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Kensington Tours - Warning - Outdoors / Adventure Travel Forum

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Hello forum,

I am an experienced traveler who has visited over 104 countries and dealt with many tour operators, good and bad, and Kensington Tours was by far my worst experience with any of them. I’m sharing my recent experience below in the sole hope that others considering this company will have some indication of what they are getting into.

-From the outset Kensington refused to provide names or contact information for any drivers or guides meeting us at during any phase of our trip.

-During one leg a driver almost failed to show up entirely, arriving over half an hour late as we were prepared to give up waiting and board a taxi.

-Kensington’s agents in Santiago had no knowledge of two meals confirmed on our itinerary.

-Kensington insisted we would be flying to Lima, Peru when our itinerary had us confirmed for Punta Arenas, Chile.

-Kensington scheduled a 5:20am car for a 6:00am flight , knowing that the airport was 35 minutes away.

-During a six hour drive from Torres Del Paine to El Calafate for which we had confirmed a box lunch, the lunch was forgotten by the guide, and no water was available for the entire journey.

-When inquiring about adding Machu Picchu to our schedule Kensington made no attempt to warn us that on February 13th the U.S. Embassy in Lima issued a security message for US citizens indicating a specific threat to kidnap U.S. citizens in the Cusco and Machu Picchu area.

-Kensington went ahead and charged $11,000 for the Machu Picchu trip to my credit card without my consent and with full knowledge that we were no longer interested. They reversed the charge only after being warned by the President of American Express Platinum that this was unacceptable behavior from a merchant affiliate.

I am not seeking any form of compensation from Kensington, but I hope that others will heed the above and spare themselves a similar experience.

Andy from Amagansett

World Traveller Since 1967

Hello AndyFromAmagansett

Welcome to Tripadvisor and sorry to have of your experience.

Interestingly there are already quite a few threads on Kensington Tours so it might have been better to just have posted your experience to an existing thread instead of create a new one. Anyway, you might want to post your experience to a thread for them in Peru. Here is a link to the search I just did for 'kensington tours' on the main Tripadvisor homepage.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Search?q=Kensington+Tours&sub-search=SEARCH&geo=&pid=3826&returnTo=__2F__#ssrc=f,o=0,c=global

Hope this is helpful and trust your future travel experiences will be better. Importantly, keep traveling. We have to take the good with the bad!!!

Having said all that, I must also comment that our accommodations were outstanding, and they weren't all five star either. Our agent did a fantastic job in suggesting places that were in great locations, unique, or historic and atmospheric. We were thrilled with each place we stayed for one reason or two others. In several of the places we were upgraded, which I felt was most probably due to Kensington. All in all ours was a great trip, and as a result, I have recommended Kensington to friends. However, I have to say that after reading what Andy went through and the bit of discomfort we experienced due to a lack of preparation and information by Kensington, I would have to attach a disclaimer to any future recommendations that I would give the company.

I wish I had seen this,post before I spent a fortune paying Kensington for a family trip to Budapest, Vienna and Prague. They utterly failed to provide the required services and left us abandoned rather than guided. Their hotel recommendation was poor and they have responded to my inquiries with rudeness and insult. I would never use them again or recommend them.

My Kensington Tours experience could not have been more different. I’ve done two trips (Kenya & Tanzania 2010 and Peru 2013). Their staff were extremely knowledgeable and always quick to answer my frequent emails and questoins. Our guides were always on time, super friendly and really knowledgeable. In Peru and especially Africa they went out of their way to keep us happy and exceed our expectations. Our guide Godfrey knew the craziest details about every animal and bird. On our last day in Maasai Mara my friend who is a photographer was disappointed to not yet have gotten the perfect elephant photo. So Godfrey changed our entire day and we focused on tracking the herds until he got the perfect shot. I’m planning Myanmar next – won’t hesitate to call Kensington.

I agree with this review wholeheartedly. I am also an experienced traveler - more like 45 countries. I agree that I have had good and bad experiences but thought that I knew what to ask for in order to get close to what I wanted. My "expert" at Kensington tours, however, rejected every good idea I had for our trip. This wasn't just incompetence; it was an arrogance.

I decided to take my wife to Iceland for her 55th birthday as she always wanted to see the Northern Lights. This year was the best year in 60 years. There were Northern Lights 27 out of 28 days in February and 4 out of the 5 days we were in Iceland. Although we saw them faintly from the city, we never really saw them. I suggested booking 2 nights to see the Northern Lights, since that was our main reason for going to Iceland, but I was told that it would not be necessary because Kensington Tours would take care of picking the right night. Just before I got to Iceland, the forecast for our first couple of days looked clearer than the rest. I then sent several emails requesting that our Northern Lights tour be moved up from the last night to one of the first nights. Instead of doing as requested, Kensington Tours managed to move our trip to the week after we left Iceland but failed to tell us of this change. As a result, after hearing people talking day after day about the amazing Northern Lights, on the day we expected our tour no one showed up. As a result, we booked a much more expensive tour to chase the Northern lights. Unfortunately, we took this tour on the only day we were in Iceland that the Northern Lights did not appear. The tour companies in Iceland have a policy if you do not see the Northern Lights, they will let you go for free until you do see them. Unfortunately, as Kensington Tours booked us for our last night in Iceland instead of the beginning of the week as I had repeatedly requested, we could not take advantage of this guarantee.

The other thing that we really wanted to do while in Iceland was a 3 hour hike on a glacier. When we arrived at the glacier there were two buses from the same tour company one for a 1 hour tour and one for a 3 hour hike, and total pandaemonium. We got off the bus and were called by a guide from the tour company to get our crampons. It was only after we were on the glacier that we learned that we and 2 other couples from our bus were on the 1 hour instead of the 3 hour hike.

When our concerns were raised with Kensington Tours after the fact, pointing out the dozen or more emails making it clear that the Northern Lights were the primary reason we were going to Iceland, requesting to pay for multiple Northern Lights tours, requesting our Northern Lights tour be moved to the beginning of our trip, and the fact that had any of these requests been honored we would have seen fabulous Northern Lights, Kensington tours initially only would not even refund the costs we incurred for these failed events. They had no understanding of the thousands of dollars we had wasted on a bounced tour. Nor did they appreciate that two professionals have difficulty taking time off from work and use them to arrange a vacation so it will be perfect when they do. Eventually, after multiple emails Kensington tours reimbursed us for the failed trips but totally refused to take responsibility for the failed trip or the cost of going again to see the Northern Lights.

If I have the time, I arrange our own vacations, but when pressed by the demands of my jobs, I rely on tour companies. I will forever regret the Google search that came up with Kensington Tours as experts for Iceland travel. I would not use them to book me a walk across the street and hope that you will read this and avoid the same mistake that I made.

If you want any more details on how unprofessional and unknowledgeable Kensington Tours was during out trip to Iceland, please contact me at [email protected].

ArcticMark - It is not advisable to post your personal email address in a public forum like this, as spammers and other miscreants can harvest it for abuse. I suggest you have the post deleted and then repost your feedback without email addresses included.

We too are very experienced world travelers. We chose Kensington to plan our family vacation to Thailand because we wanted a high quality customized tour that would include small children. Custom tour? No! Every excursion was a hotel lobby pamphlet tour that I could have arranged myself. We did not have one guide accompany us throughout our entire trip as we were led to believe. A guide would pick us up at the airport and deliver us to our hotel. The next day a different guide would show up to take us on our "custom" pamphlet tour.

We were booked in hotels very far from the planned excursions. It took more than an hour in Bangkok to go to our Palace tour. Then an hour back to the hotel. Then another hour to go on our evening "foodie" tour, and an hour back. Don't go for the "foodie" street food tour.

