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Has anyone taken a EF Go Ahead Tour? We are considering them for a trip to Venice, Florence and Rome. Anyone?

5 replies to this topic

this is a relatively useful thread with an unfortunate title. There are 267 replies mostly positive. The original poster was British and fairly harsh with his critque. Prior to this thread there was another that went for 10 yrs with overall good reviews. I've been on 3 of their trips and really enjoyed them. They do a good balance between structured and free time.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12290-k11369465-Is_Go_Ahead_Tours_a_sham_operation-Bargain_Travel.html

I did 3 trip with them, France, Bulgaria and Rumania, Brazil .

Itinerary of all 3. were good, very interesting.

In my opinion the tours now are overpriced and most Hotels locations not central.

I prefer GATE 1, did 10 tours with them , before Covid 19 but they aren’t perfect also.

Check the hotels quality and locations before booking.

I did this because Venice and Florence ( & neighbouring Pisa) are very small cities that are almost entirely pedestrianised, so no need at all for coaches, taxis or any other form of motorised transport.

Accommodation costs in Venice and Florence do vary, especially during the summer,but still provide a good variety of hotels at different price points. The best value for money and without the overwhelming crowds is during the shoulder seasons of April to early June, and from late September onwards.

Italy has a fantastic national railway network, fast, clean, convenient and reliable. Getting a train between Venice to Florence ( or Pisa) and then onto Rome is a delight.

Rome itself is the largest of your potential destinations, but most of the tourist attractions are centrally clustered and very easy to visit on foot, or by using local short hop buses or taxis. Again it’s easy to book local guided walks, even free ones! I would however urge advance bookings for the Vatican, but you wouldn’t need a tour guide to do that for you, as you can book via the Vatican Museum website directly.

I’m not dismissing escorted tours, especially to destinations that cater to non drivers, or in difficult off the beaten tracks locations, but some of the pitfalls of escorted tours are a limited range hotels, a rushed or limited itinerary, higher costs, and being stuck with a group that doesn’t gel.

Doing aDIY trip to easy to see destinations does give you far more flexibility. Hope this gives you food for thought.

If you are able to carry your luggage. go without the tours.

I did Rome, Assisi, Florence, Italian Riviera, Genoa traveled by train and bus.

I enjoyed this trip more than tour with Trafalgar .

But, of course, trip on your own required some research and planning.

Enjoy Italy!

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The Scoop: What to Know About EF Go Ahead Tours

Affordable, experiential, and accessible tours are ef go ahead tours' focus..

The Scoop: What to Know About Trafalgar Tours

• Curious about EF Go Ahead Tours? Here’s our objective snapshot of what to expect from the tour company.
• I’ve updated it for 2024 and verified that all the info is current.

The tour company EF Go Ahead Tours is owned by EF Education First, a company that’s been offering language, academic, and cultural programs for more than 50 years. The tour arm of the company focuses on being an affordable, experiential, and accessible way for travelers to connect with the world. 

TourScoop Takeaways

• Countries: 87 countries on seven continents
• Tour size average: The standard group size is capped at 38 guests. EF Go Ahead Tours’ small group tours range in size from 10 to 22 people. Private tours can be arranged with seven or more people, and custom tours with 14 or more people.
• Tour type: Coach, ferries, trains, flights

Credibility Check

EF Go Ahead Tours is accredited by the Better Business Bureau has an A+ rating from the organization, though currently user ratings are low on the site. The company is an active member of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA). Note that there are many more ratings and reviews of EF Educational Tours (the branch of the organization that operates academic programs) than EF Go Ahead Tours, but that they are operated separately and for different audiences. 

Tour Destinations

EF Go Ahead Tours has itineraries in 87 countries on all seven continents. Some of its most popular destinations include Italy, Portugal, Kenya, Costa Rica, and Ireland.

EF Go Ahead Tours has many different tour types . On the more traditional end of tours are its multi-country and grand tours, which bundle multiple destinations into a single trip. There are also city stay tours, which give travelers the chance to go deep in a single European city for a week of guided excursions. There are also special event tours that focus on special access to major celebrations like Oktoberfest, New Year’s Eve, and St. Patrick’s Day. Additionally, the company has history tours; national park tours; religious and spiritual tours; tours geared to families; and tours for solo travelers.  

It also operates small group tours that range in size from 10 to 22 people and focus on adventure travel, food and wine, or safari and wildlife. 

Tour Guides

Tour leaders, known as tour directors, bring backgrounds in tourism, history, and/or education. Tour directors partner with local guides along the way to offer participants additional insights into specific destinations. Many tour directors have been with EF Go Ahead Tours for 20 years or longer. 

Inclusions/Extras

Itineraries are a mix of guided tours and group meals, plus free time so guests can explore at their own pace. Airfare isn’t part of the base rate, but EF Go Ahead Tours offers flight booking with airport transfers, plus help if flights are canceled. 

