Provider categories include companies that are highly rated by Which? members and the public, and whose products meet the high standards of Which? researchers.

Audley Travel Award Nov 22

Audley Travel wins Gold in the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards

Audley Travel has won Gold in the Favourite Tour Operator (General) category in the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards. The Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards recognise the travel brands which have most captured readers’ imaginations and are voted on by more than ten thousand Wanderlust readers. The WTM World Responsible Tourism Awards cover the globe and champion the very best work in responsible tourism. 

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Weener Plastics wins BVCA ‘Excellence in ESG’ Award

Weener Plastics Group BV  has won the British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association ‘Excellence in ESG’ Award in the portfolio company category. WP was recognised for demonstrating excellent innovation and a clear focus on moving towards more recyclable and reusable products.

Secondaries Deal Of The Year In Europe 500X411

3i wins Secondaries Deal of the Year in Europe

3i has won Secondaries Deal of the Year in Europe at the PEI Awards 2020 for its Action single-asset transaction. The deal achieved a gross multiple of 31x for exiting LPs.

2021 International Track 500X411

MPM included in the 12th annual Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200 league table

The Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200 ranks Britain’s mid-market private companies with the fastest-growing international sales, measured over their latest two years of available accounts. MPM was ranked 170 th with average two year international sales growth of 23.41% p.a.

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3i wins Mid-Market Exit of the Year for Aspen Pumps

3i has won Mid-Market Exit of the Year at the Unquote British Private Equity Awards 2020 for its sale of Aspen Pumps .

The award recognises successful deal origination, execution, portfolio management and exit for investments with an enterprise value at entry of between £50-500M.

2020 International Track 200 Logo

Audley Travel included in the 11th annual Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200 league table

Audley Travel was ranked as one of Britain’s mid-market private companies with the fastest-growing international sales, achieving 66% annual average growth over the last two years.

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  • Destinations , Travel

Audley Travel: Tailored Trips Experts

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The Art of Personalization at Audley Travel

Audley Travel isn’t just any name in the realm of wanderlust—it’s a synonym for the haute couture of travel, stitching together journeys that fit like a glove. With a mission to deliver tailor-made expeditions that resonate with your deepest travel desires, Audley distinguishes itself not just as a tour operator, but as an artisan of bespoke adventures. At its core, Audley cherishes the individuality of each traveler, recognizing the quintessential importance of customization in today’s globetrotting narratives.

How Audley stands out is by offering not just vacations, but crafted travel stories where each chapter is meticulously written to reflect the personality of the traveler. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all trips; in this modern epoch of travel, the quintessence of luxury is an itinerary as unique as your fingerprint.

Decoding the Audley Travel Experience

Kicking off the Audley experience is akin to the first brushstroke on a canvas. It starts with an in-depth consultation to tease out the whispers of your wanderlust dreams. Audley’s travel consultants are aficionados in interpreting these aspirations and sculpting an itinerary to match.

These architects of escape channel their passion into drafting a travel plan with precision and care, wielding their deep knowledge like artists brandishing their finest tools. With a battalion of regional specialists, Audley has an upper hand, ensuring your journey isn’t just spectacular but also brimming with authentic, local flavor that can’t be found in your average guidebook.

Image 14018

Where Expertise Meets Authenticity in Audley Travel Itineraries

With a knack for curating the exquisite, Audley travel experts leave no stone unturned. Whether it’s timing your visit to monumental landscapes—like finding the best time to visit the Grand Canyon —or orchestrating a serene escape to luxurious retreats like Eau Palm beach , the selection process is rigorous and nothing short of inspired.

From stories of travelers sipping tea with nomads in the Moroccan desert to bespoke safaris in the Serengeti, Audley’s case studies are testament to their commitment to authenticity. The sentiment echoed by travelers is one of awe, as they look back on journeys that were not just trips but life-affirming narratives penned through the lens of Audley’s local expertise.

A Look Inside Audley Travel’s Success Stories

Audley proudly banners a kaleidoscope of success tales. Each personalized trip is a chapter in the traveler’s book of life, a story to be recounted with unbridled enthusiasm. These are not just holidays; they are transformative experiences that extend beyond the mundane. One may recollect the calm of transcending from Tokyo To Kyoto and feeling the pulse of Japan’s juxtaposition of innovation with tradition, an experience exceptionally curated by Audley.

What breeds loyalty to Audley is the replay value of these magical experiences. With impressive repeat clientele rates, it’s crystal clear—travelers don’t just buy a journey; they invest in a lifelong memory.

Image 14019

Sustainability: A Core Tenet of Audley Travel’s Ethos

In a world where ‘green’ is the new ‘gold’, Audley’s commitment to responsible travel shines bright. They are staunch champions of sustainable practices, integrating them not just as a feature but as the very backbone of their travel design. Each journey is crafted, keeping the environment and local communities front and center.

From ensuring contributions to conservation projects to collaborating with Saint theos -like eco-luxury hotels, Audley entwines sustainability and luxury seamlessly, paving a path for conscious yet opulent travels.

Technology and Innovation: Enhancing the Audley Travel Route

Even the most custom-crafted experiences now dance hand in hand with technology and innovation. Audley is at the forefront, employing trailblazing tech to tailor your globe-trotting dreams into reality. Their innovative use of immersive virtual reality previews and personalized travel apps sets an industry standard, simultaneously paving the way for upcoming tech trends in travel planning.

Audley Travel’s Approach in Uncertain Times

Let’s face it; the compass of global travel can spin unpredictably. But fear not, for Audley’s adaptable approach provides a beacon of certainty in uncertain times. With Audley as your ally, you’re not just booking a trip; you’re ensuring peace of mind, knowing that your travel plans have the flexibility to adapt to the ever-changing global landscape, guarded by the travel assurance that Audley offers.

Behind the Scenes with Audley Travel Consultants

Audley consultants are maestros in the symphony of travel, and becoming one requires more than just a passion for travel—it demands expertise, an eye for detail, and a boundless imagination. The day-to-day isn’t just about stringing together hotels and flights; it’s about weaving dreams into reality, and it takes the insight of a seasoned consultant to hit that sweet spot of crafting the perfect trip.

Analyzing the Reviews: What Travelers Say About Audley Travel

Sifting through Audley reviews is like flipping through a scrapbook of rave reviews and warm memories. Travelers often speak of their Audley adventures with a sparkle in their eyes, a testament to the exceptional experiences delivered. Audley doesn’t just listen to feedback; it absorbs it and evolves, constantly refining its craft to guarantee not just satisfaction, but pure delight.

Unraveling the Investment: Understanding the Value of Audley Travel

Investing in a bespoke Audley trip isn’t just about the dollars and cents. Yes, you might be contemplating the cost of a 1500 square foot house versus wandering the globe, but what Audley offers transcends monetary value. It’s a long-term investment in rich, personal memories and a tapestry of experiences that simply cannot be quantified. Comparing costs with benefits, Audley’s personalized journey’s payoff is crystal clear, delivering experiences that furnish your life with stories worth telling.

Navigating Your Next Adventure with Audley Travel

So, what’s the next step toward your Audley-inspired odyssey? Start by reaching out for a consultation, where you’ll meet your travel specialist—think of them as your personal travel composer. Be prepared to dive deep into your aspirations, and with their guidance, you’ll embark on a journey that promises fulfilment beyond the realm of standard travel.

The Audley Travel Tapestry: Weaving Dreams into Reality

To encapsulate Audley’s ethos, imagine a loom on which your travel dreams are woven, thread by the thread into a reality that’s uniquely yours. This mastery, deeply interwoven with innovation and authenticity, fuels Audley’s aspirations to remain a compass in the travel industry, continually guiding us toward horizons that were once mere figments of our imagination.

