tours by collette

• Call for more information: 855-843-2374

On a small group Explorations tour, dive deeper. Get to know the pulse of a destination by talking with the people who live there. With an average of 16 travelers , get to really know your fellow travelers, Tour Manager, and local guides.

Access places you’ll never forget – like venues, accommodations, and destinations that larger groups can’t always reach. Stay in culturally reflective accommodations. Learn the family recipe from a local (and cook with them). Dip your toes outside the tour with built-in free time.

The Journey Starts Here

100% of our Explorations tours are carbon neutral… because we 100% love our world and know that you do, too. Plus, all Explorations tours include an Impact Moment – visits to social enterprises, nonprofits, and cultural or environmental conservation groups. These experiences create sustainable economic and social benefits for the community.

Now, that’s travel that’s good.

Explorations Travelers Are:

What Sets Explorations Apart?

Why travel with us, all your logistics are handled. enjoy yourself, while we take care of the transportation and logistics., your accommodations are arranged. stay in 4-star and above accommodations throughout your trip., plenty of meals are included. small group tours include many local, authentic culinary experiences., your travel itinerary is honed to perfection. perfectly balanced between culturally meaningful experiences and free time., plenty of choices you can make. with over 20 small group tours and 160+ tours across five different travel styles, you can pick your ideal travel experience., you're allowed to get creative. it’s your choice, optional experiences, tour extensions, and more., we’re in this together. 24/7 customer support is ready to guide you on your perfect tour., explorations experiences that immerse you.

Lose yourself just a little… …in England’s legendary Lake District, tracing the footsteps of William Wordsworth or on a guided hike through valleys and trails.

Explore the tastes in Türkiye… …as you walk through Istanbul’s Golden Horn district and famous Spice Market.

Be welcomed into a Nubian home in Egypt… …as your host, Fatouma, presents a tasting of flaky bread, homemade cheese, and tea.

More Small Group Tours by Region

See what adventures our travelers are on right now:.

Explore Our Other Travel Styles

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Special offers, the collette difference.

Expertly Designed

We get it. You’re not the homebody type. We aren’t either. Your passion, needs, and desires have shaped our business. Destination experts hand-craft transformative experiences designed specifically with you – our fellow traveler – at heart. We wouldn't trust your experience with anyone else.

Guided Touring Reimagined

We know you want to explore and also dive in. We’re curious travelers, just like you, so rest assured, you’ll experience must-sees and connect with the people and culture that define the destination. You’ll eat in locals’ homes, take cooking classes, travel by trains and tuk tuks, explore cities with food tours, and stay in igloos, castles, and chateaus.

Value Beyond Price

Your time is one of your most precious commodities, so you should spend more of it in the destination, not driving between places. We design tours that spend the fewest hours on the coach. One-night stays are a rarity. This is your trip, and you shouldn’t feel rushed. With choice, flexibility, and free time, take it all in – this is your tour.

Confidently Collette

Travel with trust. Because this is your trip - something you've planned for and dreamed about. You should feel confident in your journey every step of the way.

Industry-Leading Travel Protection

Cancel for any reason (bad hair day applies) up to 24 hours before your tour leaves and get a full money-back refund. Collette issued a record-breaking $185 million cash back to travelers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Experience & Expertise

We've been doing this for a long time. Since 1918, in fact. Collette is the most experienced and longest-running tour operator in North America. You choose...

Traveling Well

Our team is on the pulse of world events and protocols, so you are kept fully aware and feel well-prepared for your trip.

Service Rating

Independent

Why Guided Travel

You're a traveler with places to go. We'll take care of the details. You embrace the journey.

Social Connections

Meet a group of people who share your love of travel. Learn from locals. Forge friendships in the coolest places.

Independence

There's plenty of time built into our itineraries, plus optional tours, Choice on Tour excursions, and more. It's your trip, your way.

Expertly Planned

You know what you want to see and do - let a team of experts handle all the details from the must-sees to centrally-located accommodations and local lessons.

The Best Pacing

Don’t rush – this is your time to see the world. Get more time in the destination, and enjoy an ideal balance of included excursions and free time.