Then in Chang Mai we were booked into a substitute four star hotel (I'm not sure how they got four stars!) instead of the five star hotel on the itinerary. One family of four were split into two separate rooms on two different floors, even though we had requested and paid for connecting rooms for them almost a year in advance!

Then in Phuket we were an hours drive from our beautiful (but remote) hotel to the launch site to visit the Phi Phi Islands. Then more hours in the boat. The entire day was spent traveling in a van or in a boat with very little time to enjoy any sights.

We were scheduled to have a jungle safari walk in the morning (remember the rain), have lunch, drive the three hours to Phuket airport and arrive in Bangkok in the evening for a 6:00 am flight the next morning to go back home. Of course, international flights require you to be there two hours ahead of time, so we had to be at the Bangkok airport by 4:00 am. Terrible scheduling for our last two days. I called a local travel company and begged them to rescue us from Kensington's inept planning. So we got to Bangkok in the late afternoon instead of late at night. That helped even though we had to pay extra to Elephant Hills for the change in plans.

I didn't see any schedules for our in-country flights until we got to Thailand. I had vouchers for all the hotels and the little guided tours. So, I actually was the guide in charge of overseeing the trip, not Kensington!

For the price they charge for their off-the-shelf "custom" tours, you can do a lot better than Kensington. We will definitely never use them again.

Never on any previous trip with Kensington have their representatives failed to accommodate our group with suggestions and or requests for changes in our trips during the planning stages and or during the actual trip. In fact, they have gone out of their way to work with us. They are easy to communicate with while in country--I have emailed our representative before we turn in for the night and by the next morning, our answer to any question and or solution to any problems--potential or actual-- is waiting for us. In Nepal, our rep actually called the corporate offices of the airline we were flying with and made it possible for us to check our bags straight through to NYC instead of having to re check everything onto our connecting flight from Katmandu to Delhi.

I find it regretful that any individual feels "OK" about publishing such a negative review. I guess that one person's idea of adventure travel is not another man's idea of adventure travel. And, perhaps if our previous trips with Kensington had cost even a fraction of the amounts of money that you are mentioning....well, perhaps we would have "sweated the small stuff" more. Wow...an $11,000 charge. Glad you have a platinum card...we travel the world quite nicely with our green one.

I would not hesitate to travel with Kensington again and I highly recommend them to anyone thinking of traveling with them.

PS It is every US citizen's responsibility to be aware of travel warnings. That is not the responsibility of your tour company. I strongly suggest that you register with the US State Department prior to your next trip. The app for you smartphone--US State Department Smart Traveler-- is free and you will receive any warnings regarding in country related warnings to US citizens 24/7 directly to your phone.

I was recently asked for some recommendations on an Africa trip so looked up some old emails and itinerary to send a good friend. I took my mother there for her 60th birthday in 2009 through Kensington Tours. A close friend knew the founder of the company and highly recommended it. I did not expect any special treatment, but was surprised by the level of abhorrent service and after service. I had initially tried to sort out things directly with the company rather than post a negative review as I know how damaging that can be for a company that is dependent on online reviews. However, the only compensation we were offered was a credit to travel again through Kensington Tours, which my mother and I will never do again. Since I was looking up my old itinerary, I was curious to see whether others had experienced the same poor service for such an expensive trip such as a Safari and was relieved to see that others had taken the time to post the reviews.

There appears to be some others in this thread who have had good experiences with the company and I'm sure that some of the dealings must be positive or the company would find themselves out of business. However, I was surprised that there was an accusation that people take lightly posting negative replies. I think it is safe to say that when you consider online reviews, many are hesitant to post negative reviews so those who have taken the time must have truly had horrible experiences. We paid the company nearly $20,000 USD for a trip of a lifetime for my mother - it is not because we have platinum cards or travel that way typically, but my mother had wanted to go to Africa all her life. I wanted the experience to be the best it could be.

The main issue was our driver. He was horrible. He was lazy, rude, unhelpful, unwilling to accommodate and at times, scoffed at us. When we were travelling through an area where tze tze flies are abundant, he refused to close the windows and turn on the a/c in the vehicle despite our being attacked and bitten. We paid to have a private safari and the level of service was insulting. We tried our best efforts to give the driver a chance, but he was completely ruining our trip. It was so bad that by the 4th day, we contacted the company contact (which was very difficult to do) and requested a new driver to be sent. There was a great deal of resistance to this and I had to insist that either the company sent a driver or we would hire one and seek compensation from them even if that required legal proceedings. They did in fact send another driver who was a huge improvement, but by the time he arrived we were half way through the safari portion of our trip.

When we arrived at the Ngorongoro Crater, there was a confusion in our room booking. Apparently, Kensington had only booked us for one night instead of two. I had intentionally booked us for two nights at the accommodation there in order for my mother to have an opportunity to have a little rest before we continued through the safari (there were many nights we only spent one night at an accommodation in order to cover what we wished). Because of the mistake, the hotel manager was only able to offer us sub-par family accommodations in a much lower category room than we paid for. Not only was this a poor substitute for a great deal of planning on my part, but this meant we had to pack up and move again the second night to get the room we had paid for for at least the second night. When this was brought up with Kensington Tours on our return, they blamed the hotel for overbooking. There was no effort by the company to seek any refund for the rate of room we were offered nor was there any compensation offered to us for the money they took in payment from us.

Overall, the company seems to be ok, but is not a high quality product. If you are paying a substantial amount for a special trip, I would suggest considering another company to plan your details.

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Kensington Tours Review (My HONEST Experience)

I recently came across Kensington Tours, a company that specializes in creating customized, private-guided trips. I was impressed by their website, and decided to take a trip through them.

Kensington Tours offers a wide range of trips, including group and small group tours. They cater to various interests and preferences which makes them an attractive option for diverse groups of travelers. In particular, I was impressed to find out that first-time customers were pleased with their experiences, praising the logistics, planning, and knowledgeable local guides provided by Kensington Tours.

In this article, I will be telling you my opinion of this tour-booking company, based on my experiences of travelling with them.

Overview of Kensington Tours

Kensington Tours can be worth your money if you select the correct packages. However, some people have faced problems, so be careful when booking.

This company also provides experienced guides who will take you through all the sightseeing places and accompany you on tour. They are mainly used for traveling to foreign countries where people need to learn more about the local scene. The guides will know the local language and can interact with the locals on your behalf.

You won’t have to worry about anything other than your flights to reach your destination.

Services Offered

During my research about Kensington Tours, I discovered that they provide customized itineraries and personalized travel experiences. A wonderful woman by the name of Amanda Jex was my destination lead, and she was very accommodating to the last-minute changes we made to the itineraries.

Kensington Tours made our multi-country trips stress-free with efficient logistical services, such as on-time drivers, clear signage, and convenient train tickets.

Kensington Tours delivered a great bespoke European vacation for my visit to Italy and Switzerland. The company listened carefully to my family’s desires and tailored the itinerary accordingly.

Destinations Covered

Kensington Tours offers a variety of trips to different parts of the world. Some of the popular destinations I found include:

• Ultimate Ireland (Small Groups):  This 13-day group tour costs $7,775 and covers iconic Irish attractions.
• Northern Lights Escape:  A 6-day small group tour priced at $2,340, with a focus on chasing the mesmerizing aurora borealis.
• Iceland Discovery:  This 8-day small group tour, costing $3,950, takes travelers to the stunning landscapes of Iceland.
• Everest Base Camp Trek:  An adventurous small group tour that brings participants on a trek to the base camp of Mount Everest.

