Albatross Tours Avis 

Well organsed,great hotels ,fabulous tours and enough free time.

In most of the promises eg small group and longer stays with an immersive itenary Albatros certainly live up to their claims. But a few areas were of considerable disappointment. We went on an expensive Xmas tour and were promised a four course dinner with all the trimings to be told when we arrived that this was not happening for us only for an English tour group staying at the same hotel; the tour guide was surprised as was the hotel manager who initially told about the fabulous diner. Xmas dinner was the worst buffet meal of the tour certainly the worst of the 3 days at this hotel. Everyone was disappointed. Albatros do have smaller tour groups but as they use a normal size tour bus with just as limited leg room room; empty seats don't help. Several of the included diners were in third rate tourist traps. Just a couple of examples. Overall a good but not a great tour.

Great experience! Wonderful, helpful guide. Good value for money. Comfortable hotels. Most enjoyable!

The Bohemian Christmas Market tour was an excellent way to kick off the Christmas season. It was a perfect balance of the history of each city and an authentic Christmas market experience. Lead by our Tour manager- Helen, whose ability to effectively organise all the different aspects of our tour, along with a variety of allergies and liaise with the local tour guides, was outstanding. Helen always ensured every member of our group was organised and oriented in each town before leaving us to explore on our own. This attention to detail was greatly appreciated and her genuine care for our group was obvious. Our driver Josip skillfully manoeuvred the bus through the narrow streets and ensured all our luggage and bags were well taken care of.
The tour itself was fabulous. The day spent exploring Berlin and Potsdam with the stop at Sansoucci Palace could have been done over two days as we were left wanting more time to explore Potsdam. Our experience with the local tour guides was generally positive. We were lucky to have guides who were willing to share their personal experiences and insights to historical events that we have only heard about in history books. The “my time” day in Prague was a much needed day and a bonus to explore- no one on the tour did the same thing but we all saw what we wanted to.

Overall I highly recommend this tour and am grateful to Albatross, Helen and Josip for such a wonderful experience!

Overall, the tour was good. The tour leader was very knowledgeable and personable. The bus driver was very good as were the local tour guides. Believe that the tour could have been a couple of days shorter. There needs to be more upfront communication as to the amount of walking required by participants, especially given the age group and the amount of hills and cobblestones/stone streets. Some participants struggled.
The wine tasting at Aveleda Estate was less than satisfactory. We spent more time walking around a garden than wine tasting, and the wine/cheese tasting was extremely sparse. Perhaps this could be avoided in the future.
Laundry facilities were at a minimal. Hotel charges were exhorbitant and there was not always sufficient time to wash and dry clothes before proceeding to the next town/hotel. Towards the end of the tour, the tour guide arranged a bulk laundry deal which was welcomed by everyone. Maybe this could be incorporated in future tours at different locations. This service was excellent value for money.

In a word disappointed. Albatross promotes small group, my time, 4 to 5 star accommodation but our actual experience was really same as lots of other tour companies doing exactly the same hotels sites etc. Some of the accommodation issued per room by a sort of ballot means some people get the best, others in the same group experience 2 star at exactly the same place (Trulio houses an example). A designated boat cruise was cancelled when we arrived to board and we travelled an hour to get there, as a tour person all of us knowing it would not go due to weather. Why put us through this and then leave us at an Italian port too early for any facilities to be open. No plan B no option no compensation. Further 26 people is not exactly "small"group and the bus uncomfortable especially on a 7 hour trip in one day. Not value for money at all sadly and there was a definite feeling of the same amongst at least 50% of the tour. In saying all of the above we did get to experience some wonderful places Mt Etna as an example BUT you could not move in any of the places travelled without thousands of people and tours trying to see and do exactly the same. The people you do deal with in Australia regarding booking or any question are lovely.

Had a great time group was great and tour guide was excellent

Great itinerary, excellent knowledgeable guides and good food .

Hotels to far from centre of towns, except for Bublin. Hotels were very good. Not enough meals provided, good to experience some meals by oneself. Our tour guide was 5 out of 10. Went on the Italian Grande 2 year early and rate that 9 out of 10.

Our bus trip (Italian Alternativo) from Venice to Rome, tracked south giving us frequent views of the Adriatic Sea. Aspects which appealed to us were:
* the programme was designed to limit our exposure to the "tourist crush" found in many cities;
* an effort was made to stay in our hotels for a longer duration (rather than 'over nighters' ) and while radiating from there to an assortment of interesting attractions and novel places;
*there was a good balance between a planned activity and free time;
* in addition, there were a few special dinners in unique places, the memory of which will last forever; and lastly,
*our Tour Guide was knowledgeable, helpful (especially in recommending suitable places to eat & see) and kept the group to the timetable for everyone's benefit.
Good memories

Awesome guide and driver and a lovely group of 23. Lovely locations from very touristy to quiet and intimate. Trip of a lifetime.

Pace was good. Guide & driver was exceptional. Seville hotel was terrible. I think Albatross tour designers should visit proposed accommodation. It was too far out of town, adding to costs. At the price we pay for the holiday we expect top 4-5 stars. Some days we got in too late.
This is our second Albatross tour but for the price we are not sure we got value for money.

Small group of 16 was great. Choice of tour host (Anna) and bus driver (Jan) was superb-could not have asked for better.

I had to start the tour with a foot feature that was almost recovered, and as the tour was quite action packed, I was a bit nervous how I would go. My tour guide Helen made sure I was ok at all times and with the Italian hospitality I was able to hop on and off the boats (and gondola) with ease. We had a free day in Tuscany and Helen booked us into a great restaurant in the town square that was full of atmosphere as a festa was in full progress. It was a memorable night out.
Our bus driver Andrea made us feel safe on the road (and driving through the mountains). He was very professional.
We had a great time considering I was in recovery, the tour exceeded my expectations.

The backroads of Italy were fascinating We loved the Italian Alternativo tour.

You could not fault the organisation by our Tour Guide on the Italian Grande Tour I was on in August/September this year. The Hotels, tours and meals were all first class.
It was also lovely to stay in the smaller towns away from the major tourist centres.
I would highly recommend this tour.

Our guide Gian-Franco, ably assisted by our wonderful bus-driver Paolo, helped to make the Italian Grande trip a wonderfully memorable experience. Just a lovely mix of unmissable cities like Florence and Venice, combined with some less well-known, smaller charming towns like Macugnaga and Lucca. My daughter and I will never forget the beautiful and historic places we visited, the amazing food we ate and the terrific people we met! Thank you Albatross!

A great tour. Everything exactly as advertised.

Fantastic- an amazing tour of Sardinia and Corsica. Full of great experiences , good food and some boutique hotels . Highly recommend it

Albatross always deliver, from unique experiences or lunches to genuine one of a kind boutique accommodation. From staying at the luxurious Alhambra Palace Hotel to a magnificent lunch at a port winery, and with no added extras.