Our Best Moments

When you go, capture all those incredible moments, and use the hashtag #GoCollette so that we can share your joy!

Featured Tours

Collette travelers choose from 160 tours across all 7 continents, as well as 5 travel styles including small group touring and destination spotlights. Check out some trending tours for inspiration on your next adventure.

Explorations

Alaska's Northern Lights

African safari: kenya and tanzania, tuscan & umbrian countryside featuring italy's charming hill towns, winter in croatia featuring plitvice lakes and the adriatic coast, $6,324 pp* $6,774 pp, icelandic adventure, costa rica: a world of nature featuring tortuguero national park, arenal volcano & manuel antonio national park, mediterranean coastal journey spain, france & italy, the best of ireland featuring the wild atlantic way, exploring south africa, victoria falls & botswana, $2,949 pp* $3,149 pp, spotlight on northern italy featuring venice, verona & the dolomites, $4,349 pp* $4,749 pp, historical greenbrier featuring washington d.c. & williamsburg, spain's costa del sol & madrid, find a travel agency.

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• 137 View All Tours
• 8 Africa Tours
• 8 Asia Tours
• 6 Australia Tours
• 83 Europe Tours
• 35 North America Tours
• 3 South America Tours

Our Destinations

• Middle East
• North America
• South America

Tour Styles

Enjoy a refined take on the art of group travel.

Experience true adventures on these Collette small group tours.

Set out on inspiring journey on these faith-based travel experiences.

Explore the world's most beautiful waterways.

Come to know your destination during a single-hotel stay.

Why Guided Travel

Sit back, relax, and let us handle all the details. You won't miss a thing.

Enhance your tour with this easy to use mobile companion.

Combine two tours into one grand adventure.

Making the travel experience a force for good.

No worries, we're with you every step of the way.

Going guided gets you more for your money.

Find travel tips, travel advice, and answers to some of the most commonly asked travel questions here.

Meet the Tour Managers that enhance your travel experience at every turn.

Travel Planning

Current tour and destination information based on world events.

Current travel requirements by country including entry and exit information.

Your questions regarding travel requirements, trip interruptions, payments and refunds.

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• To book, call Interval Travel at 877.273.7737

A Taste of the Balkans From $3,999 pp* Featuring Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina & Slovenia

*Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy, tour inclusions and available options may vary based on departure date. Please select a date below for more details.

• Exploration

Set out on an inspiring journey on these faith-based travel experiences.

Your Tour at a Glance

Tour Activity Level

The activity level for this tour:

You’re a leisurely traveler. You typically take it easy and discover the energy of a new place by people-watching or soaking in the atmosphere at a local café. You can climb at least one flight of stairs, board a coach, and walk unassisted at a relaxed pace for up to 60 minutes without difficulty. You can easily handle altitudes up to 5,000 feet.

You like a balanced approach to travel. Walking two to three miles over the course of a day is no problem for you. You can partake in a two-hour leisurely walking tour, covering up to two miles (with included breaks). You can handle a variety of terrains, from cobblestone streets to moderate hills with relative ease and without assistance. You can climb two flights of stairs with ease. There may be 1 to 2 days on this tour when walking tours can cover 3 to 4 miles over uneven terrain. You can handle altitudes up to 6,000 feet.

You’re an on-the-go traveler. You don’t want to miss a thing, so walking and standing for longer periods of time (2-3 hours) isn’t a big deal. A moderately paced two-and-a-half-hour walking tour, covering several miles, hills, and uneven surfaces, is no problem for you. Walking four miles over the course of a day is very doable, as is climbing into and out of various modes of transportation (tuk-tuk, cable car, zodiac, etc.). You can climb three flights of stairs easily and handle altitudes between 6,000 and 9,000 feet. Expect some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure. This level is not a fit for travelers who require mobility assistance devices.