Each Audley trip is a brushstroke on a masterpiece; a chapter in a personalized narrative; a melody harmonized to the traveler’s tune. The impact of the tailored travel experience is profound, leaving imprints on the heart and soul of every wanderer who chose Audley as their curator of dreams.

Audley Travel: Custom-crafted Journeys Unveiled

Unpacking the audley magic.

Now, let’s dive into the world of Audley Travel, where their claim to fame is tailor-made vacations that hit the spot just right. Imagine having a buddy who knows all the nooks and crannies of your dream destination and crafts the perfect adventure for you—that’s Audley for you. But hey, this isn’t just picking a hotel and a flight; it’s all about the fine details. Want to know the ins and outs? Read on!

Time It Like a Charm

You’ve probably heard someone say timing is everything, right? Well, Audley’s got a knack for hitting the bullseye when it comes to picking the best time To visit The Grand canyon ,( for example. They’re all about catching those golden sunsets and beating the crowds so you can snap that perfect, crowd-free selfie. Because let’s be honest, nobody likes to play sardines with a bunch of strangers on vacation.

The Personal Touch

Are we talking just hotels and tickets here? Not a chance! Audley chuckles at the idea of a one-size-fits-all trip. They get down to the nitty-gritty, flipping through their vast Rolodex of local guides, cozy bistros, and hidden gems faster than you can say, “book me the next flight out!” It’s about having that local buddy; only this one’s got connections all over the globe, ready to sprinkle some of that local magic on your trip.

Beyond the Beaten Track

So, you fancy yourself a bit of an Indiana Jones or a Lara Croft? Audley’s the sort of travel pal that won’t just take you to the usual tourist traps. They’re talking about sending you off the beaten track to places your friends can’t even pronounce. And let’s face it, there’s nothing like exploring a secret spot you can brag about later, right? With their tailor-made itineraries, they’ll have you meandering through ancient ruins or sipping on secret-recipe brews like you’re a native.

A Symphony of Experiences

Choosing Audley means your trip’s going to be as unique as a zebra’s stripes. Think of them as the maestro of a grand symphony of experiences, where every note is a different sight or sound, all harmonizing to give you that “wow, I’m really living this!” kind of vibe. Whether it’s mouth-watering street food or plush pillows to rest your head, they’ve got the intel to make every moment count.

In the Know

“Don’t sweat the small stuff,” they say—but don’t you worry, Audley does sweat it for you. From visa advice to local etiquette, they’ve got you covered. And just when you think you’ve got all your ducks in a row, they’ll surprise you with a little-known fact or a travel hack that could save the day.

Say Cheers to Once-In-a-Lifetime

So, there you have it. When you roll with Audley, you’re not just taking a trip; you’re signing up for once-in-a-lifetime memories. And isn’t that what life’s all about? Grabbing those moments by the horns and saying, “Cheers to the good times.” With Audley’s travel wizards in your corner, you’re all set for the adventure of a lifetime. So, where to next?

Image 14020

Who own Audley Travel?

Hold on to your hats, folks – Audley Travel is no mom-and-pop shop. It’s owned by the private equity firm 3i Group. After some to-ing and fro-ing, 3i Group became the proud parents of Audley Travel, taking the reins in 2015.

What’s the difference between tour operator and travel agent?

Talk about a case of “same same but different”! A tour operator is the maestro behind the scenes, creating those swanky travel packages we all crave. On the flip side, a travel agent is your personal travel guru, picking out the perfect trip from the smorgasbord the tour operators whip up.

What is the UK’s biggest travel agent?

If we’re talking big fish in the UK travel pond, TUI takes the cake. It’s like the heavyweight champion of travel agents over there, and with their colossal range of holidays, it’s easy to see why they’re numero uno.

Who is the managing director of Audley Travel?

Alright, let’s roll out the red carpet for Ian Simkins! He’s the head honcho, the managing director at Audley Travel, steering the ship since 2019. And by the looks of it, he’s been doing a bang-up job.

How long has Audley Travel been around?

Audley Travel has been taking the travel world by storm since way back in ’96. That’s over a quarter-century of making travel dreams come true – talk about staying power!

Who owns Audley End Estate?

Let’s step back in time – the Audley End Estate is a historical gem and, you guessed it, it’s in the trusty hands of English Heritage. They snapped it up to preserve a slice of good ol’ English history.

Is it better to use a travel agent or not?

Ah, the age-old debate! Some swear by travel agents for their know-how and insider perks. Others go DIY for full control and potential savings. It’s like choosing between grandma’s apple pie and making your own – both are sweet, but one’s a tad more personalized.

What are the 5 types of tour operators?

Imagine a pack of cards, only for travel. There are inbound, outbound, domestic, specialized, and direct sell tour operators. Each has its own trick for planning your perfect getaway – from local jaunts to exotic adventures!

How do tour operators make money?

Tour operators make the moolah by buying in bulk and selling at a profit. Think of them as travel wholesalers, slicing and dicing costs, then serving up vacation packages at prices that’ll have you reaching for your passport.

What travel company is best?

The best travel company is like asking for the tastiest ice cream flavor – it’s all about personal taste! However, companies like TUI, Expedia, and Booking.com often get the thumbs up for their vast array of options and top-notch service.

Do Audley do group tours?

Right, so Audley Travel’s more about tailoring dream trips for you and yours alone. They’re big on personalization, which means group tours aren’t really their jam. Instead, they’re the maestros of custom, private travel itineraries.

Which travel agency is the best?

Best travel agency, you ask? It’s like picking a favorite star in the sky – there are a bunch of shining examples! But, for savvy service and seamless planning, names like American Express Travel, Expedia, and Flight Centre often pop up in chatter.

Who is the chairman of travel?

Drat, it seems we’ve got a bit of a mystery on our hands – the title of “Chairman of Travel” isn’t a one-size-fits-all hat. Each travel company’s got its own king or queen of the castle, making waves and calling the shots.

Who is the managing director of Travelzoo?

Hold onto your boarding passes – the captain of the Travelzoo ship, their managing director, fluctuates by region. But for a slice of their pie, you’d want to check in with their latest financial reports or press releases to see who’s currently navigating their global escapades.

Who is the CEO of Travel Incorporated?

The CEO of Travel Incorporated is a hotshot named Lou Moran. He’s been playing his cards right in the corporate travel world, ensuring your business trips are tip-top and trouble-free.

Who owns Audley End Railway?

All aboard! The Audley End Miniature Railway is a quaint family affair, owned and operated by the Cambridge family. It’s a charming little pitstop where nostalgia hits you like a steam train.

Who owns travel group?

Travel Group is an umbrella term, so there’s no one-size-fits-all owner here. Various entities own different travel groups, from big-time private equity firms to travel enthusiasts with a vision. It’s a mixed bag, so you’d need to be more specific to find out who’s got the keys to the kingdom.

  • November 27, 2023
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Ttg luxury travel awards 2024 winners revealed at record-breaking event.

The winners of the 2024 TTG Luxury Travel Awards have been revealed at a glittering ceremony at one of London’s newest hotels.

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Companies and individuals across 19 categories took home trophies, including Edwina Lonsdale, managing director of Mundy Cruising, who was presented with the Contribution to Luxury Travel accolade for her years of dedication to luxury cruise.

During the afternoon ceremony at Raffles London at The OWO, Audley Travel was presented with the award for Luxury Travel Workplace of the Year, while If Only took home the trophy for Luxury Trade Support Team of the Year.   All winners picked up their trophies among 350 leading luxury travel industry figures in attendance, marking the largest ever outing for the event, with guests also enjoying a unique musical set from London’s Brixton Chamber Orchestra, and helping to raise £5,000 for charity Shelter.   In one of the most hotly contested categories, Thys Taljaard, head chef skills developer of Singita, won the award for Sustainability Hero of the Year, with judges saying: “We were deeply moved by what Thys has achieved and the change he has been able to create. His mentorship and leadership have created a true legacy and brought opportunities and social and economic mobility that will have a positive impact for generations to come.”