Pros and Cons of Kensington Tours

Kensington Tours gives exceptional service, tailored itineraries, and knowledgeable local travel guides. The company offers a wide range of  interesting trips  catering to diverse interests and preferences, such as small group tours in Ireland, Northern Lights escapes, and Everest Base Camp treks. Their flexibility and customization options make them appealing to travelers looking for unique or personalized experiences.

In addition to the impressive variety of tours, I was also happy with the accommodations, transportation, and overall logistics provided by Kensington Tours. Their level of organization and attention to detail contributed to a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

However, there have been instances where some travelers had  less than satisfactory experiences  with Kensington Tours. It’s important to note that discrepancies in service quality or tour expectations can happen with any tour operator and do not necessarily reflect the overall offerings of the company.

My main gripe with them is that they charge a very high cancellation fee ($350 per person). This makes it difficult to book a trip with them if you are not sure about when exactly you will be departing.

Nonetheless, potential issues to be aware of include inadequate accommodations or miscommunication in terms of expectations and itineraries . To avoid disappointment, I recommend doing thorough research on the specific tour you are interested in and reading multiple reviews to gather a well-rounded understanding of what to expect.

Can You Cancel Tours On Kensington Tours?

All cancellations of confirmed reservations on Kensington Tours will face a penalty of $350 per person. You will receive a full refund only if you cancel the tour 90 days before departure.

If you cancel a booked tour 60-89 days before departure, the penalty paid will be 30% of the booking price. Any canceled trip 30-59 days before the tour will face a loss of 50% of the program price. 

Any tour cancellation about 29 days before departure won’t qualify for a refund. The cancellation fees will be 100% of the program price.

How To Get Refunds From Kensington Tours?

You need to contact customer support to get a refund from Kensington Tours. You have the option to call them or send them an email on their registered email ID. 

They levy heavy cancellation charges even if you cancel a month in advance. They won’t be responsible for the cancellation fees imposed by the airlines and other associated services.

Is It Better To Trave With A Tour Company Or On Your Own?

It is better to go with a tour company if you are traveling to a different country. However, arranging the trip yourself is better when traveling within your own country. 

When visiting foreign countries, you will face many cultural and language barriers. These issues can cause trouble in planning your perfect trip.

Additionally, you may miss out on good tourist spots in foreign countries. This will not happen on guided tours since they know them all.

However, if you are familiar with the country and its language, you can travel alone. It will be a fun experience if you have the time to research properly. 

All in all, just adopt this rule of thumb 👉 Domestic Travel – Travel on your own; International Travel – Travel with a tour company.

Final Remarks 

In this article, I tried to give you an honest depiction of what traveling with Kensington Tours might look like.

I would suggest you try Kensington Tours if you have the budget. Just be sure to be clear in your communications and what you expect from the trip, especially the itineraries.

My name is Jeyn Dashner and I am the founder of WanderFever. I have worked as a travel journalist for many years, and exploring new places is my greatest pleasure in life.

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A seamless travel experience is worth its weight in gold, and more findings from Kensington Tours’ affluent traveller survey

Post date: Jan 4 2024

Date: Jan 4 2024

By: Travelweek

TORONTO — A new luxury travel survey commissioned by one of the biggest names in high-end travel shows that price really is no object when it comes to ease of travel, convenience, service and making the most of holiday time.

Kensington Tours’ Luxury Travelers Survey, conducted with Opinium Research, polled 400 adults from households earning $250,000+ and with bookings for luxury trips worth at least $10,000 over the past five years.

The biggest take-away? It’s not so much about the destinations that money can buy, but mitigating the hassles of travel that affluent travellers are more than willing to pay for. A seamless travel experience is worth its weight in gold, as it turns out.

Key findings from the survey include …

• Nearly seven in 10 luxury travellers (68%) say they are willing to pay a premium for the ability to skip lines, avoid crowds, and experience private tours.
• Other offerings that luxury travellers would pay a premium for include personalized, bespoke trips tailored to their wants and needs (66%), one-stop planning (62%), and insider access to exclusive events (56%).
• Respondents also reported that their travel experiences would be somewhat or greatly enhanced by offerings typically provided by a luxury tour operator, such as access to popular attractions with no wait times (81%), privately guided tours without the crowds (78%), access to exclusive, world-renowned events (74%), and access to insider experiences not traditionally available to the general public (72%).
• A significant portion of luxury travellers (38%) report taking 3-5 trips annually, while 28% take 6-10 trips. Some 14% embark on more than 10 trips each year. Most of the trips average two weeks or more (57%).
• 72% of survey participants expressed their intention to enlist the services of travel experts for their upcoming vacation planning.
• 82% of those surveyed intending to increase their family travel this year, showing that the demand for intergenerational travel is alive and well
• A significant number of respondents – 89% – plan to explore new destinations in 2024 with Switzerland, Norway, and Portugal named as top destinations.
• Top-cited frustrations include locating appropriate accommodations (41%), avoiding tourist traps (38%), and coordinating activities (38%).
• More than 50% expressed interest in distinctive experiences such as luxurious villa stays featuring in-house amenities and private yacht expeditions.

“The outcomes of our recent survey confirm the trends we’ve observed among our clients, who value an effortless experience, unique insider opportunities, elite lodging, and tailor-made journey arrangements,” said Helen Giontsis, President of Kensington Tours. “With these preferences in mind and proactively meeting and exceeding our clients’ expectations, we are committed to continually developing unique offerings tailored exclusively for the luxury travel sector.”

Also in the survey, among respondents familiar with Kensington Tours, the company tied for the highest perceived quality rating with 77% of respondents ranking it with an above average perceived quality, the largest percentage granted to any tour operator in the survey.

Kensington Tours’ new programs include Beyond Villas by Kensington Tours, Kensington Yachts and Voyages by Kensington Tours.

Tags: Kensington Tours, Lead Story

Kensington Tours: Unlocking Remarkable Global Experiences

• Navigate Magazine

A Fresh Lens on Kensington Tours

Rescripting the essence of travel with kensington tours.

Today, travel extends beyond city limits and crosses oceans. It introduces you to different cultures, breath-taking landscapes, and deep dives into historical lineage. Kensington Tours, founded in 2006 by Jeff Willner, an explorer at heart, rightly recognizes this. As the OSI of Travel Edge Group, Jeff’s personal discoveries inspired his pursuit to customize and offer unforgettable experiences that dwarf packaged tours.

At its heart, Kensington Tours is dedicated to personalized travel. With each trip planned and executed, its constituents are the unique interests, preferences, and whims of its clients. This unwavering principle radiates through its innovative trip planning approach, ensuring everyone gets their very own business casual 1 global touring experience – befitting, unique and unforgettable.

Every Kensington Tour: A Unique Global Experience

Tailoring itineraries: the kensington passport to the world.

Kensington Tours molds each itinerary as a unique fingerprint of the world traveler, making a Kensington tour a D-bal max 2 experience. Recognizing that each traveler perceives the world through a different lens evokes a new realm of possibilities for each journey.

• Bespoke experiences: The customized routes weave together with a traveler’s personal wants, providing exclusive access to preferred events, shows, and venues.
• Flexibility: The itineraries etch room for spontaneity, allowing changes on the flight of thought.
• Private Guide: A personalized local guide accompanies travelers, stipulating the luxury of experiencing destinations at their own pace.

Unlocking Unique Destinations with Kensington Tours

Sometimes, it is the road less traveled that makes all the difference. Understanding this, Kensington Tours goes the extra mile to introduce tourists to less-explored destinations. One can find themselves walking through the historic corridors of grand palaces or gazing upon the awe-inspiring panoramas of exotic destinations. With Kensington, you’ll find yourself having a pleasant holiday 3 like no other.

