Top Australia Luxury Culture Trips & Packages 2025/2026

What travelers are saying

"My husband and I booked the Yellowstone tour with Tauck expecting so much more with the accommodations, food, and tour director based on the price point. We were sadly disappointed but still tried to enjoy the experience. Rooms were dirty, food were often buffets and other group dinners with some food inedible. We noticed other tours staying in our hotels and paying much less for their tours. One positive was we never touched our luggage which was nice but my small suitcase was damaged during one transfer. Word to the wise… read their emails thoroughly as the email we received a few weeks before our trip reads like a disclaimer for poor service and accommodations."

What travelers are saying

"My Mother and I planned this trip for 11 months, we were celebrating our 40th & 60th birthday together. We arrived to Paris on Monday the 26th. I had requested 2 extra nights so we would have some time to adjust after traveling. The company decided to book a tour for us the second day after being asked not too. We arrived to our hotel in a disgusting part of Paris and quite a ways from the sights. Even our taxi driver (the one the company hired) told us this part of Paris was unsafe, especially for women and at night. It took 35mins to get from out hotel to the eiffel tower by car. Our room was so not great, it faced inside looking at a wall. That's considered 4 stars? The staff however was amazing and helpful. They even warned us to not be out at night as the area wasn't the most safe. I let the company know and they said that guarantee the area is safe and central to the sites. 80% of our hotels were not as advertised but the "or similar" ones. Had we gotten the one as shown on the advert, we would have been in a beautiful area, with lovely shops and restaurants. (We went by the hotels we should of had, and all had availability) Fun fact, we had been put right across from the train station, yet none of the transfers were out of this train station, but another 30min Uber ride to a different train station. I contacted customer service over 15 times on this trip about various issues and each time they ignored what was happening and used some lame excuse as why they couldn't help. For example; One tour in Beaune required that we make our way to a winery on a friday morning. We asked the front desk to help us when we couldn't get uber/bolt to work( heads up, they don't have that service there, except sometimes on sat/sun) they also do not have a taxi service available during the week. All 5 of the front desk staff, looked at us like we were crazy. They all tried so hard to find us a way out there besides walking 5miles to get there in 90° weather. They kept saying we're not sure why the tour company keeps saying there is a way out there by public transit, but there isn't. I called customer service.. they argued with me several times over the matter. They sent me info on taxi services that didn't exist there, bus schedules that were for children's bus routes for school and told us that walking was an option. Sadly, we missed the tour. I was shocked. I asked for a phone call from a manager.. I still have yet to receive one even after asking repeatedly. Another fun fact, Discovery Nomads books tours for you that have to paid when the tour is over, as with the walking tour of Paris they arranged for us. The guide himself was amazing, but the only way the guide makes money is by us giving him money at the end. Weird that a company who charges me for tours, made me pay for a tour on site. Not to mention, buyer beware, when it says you get to see the Louve, they mean look at it. You'll have to buy a ticket to go inside. As well as Versallies, where it says a day at Versallies, they mean a couple hours at best. We got there at 2, the tour was 2hrs. and it closes at 6pm. O no time to see the home and gardens. That's not even half a day. I let customer service know that too. They ignored me. We missed a train due to it being delayed and then cancelled. I tried to call customer service again for help, this time no answer. Unfamiliar with what to do, we rebooked a train and paid over 250 euros for it. I let the company know and their reply, it says the train wasn't cancelled so we can't help you. Yet here we were with about 12 other people who also had to rebook a train. Had we had help from the company at the time, we could have just switched our tickets to the next train. But alas, no help from them just excuses. Overall I spent more time trying to figure out how to get transport from A to B, emailing and calling them, spending over 800 euros in transport just to get to train stations and tours, and not to mention the awful train schedules they had us on. This trip was a complete nightmare. I wanted this trip to be amazing for my mother and I, and all we wanted to do was come home. I will never use this company again, and I will share this horror story with others as much as possible to warn them of using Discover Nomads."

What travelers are saying

"Wilderness Travel is the BEST company to choose for the Galapagos Islands! We went as a family of 7 and every expectation was blown out of the water. Their team in the office quickly and thoroughly answered all our questions leading up to the trip (and we had a lot), and once we arrived we felt like we had the islands entirely to ourselves! Obviously, the animals were incredible (I was able to see everything on my "wishlist"), but the trip leader is really who made this a once in a lifetime trip. Fernando was kind, patient, funny, and an encyclopedia of knowledge (of course I've forgotten 90% of what I learned already!) He would give short "presentations" at the end of most days explaining the history of the islands, the geology, evolution, Darwin, and how modern politics affect tourism (for better and worse), which added a whole other dimension to our experience.. The boat crew was also magical. We were welcomed with tea and hot snacks immediately after returning from snorkeling excursions, fresh juice and fruit after walks in the sun, and feasts every night with a shocking amount of variety in meals. We were also traveling with a young child and the staff was extremely helpful (even offered babysitting during dinner) in making our trip as easy as possible. We were on the boat "the Passion" and there was a wonderful outdoor dining table that we ate at almost every meal, giving us nearly 360-degree views of the islands as we sailed to the next destination. It's one of the nicest yachts I've been on -- multiple different areas to lounge, a big screen TV/movie area, spacious bedrooms, and there was even a HOT TUB on the top floor! We would go back again in a heartbeat!"

