Guided tours are a stress-free and enriching way to explore new places. When you travel with the best tour operators, you not only get to experience the history, culture, and daily life of your destination, but you also receive special insider travel experiences that you can't find on your own. The world's top tour companies employ local guides, take care of all the details, and provide value for your money.
In this article, we will introduce you to the best tour operators for guided tours in 2024. Whether you're interested in small group tours, active tours, family tours, or luxury tours, we have something for everyone.
2024's Best Tour Operators for Guided Tours
- Trafalgar
- G Adventures
- Adventures by Disney
- Globus
- Grand Circle Travel
- Road Scholar
- Collette
- Tauck
- National Geographic Expeditions
- Cosmos
- Overseas Adventure Travel
- Intrepid Travel
- AdventureWomen
- Abercrombie & Kent
- Exodus Travels
1. Trafalgar Tours
Trafalgar offers more than 350 guided tours in 72 countries (Photo: Trafalgar)
Trafalgar is one of the largest and most established tour operators in the world. They offer a wide range of tours, including coach tours, small group tours, private tours, hiking and biking tours, and special interest tours. With over 350 guided tours in 72 countries and all seven continents, Trafalgar has something for everyone. Popular destinations include England, Italy, Egypt, and Thailand.
Trafalgar caters to a diverse audience, with options for seniors, families, and solo travelers. Their tours include accommodations, transportation during the trip, most meals, and activities. They also offer unique experiences such as dining with locals and early entry to popular tourist attractions. By booking a tour with Trafalgar, you automatically become a member of their Very Important Traveler (VIT) program, which offers discounts and priority access on future trips.
2. G Adventures
Guided tours with G Adventures cater to a variety of fitness levels and cultural interests (Photo: G Adventures)
G Adventures is a small group tour operator that focuses on sustainable and responsible travel. They offer guided tours for a wide range of fitness levels and cultural interests. Their tour styles include classic tours, active tours, family tours, local living tours, and 18-to-thirtysomething tours. G Adventures also partners with National Geographic for both general tours and family journeys.
What sets G Adventures apart is their commitment to local communities and businesses. They utilize local resources on their tours and provide guests with unique experiences that highlight the cultures and traditions of each destination. G Adventures also offers a unique Lifetime Deposits program, allowing you to retain your initial deposit for use at a later date if you need to postpone your trip.
3. Adventures by Disney
Adventures by Disney is the leading tour operator for guided family tours (Photo: Steven Diaz/Disney)
Adventures by Disney offers upscale small group tours to destinations around the world. While Disney is known for its entertainment brand, Adventures by Disney focuses on delivering top-notch service, people-pleasing trip leaders, and special experiences created just for their guided tours. Each trip includes an Adventure Guide from the host destination, bringing local knowledge and a deep connection to the destination.
Adventures by Disney offers tours for families, adults, and even private tours. Their guided tours include upscale accommodations, transportation, most meals, activities, and VIP experiences. They also provide family time and alone time for adults on their trips, making it a great choice for stress-free family travel adventures.
4. Globus
Globus offers a variety of group tour types, including small group tours and self-guided tours (Photo: Globus)
Globus is part of the Globus family of companies, which also includes Cosmos and Avalon Waterways. They offer a wide range of guided tours on six continents and in more than 70 countries. Globus caters to older adults, with most guests aged 50 to 70. They provide various tour styles, including small group tours, choice tours, undiscovered tours, self-guided independent tours, and faith-based trips.
One of the highlights of traveling with Globus is their Welcome Back Credit loyalty program, which offers up to $250 credit toward a future trip with Globus, Cosmos, or Avalon Waterways. They also offer single supplement waivers on select tours for solo travelers. Globus provides accommodations, transportation, guided city sightseeing, and local guides on their tours.
5. Grand Circle Travel
Grand Circle Travel offers tours to iconic destinations like Athens (Photo: Envato/imagesourcecurated)
Grand Circle Travel is another highly regarded tour operator for adults over 50. They offer a wide selection of land-based tours and river cruises for groups ranging in size from 24 to 47 people. Grand Circle Travel's trips are specifically designed for older travelers, with leisurely pacing and a focus on value. They are a great fit for solo travelers interested in finding camaraderie and community on vacation.
Grand Circle Travel's guided tours include accommodations, meals, activities, and transportation. They offer tours on all seven continents, with a particular focus on small ships for river cruises. Grand Circle Travel's loyalty program, the Inner Circle Club, offers discounts for frequent guests and multiple trips booked within the same calendar year.
These are just a few of the best tour operators for guided tours in 2024. Each company offers unique experiences and caters to different types of travelers. Whether you're a solo traveler, a family, or an adventure enthusiast, there's a guided tour that's perfect for you. So, start planning your next adventure with one of these top tour operators and create memories that will last a lifetime.