You’re ready to seize the day, whatever it may bring. You lead an active life at home (walking, biking, and half or full day hikes are things you may enjoy) and 10,000 steps a day is normal for you. You can handle longer walking tours (more than 3 hours covering 3+ miles at a steady clip) and activities that involve traversing uneven terrain, steep slopes, standing for periods of time, and varying altitudes and temperatures. You don’t mind being on the go with some early starts, late-nights, and full days. You can handle altitudes of 9,000 feet or higher with little to no issue. This level is not appropriate for travelers who use wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility assistance devices.

A Taste of the Balkans featuring Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina & Slovenia

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Your Day by Day Itinerary

Travel tips, full itinerary.

We are currently building the itinerary for the tour date you have selected.

Available Offers

Make your move! These hot deals sell out quickly since they’re all close to departure. No offer code needed, just book your tour and start packing.

Enhance Your Trip

Optional excursions.

Add some more spice to your tour with this optional excursions.

Pre and Post Night Stays

Enjoy arriving early or checking out late with our Pre and Post night stays.

Tour Extensions

Extension style.

The extension style for this tour:

Independent

You’re accompanied by a Tour Manager throughout the extension, except for any time that’s set aside for independent discovery.

You’re accompanied by a Tour Manager part of the time, for some guided excursions. The rest of the time, you’re at leisure to explore the destination your own way.

You’re not accompanied by a Tour Manager during your extension stay. You’ll access locales you wish to visit on your own, and are free to create your own adventure.

Traveler Reviews

From $3,999 pp *

16 Days • 23 Meals

Thank you for your review! We look forward to traveling with you again soon.

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IDENTIFICATION Passports are required for this tour at your expense. Certain countries require that your passport be valid at least 6 months beyond the dates of your travel. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements.

IMPORTANT: We recommend that travelers take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact.

Global operator

Service level

Travelers age

Trip prices

$1,619 — 16,549

Tour languages

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• Group Tours
• River Cruises
• North America
• South America
• Australia & Pacific
• Antarctica & the Arctic

How well do you know the world?

Collette reviews & ratings, it was a wonderful trip and experience.

It was a wonderful trip and experience! We are still sorting all the pictures and memories about it, and some of them I would like to share with you - read my diary ...

we had an absolute wonderful time

My wife & I just returned from your National Parks tour and we had an absolute wonderful time. Great itinerary, tour director (Merrin) and driver (John). First c...

The best. I've worked with many travel companies, but now I only book my groups through Collette.

Had a river cruise booked for May 2020

Had a river cruise booked for May 2020 on the Danube but unfortunately because of Covid 19 it was cancelled. I had no issues in getting a full refund for my vacation...

our dream trip to Italy was canceled due to covid-19

Recently, our dream trip to Italy was canceled due to covid-19. Collette's superior customer service responded to my inquiry by message and phone call literally with...

See all Collette reviews

Editoral Review of Collette

With a history that goes back to 1918, their experience speaks for itself. They provide comprehensive, well-managed guided tours for travelers seeking an exploratory, comfortable travel experience.

Collette - Quick Facts

Founded in 1918

Group size: It varies. Collette offers private and customizable tours, as well as small groups of between 14-24 guests

Typical age range: 45+  

Average tour price: $2,996

Accommodation style: 4 star and above hotels and unique locations

Top regions: USA & Canada, Europe & UK

Commonly compared with Tauck and Trafalgar 

What Makes Collette Tours Stand Out?

• Flexibility & personalization
• Expert tour managers
• Easy booking process
• Private & Customizable tours
• Balances iconic must-sees with immersive cultural experiences

A long history in guided tourism means Collette knows every inch of guided travel. Take care of all the details like it’s second nature, and even though it's old hat every traveler is new and they dig into that. Collette recognizes that no two traveler is the same and approach each planning experience from a perspective of flexibility and personalization.

Their goal is to ease the hardship of planning and organizing for the traveler so you can fully enjoy the experience without worry or stress. At Collette, they know guided travel and have been successfully leading tours around the world to a growing, devoted customer base for nearly 100 years.

Collette tours are about letting you, the traveler, experience unbelievable, classic, and unique moments around the world.  

Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Collette?