Typical Travelers

EF Go Ahead Tours guests tend to be 35 and older, with most tours attracting a mix of solo, couple, and group travelers. 

Communication 

Travelers who have booked a tour can download EF Go Ahead’s mobile app to access resources and pre-departure information. Within three months of tour, the company offers a pre-departure information session that’s also available on-demand. 

The company regularly updates its FAQ Hub with frequently asked questions. It also has a dedicated expert team for urgent issues that may arise before or during a tour.

Loyalty Program

EF Go Ahead Tours’ loyalty program, Club Go , allows guests to earn tour credits to put toward future trips, collectible moment and milestone badges, flexible rebooking benefits, and an online hub. 

Private Options

Any of the company’s 175+ itineraries can be packaged as a Private Tour . EF Go Ahead Tours allows groups of 14 or more to customize their experience on a custom tour, and offers private tours on existing itineraries for groups of seven or more. 

Sustainability Efforts

EF Go Ahead Tours has partnered with Eden Reforestation Projects to create and conserve forests to plant 3 million mangrove trees. The company has been carbon negative since 2021, with the goal is to be historically carbon neutral (dating back to 1965).

The company collaborates with the communities it travels to in an effort to preserve local cultures and encourage sustainability. It also works with travelers to share how thoughtful travel choices can leave a lasting, positive impact on destinations, people, and the environment.

Health and Safety Practices

EF Go Ahead Tours puts into place health and safety protocols with its Travel-Ready Approach . As part of this, it operates both a crisis response team and its EF Global Safety Network, which constantly reviews national and international travel guidelines. It also offers 24/7 on-call support,  50,000 EF staff on the ground in 50 countries, and more than half a century of traveler support. 

Family Companies

EF Go Ahead Tours parent company EF Education First focuses on programs for students and teachers. It has language programs, university programs, and gap year offerings.

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Tour Scoop’s team of travel experts brings you in-depth tour company overviews, tour itinerary reviews, the latest tour news, and travel tips and advice written just for guided tour travelers like you.

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Mexico & Belize: Tropical Adventure

Pick your vibe: rest and rum punch? Non-stop doing stuff? Geeking out over ancient ruins? From beach days to jungle action, this trip’s got it all. Pack your SPF, your sneakers, and your spontaneity—you’re in for one gran aventura .

Picture yourself

Sunning like a mermaid on white-sand beaches

Marveling at the majesty of ancient Maya ruins

Snorkeling at the world’s second largest barrier reef

Canoeing through soaring underground caves

Gorging on tamales, fry jacks, and ceviche

What you'll get

Round-trip flights & airport transfers (or book 'em yourself)

9 nights in handpicked accommodations

9 breakfasts

An expert Tour Director

24/7 support

Entrance to Tikal National Park

¡Bienvenido a México! Paradise—sorry, Playa del Carmen—is a coastal Caribbean haven on the Yucatán Peninsula dripping with palm-lined beaches, ancient Maya ruins, nightlife for days, and traditional Mexican culture.

Today's highlights:

• Meet an EF representative and fellow travelers as they arrive at the airport.
• Transfer to your hotel to check in and check out your room.
• Enjoy a Welcome Dinner with fellow travelers at an authentic local spot.

Stroll through Playa (as the locals call it) with your Tour Director. Then bask in el sol on one of the area’s beautiful beaches for the afternoon.

• Join your Tour Director for a local tour of Playa del Carmen.
• Check out the shops, bars, street vendors, and performers on La Quinta Avenida, the city’s pedestrian-only main street.
• Laze the rest of the day away on the sand—and slather on the SPF, pls!

Rise and shine, time to ruin the day! If you’re up for it, you’ll set out for a full day tour to Chichén Itzá, where some of Mexico’s most well-preserved Maya ruins date back well over 1,500 years. If you wanna hang back, you’ve got yourself a free day in Playa del Carmen.

Experience the grandeur of Chichen Itza, home to many Maya temples including the iconic El Castillo.

Put on your adventure pants (i.e. bathing suit) for a morning visit to El Cenote Abierto, a beautiful natural swimming hole near Playa del Carmen. Then it’s on to Tulum’s Mayan ruins before finishing the day in the southern Quintana Roo region.

• Snorkel and swim your heart out at El Cenote Abierto.
• Marvel at one of the most famous archaeological zones in Mexico.
• Continue on to the southern Quintana Roo region for an overnight.

Remember the lazy water-park rivers of your childhood? Yeah, this is not that. Spend the AM floating through the turquoise waters of Los Rapidos. Then cross another country off your bucket list—you’re headed to Belize, a.k.a the Jewel.