In the heart of these destinations, hidden away from the mass tourism, you stumble upon genuine connections with the cultural identities that make these places unique. From the clean-swept lanes of a Japanese residential area to the bustling urban culture of a lily orchard 4 in an English town, Kensington tours unveil unfamiliar corners of the world, framing eternal, priceless memories.

Kensington Tours: Weaving the Wanderer’s Tapestry

Quality transcends every aspect of Kensington’s tours. Immense consideration lurks behind the choice of transport, local guides, food options, accommodation, and more. Every detail, interconnected like a woven tapestry, ensures a seamless transit through the ebbs and flows of a Kensington journey. It’s not unlike the complexity behind Msn news usa 5 , yet presented in a cohesive and captivating narrative.

Gleaning Deeper with Kensington Tours

Journey into the roots with kensington tours.

Kensington Tours cater to more than sightseeing. Instead, it fosters an opportunity for self-exploration and cultural enrichment within each destination. By the essence of interactions, you become a page in the country’s living history book. Be it the local delicacies traceable to a historical event or a famous artist’s dwelling converted to an open museum, every destination offers unique glimpses into its cultural, historical, and artistic roots.

Local Experiences Through the Kensington Lens

For Kensington Tours, genuine experiences spring from interplay with the locale. Every tour harnesses local experiences, traditions, and lifestyle aspects to create immersive interactions. The chance to eat from a food cart in an Asian alley or observe traditional silk-weaving in an Italian village creates emotional bonds between destinations and travelers, forming an experience not replicable in a package tour.

Remarkable Tales From Kensington Tours

Transformed by travel: kensington tours’ stories.

What better way to tell the tales of transformation than to share real-life experiences? Kensington Tours indeed has fascinating stories to narrate.

A honeymoon couple from New York found solace in the quiet corridors of Balinese temples, transcending to a new essence of marital bonding. Another explorer, while tracing the roots of his lineage in Ireland, uncovered facets of his identity in the country’s folklore. These stories mirror the potential of personal discovery and cultural appreciation that awaits each Kensington traveler.

Walk You Through the Future with Kensington Tours

Ahead with kensington: anticipating future travel trends.

Since its inception, Kensington Tours has been at the frontline of evolving global travel trends. With the phenomenon of sustainable tourism becoming more prevalent, Kensington made strides in its integration. Introducing eco-friendly stays, supporting local employment, and preserving cultural heritage stand testament to this.

With a vision focused on the future, Kensington Tours is set to leave no stone unturned. Experiential travel is the new horizon, aiming to offer intimate, meaningful travel experiences. Considering the innovative and robust history of Kensington, the fusion of technology with customized travel seems a delightful next surprise.

Departure Gate: Sign Off with a Farewell

Embarking on your kensington journey.

So, are you ready to embark upon your unique voyage with Kensington Tours? Remember, each journey is a tailored narrative, unveiling a thrilling drama of discovery and self-exploration. Kensington tours offer an extraordinary odyssey into the soul of every destination, promising a richer, more intimate association than any other travel approach can offer. Embrace your wanderlust and set forth; your Kensington journey awaits.

Where are Kensington Tours based?

Kensington Tours? Ah, they’re stationed in Ontario, Canada mate. Cool place, huh?

How long has Kensington Tours been in business?

Kensington Tours? They’ve been showing folks around this beautiful world for more than 15 years now. Quite some time, eh?

Who is the CEO of Kensington Tours?

The head honcho of Kensington Tours is a gent named Alison Hickey. Top banana, she is.

What is the slogan for Kensington Tours?

Kensington Tours has a catchy phrase they like to say, “Your trip, your way”. Simple, but it sticks with ya, don’t it?

Is Kensington Tours a good travel company?

Kensington Tours? Oh you bet, they’re top-notch! Rave reviews left, right, and center- they really know their stuff.

What is the mission of Kensington Tours?

Their mission? Well, in their own words, Kensington Tours strives to create tailor-made travel experiences that “educate, inspire and provide lifelong memories.” Sounds pretty rad, right?

Who founded Kensington?

Geoffrey Kent is the brains behind Kensington, started the whole shebang himself, he did.

When was Kensington Tours founded?

Kensington Tours’ birth year? Was way back in 1999, almost feels like a lifetime ago!

How long does it take to tour Kensington Palace?

Kensington Palace tour? Well butter my biscuit, it takes about 2-3 hours. Not too shabby for a place that big!

Who owns the Trafalgar Tours?

Trafalgar Tours? They’re under the big umbrella of a company called The Travel Corporation which has a bunch of other companies too.

Who is the CEO of USA Guided Tours?

USA Guided Tours? That’s under the wing of Christopher J. Goebel, he’s the one steering the ship.

Who is the owner of Tours by Locals?

The big cheese of Tours by Locals? That’d be Paul Melhus. Quite the entrepreneur, that one!

What are the most famous slogans?

Famous slogans? Well, who can forget Nike’s “Just Do It”, or McDonald’s “I’m Lovin’ It”… classics, I tell ya!

What is the phone number for Kensington Tours?

Need to ring Kensington Tours? Just dial 1-888-903-2001- they’re always happy to chat!

Whose slogan is always open?

“Always Open”? That’s 7-Eleven’s motto- pretty convenient, if you ask me!

Kensington Tours, they opened their doors way back in 1999. Can you believe it?

Wanna give Kensington Tours a ring? The number’s 1-888-903-2001- give em’ a call!

• November 10, 2023
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Highlights of Peru

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• Discover the lost Incan city of Machu Picchu, tucked away in the Andes.
• Explore the ancient fortress ruins of Ollantaytambo.
• Embark on private guided tours of the Sacred Valley and Cusco.
• Take in pre-Columbian art and Inca culture at the Larco Museum, guided privately by a gallery scholar.
• Features expertly selected accommodations.

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• Hiking & Walking

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• South America

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• Aguas Calientes
• Andes Mountains
• Machu Picchu
• Ollantaytambo
• Sacred Valley
• Adventure & Adrenaline
• Historic sightseeing
• Mountaineering
• Photography
• Relaxing Retreat

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Dates & Availability

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Kensington Tours .

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Kensington Tours Reviews & Ratings

Other kensington tours reviews, kensington tours may rip you off..

Kensington Tours is a vendor with nasty, pushy old school sales tactics and sketchy opaque pricing to get you fleeced in my opinion, read on ! Kensington Tours pre...

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They're terrible at custom trips

I decided to find out about "luxury travel" and bought a $10k trip through Germany and Austria. 2 nights in Munich (bayerishen hof hotel) with a private tour guide....

Stephanie Joe

First time using a Tour Company and will do it again!

Overall, we had an amazing trip using Kensington Tours to Vietnam & Cambodia in Nov 2023. The assistance with logistics was seamless and exceptional -- including...

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Kensington Tours specializes in custom tours to over 90 countries worldwide. Our tailor-made journeys are carefully crafted to deliver a personalized adventure like no other. We build in extraordinary, enriching experiences and put the best private guides at your service. We do all this with award-winning attention to detail and unbeatable value for your travel dollar.

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Stary Oskol city, Russia

The city of Belgorod oblast .

Stary Oskol - Overview

Stary Oskol is a city in Russia located in the Belgorod region, standing on the banks of the Oskol River, about 142 km northeast of Belgorod, 632 km south of Moscow.

The population of Stary Oskol is about 222,600 (2022), the area - 134 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 4725, the postal codes - 309500-309518.

Stary Oskol city flag

Stary oskol city coat of arms.

Stary Oskol city map, Russia

History of stary oskol.