• Travelers aged 45+
• Moderately active travelers
• Upper budget range

Do you love the ease of mind that comes with having every detail taken care of when you travel? Details that allow you to relax and enjoy the special little moments of discovering the world; learning about new cultures, awe inspiring wildlife encounters, and leisurely meals highlighting local cuisine? Then you are ideally suited to Collette tours.

The Collette traveler is typically older, in the 50+ range. Travelers who enjoy the finer things, value a premium to luxury style of accommodation and transportation, yet have an adventurous spirit will love traveling with Collette.

Recent retirees and active seniors who are game for anything are the kind of traveler who relish a tour with Collette - check out this group in Costa Rica - taking part in Costa Rica's famous ziplines!

If you don't want to be encouraged to jump in and push your comfort zone a bit, you may find yourself out of step on a majority of Collette tours. They have several offerings though, so don't let that discourage you. 

Collette is ideal for active travelers who enjoy a comprehensive guided tour, with a lot of activity, and local experiences. These tours can involve extensive walking, sometimes over uneven surfaces, so a certain basic level of physical fitness is required.

Tours with Collette are classified by 5 basic physical levels, to help you find one best suited to you:

Level 1 - Mostly flat services and minimal walking. You should be comfortabe with climbing a few stairs, plus getting in and out of the coach 

Level 2 - Average physical ability is required such as long stairs and walks of a few hours. Some walks may be over uneven ground.

Level 3 - Slightly longer distances and more frequent walks can be expected. Expect stairs and some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones or nature trails.

Level 4 - Expect to be on your feet longer, including periods of standing and more extensive walking periods. These tours may also feature nighttime activities, so you'll be active for a longer period of time.

Level 5 - Very active travel. Expect adventure experiences and activities, early mornings and late nights. You can also expect to experience the elements so be ready for rain, wind, dust, what have you.

Free days are included in most Collette tours, giving travelers time to relax, take walks on the beach, or maybe do some shopping.

If you’re the kind of traveler for whom the a glass of champagne out in the blazing sun of the Australian outback, gazing at Uluru, sounds idyllic - then Collette would be perfect for you.

Top Destinations

Collette tours travel all around the world, to all 7 continents including Antarctica . They are well known for Central and South America, Australia, and Africa. They also offer an impressive variety of North America tours including several in the United States and Canada.

Travel styles include everything from river cruises to family tours to faith based tours.

Collette Travel Style

Collette promises the “trip of a lifetime” through exclusive outings, luxury touches, and appreciating the moments of anticipation before the world reveals itself. Their travel style is about discovering new cultures, embracing the explorer within -- in time for a cocktail at the end of the day.

They have 6 broad classifications for travel style: Classic, Explorations, Spotlights, River Cruise, Faith, and Impact Travel:

1. Classic Collette Tours - This is what they call their Flagship collection, group tours that make the postcard come to life. Visit all the must see sites, enjoy cultural experiences, all with a professional and knowledgeable guide, there to help make your travel as seamless as possible. Groups are on the larger side

2. Explorations - These tours are about going deeper, meeting locals, and getting off the beaten path. “Authenticity” is a big word for Collette Explorations. You’ll experience the destination in a smaller group, an average of 18 people, allowing for access to more local experiences not available to larger groups. Classic sites will also be included in your itinerary, but the focus is mostly on unique experiences.

3. Spotlights - Have a shorter amount of time and don’t want to miss anything? Collette Spotlight tours are designed to maximize your city stay or short getaway experience. These are primarily walking tours, packed with sightseeing, historical and cultural information, but with some downtime as well. Typically these tours are between 5-9 days.

4. River Cruise - A very popular mode of travel, particularly for 50+ travelers, river cruising is ideal for those seeking a leisurely vacation, unpacking only once, enjoying gliding by beautiful sites and participating in various guided shore excursions. Collette river cruises go around the world, including China, Egypt, and Europe.

5. Faith - For those travelers interested in visiting religious sites, Collette has a group of tours dedicated to faith based travel. Visit world famous icons and learn their ancient histories.