• Laze the morning away at Los Rapidos, a narrow freshwater channel of Bacalar Lagoon that’s flanked by rare mangroves.
• Wave goodbye to Mexico as you board a water taxi bound for the isle of Caye Caulker off the coast of Belize.
• Breathe in the salty air as you approach the island’s brightly painted buildings. Tomorrow, we snorkel.
• Enjoy an included dinner with your group.

Make an expedition to the warm waters of Hol Chan off Ambergris Caye for an AM snorkel sesh with a local guide. And don’t worry, everyone looks funny in goggles.

• Glide by the colorful coral formations Belize is known for as you snorkel through the world’s second largest barrier reef.
• See turtles, nurse sharks, sting rays, jacks, tarpon, and many other marine species you've prob only seen on the Discovery Channel.

Free time suggestions

The Split: Formed by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, this quirky geological accident is a popular spot to people watch, paddleboard, or play cornhole at the Lazy Lizard.

Beach it: “Ugh, more beaches” said no one ever. Grab a book, download a podcast, order a rum punch, and plop yourself down on the golden sand.

Trade easy, breezy island life for the inner-Belize region of Cayo, the country’s largest district, known for wildlife, national parks, and—oh look, more spectacular Maya ruins!

• Get one last look at Caye Caulker from your ferry to Belize City, where you’ll board a westbound bus.
• Watch from the window as the landscape shifts from coast to rainforest. Welcome to the jungle.

Belizean cuisine: The food in Belize is kinda like Mexican, with a unique twist from Mayan, Garifuna, Kriol, and other cultures. Try ceviche, conch fritters, fry jacks, whatever looks tasty!

Tikal, Guatemala, once rivaled ancient Rome in size and splendor. Today you’ll explore its impressive Maya temples, ball courts, and the many excavated buildings that housed over 100,000 people.

• Wake up to the sounds of the Belizean rainforest.
• Collect another passport stamp as you enter Guatemala.
• Join a local guide for a tour of Tikal’s six magnificent ancient pyramids.
• Fuel up with an included lunch—much needed after climbing 221 feet to the top of Temple IV.

Your last day in Belize is an epic one. If exploring the cathedral-esque splendor of Barton Creek Cave isn’t enough, you’ll also hike to a massive waterfall in the middle of the jungle. Casual.

• Catch a power nap on a quick bus ride to Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.
• Canoe through Barton Creek Cave, a subterranean wonder once used for ceremonial Maya rituals.
• After an included lunch, hike through the rainforest to the magnificent 150-foot flume of Big Rock Falls.
• Share some laughs (and maybe shed a few tears) at an included Farewell Dinner with your group.

¡Adiós amigos! Translation: Goodbye, friends! Your next destination awaits—home. But this isn’t goodbye. It’s “See you later.” The only question is, where?

A hidden Gem. Book this trip!

An un-Belize-able Adventure!

This trip was amazing! Getting to check off 3 countries and a World Wonder was incredible. The local guides were all fantastic and our tour director, Dinziel, was phenomenal. This trip included snorkeling with sharks, ziplining through the jungle, climbing Mayan temples, going tubing in a cave, and swimming in several cenote's. I will never forget this exper... See more

Very Outstanding and Mesmerizing!

It was my first tropical vacation and I got to say I was not disappointed. There is a lot of nature to be discovered and very active! If you like nature’s beauty and very active, this one is definitely worth it. I loved the caves and beaches and the jungle altogether. Something to get away from the city. Our Tour director Roberto was so nice and outgoing! He... See more

Best trip ever!

This trip was amazing!! Our tour director Roberto was the best ever! He made this trip the best trip I’ve ever taking. Mexico and Belize was just so much fun! You get the eat and drink so many yummy things!!! The activities are so much fun!! Like the cenotes and caves!!! You should definitely do this tour! You won’t regret it!

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• Jul 24 – Aug 2 $400 off Was $3,689 Now $3,289 Plus tour Learn about Plus tours

• Dream Destinations
• Dream Specials

EF Go Ahead Tours Expands Solo-Only Itineraries as Demand Soars

Posted by Tim Cotroneo on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 · Leave a Comment  

BOSTON (April 10, 2023) – As demand for travel shows no sign of slowing, solo travel within groups is emerging as one of the fastest growing travel trends of 2023 as solo travelers embrace the thrill of adventure with like-minded peers, and the convenience and peace of mind of an expert tour operator doing the planning. In response, EF Go Ahead Tours (GAT) , a premier provider of culturally immersive travel experiences, announced today that it will introduce four new tours to its increasingly popular Solo-Only portfolio . Growing its impressive collection of solo itineraries to fourteen, these new tours feature diverse destinations and travel styles, geared toward the solo traveler exclusively.

Just since the start of 2023, there has been a 200% increase of solo traveler bookings over the same time period last year.