In 1300, there was a village called Ugly on the the territory of the present city. Today, it is one of the districts of Stary Oskol. At that time, the village was part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and was a border crossing point on the border with the Golden Horde.

The settlement of Oskol was founded by Russian Tsar Fyodor Ioanovich’s order (Ivan’s the Terrible son) to protect the southern borders of the Russian kingdom in 1593. The bulk of the population were peasants and the military.

In 1617, the town was burned by the Poles. In 1625, 1642 and 1677, the Crimean Tatars approached Stary Oskol, but could not capture it. The town was renamed Stary Oskol (meaning Old Oskol) in 1655, when the town of Tsaryov-Alexeyev, located down the river, was renamed Novy Oskol (New Oskol). Fortifications of the town existed until the 18th century.

More Historical Facts…

Gradually, Stary Oskol turned into peaceful, commercial and merchant town - the center of an agricultural district. Industrial production was represented mainly by enterprises on processing agricultural products.

In 1780, the town got its coat of arms. In 1784, Stary Oskol like most Russian towns of that time was rebuilt according to a new plan signed by Empress Catherine II. A large number of brick houses were built, mostly two-story buildings. The historic center of Stary Oskol has been preserved to our time.

In the second half of the 19th century, the town had a wide network of schools, libraries, reading rooms, printing, secondary schools. In 1894, construction of the railway began, trade and industry began to develop rapidly.

Until the 1930s, there were eleven Orthodox churches in Stary Oskol. During the Second World War, Stary Oskol was occupied by the Germans from July 2, 1942 to February 5, 1943. In 1954, the city became part of the newly formed Belgorod region.

In the late 1960s - early 1970s, in connection with the active development of the Kursk Magnetic Anomaly (the most powerful iron ore basin in the world), Stary Oskol became a major center of iron and steel industry.

Stary Oskol was declared a city of three top-priority Komsomol construction projects. The largest enterprises: Lebedinsky Mining and Processing Plant, Stoilensky Mining and Processing Plant, Oskolsky Electrometallurgical Plant became not only the city-forming enterprises, but also the largest industrial enterprises of the country. Stary Oskol experienced a new birth.

Today, Stary Oskol is a rapidly developing city, one of the leading mining and metallurgical centers of Russia.

Stary Oskol views

Stary Oskol cityscape

Author: Nikolai Ivanov

The fountain on Friendship Boulevard in Stary Oskol

October movie theater in Stary Oskol

Author: Roman Riapolov

Stary Oskol - Features

The coat of arms of Stary Oskol is a shield divided in half diagonally, in the red field there is a rifle, in the green field - a golden plow. It reflects both military and agricultural importance of the town.

Stary Oskol is among Russian cities with the youngest population. The average age of its citizens is about 35 years. The main reason lies in the history of the city. In the second half of the 20th century, a large number of members of the Young Communist League came to Stary Oskol to participate in the construction of large industrial enterprises.

Unique reserves of iron ore, developed industry and infrastructure, high scientific, technical and industrial potential, fertile land form the basis of Stary Oskol economy.

The main branches of local industry are mining, ferrous metallurgy, machine building and metalworking, building materials, food industry. There are more than 140 large and medium industrial enterprises, which employ more than 80 thousand people.

Attractions of Stary Oskol

The city has more than a dozen Orthodox churches and chapels. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (Tokareva Street, 4/1) is the main church of Stary Oskol. St. Trinity Church (Bolshevistskaya Street, 17/15), built in 1730, is the oldest church in the city.

The Zoo was opened in Stary Oskol in 2008. Bears, lions, tigers, monkeys, wolves, camels, ostriches, and other species of birds and animals live there.

Museum of Local Lore (Lenina Street, 50). The museums, founded in 1923, has exhibitions about the history of Stary Oskol. It is located in a building which is a monument of history and culture of the 19th century once owned by the merchants and brothers Likhutins.

The museum organizes tours of the city and the area including visits to an ancient Russian settlement of Kholki, an underground monastery in Melovy mountains, and a biosphere reserve “Yamskaya steppe”.

Art Museum (Lenina Street, 57). The collection of local masters of folk clay toys (O.M.Goncharova and N.M.Goncharova) is a real pearl of the museum. Stary Oskol folk clay toys production was known from the end of the 18th century.

House Museum of Vasily Yeroshenko (Yeroshenko Street, 15). Yeroshenko’s life is a living legend for blind people not only in Russia but also abroad. He encourages disabled people, supports them with his talent, helps them on their ways to improve techniques. Yeroshenko spoke 12 foreign languages and was the professor of universities in Tokyo and Beijing, he became a classic of Japan literature for children.

Stary Oskol city of Russia photos

Pictures of stary oskol.

Byl movie theater in Stary Oskol

Friendship Boulevard in Stary Oskol

The Monument to Soviet-Bulgarian friendship in Stary Oskol

Sights of Stary Oskol

The memorial complex Ataman Forest in Stary Oskol

Cannon monument in Stary Oskol

Church of the Nativity in Stary Oskol

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• Belgorod Region

Stary Oskol is the Belgorod Region’s second city by population and today consists of two main parts: the historical centre on the hill and the new centre made up of blocks of housing estates (mikroraiony). It is named after the river on which it stands on; the word stary (old) was added to distinguish it from the new settlement of Novy Oskol (New Oskol). Just outside the city is an impressive cave-monastery complex.

Top recommendations in Stary Oskol

Kholkovsky Monastery

Travel outside the city to the nearby settlement of Kholki to visit the Kholkovsky Monastery - an impressive cave monastery.

Historical Centre

Walk around the historical part of the city, located where once a wooden fortress stood to protect Russia’s southern borders, and visit the museum here.

War Memorials

Have a look at all the war memorial in the city - in recognition of Stary Oskol’s status as a City of Military Glory.

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Kentucky Derby Ticket Prices 2024: How Much Does It Cost to Get In?

How much does it cost to get in the door at Churchill Downs?

• Author: Liam McKeone

The 2024 Kentucky Derby has finally arrived, and it is a big one. Saturday's race will mark the 150th to take place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY. There will undoubtedly be some additional fanfare to celebrate the sesquicentennial race, but you can also expect the usual Derby fare — outrageous outfits, Mint Juleps, and an exciting race.

There will also be the usual assortment of famous and wealthy individuals in attendance. The Derby, among all its other qualities, is a gathering place for many highly successful individuals, from Tom Brady to Jack Harlow. Even the Queen of England attended back in 2007. Whenever the camera pans ove the crowd during the Derby the audience is almost assured to spot someone rich, famous, or both.

Those people don't have any trouble attending the Derby, what with their endless bank accounts and all. But what are ticket prices like for the general population?

Kentucky Derby Ticket Prices 2024

Tickets can be purchased directly from the Kentucky Derby official website .

An Infield General Admission ticket, which gets you in the door, costs $130. This is as basic as basic admission gets for the Derby. You get to go in through the gates to Churchill Downs, receive a program, enjoy what must be an overpriced specialty cocktail, and set up your own lawn chair to watch the Derby itself on the big board.

The next level of GA is listed as an Infield Final Turn General Admission ticket. The price point starts at $275, and it is as advertised. A standing room only ticket that lets you set up shop on the lawn right by the final turn. An exciting place to be, no matter how close the race is, and a fairly reasonable price upgrade compared to the Infield GA ticket.

A higher-level entry price comes in the form of a Frontside Plaza Walkaround ticket, which are already sold out. The starting price listed on the Derby website for such a ticket is $693. Sold as a two-day package for the Kentucky Oaks as well as the Derby, it's advertised as enjoying "a reimagined view of the Paddock with standing room access and frontside amenities." Regardless, that's a pretty penny, to be sure.