Collette Faith tours visit everything from grand churches to the humble beginnings of the three major world religions in the Holy Land. Tours are history based with an emphasis on finding deeper spiritual significance and meaning. They also have trips to the Oberammergau Passion Play .

6. Impact Travel - Being a responsible traveler is an important component on all Collette tours, however if you’re seeking to do more to give back, their Impact Tours are a great way to do so. Sightsee with a purpose as you assist with local initiatives, volunteering among the community, helping in classrooms, and protecting local wildlife.

Why Choose a Tour with Collette?

• Flexibility in planning
• Extensions available pre or post tour date
• Private airport transfer
• Expert planners 

If you are looking for an entertaining, fully escorted, active tour to explore new cultures, and enjoy unique experiences, Collette could be for you. They provide a dedicated guide, and handle all the details throughout the tour.

Free time is available on some days, but for the most part expect fairly full itineraries and a good amount of walking on their group tours. Some optional excursions are offered during the tour, so you can tailor your experience to a certain extent.

This is a great opportunity for meeting fellow travelers in a similar age range. Collette tours are open to everyone, but the majority of people on your tour will be older - in the 50+ range. Collette tours are ideal for travelers who want to have fun, enjoy the outdoors, and are open to new experiences.

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About the company.

True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across all seven continents.

Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.

Everyone at Collette believes travel is vital to a life well-lived and our executive team sets the tone. Drawing on a diverse set of skills that includes operations, sales, information technology, law and financial planning, they work across three offices to bring you the best experience possible.

There are so many benefits to letting someone else take on all the details that come with having The Perfect Trip. See why more and more travelers choose to Go Guided — and why they never go back.

5 Reasons to Go Guided:

Go Tour Managers!

On Day 1 of your trip, you’ll meet a friendly person who sure does know a lot about your tour and the destinations you’re visiting. This highly skilled professional is your tour manage and from the moment you meet this key player on your tour, you’ll know you’re in good hands. With their rich travel backgrounds, as well as their useful information about language, currency, and all things local, you can relax and enjoy the ride.

Go Culture!

Visiting a destination gives you a taste of the local culture. But imagine actually becoming part of that culture. Staying overnight in an Irish castle like Old-World royalty…feeling the cool waters of the Great Barrier Reef envelop you as you snorkel in its turquoise paradise…or rolling dough with an Italian chef to make the perfect pizza. It’s not just about all the iconic spots that will make for the best photos, it’s about diving into another world that makes for the best memories.

Go Product Team!

Our product experts are probably on the road right now — scoping out the best of our worldwide destinations. They go, take it all in, and find the moments they love best. Those are the moments they create for you. Those experiences and sights comprise each itinerary and make each one extra-special. Best of all, you don’t have to plan a thing. You just need to choose which itinerary best suits you.

Travel is social by nature. Guided travel is extra social. Meet a cast of characters: your fellow travelers, tour manager, driver, local guides and more. The social aspect of guided travel is one of the best parts! Many travelers on our tours have forged lasting friendships. Think of all the wonderful people waiting to meet you out in the world.

Go Worry-Free!

Your peace of mind is the most important thing to us. And that starts with our roundtrip home to airport sedan service. Forget taxis, airport fees, or public transportation. We will get you there...and back. And if for any reason you need to cancel your tour, you can do so — right up until the day before departure — and receive a full refund (thanks to our travel protection plan).

There are many ways to experience the world:

Among Collette’s worldwide collection of tours we offer a variety of guided travel choices. No matter where (or how) you want to go, Collette can take you there.

Small Groups, Big Experiences

From vibrant cities to remote villages, immerse yourself in other worlds. As part of a small group, enjoy accommodations chosen to capture the spirit of the destination, savor spectacular local cuisine, and take the time to explore on your own. Along the way Explorations sets the stage for the unexpected moments that make travel so special. With just 12-24 passengers, these are the personal adventures that today’s cultural explorers dream about.