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Audley Travel - USA   Reviews

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Lucy Celon - Portugal & Spain - 04/06/2024 - 04/16/2024

The fact that Lucy Celon was our trip planner for Portugal and Spain was nothing short of EXEMPLARY!! Lucy took a personal interest in our trip and from "day one" she displayed that interest!! ANYTHING we wanted to know with respect to the trip, Lucy was always available to provide us with detailed explanations!! Lucy is the personification of a representative of Audley Travel Service and we were so lucky to have her as our advisor, we are grateful as well as appreciative for her assistance all the way through!!

Date of experience : April 05, 2024

Reply from Audley Travel - USA

Hi Robert, Thank you for taking the time to share this incredible feedback about your experience with working with Lucy on your recent trip to Portugal and Spain. We are so pleased to hear that Lucy provided you with such exemplary service from your first interaction through the conclusion of your trip, and that she was always available to answer any questions that you may have had! We have already shared this outstanding feedback with Lucy, as well as with her management team. We look forward to helping you plan your next great adventure! Kind regards, Audley Travel USA

Audley prepared an itinerary for a… family

Audley prepared an itinerary for a two-week trip to Scotland and Ireland for my family. It was a fantastic trip all around!

Date of experience : March 22, 2024

Outstanding customer service!

Our Audley experience was extraordinary! From start to finish, our Audley specialist was attentive and catered to our specific requests. She was thorough, thoughtful, professional, and accessible. Every detail of our trip including transport, excursions, accommodations and itinerary was arranged and implemented flawlessly. This was our second trip with Audley and we are currently planning our next adventure. We worked together to customize our travel plans until we were totally satisfied with the pace, and price point that we were aiming for. Travel with confidence, book with Audley!

Date of experience : April 16, 2024

Hi there Wendy, What wonderful feedback! Many, many thanks for taking the time to share. We're incredibly grateful to you for trusting us with your travel plans again. Your specialist Lydia and the rest of our team are deeply gratified to hear your experience this time was as great as the last. Take care, and we look forward to hearing from you when you are ready to plan your next adventure! Warmest regards, Audley Travel USA

Egypt: A Very Well Managed Trip

We have just returned from an eleven day trip to Egypt covering Lower and Upper Egypt including Abu Simbel and a five day Nile cruise. I had requested my country specialist for a couple of hotels we wanted to stay in, the Mena House in Cairo and the Old Cataract in Aswan. Excellent rooms were arranged in both these hotels as well as the Cecil in Alexandria (suggested by our country specialist), which turned out to be delightfully atmospheric. The Sonesta cruise ship was superb both in service, accommodation and food and lived up to its billing. The tour leader who was assigned to us was the very best and took care of all the admin throughout our stay. He was with us in Cairo and Alexandria and was always available on WhatsApp when we were up country. All the little details I had requested, like restaurant bookings for my wife’s birthday, were taken care of. In addition the local representatives arranged for all on the spot restaurant bookings and transfers. The Guides and the transportation throughout were of a very high order and little touches like the VIP service through immigration on arrival at Cairo were very thoughtful. We had planned this trip for the year before but had to defer it by a year at the last moment due to a medical emergency. Our Country Specialist arranged for the whole trip to be pushed a year ahead at no extra cost. This was out third trip with Audley and all have turned out to excellent. A special thanks to Jason, our Country Specialist, who was a fount of knowledge on Egypt, gave excellent advice telling us both what and what not to do and accommodating all of our special requests.

Date of experience : March 20, 2024

Hi Gautam, Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback on your recent trip to Egypt with us. We are delighted to hear that you had such a wonderful experience exploring Lower and Upper Egypt, including Abu Simbel, during your eleven-day journey. We are thrilled to learn that the accommodations at Mena House in Cairo, Old Cataract in Aswan, and Cecil in Alexandria exceeded your expectations. It is fantastic to hear that the Sonesta cruise ship provided exceptional service, accommodation, and food throughout your Nile cruise. We are especially pleased that our tour leader was able to provide top-notch assistance and ensure all administrative aspects were taken care of seamlessly. It is heartening to know that all the little details and special requests were handled with care, including arranging restaurant bookings for your wife's birthday. We appreciate your kind words about Jason, your Country Specialist, who went above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly despite the unexpected delay due to a medical emergency. We look forward to welcoming you back on another adventure in the future. Thank you once again for choosing Audley. Many thanks, Audley Travel UK

Barcelona - Spring 2024

We had a fantastic family vacation in Barcelona thanks to the attention and care we received from Eric Carnes. Eric was genuinely interested in our family dynamic and was able to assist us with creating unique opportunities for our time together while experiencing Barcelona. We asked for many unique amenities from customized architectural tours to securing sporting event tickets. He was even able to accommodate our big ask of being in the middle of city in a multi-bedroom apartment with all of the perks of staying in a high end hotel. We highly recommend Audrey Travel and Eric Carnes.

Date of experience : March 26, 2024

Hi Cam, Thank you so much for taking the time to share these incredibly kind words about your experience with Audley. We are so happy to hear that Eric was genuinely interested in what your family wanted out of your trip, and that through his care and attention was able to deliver a truly unique vacation for you! We have already shared your feedback with Eric and his manager. We cannot wait to help you plan your next big adventure! Kind regards Audley Travel USA

Audley Great in Exotic Locations

We just got back from a trip to India and Bhutan. This is our 2nd trip with Audley and we would definitely use them again. They have excellent partners (both Audley and local partners) and we felt well taken care of. The trip was well organized and Jason did a great job in keeping us in the loop. My only feedback would be it would be great to see a more itemized bill - you just get one lump sum. But in locations that are difficult or out of the ordinary (like Bhutan) I would definitely go with Audley.

Date of experience : March 09, 2024

Hi Matthew, Thank you for taking the time so share these kind words about your recent trip to India and Bhutan. We are so happy to hear that Jason was so communicative throughout the planning process! We have passed your feedback to Jason, and will make sure our partners in India and Bhutan know how much you appreciated them. We look forward to helping you plan your next great adventure! Kind regards, Audley Travel USA

The planning for our trip was flawless

The planning for our trip was flawless. Drivers were always on time and uniformly helpful. Hotels were unique--not the usual chains--always lovely and well located. Guides were beyond amazing--knowledgable about history, architecture and art as well as warm and engaging. I can't say enough about Audley's travel services. This was our 6th trip with them and we are already planning another.

Date of experience : March 07, 2024

Hi Lisa, Thank you so much for taking the time to share these kind words with us. We are so happy to hear that Corinne was able to plan yet another flawless trip for you and your husband! We have already shared your kind words with Corinne and her manager, and will be passing along your praise of your guides to our partners in Spain. You are in good hands for your upcoming trip to Croatia, and we look forward to continuing to help you plan amazing adventures around the world! Best wishes Audley Travel US

Laura Coughlin at Audley Travel is…

Laura Coughlin at Audley Travel is absolutely the best! If you have a desire to go to South Africa to visit Cape Town, go on Safari or visit Victoria Falls in Zambia she is the expert. To no surprise, every i was dotted and every t crossed. The transfer drivers always arrived on time whether at the airports or from lodge to lodge. Friendly and knowledgeable about the different townships or villages we drove through. They were great. The binder Audley provided us had every detail organized by date & time which released any stress we might have had, Can’t even begin to tell you what a fantastic trip my wife & I had with select hotels, suggested excursions and the like all by Laura. Gotta be up front, we were nervous about the trip however Laura and her expertise made everything come off without a hitch. She really is the consummate professional and represents Audley to very high standards. Professionally, Dr Mark

Date of experience : March 23, 2024

Hi Mark, Thank you for taking the time to share this incredible feedback with us. We are so happy to hear that Laura’s expertise and guidance helped put you at ease, and that you were able to have such a fantastic experience! We have already share your thoughtful words with Laura, and will make sure to pass along to our partners in South Africa who helped deliver a unique adventure. We look forward to helping you plan more amazing journeys in the future! Best wishes, Audley Travel USA

Liz planned an outstanding tour through all of Egypt for us! The historic temples, tombs, and pyramids were an amazing history lesson. Liz’s knowledge, guidance, and experience were invaluable! Thank you!