After that is when the real money starts rolling. The hospitality suites are all very expensive; the Silks Balcony & Loge, for example, charges $3,650 for entry. The Turf Club Balcony & Terrace costs $3,525 to get in. There are some more semi-reasonable options, such as the Champions Balcony & Loge ($1,775) or the Plaza Balcony & Loge ($1,775).

The nicest listed options appear to be the Woodford Reserve Paddock Club & Enclosure and the Spires Terrace & Suites. Neither has a price listed; interested parties must contact the Derby. As with many sporting events, the "cheap" options aren't very cheap and the nicest options can run up to thousands of dollars.

That's just about all you need to know about how much it costs to attend the Kentucky Derby in 2024. Enjoy!

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Our Turkey experience

There are two things that make a trip great: the place you visit and your trip companions. Turkey is amazing, of course, but we would like to extend our most sincere thanks and praises to our tour guide, Ozcan Davascan. Oz is truly a treasure. His knowledge of the country, its history, culture and traditions is unbelievable. He can delve into small details which open a totally new perspective on the events of the past and the historical figures. He is equally well versed in the architecture, ancient history of Efesus, and the details of geological formations. He is an easy going person, highly courteous and professional. Oz, many thanks for your help! We are very lucky to meet you! World travelers: if you are traveling to Turkiye make sure to ask for Oz to be your tour guide. We also would like to thank our Kensigton Tours curator, Julienne Bourgeois, for a well planned and meticulously organized trip. Many thanks, Julienne!

Date of experience : October 11, 2023

Reply from Kensington Tours

Hello Zezik, We're delighted to hear about your fantastic Turkey experience! It's true that a great trip hinges on both the destination and the companions. Turkey is indeed amazing, and your praise for your tour guide, Ozcan Davascan, is well-deserved. We are glad to read about Julienne Bourgeois, your Kensington Tours D.E and her meticulous planning. We're thrilled you had a wonderful time and appreciate your recommendation to request Oz as a tour guide when traveling to Turkey. -The Team at Kensington Tours

Our planner, Monika, did a superb job of listening to our interests and desires for our trip of four to Greece. The transfers from airport to ferry to hotels and back were smooth, safe, and often helpful if we seemed confused on arrival to new locations. The guides were highly certified and it showed in their tours. The accommodations were very comfortable and either convenient to the particular location or offered amenities worth being a little distance away. We all four gave our trip an A+ and would not hesitate to recommend Kensington to friends and family.

Date of experience : September 16, 2023

Hello Judy M, t's wonderful to hear that Monika, your planner, crafted a Greece trip that perfectly matched your interests and desires. The smooth and safe transfers, along with certified guides, enhanced your travel experience. Comfortable accommodations in convenient locations added to your satisfaction. We're thrilled to receive an A+ rating from all four of you and greatly appreciate your willingness to recommend Kensington to friends and family. Thank you for your kind words and endorsement! -The Team at Kensington Tours

Perfect trip

I cannot praise Kensington and Dev Jai enough for a wonderful adventure in India. The communication between our Kensington reps and local guides was excellent as every event was flawlessly coordinated. Thank you Dev for your professionalism and expert advice to keep 2 ladies travel in comfort and safety.

Date of experience : February 06, 2024

Dear Julie, Thank you so much for your review of your experience with Dev and Kensington Tours in India. We pride ourselves on our local partnerships and relationships. It is great to hear you enjoyed comfort and safety from Dev's expertise and assistance. Thank you, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Aileen, our destination expert planned a wonderful trip for us. All the hotels on Oslo and Bergen were downtown in perfect locations. The farm we stayed in Aurland was the best part of the trip. Our activities including biking and boat trips on and fiord and hiking on a glacier. We would love to go back.

Date of experience : June 09, 2023

Hello Scott Parks, Thank you for your kinds words! We're glad to hear that Aileen, our destination expert, planned a wonderful trip for you in Norway. It's great to know that the hotels in Oslo and Bergen were conveniently located, and the highlight of your trip was staying on a farm in Aurland. The activities, such as biking, boat trips, and hiking, added to your memorable experience. We appreciate your kind words and hope to assist you in planning your next trip to Norway or anywhere else that's on your wishlist. -The Team at Kensington Tours

Kensington Tours -- specifically…Deborah O'Donnell

Kensington Tours -- specifically Deborah O 'Donnell. She is truly amazing. I am a travel agent and she has helped me put several trips together for clients. She has done an amazing job and my clients have raved about their experience! I have also received referrals based on the great travel experience that she has helped put together. Her communication is great and she listens to my needs on what my clients want and expect and delivers an awesome product.

Date of experience : August 30, 2023

Hello Clarissa Streetman, Thank you for your kind words about Deborah O'Donnell and Kensington Tours. We're delighted to hear that Deborah's expertise and dedication have resulted in exceptional travel experiences for your clients. Your referrals are a testament to her outstanding service, and we appreciate your trust in us to deliver memorable journeys. We look forward to continuing to provide exceptional travel services. -The Team at Kensington Tours

Kensington Tours may rip you off.

Kensington Tours is a vendor with nasty, pushy old school sales tactics and sketchy opaque pricing to get you fleeced in my opinion, read on ! Kensington Tours pre-charged my Amex Centurian card a staggering $85,985.00. for 6 nights without international airfares in one cost-opaque invoice. This consisted of a simple assembly of 9 hotel room nights in 3 locations, 6 in-country economy flights, 3 airport pickup/drop offs, a 2 day 'tour' and a 1-day expedition on a small boat. It was so bad we declined the 2nd tour day and boat trip. The full retail cost of the trip, which would include profits to Kensington Tours, is estimated at $30,140.47 versus their invoice of $ 85,985.00. That is a staggering overcharge of $54,859.43. see details below. The experience should have been amazing for this amount of money, but the cost was so egregious for the average to low quality of the tours, flights, boat, and cheap or kerb-side restaurants and food establishments I decided to assemble the full retail price for these activities by speaking directly with all the major vendors. These are mostly time-specific cost comparisons on the days we were there. Both hotel general managers informed me the costs were about the same as on the previous days for the day extensions they quoted. i.e. peak season pricing. The full retail costs I've assembled would include any tour outfits profits on the hotel, airfare and lunch as they buy wholesale. It should be a close season-specific estimate. This was verified by a call from Kensington Tours Director of Asia sales who confirmed she couldn't reveal room prices because they have contracts with the hotels for discounts over retail. Kensington Tours provided near zero value, I also didn't get the typical additional hotel $ benefits, comped amenities and prestige of direct Centurion bookings, instead the reservations showed as a lowly Kensington Tours operator booking. Kensington Tours unilaterally declares their sales brochure is a de facto contract agreement without either attaching the contract doc to my knowledge or getting a counter signature, i.e. it's not a contract and would never hold up. They attempt to hide behind 'private discount contracts' with hotels and insinuated to me costs were 3x reality The comped me back $30,000.00 because I have some leverage, it should have been $55,000.00. I'm still considering whether to file a quick suit, they'll eat at least the balance defending against me in attorney fees. I'll see if I can be bothered to do that. I probably will, to let others know to be careful and not use an outfit like this. Hopefully save folks their hard earned money. My bottom line, Kensington Tours is a disgrace run the other way. Paolo T Here are the cost details: #1 HOTEL : CHANG MAI : FOUR SEASONS 3 BEDROOM VILLA RATE: THB 179,250 + 18.7% TAX & SERVICE CHARGE PER NIGHT X 2 (2 NIGHT STAY) COST USD: $10,262.06 COMMENTS: PRICE FROM HOTEL #2 HOTEL : KRABI : PHULAY BAY ROOM 1 VILLA RATE: THB 63,000 + 18.7% TAX & SERVICE CHARGE PER NIGHT x3 COST USD: $5,409.18 COMMENTS: PRICE FROM HOTEL ROOM 2 VILLA RATE: THB 78,500 + 18.7% TAX & SERVICE CHARGE PER NIGHT x3 COST USD: $6,741.18 COMMENTS: PRICE FROM HOTEL #3 BOAT : PRIVATE SPEEDBOAT FULL DAY RATE: THB 36,251 FOR 3 PERSONS INCLUSIVE 17% COST USD: $1,034.93 COMMENTS: TRIP DECLINED. PRICE FROM BOAT VENDOR #4 THAILAND IN COUNTRY FLIGHTS BANGKOK AIRPORT TO CHIANG MAI RATE: $211.40 USD PER TICKET ECONOMY x3 $634.20 + TAX COST USD: $634.20 PRICE FROM CARRIER CHANG MAI TO KRABI RATE: $256.00 USD PER TICKET ECONOMY x3 $768.00 + TAX COST USD: $756.00 PRICE FROM CARRIER KRABI TO BANGKOK AIRPORT RATE: $195.80 USD PER TICKET ECONOMY x3 $587.40 + TAX COST USD: $587.40 PRICE FROM CARRIER #5 KENSINGTON TOURS : ESTIMATED ADDITIONAL SERVICES ROUND TRIP TRANSPORT FROM AIRPORT TO HOTELS ESTIMATED COST PER TRIP: $150 x6 ($900) INEXPENSIVE TRIPS + LUNCH ESTIMATED COST PER TRIP $500 x2 ($1,000) NO PRIVATE TOURS #6 MANDARIN ORIENTAL HOTEL BANGKOK DELUXE 2 BEDROOM SUITE RATE: THB 98,600 + 18.7% TAX & SERVICE CHARGE PER NIGHT x1 COST USD: $2,815.52 (ONLINE ESTIMATE) TOTAL ESTIMATED COST: $30,140.47 KENSINGTON ESTIMATED COST 80% $24,112.37 KENSINGTON COST PROFIT 20% $6,028.09 KENSINGTON TOURS AMOUNT CHARGED TO CUSTOMER: $85,000.00 COST DIFFERENCE: $54,859.43