“Solo travel within a group is one of the fastest growing travel styles right now, ” says Heidi Durflinger, President, EF Go Ahead Tours. “We curated new itineraries exclusively for solo travelers who crave exploration and meaningful connections. From the timeless city tours in Europe, to African Safari adventures or the breathtaking sights of Japan, these deeply immersive tours foster curiosity and shared experiences that allow travelers to wander solo, but not alone.”

New Solo-Only tours that just launched include:

• Spain for Solo Travelers: Barcelona, Madrid & Seville : Three of Spain’s most beloved — and yummy– cities! From Gaudi to the Moors to the Bourbon Dynasty this tour has it all (and includes cooking lessons!)
• Japan for Solo Travelers: Tokyo, Mt. Fuji & Kyoto : From modern cosmopolitan and ancient cities to Mt. Fuji and the  Narusawa Ice Cave, solo travelers will traverse the many facets of Japan.

All of these new tours are for 15-28 Solo-Only travelers, apart from Kenya, which is limited to 6-12 Solo-Only travelers. Solo-Only traveler tours include single occupancy rooms with no additional fees. Every itinerary includes a balanced mix of guided tours and group meals, plus plenty of free time to explore individual interests and connect with other solo travelers. Travelers can book their own flights or work with EF Go Ahead to coordinate. Once on tour, all transfers and on-the-ground transportation is included. See here for a full listing of EF Go Ahead Tours’ Solo-Only Itineraries and the many benefits to traveling solo in a group.

As with all of EF Go Ahead Tours, Solo-Only travelers benefit from 24/7 concierge-level support and AutoPay financial planning with $99 down and interest-fee payment plans.

Upcoming Sales That Include Solo Tours: 

Solo-Only travelers will also be able to save even more with EF Go Ahead’s  Solo Travel Flash Sale, April 11-13 , 2023 . During this 3-day span, all Solo Tours will be an extra $100 off . So this means that solo travelers can save up to $500 on their 2023 or 2024 adventure!

Travelers can visit www.goaheadtours.com for more information and to see all available trips. Check out some of the amazing destinations on EF Go Ahead Tours’ Instagram and Facebook .

About EF Go Ahead Tours 

EF Go Ahead Tours offers more than 175 guided trips across all seven continents. Carefully planned with a maximum group size well below the industry average, every trip has the perfect balance of planned sightseeing and free time to explore. EF Go Ahead Tours is a division of EF Education First, the world’s largest international education company that was founded in 1965. With a mission of opening the world through education, EF Education First has 612 offices and schools in 50 countries.

All Solo-Only Tours

• NEW Kenya Wildlife Safari for Solo Travelers
• NEW Spain for Solo Travelers: Barcelona, Madrid & Seville
• NEW Japan for Solo Travelers: Tokyo, Mt. Fuji & Kyoto
• NEW London, Paris & Rome for Solo Travelers
• Portugal for Solo Travelers
• Egypt & Nile River Cruise for Solo Travelers                                                        
• Greek Islands for Solo Travelers: Crete & Santorini
• Thailand for Solo Travelers: Bangkok, Phuket & the Islands
• Venice, Florence & Rome for Solo Travelers
• Ireland for Solo Travelers
• Central Europe for Solo Travelers
• Peru for Solo Travelers: Lima, Cuzco & Machu Picchu
• S. National Parks for Solo Travelers: The Grand Canyon to Zion
• Sicily for Solo Travelers

Category: Dream Specials · Tags: EF Go Ahead Tours , Solo Only Travel

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EF Go Ahead Tours Review 2024: Are their guided tours worth it?

EF Go Ahead Tours is a world-leading guided tour company offering a comprehensive travel package with local guides and authentic travel experiences. You've likely heard of them before, but are they really worth it? What do they offer, and how do they stack up to other guided tours?

Guided tours are a great way to travel, make new friends, and enjoy new experiences without the hassle of planning the logistics of the trip. 

While guided tour companies boast of convenience, they tend to fall short when it comes to flexibility and customization. Hence, many travelers resort to planning their trips by themselves using helpful apps like  Pilot .

But, if you still prefer a guided tour with some level of flexibility, EF Go Ahead Tours is definitely a choice to consider. 

EF Go Ahead Tours is one of the world's largest tour companies that host small group tours with unique, authentic experiences. A great benefit of joining an EF Go Ahead Tour is that they allow travelers the benefits of hosting a free private tour with larger groups. 

However, are the experiences they're offering for you? What are the pros and cons? Here's our review of EF Go Ahead Tours! 

What is EF Go Ahead Tours?

EF Go Ahead Tours  is a brand under the EF Tours group that offers both guided and fully customizable tours to destinations worldwide. It caters to young and older travelers, admitting anyone from age six and above (under-age travelers accompanied by adults). The number of travelers in each group is capped at 14-38, and small group tours only admit 10-22 people. 