Date of experience : February 09, 2024

Hi Elyse, Thank you for taking the time to share these kind words about your recent trip to Egypt. We are so happy to hear that Liz utilized her knowledge and experience to help you plan such an outstanding journey through history! We have already shared your feedback with Liz, and will make sure to share with our partners at Smithsonian Journeys, as well. We look forward to helping you plan your next grand adventure! Kind regards, Audley Travel USA

It was great experience.

This was our first experience using a travel agent to plan a trip for us. It was a trip of a lifetime, and we are ready to do more. We went from Perth, Australia on the Indian Pacific Railway to Adelaide. From there we drove the Great Ocean Road through Port Campbell and down to Melbourne. We then flew to Sydney before returning home. Our highlights were Rottness Island, Winery Tour, Kangaroo Island, Grampians National Park, Pinnacle, Mackenzie Falls, Boroka Lookout, Phillip Island Wildlife Expedition (including the Penguin Parade), Lanes and Arcades Tour in Melbourne, and Sydney Harbour Long Lunch Cruise. Anthony was thorough in talking with us about what kinds of excursions and tours we were interested in doing on this trip. He was there to assist us before, during and after this trip.

Date of experience : February 16, 2024

Hi Connie, Thank you so much for taking the time to provide us with this wonderful feedback. We are so happy to hear that Anthony’s thoroughness helped him create a trip of a lifetime for you and your husband! It sounds like you had several incredible experiences while exploring Australia… if you had to choose, what would you say was your favorite excursion? We have already shared your incredibly kind words with Anthony and his manager, and will make sure to share your feedback with our partners in Australia, as well. We look forward to helping you plan your next big adventure! Warm regards, Audley Travel USA

If you are looking for a five star vacation and you don’t have the time or will to do all of the research and legwork, this is the company for you. Lucy coordinated an amazing trip to Spain for my family of five only weeks prior to the trip.

Date of experience : March 16, 2024

Hi Keith, Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your feedback from your recent trip to Spain. We are so happy that Lucy was able to help you coordinate an amazing last-minute trip for you and your family! We will make sure to pass along your kind words to Lucy, as well as to her manager. We cannot wait to help you plan your next amazing journey! Kind regards, Audley Travel USA

Jason Toms put together a trip of a lifetime…

Jason Toms put together a wonderful trip for my husband and I. Everything went perfectly. Everyday was a highlight. If I could pick one it would be the houseboat in Alleppey. It was a fabulous experience and the food was superb. Overall, there was a nice assortment of different types of accommodations. Our drivers Nagandra and Unni were just wonderful. The pace of the trip worked well for us. It was a great way to see India, we were lucky to be traveling alone, more local people talked to us so that was extra special. You put together a perfect trip for us, Thank you so much!

Hi Melissa, Thank you so much for taking the time to share these kind words with us. We are so happy to hear that Jason helped you and your husband plan the perfect trip to India! We are so glad that your experience was extra special as a result of the interactions you were able to have with the locals. We have already shared your feedback with Jason and his management team, and will be passing along your kind words to our partners in India, so Nagandra and Unni know how much they impacted your trip. We look forward to helping you plan your next grand adventure! Best regards Audley Travel US

Once in a lifetime trip to Iceland

Audley travel organized a wonderful trip for my family of 7 to Iceland. We had fantastic, knowledgeable guides to help us get the most out of our experiences in this gorgeous country. We were basically taken care of every step of the way from arriving at the airport to being driven back. Our agent, Julia Mole was responsive to our requests and constructed the perfect trip for us. We really did have a once in a lifetime trip to Iceland including Northern Lights, Ice Cave, Lava tube, Highlands SuperJeep tour, black beaches, geysers, geothermic pools, many beautiful waterfalls, finding the elusive Arctic Fox ,and even seeing an erupting volcano (that we were able to get pictures of on our way back to the airport). We had a very happy group of travelers.

Hi Lynne, Thank you so much for taking the time to provide us with this wonderful feedback of your time in Iceland. We are so happy to hear that Julia was able to assist you in putting together the perfect trip for you and your family! Of all the amazing experiences that you had, we would love to know – was there one that stood-out above all of the rest? We have already shared your kind words with Julia, and will make sure to pass your feedback along to our partners in Iceland who helped deliver such a memorable trip! We look forward to helping you plan your next great adventure. Warmest regards, Audley Travel USA

A dream trip

We have just returned from a phenomenal trip to southern Spain and Morocco , which we planned as a special adventure with our 13 year old grandson. We can't say enough about our specialist Corinne, who planned every detail to perfection, keeping our grandson in mind: the unique boutique hotels and riad, outstanding activities, hand picked guides, excellent restaurant recommendations, cultural hints, etc. We look forward to planning more trips with Audley!

Date of experience : March 13, 2024

Hi Don and Ricky, Thank you so much for taking the time to share these kind words about your recent trip to Spain and Morocco. We are so happy to hear that Corinne was able to help you plan such a phenomenal adventure for you and your grandson! We are positive that he will cherish those special memories his entire life. We have already shared your kind words with Corinne, and will make sure to pass along your praise to our partners in both Spain and Morocco who helped deliver your dream trip. We look forward to helping you plan more grand adventures in the future! Best wishes Audley Travel US

Fantastic trip

My wife and I just returned from a fantastic trip to Agra and Rajasthan. Our trip creator, Jason Toms, put together an itinerary nicely balanced between urban and rural experiences. The rural sites allowed us to interact with locals in non commercial settings that weren’t possible in the urban settings. Throughout the process of creating the trip, taking it and upon our return, Jason listened, was very attentive and supportive, and was easily reachable. We can’t thank him enough for our very special trip. This was our second positive experience with an Audley planned trip. The local support and guides helped make the trip a pleasant experience. We look forward to working with Audley again.

Hi Chris, Thank you so much for taking the time to share this feedback. We are so happy that to hear that Jason was attentive and supportive during the planning process, and that he was able to create the perfect itinerary for you and your wife! We hope your second trip with us was as fantastic as your first! We have already shared your kind words with Jason and his manager, and will be passing your nice kind words along to our partners in India who helped make your time there so pleasant. We look forward to helping you plan your next big adventure! Best wishes, Audley Travel US

Audley is the BEST!

Audley was very detailed and helpful from beginning to end going above and beyond the call of duty. I truly appreciate this as it was my first time making such a huge travel.

Hi Kamille, Thank you so much for taking the time to share these kind words with us. We are so happy to hear that Thora was so helpful in making your first big trip a success! We have already shared your kind words with Thora and her manager. We look forward to helping you plan your next grand adventure! Kind regards, Audley Travel USA

Our Japan trip was to be a trip of a lifetime

Our Japan trip was to be a trip of a lifetime. Once we paid our full trip cost we heard nothing though Asha From Audley said we would talk more about details of trip three weeks out. Three weeks came and we get an email Asha had a wedding to go to and then she will be in Korea. Long story short run from this agency. Asha built us an itinerary for a 30 year old we are in our late 60’s and 80’s. It’s sad when a trip of a lifetime is ruined by greed!