Amazing Family Moments Included

Collette's Family tours bring travelers of all ages together to experience the world’s greatest destinations. There’s no better classroom than the world, no better education than taking a walk through history. Today’s parents — and grandparents — want to share the riches of travel with their children and grandchildren. Each tour in our family line is specially crafted with the best local experiences, iconic must-see's, family-oriented hotels and immersive cultural activities. Children ages 14 and under enjoy substantially discounted rates.

Collette's Cancel for Any Reason Travel Protection Plan

The Traveling Well Experience

Our commitment to your well-being and enjoyment.

There’s no denying that life and travel will likely look a little different for the foreseeable future, which is why we worked with our partners all over the world to create enhanced protective measures for our guests. These measures are intended to help safeguard guests’ health and well-being, while allowing for an enjoyable travel experience.  

From flexible booking to more open space on the coach and much more – all aspects of travel have been considered. This is  The Traveling Well Experience .

• Travel Protection Plan  – cancel for any reason up until 24 hours before departure, plus provides numerous on-tour protections
• More Physical Space  – on the coach, in restaurants, and more
• Wellness Protocols  – for partners like motor coach operators, hotels, restaurants, and airlines
• Enhanced Tour Manager Training  ­– our tour managers are destination experts and highly equipped to handle a variety of unexpected situations – including illnesses and emergencies

Before Your Tour

Cancel for Any Reason Waiver

Our Travel Protection Plan financially protects you in the event you need to cancel or move your trip to a different date. Learn more here

Pre-Tour Health Screenings

We will ask all travellers to complete a wellness declaration form before joining their tour.

Private Sedan Service

Your ride to and from the airport will be stocked with fresh water for every pickup and all surfaces will be disinfected daily and after every passenger.

Specific details will vary by airline, but standard operations typically include flight attendants wearing masks, sanitizing all surfaces between flights and physical distancing. For links to major airlines, head to the bottom of the page, or visit your airline’s website for specific information.

On Your Tour

Smaller Groups

Tours will operate with a number of empty seats to allow guests to space out for a more comfortable experience.

Your Tour Manager

We have employed new and enhanced hygiene & physical distancing protocols for tour managers. They are local experts and highly trained to handle a variety of unexpected situations — including illnesses and emergencies. They are also available 24/7 for guests throughout the tour should any situation arise.

Use of Face Coverings

Face coverings will be included with your pre-tour documents and will be required throughout many experiences on tour including the motor coach and air travel.

Motor Coach

All surfaces will be sanitized often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitizer will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear when appropriate.

On-Tour Experiences

We work closely with our local partners to ensure adequate physical distancing during meals, experiences, and sightseeing. Guests may be rotated in smaller sub-groups when necessary.

On-Tour Insurance Coverages

When you purchase our Travel Protection Plan, you’ll have access to telehealth services should you need it, plus you’re covered on tour for emergency assistance, baggage loss, trip interruption, medical expenses, and more. Learn more here

Self-Screening

We will ask all travellers to monitor their health throughout their tour, with protocols in place in the event someone becomes ill.

Specific protocols will vary from destination to destination, hotel to hotel. Overall, rooms and areas like restaurants, fitness centres, etc. will be deep-cleaned regularly, with rooms disinfected thoroughly between guests. High-traffic areas like lobbies and elevators will be cleaned hourly.

After Your Tour

Post-Tour Survey

After you get home, you’ll be able to share your opinions of your tour experience, allowing us to constantly improve for the benefit of future guests.

Collette Trips & Specials

Combine two tours and save $300 per person

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
• Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

Top Collette Trip Categories

Collette company ranking by category, similar companies, associations, united states tour operators association.

USTOA is a nonprofit professional association representing the tour operator industry.Its members are made up of companies who provide services worldwide but who conduct business in the U.S.

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip, travel confidently.

The Scoop: What to Know About Collette

This award-winning tour company has been leading trips for more than a century..

The Scoop: What to Know About Trafalgar Tours

Collette offered its first guided travel tour in 1918, a three-week trip aboard a jitney bus from Boston to Florida that cost just $68.50. Today the third-generation family-owned business leads more than 170 tours in a variety of styles to all seven continents.