EF Go Ahead Tours aims to provide you with meaningful tours with flexibility and personalization. It also promotes responsible travel by supporting local communities and adopting sustainable practices.

EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app helps you easily manage your bookings and view tour details. It is available for both Android and iOS devices. 

What does EF Go Ahead Tours offer?

• Tour directors and local guides:  A tour director is assigned for each group to be in charge of all logistics of the trip. They will accompany you throughout, sharing insider knowledge and background information about places you visit.
• Accommodation:  3-4 star hotels that provide comfortable amenities while being located in close proximity to the city. 
• Meals:  Breakfast and some other meals are included in the pricing. Primarily, they focus on local food and beverage specialties. They will arrange meals meeting your dietary requirements if necessary.
• Transportation:  Transport between airport and hotels and other transportation required during the trip are included in the package. While flights are not included, you can get EF Go Ahead Tours to arrange them for you at an additional cost. 

How does EF Go Ahead Tours work?

You can browse for tours by  Destination  or  Travel Styles  on the website. Travel styles are further categorized as  Trip Type, Interests, Seasonal and Special Events , and  With Your Own Group . 

For example, all the related tours will appear if we pick Adventure Tours under travel styles. You can filter the results further by destination, dates, duration, price, and travel style. 

Check out its details, trip highlights, prices, reviews, etc. There's a list of FAQs below related to the trip and other similar tours for you to compare and choose from. 

What destinations does EF Go Ahead Tours cover?

EF Go Ahead Tours covers many of the popular destinations worldwide. Here's a list of where EF Go Ahead Tours covers:

• Europe:  Ireland, Italy, Greece, Iceland, England, France, and Germany 
• The Americas:  United States, Canada, Costa Rica, Peru, Ecuador, and Belize 
• Africa & Middle East:  Egypt, Kenya, Israel, South Africa, Turkey, and United Arab Emirates
• Australia & Asia:  Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, India, and Thailand

Benefits of EF Go Ahead Tours

• Worry-free guarantee

If you cancel the booking within 60 days from the reservation date, you are entitled to a full refund. EF Go Ahead Tours also allows you to change the date of tour or destination up until your final payment day. It helps you book with confidence knowing there's ample time to make changes. 

In addition to covering many destinations worldwide, the tour company also offers a diverse range of tours. Group trips for solo travelers provide ample privacy while facilitating socialization. In addition, there are cruise tours, rail tours, food & wine tours, battlefield tours, winter tours, and many more!

• Fewer people 

The worrisome factor about large group tours is they can seem too crowded and noisy to have a quality experience. There's also less opportunity to get to know other travelers better. In this case, small group tours offer a more intimate travel experience. Guides can give individual attention and advice easily. Overall, it makes the trip more enjoyable and memorable. 

• Flexibility 

If you like to travel with friends but don't have the liberty to plan, get EF Go Ahead Tours to plan one for you. You can explain your requirements and get a whole new itinerary done or choose one they offer. Invite your friends and/or family, choose your travel dates, and enjoy. There's also the option of organizing faith-based tours!

Drawbacks of EF Go Ahead Tours

• Increase the number of tours 

While there's a variety of tours, different trip options under each category are quite limited compared to other guided tour companies like  G Adventures  or  Contiki . For example, there's only one tour option for India. They can also add more countries to their list of destinations. 

• Improve refund and cancellation issues

Customers had faced refund and cancellation issues for scheduled or booked tours during the pandemic. There were complaints of EF Go Ahead Tours not refunding the money as per its cancellation policy. But, it's a common problem that many tour companies dealt with their customers following the Covid outbreak. We hope they are resolved now. 

EF Go Ahead Tours vs. EF Ultimate Break

The most significant similarity between EF Go Ahead Tours and EF Ultimate Break is that they are managed by EF Education First Tours. This means that you'll most likely be getting a similar refund, cancellation, and customer service policies between the two tours.

EF Go Ahead Tours identifies itself as the 'older sibling' of EF Ultimate Break. Ultimate Break Tours is geared towards college students and folks aged 18-29, while Go Ahead Tours admits anyone 6 and above. So, the tours offered also tend to be different from each other. 

EF Go Ahead Tours has a wide variety of tours catering to all age ranges. It also provides both private and group tours. EF Ultimate Break only offers group tours and are tailored to suit youth's preferences. 

Read our  review of EF Ultimate Break  to learn more!

Is EF Go Ahead Tours worth it?

Yes! We came across great GoAheadTours reviews online about the unique and immersive experience EF Go Ahead Tours offers. Go Ahead tours are a great way to travel if you prefer to join a guided tour.

Like  Flash Pack , it's an excellent choice for older travelers looking for trips that involve activities beyond partying and drinking. Overall, the tours are ideal for anyone, really. 