Dear Jan, We are truly disheartened to learn about your experience. We are sorry to hear about the service you received from us - this is undoubtedly not the high standard we hold ourselves to. Rest assured, a member of our Client Experience Team will be reaching out to you as a matter of urgency. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. We are committed to resolving this issue promptly and ensuring your concerns are heard. Best wishes, Audley Travel

Veronica at Audley created a seamless…

Veronica at Audley created a seamless and fascinating experience in Cambodia and Vietnam. The highlight was the interaction with local guides - not just their knowledge but their life stories, their personal warmth and concern. I want to particularly cite Nara in Siem Reap and Hau David in Hoi An. Nara cared for us as would have for his parents. Hau found services and restaurant tables we never could have found for ourselves. Each was always available and always a pleasure to be with. Like Veronica herself.

Date of experience : January 25, 2024

Hi Gary, Thank you so much for taking the time to share this kind and thoughtful feedback! We're thrilled to hear you had such positive experiences with our guides during your trip and have no doubt the feelings are mutual. As for Veronica, we can only wholeheartedly agree with you there-- she's a gem, and we'll make sure your review gets back to her. Take care, and we look forward to hearing from you when you are ready to plan your next adventure! Warmest regards, Audley Travel USA

Travel in India with Confidence…

Just returned from a two-week trip to India -- Golden Triangle and a brief visit to self India. Overall the experience was first-class. To begin with, Audley’s US India tour manager was responsive and informative on all points both before and during travel. Audley’s pre-trip package is very complete and valuable to the traveler. Audley city office staff were consistently present at all key moves and hand-offs during the trip. The drivers provided a high level of confidence in difficult circumstances. The guides were well-informed and solicitous -- and able to calibrate the pace to fit our needs. The selection of hotels was excellent – both the new ones and the interesting “legacy properties -- and the prices were reasonable. Of course, standards of service would be considered “pampering” by US standards. Altogether, Audley provided a fantastic experience!

Hi Stephen, Thank you for sharing this fantastic feedback about your recent trip to India. We are so happy to hear that Cato was able to share his knowledge with you and help you create a first class experience! We have already shared your kind words with Cato, and will make sure to share with our partners in India. We look forward to helping you plan your next grand adventure! Warm regards, Audley Travel USA

We just returned from a trip to Spain…

We just returned from a trip to Spain through AudleyTravel. It was excellent our second booking with them. . I cannot recommend it more highly. I would never again use anyone else. We had two different agents because of the promotion of our first gal, Jay Drasich, who was great and then Maggie McCarthy took over. Maggie was friendly , easy to deal with, very professional. We were a special case because of a family medical situation. We had to cancel the first booking and reschedule it for a year later only to reverse it all over again. AudleyTravel, first Jay and then Maggie were all wonderful with this. They were so accommodating. The trip itself was wonderful. Every person , the drivers, the guides, the local contacts were first rate. Our guide Yolanda at the Prada gave a master class in art history. We learned so much and it made the whole experience more meaningful. That was true of all the tours we took. We loved the hotels , their locations, everything. This is the way we love to travel, independently, but beautifully supported in every way. As older travelers we didn’t have to get up early and take a bus with a lot of folks we might not have wanted to be with. We had our own itinerary, the things we wanted to do and see at our pace on our schedule. Maggie was with me every step of the way, planning, answering questions. She prepared me so well that when yet another medical situation came up I knew what to do and all went smoothly. This is a first class company with first class agents. With that kind of service you might think it is outrageously expensive but as I was referring Maggie to a friend she asked about cost and when I told her she said, wow that is very reasonable. I am just sorry I didn’t find AudleyTravel earlier. Our first trip with them to Hawaii was also fabulous. Thank you, AudleyTravel!

Date of experience : March 17, 2024

Hi Sherry, Thank you so much for your incredibly kind feedback. We are so happy to hear that both Jay and Maggie were wonderful to work with, and that Maggie was so accommodating when you needed to cancel and rebook your trip due to a medical concern. It sounds like you had an incredible experience full of incredible experiences! We have already shared your amazing praise with Jay, Maggie, and the members of our 24 hour emergency line that you spoke with while traveling, and will make sure to pass along to our partners in Spain. We cannot wait to help you plan your next grand adventure! Best wishes Audley Travel US

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Travel to Italy and Spain - Excellent!

I solicited proposals from 3 or 4 Travel companies. Provided to each what we would like to do and see in Venice, Rome and Barcelona. Elise Cather with Audley was the only one that truly listened and provided what we had asked for. Elise was excellent to work with, provided great tips and suggestions as we reviewed and revised our agenda. Our private tour guides in each location were very knowledgeable, courteous and professional. If there was an issue, I was able to contact the local representative in each location to resolve the issue. (ie: a one-day Taxi Strike in Rome led to the cancellation of one evening event), when that happened both the local rep and Elise/Audley were very responsive to the issue. In regard to our accommodations, all were great! Each was centrally located with very nice rooms and amenities. Bottomline - when my wife and I plan another trip, Audley will definitely be the first company that we contact. Our experience with Audley and Elsie Cather was excellent from the beginning to the end!

Date of experience : July 22, 2022

Reply from Audley Travel - USA

Dear Richard Thank you so much for your wonderful review. Delivering outstanding client service and satisfaction is at the heart of what we do at Audley and we are truly delighted to hear how well Elise has taken care of you throughout. We will of course share your feedback with Elise and we look forward to working with you again on your next adventure Best Wishes Audley Travel.

Not there if you need them …

We booked our first trip with audley travel to italy. it was expensive but we added in the activities and personal touch as a perk Our next booking was to Portugal. It was the same price as italy and should have been significantly less but we were told it was about the drivers and private guides ( which we also had in Italy) It was a red flag but we were excited and proceeded Two days before we were to leave I was diagnosed with Covid and the Flu and we had to cancel the trip. We were lucky enough to have trip insurance but i must say Audley was horrible . (unreceptive and ineffective. ). They refunded nothing , not even a dinner two weeks away at a private home ..hard to believe i’m sure if nothing goes wrong audley will be wonderful ( and overpriced ) but I also feel certain they would not be helpful in any crisis and therefore we are done with them. (not even a note to say how do you feel ). Anyone can be wonderful when they are not needed at all .

Date of experience : October 02, 2023

Hi Jill Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your experience. First and foremost, we are sorry that you had to cancel your trip with us. We have extensive experience dealing with difficult situations and working with our clients to resolve any unexpected circumstances that may arise prior to travel. Based on your feedback, it does not appear that you received the level of support that is indicative of our high levels of service, and we apologize if this has encouraged you to write this review on TrustPilot. Our Client Experience team will contact you as soon as possible and to look into the situation further. We look forward to working with you to reach an amicable solution. Best regards Audley Travel USA

Audley Travel does not believe in client service

Booked a trip prior to covid that was delayed and canceled but the deposit was held hostage. Used the deposit and additional monies to make it the trip of a lifetime. The referred resort was of the lowest expectations compared to what Audley explained. Returned and have requested full refund do to the lack of services promised but not delivered. Update: We have reached a mutually agreeable compromise. Thank you Alicia for handling this on behalf of Audley

Date of experience : May 12, 2022

Hi Brian Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality trips and outstanding client service, so we are truly disappointed and sorry to hear your trip did not met your expectations. We are delighted to hear how well Alicia handled your issue and we look forward to working with you again in the future once the time is right for you. Best regards Audley Travel USA

Bait and Switch

I was interested in wildlife centered drive and stay trip in Tasmania for myself and grandson. Your web site quoted a 10 day trip f0r $3270.00. I was contacted by a young lady from Boston and after a little discussion she said the minimal charge pp was $10,000.00-Now that is a huge jump regardless of time of year, etc. There is no way I would trust this company for any trip