Date of experience : December 28, 2023

Dear Paolo, It is extremely disappointing to read your review of your trip experience with us over the Christmas and New Year period. We would like to speak to you directly but we don’t seem to have your contact information as your trip was booked with another agency. Would you be so kind as to please contact our customer care team by email on [email protected] and provide us with the best details to contact you on as we would like the opportunity to speak with you about your trip. - The Team at Kensington Tours

50th wedding anniversary trip

Megan organized a vacation that will be remembered forever! It was our 50th wedding anniversary this year and I wanted to go to Scotland and England. We stayed in the best hotels available and a couple of castles! I felt like a fairy tale princess. The drivers/guides we had were excellent and extremely knowledgeable. My favourite was Steve Cairns who took us all around the highlands. He was such a nice and caring guide who went beyond the call of duty and has a terrific sense of humour!

Date of experience : August 12, 2023

Hello Elaine Cook, We are thrilled that Megan was able to create a memorable 50th-anniversary vacation for you. Scotland and England, with their castles and enchanting landscapes, provided a fairy tale backdrop for your celebration. We take pride in our knowledgeable and caring guides like Steve Cairns, who add that extra touch of magic to your journey. We hope your anniversary trip was filled with unforgettable moments and cherished memories and hope to be part of many more milestone with with in the future. -The Team at Kensington Tours

Thank you Susan with Kensington

Thank you Susan with Kensington! My clients wanted a trip to Rome, Forence and Venice with an ending in Ireland. Susan put together the most amazing and memorable trip for them. She was very responsive, thorough and avalaible for the last minute particulars. We couldn't have done this without her! We are true Kensington fans and cannot say thank you enough!

Date of experience : June 19, 2023

Hello, Thank you so much for your kind words. We're so happy that Susan could create an amazing and memorable trip for your clients, encompassing Rome, Florence, Venice, and ending in Ireland. We will be sure to share your glowing review with Susan and truly look forward to creating more memorable trip with our partnership. The Team at Kensington Tours

We had the best experience ever with Susan!

We had the best experience ever with Kensington Tours. Susan Barone did any amazing job with our trip. We felt that everything was very thought out and done the way that we wanted. The service was truly amazing. We had recommendations, travel guides, tickets anything we needed delivered to the hotel. We had a little treat waiting for us in every new hotel we went too from our agent and Kensington which made our honeymoon just that much more special. I would definitely recommend this company if you are traveling to Europe!

Date of experience : July 01, 2023

Hello Alexi Arjona, Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with us! It's fantastic to hear that your trip was so well-planned and that you received top-notch service. We're delighted that the thoughtful touches by Susan added to your honeymoon's specialness. Recommending us for European travel is greatly appreciated, and we look forward to assisting you with more adventures in the future! -The Team at Kensington Tours

My clients went to Egypt and LOVED it!

I recently had clients who visited Cairo, Egypt and had this to say, "I knew Egypt would be amazing, but you and Kensington made it perfect." He said the tour guides and Egyptologists could not have been more friendly, and he mentioned that he added activities (a hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings!!) mid-trip, and it was handled seamlessly. I appreciate the peace of mind that comes from the professionalism and service that Kensington provides. Thank you, Moe Sami, for curating a fantastic vacation for them and making me look like a rock star! ~Rebecca with Wishes Family Travel

Date of experience : June 12, 2023

Hello Rebecca, We're thrilled to hear that your clients had a fantastic time in Egypt with us! It brings us joy to know that they enjoyed the tour guides, Egyptologists, and the added activities. We take pride in providing professional and seamless service, and we're grateful for your kind words. Thank you for trusting Kensington Tours to curate a memorable vacation for your clients. We appreciate your partnership and look forward to making many more unforgettable travel experiences together! -The Team at Kensington Tours

I highly recommended Kensington Tours

I highly recommended Kensington Tours, and specifically Bethanie Willner who was our "Destination Expert" on a family trip to Paris/Florence/Rome (with lots of other stops in Italy too). To be able to travel with family of 6 and not have a care in the world, priceless. Tours were all arranged and were exactly as described, drivers and guides were always on time. And even when we had a little emergency, I knew who to call right away in Italy and Bethanie also followed up. Bethanie was always willing to hear feedback and make adjustments to make the trip be exactly what I wanted. I enjoyed working with Bethanie so much that I have already planned another trip to Germany.

Date of experience : July 13, 2023

Hello Clara Kippes, Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that your family trip to Paris, Florence, and Rome, as well as other stops in Italy, was a memorable and seamless experience. Bethanie Willner takes pride in crafting personalized journeys, and we're glad she could make your trip exactly as you envisioned. We look forward to helping you plan your next adventure to Germany. Your trust and recommendation mean the world to us! - The Team at Kensington Tours

Fabulous trip to Ireland

From start to finish Rachel was terrific planning the perfect trip to Ireland for 4 of us. We were not familiar with the country at all and in a week we saw everything we wanted and more. We moved 3x and everything I was seamless. Each hotel kept getting better and better and so did the sites! We can't wait to use Kensington's tours again on future vacations!