Our Rating: 4.5/5

• Variety of tours
• Smaller groups 
• A limited number of tours 
• Refund and cancellation issues

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Traditionally, planning a trip requires lots of coordination and effort, especially when traveling with friends. Let Pilot solve that problem and help you easily plan your next adventure!

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

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Tips for planning tours & travel with us.

Here at Go Ahead, we make it easy to plan a tour. All you have to do is decide which of our travel packages excites you most, and when you’d like to travel. (A springtime escape to  Europe , anyone?) If you can’t decide, we’ll help you narrow down our vacation packages and find the perfect trip.

From there, we’ll take care of the rest. For travelers who book flights with us, our in-house team of travel experts will get to work finding flights with our trusted airline partners. And as you count down to tour, we’ll be busy booking clean, stylish, comfy hotels, planning meals at locally loved restaurants, and securing tickets to top museums, cultural sites, and, if it applies to your tour, special events.

Having our team of travel experts take care of every last logistical detail is one of  10 benefits of a guided tour versus independent travel .

When browsing our 175-plus vacation packages, here are a few things to keep in mind to help you find the just-right tours for travel to the places you’ve been dreaming of visiting.

• Your travel style.  Are you into wildlife, adventure, or food and wine? Do you want to take a deep dive into a particular destination or religion?  Want to experience a special event, or explore with a small group? We offer escorted tours designed around these  travel styles  and others so that travelers can have the experience that suits them best.
• Where you want to go.  Whether you’ve long dreamed of exploring America’s national parks, Scotland’s pristine landscapes, or Thailand’s golden temples, you can do it on our guided tours. Some of our itineraries are designed to offer travelers a deeper dive into a single country. Others take travelers to multiple countries in a single trip (think Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, or Portugal, Spain, and Morocco).
• When you want to go.  Sure, there’s nothing like Paris in the springtime. But maybe seeing the City of Light against a backdrop of fiery fall foliage is more what you have in mind. We’ll make that happen. We offer dozens of departures per tour, and in the case of some trips, we offer departures all year round. And, we make tours available for booking up to two years in advance. Having more time to pay, and more departure dates to choose from, are among the  eight benefits of booking a trip years in advance .
• Special or seasonal events.  Have you always wanted to see cherry blossoms blooming in Japan? Or sip hot, mulled wine while wandering around a European Christmas market ? Perhaps witnessing the Great Migration is at the top of your travel wish list. Events like these, and others, only happen during certain times of year, so be sure to check out tour packages for travel that occur at the same time.
• Duration.  Our tours range from six days to 22 days. Want to enjoy a quick break? Consider our shorter tours, which we offer in destinations such as Iceland, Spain, and Amsterdam. Have more time to spare? A 10-day trip to Scandinavia , or a 22-day tour of Australia and New Zealand , could be just the ticket.
• Who you want to travel with.  Many of our group trips are designed for groups of 15 to 38 travelers. (Think: more opportunities to make new friends.) If you prefer a more intimate experience, consider one of our Small Group Tours, which are designed for groups of 10 to 22 travelers. Want to explore solely with your friends or family? We happily craft Private Tours and Customized Tours for groups of seven travelers or more.

For help narrowing our trips down to the perfect tour, try our  Tour Match Quiz  →

Our trips are bookable directly through our website. (Putting $99 down with AutoPay , our interest-free payment plan, is all it takes to secure your spot on tour.) If you have questions or can’t decide which tour is right for you, you can call us at 1-800-590-1161 . We’re here to help.

We offer more than 175 tour packages. They include:

• Guided group tours.  These trips are designed for groups of 15 to 38 travelers and include Multi-Country Tours , single-country tours, and City Stay Tours , which give travelers an opportunity to explore a particular city in depth.
• Small Group Tours.  A more intimate tour experience with a group size of just 10 to 22 travelers. Small group travel styles include Food & Wine Tours, Adventure Tours, and Safari & Wildlife Tours.  
• Special Event Tours.  Typically capped at 35 or 38 travelers, these trips are designed to capture the magic of special and/or seasonal events, such as Oktoberfest, Oberammergau, New Year’s Eve, St. Patrick’s Day, Sakura (cherry blossom) season, fall foliage, Christmas markets of Europe, Halloween, and more. Find the perfect tour for you by browsing our Special Event tours .
• Private and Customized Tours.  Have a particular interest you want to explore? We happily plan Private and Customized Tours for groups of seven or more travelers. 