Date of experience : June 13, 2023

Hi Chas Thank you for reaching out us and providing us with your feedback. We are deeply sorry to hear about your experience, and we regret that it has dented your faith in Audley. As you will understand, the website quote is an indicative price of the itinerary outline displayed online. We recognize that this is a significant price increase and have informed our Commercial team to investigate further as a matter of urgency. In an effort to learn more about your experience, a member of our Client Experience team has attempted to make contact with you. If you would like to get in touch with us again, please do not hesitate to do so. We would greatly appreciate the chance to earn back your trust in Audley. Best regards Audley Travel USA

Adam was our Country Specialist for our recent Trip to Japan. I sent him this letter of thanks: We wanted to let you know that the trip exceeded expectations. We appreciated, connected and enjoyed each of our guides as unique people who shared their cities and culture with us. The couple of snafus were handled competently- the missing bus passes, train schedules that still were not quite right all fixed with the help of our Orientation guide! Dana was a great last guide- giving us Insight into religious practices, culture and living in modern Japan. The accommodations were fantastic, we felt spoiled by the attention. Our experiences with the people of Japan were wonderful. The random people we met were friendly and helpful - the Japanese businessman who led us to our train to make sure we got on the right one when we were a bit confused by the Tokyo train system early on...comes to mind, our language barrier was forgiven. Occasionally the google translator was called into service, and google maps was a godsend! Each of our interactions with local folks turned into a story and adventure, such as the restaurant owner who wants to be a football player for Atlanta! We took over 1200 pictures most are breathtaking. I am having trouble trimming things down for a slide show to share with family and friends that won't last an hour or more! I will include just a few here with our thanks for putting together an experience that we both truly enjoyed and will remember! Arigato, thank you! Sharon & Rick

Date of experience : May 11, 2023

Dear Sharon and Rick Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback. We are delighted to hear that your trip exceeded your expectations and that you were able to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. We're sure Adam was overjoyed to read your comments and see the photos you shared. Thank you once more, and we hope to send you on another adventure in the future. Best Wishes Audley Travel - USA

We love the format of Audley vacations

We love the format of Audley vacations: just my husband and me and not a bus-load of other tourists. Our trip to the Eastern Cities of Canada was loads of fun. Because Audley is short-staffed following the pandemic some of the details in our documents were inaccurate but overall it was a wonderful trip. Our first trip through Audley was to Colombia in 2019 and it was absolutely fabulous!

Date of experience : September 16, 2022

Hi Louise Thanks for reaching out and sharing your kind feedback with us. We are sorry for the inaccuracies which you found within your documentation, as you know from travelling with us in the past, this does not meet our high standards of service. We understand our Client Experience team have been in touch with you regarding this and are glad you had a great time away overall. We look forward to working with you again and to send you away on your next dream Audley trip once you're ready. Best wishes Audley Travel - USA

Audley travel did not meet their stated objective.

The Audley travel website claims vacations are 100% tailor made. Their statement is “Your entire vacation is designed around your requirements.” Sadly, this was not my experience. About the only thing that matched my requirements was the country, which was Costa Rica. I requested expat communities where I might escape snow and ice, on a yearly basis.I also requested very nice hotels with views. ( I believe the hotels are an important part of the vacation) I was told I would be staying in 5 star hotels. This was not true. One hotel had 3 stars and was quite nice. It was downhill from there. One was so dark, cold and with such an unfriendly staff I felt claustrophobic and frightened. I had to leave. I had one nice hotel, two adequate and three unacceptable. I now know there are many communities where I would have been comfortable and my requests meant. In the future I will talk with people who know the country. I paid top dollar for poor accommodations. I am an 80 year old female who asked for help to pick a wonderful place/vacation. My age seemed to be a factor as I did not understand what questions to ask or where to get real information. I trusted Audley was a good company. Not so

Date of experience : November 01, 2023

Dear BCT, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We want to express sincere apologies that your trip did not live up to your expectations. It is disheartening to hear that your vacation did not align with the tailor-made experience we strive to provide. We are sorry to hear that the communities you visited did not match your expat requirement as you did not meet many Americans along your travels. We appreciate your candidness in sharing your concerns about the unfriendly staff, the ambiance, and the overall quality of the accommodations. Your feedback has been shared with our product team and local suppliers that we work closely with to help improve services. We apologize that the compensation provided was not fully satisfactory. We assure you that your age is not and should not be a factor in the impact of our services. Every client, regardless of age, deserves the highest level of attention, and it's regrettable that we did not fully meet those needs. We understand that although an additional amount was added to your compensation, it does not make up for your disappointment. Thank you again for sharing your feedback as it is crucial for us to continue improving our services and ensuring that our team is better equipped to assist all travelers with the level of expertise and attention to detail that we aim to deliver. Best regards, Audley Travel USA

FANTASTIC SUPPORT

Thank you Jeremy Hyman and Audley travel. We appreciate your knowledge, guidance and support. Great South Africa trip planned. Thank you

Date of experience : January 04, 2023

Hi Carol Thank you for taking the time to share your great feedback with us. We are delighted to hear how well Jeremy took care of everything for you, and will make sure your kind comments are shared with the team. Best wishes Audley Travel USA

Exactly what we wanted!

My wife and I had the most amazing experience in Japan--and we couldn't have done it without Adam at Audley! When we began to plan a trip to Japan, we realized quickly that we needed help from an expert. We had never used a travel service before, but I am so glad that we reached out to Audley. Adam interviewed us and got a sense of the kind of experience that we wanted, then--with just our arrival and departure dates--he assembled an itinerary of cities, amazing lodging (including traditional ryokans), and really interesting activities with local guides that were tailored for us. He absolutely nailed what we wanted--not simply travel, but an experience that was more immersive, fun, and with the right mix of planned activities and unplanned time. His support was really helpful, including lots of time before departure to ensure that the plan fit our needs, as well as lots of advice and tips from his own time staying in Japan. The logistical support was really key to making our travel easy--including providing a mobile wifi hotspot to ensure we had internet access everywhere, supplying our JR vouchers and tickets on our first day on the ground, as well as the Audley mobile app and printed binders of our trip. Adam arranged private transfers to and from the airport, and local guides that taught us how to use transit, that gave *tons* of tips of what to see, and that were eager to share their culture with us... All of this really took all the stress out of planning and execution, and just made our trip *so* enjoyable. Thanks to Audley, and thanks to Adam for giving us memories that we will never forget!

Date of experience : November 06, 2023

Hi Bob, Thank you for taking the time to share such a lovely overview of your trip with us. It sounds like you really got to explore Japan and we hope the trip was as amazing as it sounds! We are glad Adam was so helpful in not only organising the trip but also with his expert tips! We will pass these kind words along to Adam and the team. We look forward to planning many more adventures with you soon! Best wishes, Audley Travel USA

Our long awaited trip to Italy

Due to Covid, we kept postponing our trip over a four-year period. Samantha was with us all the way. We can't thank her enough. The trip was everything that we hoped for, as every detail was planned out.

Date of experience : October 18, 2023

Dear Jim & Sheila Thank you so much for your kind words! We are delighted to hear that Samantha took excellent care of you throughout the entire trip planning process. It's unfortunate that Covid caused multiple postponements, but we're glad that Samantha was there to support you each time. We understand how important it is to have everything meticulously planned out, and we're thrilled to hear that every detail of your trip lived up to your expectations. Should you decide to travel again in the future, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We would be more than happy to help you plan another memorable experience! Kind Regards Audley Travel USA

Wonderful tour of Morocco

We have travelled several times with Audley and appreciate their careful planning and responsiveness. We began our planning with Sharidan who helped us craft a varied itinerary to explore Morocco, including a page of Arabic phrases that might be useful. When Sharidan left to pursue a doctorate, the transfer to Corinne was seamless. After an earthquake struck Morocco a few weeks before our planned departure, Corinne impressed us with her response. Reflecting Audley’s commitment to ethical travel, her message began with reassurance that all the drivers, guides and reps, as well as their families were safe. The tour provided a wonderful opportunity to discover diverse landscapes, meet different cultures, learn about Morocco, and witness the rebuilding efforts. Throughout the trip we appreciated the kind consideration of our driver who took us to amazing places, wonderful accommodation, navigating challenging driving conditions with ease. Corinne was responsive in dealing with small glitches. We feel privileged to have had this fascinating trip and will savour the memories. Thank you Corinne and Audley.