The longest-running tour operator in North America, Collette is known for its comprehensive travel protection plan, flexible tour pacing, and strong relationships in the travel space.

BEST OF THE BEST: Best Guided Tour Companies

A sense of social responsibility guides the company’s actions in everything from tour planning to operations on the ground. Through the nonprofit Collette Foundation, it supports hunger and education initiatives around the world, and employees volunteer more than 4,500 hours of their time each year.

TourScoop Takeaways 

• Destinations: More than 170 tours on all seven continents
• Tour Size Average: The average group size for a Classic tour is 32 travelers; for Small Group Explorations, the group size averages 16.
• Tour Type: Small-group tours and cruises

How to Book

Travelers can book through Collette’s website , by calling 800-340-5158, or through a travel agent.

Credibility Check

Collette received golds in two categories (Best Escorted Tour Operator, US; and Best Escorted Tour Operator, Canada) at the 2023 Travvy Awards and won the Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award in 2023. It was also named Best Tour Operator for Domestic Escorted Tours and Best Tour Operator for Canadian Tours by Travel Weekly Reader’s Choice Awards in 2022. Collette has a 4.7/5 rating on TravelStride based on more than 4,100 reviews.

Tour Destinations

Collette tours travel to all seven continents. The company has itineraries in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia. Africa, and Antarctica.

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Collette offers tours in five different travel styles. Classic tours, the company’s original group-tour style, take in the sights and explore the cultures of destinations around the world, with an average of 32 people and maximum of 44 travelers. Small Group Explorations immerse travelers even further into a destination and travel with an average of 16 guests.

Spotlights tours feature a single hotel stay and itineraries that help travelers explore a city like a local. Faith tours travel to some of the world’s most historic religious sites and regions, and Cruising tours travel waterways like the Danube, Yangtze, and Nile Rivers. Private tours are also available for groups of 10 or more.

Tour descriptions include activity level rankings, ranging from 1 for leisurely paced experiences to 4 for highly active trips.

Tour Guides

Collette’s Tour Managers tend to make an impression on travelers. The highly trained local experts, some of whom have been with the company for more than 20 years, bring a destination’s history and culture to life and add their own insights and favorite spots to the experience for a more personal touch. 

What’s Included

Collette’s tour pricing includes accommodations, itinerary activities, and the majority of meals during a tour. 

What’s Not Included

Optional excursions, pre- or post-tour extensions, and airfare are not included in the tour price. However, travelers have the option to add those extras when booking a tour. Land prices also do not include transfers, visas, and gratuities.

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Typical Travelers

Collette says its travelers are “typically experienced, yet curious travelers. They’re interested in getting beneath the surface and digging deeper into what a destination has to offer.” Children over the age of five may travel on Collette tours as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

Communication

Collette Tour Managers reach out and introduce themselves to travelers prior to each departure and also provide a means of contact for travelers while they are on tour. A representative from Collette contacts travelers if there are any issues or changes with the departure. Guests can also log in to the Collette mobile app up to 45 days before departure.

Loyalty Program

The Collette Passport Club rewards travelers for every trip they take. After completing one or two tours with the company, travelers receive a 5% Loyalty Credit on their next Collette tour when completed within 12 months of their most recent tour departure date. After three or more completed tours, travelers also get a $100 credit toward the purchase of optional tour components on their next trip.

Sustainability Efforts

All of Collette’s Small Group Explorations tours are carbon neutral and include an “Impact Moment” where travelers might visit a local social enterprise, nonprofit, or cultural or environmental conservation group. Responsible travel is a priority, and Collette ensures its tours take things like animal welfare and the preservation of local communities into consideration.

Health and Safety Practices

Collette’s website provides travelers with information on travel alerts and travel requirements, and has a travel protection plan available for purchase.

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Guided Travel

It’s like traveling with a trusted friend.

“For me it is about seeing people fulfill their lifelong dreams. Sleeping in a castle in Ireland, dining on a Sydney Harbour Cruise, and having a traditional BBQ dinner in the Outback of Australia under the stars.”