The price of our trip packages includes:

• A specially trained Tour Director, who will accompany your group on tour, from the moment you touch down in your destination to the time you take off again for home
• Sightseeing tours with expert local guides
• Skip-the-line admission to all museums, cultural sites, and special events that are included in your itinerary
• Overnight stays in clean, stylish, well-located hotels that our own staffers have stayed in and vetted 
• Transportation in your destination via private, luxury coach (depending on which tour you book, you may also travel by train, ferry, or airplane on tour )
• Daily breakfast at your hotel (a relaxed, convenient way to fuel up for a full day of exploring)
•  Some lunches and dinners at local restaurants or hotels 
• Free time to explore local restaurants, historical sites—anything that piques your interest—at your own pace 
• Airport transfers for travelers who book flights with us

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When is the best time to visit India? Here’s your season-by-season guide

With its festivals of light and color, fragrant spices, and dreamy architecture, India will sweep you into its spirited embrace. Join one of our India tours to observe sacred ceremonies on the banks of the Ganges, soar over the Pink City in a hot-air balloon, and search for tigers—and leave with a new worldview and a full heart. Read on to find our season-by-season guide to traveling to India, one of our favorite tour destinations.

Go for kaleidoscopic revelry and tiger spotting

Early spring, in particular, is the best time to visit India if you want to immerse all of your senses in the joy of discovery. Join us on a springtime tour of India to welcome spring at a Holi festival, seek out the evasive Bengal tiger on a game drive, and explore the country’s gardens and cities before the summer heat sets in.

Months to experience spring in India:

March, April, and May

Spring events and things to do in India:

• Experience the technicolor joy of Holi. While there isn’t one best month to visit India, March can feel tough to beat. The dawn of spring is celebrated each year with Holi, the Festival of Colors—one of the most vivid world festivals to welcome spring . Celebrants take to the streets and douse each other in brightly colored powders and water in a joyful and vibrant display that dates back to at least the fourth century. We’re working to add more tours of India that visit during this colorful festival, so keep an eye out. (Just be sure to pack clothes you don’t mind getting color-drenched!)
• Spot the elusive Bengal tiger. India is one of our top destinations for responsible wildlife experiences . Although you can join us on a game drive regardless of when you book your tour, spring tends to be the best time to travel to India to see tigers. The warmer, dry weather draws them to watering holes, and it’s not yet so hot that they remain hidden during the day. Whether you visit Ranthambore National Park, one of the world’s top national parks , on our India: Delhi, Agra & Jaipur tour or the Panna Tiger Reserve on our new Highlights of Northern India: Delhi, Varanasi & Agra tour , you might increase your odds of spotting the majestic cats when you visit India in the spring.

The best places to visit in India in the spring:

• Any of the country’s flourishing gardens. There’s no bad time to visit India’s crown jewel, the Taj Mahal, but if you want to see its magical gardens in full bloom, join one of our tours of India in the spring. North of the famous ivory mausoleum lies the Mehtab Bagh, or Moonlight Garden. On moonlit nights, the water in the garden reflects the Taj Mahal in all its ethereal glory. If you can’t get enough of India’s fragrant blossoms, join us on our brand-new South India & Sri Lanka: Game Drives, Temples & Tropical Coasts tour to explore the exquisite gardens and fountains of the rainbow-colored Meenakshi Temple. Then, head to Madurai’s flower market to indulge in its vibrant colors and perfumed air.
• Jaipur… from above. The sunrise in the Pink City of Jaipur will take your breath away no matter where you’re standing, but we can’t think of a better way to view it than from the basket of a hot-air balloon. Embark on the Jaipur Hot-Air Balloon Ride excursion offered on our new Highlights of India & Nepal: Delhi, Agra & Kathmandu tour and India’s Royal Rajasthan: Udaipur, Jaipur & Agra tour to soar above the city and watch it awaken from a new perspective. The mild weather, clear skies, and blooming landscapes make spring an especially charming time to take flight.

Weather in India in the spring:

Spring in India starts off mild but can get quite hot and humid by May as monsoon season approaches. Temperatures drop as low as 50 F in northern India and can soar as high as 95 F in the north.

Go for glowing lights and fragrant spices

The post-monsoon season ushers in cooler temperatures, drier weather, and even more festivities. Autumn in India is mild and comfortable, with Diwali celebrations and the spice harvest infusing any trip to India with intoxicating magic.

Months to experience autumn in India:

September, October, and November

Autumn events and things to do in India:

• Celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. “Over two years ago, my husband expressed the dream of seeing the Taj Mahal for his next ‘decade birthday,’” said traveler Davara, who joined our India: Delhi, Agra & Jaipur tour . “Our tour took place at the time of the Diwali festival, the biggest and most important holiday of the year. We enjoyed the vividly colorful garlands, the strings of blinking lights, the tractors and trucks that had been washed and decorated, examples of Rangoli floor decorations, and viewing the sale of sweets, figurines, marigolds, lamps, and other holiday-related items.” Autumn is the best time to travel to India to experience the luminous cheer of Diwali, a five-day-long festival marked by feasts, fireworks, and millions of welcoming lights. Hop on the October 12, 2025, departure of our new Highlights of Northern India: Delhi, Varanasi & Agra tour to join the celebration!
• See the spice harvest. Join us on our South India & Sri Lanka: Game Drives, Temples & Tropical Coasts tour to visit the spice plantations surrounding Periyar National Park—a renowned wildlife sanctuary you’ll also visit. Here, you’ll see how the many tantalizing spices of southern India are cultivated and learn about how they’re the backbone of Indian cuisine. “I found some of the best and most interesting food I tasted in India while in the southern state of Kerala,” said staffer Lael. “With the variety of spices grown locally— cardamom, ginger, cassia, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, pepper, tamarind, curry leaf, and vanilla, to name a few—southern Indian food is very spicy and flavorful.” Autumn is the best time to visit India to see staples like cloves and cardamom being harvested.

The best places to visit in India in the autumn:

• The Kerala Backwaters. The serene beauty of Kerala’s backwaters is worth experiencing no matter the time of year, but the area is particularly lovely in the post-monsoon season when the waters are high and the vegetation is lush. Join our India: Delhi, Agra & Jaipur tour , our South India & Sri Lanka: Game Drives, Temples & Tropical Coasts tour , or add the Kerala extension to our India’s Royal Rajasthan: Udaipur, Jaipur & Agra tour to spend a night on a houseboat . Slow down as you wind your way through Kerala’s peaceful waters, enjoying local cuisine, fishing, or relaxing on the deck of the boat.
• The Ganges River. Just like there isn’t one best time to go to India, there’s no best time to see the Ganges, but we do think the pleasant temperatures and mild weather make autumn a uniquely appealing time to visit India’s sacred river. Join us on our Highlights of Northern India: Delhi, Varanasi & Agra tour to experience one of our favorite things to do in India, the Ganga Aarti. This daily ceremony takes place on the ghats, the bathing steps along the river banks, and is dedicated to Ganga, the river goddess. At dusk, locals gather by lamplight to chant, ring bells, and float candle-lit flower baskets down the river as an offering to the goddess. Want to experience a different side of the Ganges? Autumn is a fantastic time to board a boat and sail up the river, visiting sites like the holy city of Varanasi along the shore.

Weather in India in the autumn:

Temperatures in India begin to gradually decrease as the monsoon season ends, with lows ranging from 55-77 F, depending on the region, and highs in the low-80s to mid-90s.

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Go for mild weather and luminous sunsets.

Some of the best places to visit in India in December through February are places where the weather can get stifling in warmer months. Take advantage of cooler weather by heading to southern India and exploring sunny cities and seaside towns. “We went in January, and the weather was perfect up north and in the low 90s around Cochin,” said traveler Jim, who joined our India: Delhi, Agra & Jaipur tour .

Months to experience winter in India:

December, January, and February

Winter events and things to do in India:

• Honor Gandhi’s memory. Visit Raj Ghat, Delhi’s tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, on one of our India tours to see the eternal flame and black marble pedestal that stand on the site of the nonviolent activist’s cremation. Special commemorative prayers are held to mark his birth and death days on October 2 and January 30, respectively.
• Take a sunset cruise around Lake Pichola. Winter’s clear, dry skies make it the best time to visit India for a golden-hour cruise around Udaipur’s Lake Pichola. When you join us on our India’s Royal Rajasthan: Udaipur, Jaipur & Agra tour in winter, you’ll have clear visibility as you sail across the man-made lake. The sun’s low angle this time of year creates spectacular sunsets, bathing the palaces and temples on Pichola’s shores in a radiant glow.

The best places to visit in India in the winter:

• The Elephanta Caves. Explore the labyrinth of cave temples on Elephanta Island, also known as Gharapuri, when you join the Mumbai extension of our Highlights of Northern India: Delhi, Varanasi & Agra tour . Wandering through the island’s fruit tree forest and cave complex is among the best things to do in Mumbai . The island’s temples and soaring Shiva carvings date back to as early as the 5th century.
• Puducherry. Until 1954, the quaint seaside town of Puducherry was a French colonial settlement, as evidenced by its architecture and culture today. Explore the town’s dreamy streets and sherbet-colored buildings, then enjoy fresh seafood and French-influenced cuisine beachside when you visit on our South India & Sri Lanka: Game Drives, Temples & Tropical Coasts tour .

Weather in India in the winter:

While lows can drop to freezing in the Himalayan region, much of India sees lows between 45-60 F and highs between 56-85 F in the winter. You should expect cooler temperatures in the north and along the coast, with warmer weather in the southernmost parts of the country. “We were surprised at the coolness in the north in January and should have packed warmer clothes, especially for the tiger sighting in Ranthambore,” said traveler Sandra after joining our India: Delhi, Agra & Jaipur tour .

The best time to travel to India is as soon as you’re ready! Find your perfect India tour today.

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