Date of experience : October 06, 2023

Hello Christine Marie Weisberg, It's wonderful to hear about your fabulous trip to Ireland, expertly planned by Rachel. Your seamless journey, the improvement in accommodations, and the delightful sights are all indicative of a well-crafted itinerary. We're thrilled that you had such a great experience and look forward to assisting you with future vacations. Thank you for your kind words and trust in Kensington's Tours! -The Team at Kensington Tours

Karolina Stringer on the Kensington…

Karolina Stringer on the Kensington team made planning a high-end Northern Italy trip for an affluent client painless! Start to finish she was helpful and responsive. Client was thrilled and one couple had very high standards. It was a home run!

Date of experience : June 01, 2023

Hello Janet Harris, Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted that Karolina Stringer provided a seamless experience while planning your high-end Northern Italy trip. Our team takes pride in meeting even the highest standards, and we're thrilled to hear that your clients were thrilled with their journey. We look forward to assisting you with future travel adventures with Kensington Tours. -The Team at Kensington Tours

Difficult to navigate and provide…

Difficult to navigate and provide information. Very frustrating. I have been on multiple trips with multiple companies and never had a problem like this.

Date of experience : January 05, 2024

Dear Judy, Thank you for bringing the issues to our attention. We are sorry your trip planning process is frustrating as that is absolutely not what we aim to deliver to our clients. Please know your Destination Expert and their director have been made aware of your feedback and will be in touch with you. We hope to address any issues you have right away, sorry for the delay in responding to this comment. Sincerely, - The Team at Kensington Tours

So so in terms of value add vs organizing on own with tripadvisor and hotel concierges.

A few things were well organized but other days were unmitigated disasters. Used them to plan a family summer vacation in Spain. The value add is negligible. You have to go thro levels of indirection to get any responsiveness or on the fly changes. Need to Call a person in canada who has to connect to someone in spain and get back to you later. Often too late to make an impact. For approximately 5k per day for 4 people not including hotels except 3 nights, got.some drivers with no english, no guide on the ground or immediately responsive contact person beyond hours of tour time. We expected food on 5.5 hour train ride, which became a 7 hour ride with train delays plus 1.5 hour car ride, but got nothing and were left starving for nine hours and had to face the stress of no flexibility to move or change evening program one day. Restaurants in spain dont open till 7 or 8 pm. So while we were tired, and starving, two bailed and 2 of us braved the evening tour still starving. Scheduled events were spotty in quality, worst being in granada where the guide rushed us thro the alhambra albeit in an engaging way, and then had no clue where to find us vegetarian tapas options. He shaved two hours off his assigned time with us as well. Other guides at least were sincere in helping us understand their cities though some did a much more engaging job than others. We did book with little notice and were promised some flexibility, but just got told things are non refundable and non changeable. Cant even get a person to talk to if we want to modify when i book a tour thro say tripadvisor i get way more communication options. Had a better experience using Kensington for a costa rica trip, but costa rica in general is much more tourist friendly. I had so much trouble with simple things and absolutely worse than a good hotel concierge.

Date of experience : July 05, 2023

Hello Sudha, We appreciate you sharing your detailed feedback about your recent experience with us. We apologize for the issues you encountered during your family vacation in Spain and the lack of value you perceived. We are committed to addressing your concerns and providing a resolution. Our Client Experience Manager will be connecting with you soon to discuss your feedback in detail and work towards a satisfactory resolution. Thank you for bringing these matters to our attention, and we appreciate your patience as we work towards addressing your concerns. - The Team at Kensington Tours

I worked with Noraly on a trip to the Galapagos with fairly short notice. She was a dream to work with and was able to send several variations of the trip to make sure it was just right for my clients. She was responsive, understanding, and got creative when needed. She never made me feel like a burden with my questions and I greatly appreciate that.

Date of experience : August 14, 2023

Hello Teresa, We're so glad to hear about your positive experience working with Noraly to plan a trip to the Galapagos on short notice. Her responsiveness, understanding, and creativity ensures your clients had a tailored and memorable experience. Your questions are always welcome, and we're here to help. Thank you for choosing Kensington Tours! -The Team at Kensington Tours

5 stars from start to finish

I worked with Susan Barone on a small group trip to Italy and could not have asked for anything better. Susan was always available and helpful and put together the perfect trip for our clients. We had some last-minute changes and Susan never complained and handled everything with grace and a smile. She even called our clients to check in on them during the tour just to add an extra personal touch. I received rave reviews from clients and that is all thanks to the hard work Susan (and Kensington) did on my behalf. I hope to have a need to use Susan again soon!

Hello Debbie Rowlands, We're thrilled to receive your 5-star review! So glad that Susan Barone's dedication to crafting the perfect trip, her flexibility in handling last-minute changes, and her personal touch truly made the difference. It's wonderful to hear about the rave reviews from your clients, and we look forward to assisting you with another exceptional journey in the future. Thank you for your kind words and trust in Susan and Kensington Tours. -The Team at Kensington Tours

I contacted Kensington Tours several times

I contacted Kensington Tours several weeks ago to get assistance for a tour in Sicily. I reached Dario Beric, who worked hard to find an appropriate tour for me. Because I was trying to coordinate the tour with my son, my plans changed several times. Dario remained patient and flexible. In the end I did not move forward as my son's plans were not firm. I was disappointed that I had to cancel my plans with Kensington, but I would certainly use them in the future. Dario is a polite and professional representative of Kensington, always a gentleman. I highly recommend him.

Date of experience : September 07, 2023

Hello Rita, We appreciate your understanding and flexibility during your interactions with Dario Beric at Kensington Tours. While your plans may not have materialized this time, we're glad to hear about Dario's professionalism and patience. Should your future travel plans align, we look forward to assisting you in creating a memorable experience. Thank you for the kind recommendation. -The Team at Kensington Tours

Without a doubt the best vacation of our lifetime!

Without a doubt the best customer service on the planet! My vacation coordinator (Megan Harvey) was a true gem. She was so hands on, listen to what we wanted and provided a once in a lifetime experience for our family. We went to Italy, France, and London. We wanted to create memories of a lifetime which is exactly what Megan and the team provided!!! I will always go to Kensington for all of my travel needs! it’s customer service like Megan’s that has made us loyal customers for life!

Date of experience : June 14, 2023

Hello Debbie Monti-Keland, Thank you for your incredible feedback! We're thrilled to hear that Megan Harvey and the Kensington Tours team provided you with the best customer service and created a once-in-a-lifetime experience for your family during your trip to Italy, France, and London. We appreciate your loyalty and are honored to be your go-to for all your travel needs. We look forward to continuing to exceed your expectations and creating more amazing memories for you in the future. -The Team at Kensington Tours

Grateful to Megan and Kensington Tours for Making me look like a rockstar

I worked with Megan to craft the perfect vacation for my clients going to Ireland. Megan went above and beyond to make sure my clients had the perfect experience, even when a last minute cancellation from the supplier threatened to upset their most-wanted activity, saving the day by finding a replacement. My clients comments said it all: "This vacation was so wonderful! I didn’t want to leave. Thank you so much! You did an amazing job. I told my husband I’m moving to Ireland to the alpaca farm. Also a few days in, he thanked me for arranging the trip. I told him I just spent a ton of money and did nothing. I also can’t remember a recent vacation where I didn’t want to come home"

Date of experience : August 28, 2023

Hello Breanne Crawford, We're delighted to hear that Megan and the team helped you create a fantastic vacation for your clients in Ireland. Megan's dedication to ensuring a seamless experience and her ability to handle last-minute changes reflect our commitment to client satisfaction. It's heartwarming to know your clients had such a wonderful time and left with unforgettable memories. The alpaca farm and the entire trip seem to have left a lasting impression, making it a truly special experience. Thank you for choosing Kensington Tours, and we look forward to assisting you with more remarkable journeys in the future. Your clients' happiness is our greatest reward! -The Team at Kensington Tours