Date of experience : October 10, 2023

Hi Catherine, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us! It is wonderful to hear Sharidan was so helpful in crafting such a fascinating and memorable trip, along with providing you with a helpful cheat sheet of phrases. We appreciate you detailing Corinne was so reassuring following the earthquake and was able to assist with the small glitches, including the transition of specialists was such a smooth process for you! We will make sure to pass along your kind words to Corinne, as well as to our partners in Morocco who helped you explore such a memorable country! We cannot wait to help you plan your next adventure! Best Regards, The Audley Team

Audley Travel is a total scam

Audley Travel is a total scam. I would have had less heart ache taking $20,000, pouring lighter fluid on it and watching it burn. Stay away from this company. There is ZERO service, ZERO expertise offered. They get paid in full 30 days prior and then POOF, you are on your own. AND we get to pay a premium for this. It costs more then rack rate. The one excursion we bought from Trip advisor and NOT Audley was a thousand times better. It was more professional, more authentic, more hospitable. Also hotels must literally HATE Audley - in every hotel we got put in the worst possible rooms. I would have thought the hotel companies would try to keep this company happy but we don't really know what they paid. Now I realize they paid very little and charged me a lot.

Date of experience : July 06, 2022

Dear Jill Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We are saddened and sorry to hear about your recent experience with us. This does not live up to the very high standards Audley is well known for. We understand you have been contact with the team regarding your experience, and have escalated this to our Client Experience team who will reach-out to you today as a matter of urgency. Best regards Audley Travel USA

Family trip to South Africa

Audley helped us organize the family trip of a lifetime to South Africa with incredible ease and attention to detail. David was able to accommodate our big group of 12 without any issues and gave us all an incredible amount of consideration for our goals, availability, and budget. I am not exaggerating when I say this trip was a life-changing experience for each and everyone of us, and the best travel experience of my life. Audley made an otherwise impossible trip possible, cost-effective, and magical. Though they are a travel agency, nothing was cookie-cutter and everything felt highly curated to our needs and expectations. Their connections with the lodges and activities they booked for us made our experience unforgettable, exceeding all our expectations! As will happen on any trip, we had an activity cancelled due to on-the-ground issues that Audley was not responsible for. Audley's responsiveness helped us solve the problem in a matter of minutes, allowing us to choose an alternate and equally exciting activity. Leaving has only left us wanting to return, at which point we will surely reach out to Audley again. Thank you for all your hard work and attention to detail!

Date of experience : August 10, 2023

Hi Adrian Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are delighted to hear how well David and the team took care of everything for you, and are humbled to learn this was a life-changing experience for you all too. We will make sure your kind feedback is shared with our teams, and look forward to sending you away on your next Audley trip in the future. Wishing you all the best Audley Travel USA

Excellent experience from beginning to…

Excellent experience from beginning to end. Lucy our Audley advisor was always professional and helpful, going the extra mile on many occasions. We had a brilliant trip and look forward to booking our next one.

Date of experience : April 30, 2022

Dear Colette Thank you so much for sharing your great feedback with us. We are delighted to hear you had a fantastic time and how well Lucy looked after everything for you. We will make sure your kind comments are shared with Lucy and her leadership teams. Best wishes Audley Travel

Can't trust them with guidance

We worked with Audley for our honeymoon trip in Africa; we got wrong guidance on visa, entry requirements, that made us change our destination 3 days before our wedding day, 4 days before intended departure! If i hadn't pushed the travel agent on visa concerns, he kept pushing for me to keep with the original destination despite a rejected visa (saying I can get visa on-arrival when i couldn't). We ended up with a super stressful trip and not the luxury experience we paid $$$$$ for. I worked with a travel agency so I wouldn't have to plan my honeymoon on top of the wedding, but only to realize you can't leave it up to Audley!

Date of experience : August 29, 2022

Hi Bahar We are very sorry to hear about the disappointing experience you received from us. We would like to look into this immediately for you as this does not meet the high standard of service which we pride ourselves on here at Audley. A manager will reach out to you today as a matter of urgency to discuss your feedback in more detail. Best regards Audley Travel USA

We planned our trip 2 years ago so…

We planned our trip 2 years ago so everything should have been perfect. 1- we received a copy of our itinerary 2 days before leaving. 2- We booked it 2 years in advance because we wanted to stay at Giraffe Manor and visit the elephant orphanage. When we got there, the agency never made the reservation for the elephants so it was impossible to attend, it was a great dis’s appointment. We spent one night at Giraffe Manor and the following night we had to move to a lousy hotel near by, even though there were rooms at the Giraffe Retreat that was right there and , not only it was amazing but, by the suggestion of Tom Wilkinson, the agent, we paid more than 200$ each to use the place so why did he made us book another hotel while we could have been there. Even worst, why didn’t he book us on a flight to Seychelles that same day as, as he didn’t book us the elephant orphanage we didn’t have much to do there. 3- This is the worst part, we specifically requested the Four Seasons in Seychelles, for us it was as important as staying at Giraffe Manor. When I realized we were in a completely different resort it was way too late. The one in Mahe was not bad but the one in Pralin was not what we wanted at all. It was extremely disappointing! And there was no way to contact the agent Tom Wilkinson because he was on vacation!!!!!

Date of experience : August 30, 2023

Hi Maria We are deeply sorry and disappointed to hear about your experience with us; this is not the high level of service you would expect from Audley. Please rest assured that our Client Experience team will contact you today to go through your feedback in greater detail and regain your trust in Audley. We look forward to speaking with you. Best regards Audley Travel USA

Great job planning New Zealand/Australia trip

Audley (Haley and Lorne) did a great job coordinating complicated itineraries for 5 families travelling to New Zealand and Australia, balancing different interests, priorities and budgets. Everyone was extremely pleased with their service and some have gone on to use them again for other trips.

Date of experience : December 04, 2023

Hi Bruce Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We're thrilled to learn how well Haley and Lorne looked after you throughout - it sounds like you had a fantastic time exploring the wonders of Australia and New Zealand. We'll make sure your kind comments are shared with the team, and look forward to sending you away on your next Audley adventure! Best wishes for 2024, Audley Travel USA

Italy made our trip great

Italy made our trip great. Audley Travel and our agent Jeff Procopio were instrumental in making our experience smooth, hassle free, and with no unpleasant surprises. Excellent communication. I would recommend them with no reservations.

Date of experience : September 07, 2022

Hi Albert Thank you for reaching out and sharing your amazing feedback with us. It sounds like Jeff has taken great care of everything and are delighted to hear you've had an amazing time. Best wishes Audley Travel USA

Audley Travel - RIP OFF & DISHONEST

This company is completely dishonest, will rip you off and provides horrible service. They overcharged us by several thousands of dollars which ended up being almost double the true cost of the trip (we got the true numbers from the hotels on the cost of the hotel, drivers, and tours). They provided horrible service and were unresponsive once they received our money and did not confirm the trip details until the day before. To top it all off, they tried to completely rearrange our itinerary the week before the trip and so we had to cancel a tour. In addition the one tour we did get did not even match our itinerary, their itinerary was completely out of date and we ended up having to pay several hundreds more because we had to add last minute drivers they didn't book. So we were completely ripped off, it made the whole trip way more stressful and is the worst travel company experience I've ever had.

Date of experience : April 27, 2022

Hi Mira We are very sorry to hear about the disappointing experiences you have had on your recent trip. We would like to look into this immediately for you as this does not meet the high standard of service which we pride ourselves on here at Audley. A manager will reach out to you today as a matter of urgency to discuss your feedback in more detail. Best regards Audley Travel USA

Superb experience and service

From the outset and incarnation of planning our trip to Morocco, Kerry-Ann was attentive and engaged in getting us the best experience for our country-wide tour. She explored our expectations and interests and tailored a personal tour that exceeded expectations in every way. The transport, itinerary, guides, and accommodations were all superb and made for an incredibly rich and memorable vacation. This is the second time that we have used Audley Travel to assist in our travel plans (the first being a trip to the Seychelles earlier this year), and we would highly recommend their services without hesitation.

Date of experience : December 06, 2022

Hi Paul and Colleen Happy New Year and thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are delighted to hear how well Kerry and the team took care of everything for you, it sounds like you had an unforgettable time away. We look forward to sending you away on your next dream Audley trip once you are ready. Best wishes Audley Travel USA

COMMENTS

  1. Audley Awards and Recognition

    We're proud of the awards we regularly receive for the experiences and service we offer — find out which awards we've collected recently. Skip to content Please select your location:

  2. About Us

    Travel shaped around you. We know the best trips are those designed to help you see the world in the most meaningful way — your own. For more than 25 years, we've created trips as singular as you, so you can build a scrapbook of memories. That might be a breathless pause as you see a mountain gorilla deep in the jungle, or the sound of your ...

  3. About Us

    Travel shaped around you. We know the best trips are those designed to help you see the world in the most meaningful way — your own. For more than 25 years, we've created trips as singular as you, so you can build a scrapbook of memories. That might be a breathless pause as you see a mountain gorilla deep in the jungle, or the sound of your ...

  4. Audley Travel

    Audley Travel is a tour operator based in the UK in Witney, Oxfordshire, with offices in London and Boston. The company covers over 90 destinations worldwide, ... Telegraph Travel Awards 2016, 2017 and 2019: Best Tour Operator; Sunday Times Travel Magazine Value For Money Award: 2018;

  5. The best tour operators in the world: 2023 Readers' Choice Awards

    Both report a surge of interest in Asia, as well as multi-generational travel, solo adventures to Namibia, Bhutan and Mexico, and authentic experiences such as outback stations in Australia and bear lodges in Canada. These are the best tour operators in the world, according to the 2023 Readers' Choice Awards. The scores below are percentages ...

  6. Audley Travel on LinkedIn: Award season is here, and we're honored to

    Award season is here, and we're honored to be nominated for Travel + Leisure's World Best Award 2024 as "Best Tour Operator or Safari Outfitter". Your vote…

  7. Awards

    November 2022 Audley Travel wins Gold in the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards. Audley Travel has won Gold in the Favourite Tour Operator (General) category in the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards. The Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards recognise the travel brands which have most captured readers' imaginations and are voted on by more than ten thousand Wanderlust readers.

  8. Britain's best tour operators, according to you

    Audley Travel has won the title of best tour operator in the 2019 Telegraph Travel Awards, based on the opinions of almost 50,000 readers, while APT, New Zealand In Depth, Peak Retreats, Rocky ...

  9. Audley Travel's Post

    We're very excited to announce that we've won Gold, Silver, and Bronze at the 2023 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, including the top award for Best Tour… | 11 comments on LinkedIn

  10. Audley Travel

    Audley Travel | 32,787 followers on LinkedIn. Authentic travel experiences tailor-made by experts | B Corp Certified | For over 25 years, we've listened to what people want to experience and how ...

  11. Audley Travel Reviews

    Audley Travel has 5 stars! Check out what 3,647 people have written so far, and share your own experience. ... In the latest Sunday Times Travel Magazine Value for Money awards, Audley were named top Tour Operator based on the breadth of destinations and the added value we offer. For your peace of mind, all Audley trips are either ATOL ...

  12. Celebrating our guides: the 10th anniversary Audley Guide Awards

    Vietnam guide Tan (middle) receiving his award from Audley CEO Nick Longman (left) & Chairman Richard Prosser What do you love most about being a guide? Having the chance to meet different people and learn about their cultures, and to travel to different places.

  13. Audley Travel: Tailored Trips Experts

    Explore unique journeys with audley travel, your go-to for customized, luxurious adventures. Read more on Navigate Magazine. ... Reviews & Awards : Various travel awards and accolades, user reviews would need to be sourced for current reputation : Presence : Does not operate a network of branches like Hays Travel, instead focuses on tailor made ...

  14. TTG

    The winners of the 2024 TTG Luxury Travel Awards have been revealed at a glittering ceremony at one of London's newest hotels. Companies and individuals across 19 categories took home trophies, including Edwina Lonsdale, managing director of Mundy Cruising, who was presented with the Contribution to Luxury Travel accolade for her years of ...

  15. Audley Travel on Instagram: "We're excited to announce that we've won

    563 likes, 36 comments - audleytravel on November 10, 2023: "We're excited to announce that we've won multiple awards at the 2023 Wanderlust Reader Travel ...

  16. Audley Travel » Adventure.Travel

    Since 1996, Audley Travel has specialized in tailor-made travel itineraries for discerning travelers seeking authentic experiences around the world. ... Audley Travel, an award-winning travel operator with 18 years of experience crafting tailor-made journeys in more than 80 countries,... Read More. #Powered By Adventure. Site Map.

  17. Audley Travel

    In the latest Sunday Times Travel Magazine Value for Money awards, Audley were named top Tour Operator based on the breadth of destinations and the added value we offer. For your peace of mind, all Audley trips are either ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority or by the separate ABTOT financial scheme (UK only)

  18. 6 award-worthy destinations to put on your wish list

    Best destination for family trips. Keeping children entertained abroad is no mean feat, so we've picked our favorite destinations that offer a good dose of adventure, as well as a range of family-friendly stays with ample space to unwind. And the winner is…. Italy. Traditional Venetian-style mask, Venice, Italy.

  19. Working at Audley Travel

    501 to 1000 Employees. 4 Locations. Type: Company - Private. Founded in 1996. Revenue: Unknown / Non-Applicable. Travel Agencies. Competitors: Scott Dunn, Flight Centre Travel Group, Abercrombie & Kent Create Comparison. Audley connects discerning travelers to a more rewarding travel experience in nearly 80 destinations around the world.

  20. Audley Travel

    In the latest Sunday Times Travel Magazine Value for Money awards, Audley were named top Tour Operator based on the breadth of destinations and the added value we offer. For your peace of mind, all Audley trips are either ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority or by the separate ABTOT financial scheme (UK only)

  21. Audley Travel Guide Awards 2016

    Our hand-picked local guides are a key ingredient to our trips. Each year we invite our most celebrated guides to a special weekend to celebrate their outstanding achievements over the past 12 months.

  22. Apply for Audley Travel Photography Competition (UK and US)

    This competition has two prizes. The first is a £5,000 ($6,400) voucher towards a custom Audley trip to a destination of the winner's choice. The second is a £1,000 ($1,300) voucher towards a custom Audley trip to a destination of the winner's choice. US prize amount has been rounded to the nearest hundred based on conversion rate on 22nd ...

  23. Audley Travel photography competition 2023

    This voucher must be used by 31.12.2024. All travel is subject to the terms and conditions of Audley Travel Ltd, a copy of these can be obtained by calling Audley Travel Ltd on 01993 838 040 (UK) or +1 617-223-4500 (US). If the winner is based in the US, they will need to submit a W9 tax form as they will be taxed on the value of the trip.