What travelers are saying

"My Mother and I planned this trip for 11 months, we were celebrating our 40th & 60th birthday together. We arrived to Paris on Monday the 26th. I had requested 2 extra nights so we would have some time to adjust after traveling. The company decided to book a tour for us the second day after being asked not too. We arrived to our hotel in a disgusting part of Paris and quite a ways from the sights. Even our taxi driver (the one the company hired) told us this part of Paris was unsafe, especially for women and at night. It took 35mins to get from out hotel to the eiffel tower by car. Our room was so not great, it faced inside looking at a wall. That's considered 4 stars? The staff however was amazing and helpful. They even warned us to not be out at night as the area wasn't the most safe. I let the company know and they said that guarantee the area is safe and central to the sites. 80% of our hotels were not as advertised but the "or similar" ones. Had we gotten the one as shown on the advert, we would have been in a beautiful area, with lovely shops and restaurants. (We went by the hotels we should of had, and all had availability) Fun fact, we had been put right across from the train station, yet none of the transfers were out of this train station, but another 30min Uber ride to a different train station. I contacted customer service over 15 times on this trip about various issues and each time they ignored what was happening and used some lame excuse as why they couldn't help. For example; One tour in Beaune required that we make our way to a winery on a friday morning. We asked the front desk to help us when we couldn't get uber/bolt to work( heads up, they don't have that service there, except sometimes on sat/sun) they also do not have a taxi service available during the week. All 5 of the front desk staff, looked at us like we were crazy. They all tried so hard to find us a way out there besides walking 5miles to get there in 90° weather. They kept saying we're not sure why the tour company keeps saying there is a way out there by public transit, but there isn't. I called customer service.. they argued with me several times over the matter. They sent me info on taxi services that didn't exist there, bus schedules that were for children's bus routes for school and told us that walking was an option. Sadly, we missed the tour. I was shocked. I asked for a phone call from a manager.. I still have yet to receive one even after asking repeatedly. Another fun fact, Discovery Nomads books tours for you that have to paid when the tour is over, as with the walking tour of Paris they arranged for us. The guide himself was amazing, but the only way the guide makes money is by us giving him money at the end. Weird that a company who charges me for tours, made me pay for a tour on site. Not to mention, buyer beware, when it says you get to see the Louve, they mean look at it. You'll have to buy a ticket to go inside. As well as Versallies, where it says a day at Versallies, they mean a couple hours at best. We got there at 2, the tour was 2hrs. and it closes at 6pm. O no time to see the home and gardens. That's not even half a day. I let customer service know that too. They ignored me. We missed a train due to it being delayed and then cancelled. I tried to call customer service again for help, this time no answer. Unfamiliar with what to do, we rebooked a train and paid over 250 euros for it. I let the company know and their reply, it says the train wasn't cancelled so we can't help you. Yet here we were with about 12 other people who also had to rebook a train. Had we had help from the company at the time, we could have just switched our tickets to the next train. But alas, no help from them just excuses. Overall I spent more time trying to figure out how to get transport from A to B, emailing and calling them, spending over 800 euros in transport just to get to train stations and tours, and not to mention the awful train schedules they had us on. This trip was a complete nightmare. I wanted this trip to be amazing for my mother and I, and all we wanted to do was come home. I will never use this company again, and I will share this horror story with others as much as possible to warn them of using Discover Nomads."

What travelers are saying

"Μου αρέσει πολύ και θαυμάζω τα υπέροχα καταπληκτικά τοπία τις πανέμορφης Australia’s I love it and admire the wonderful amazing landscapes of beautiful Australia's"

What travelers are saying

"This letter is effectively what was communicated no less than 8 times in writing and conversation to OAT representatives up the chain, beginning 19 days before the trip. OAT was IMMOVABLE on allowing us to find an alternative travel companion and it was 100% due to rigid policy, not real barriers. We never expected a refund and wouldn't have blamed them if we could not fill my spot. They refused to even give us the opportunity. Appalling and sadly representative of their customer service. Congratulations, you lost two customers and one long time referral source. I only think it is fair that folks know the nature of the company at this point. An absolute shame. As a dedicated Edmund Hillary member of OAT with a history of introducing countless friends to your service including 4 who booked trips, I am writing to express my deep concern over the handling of our Galapagos trip booking in light of a recent medical emergency. This situation not only highlights significant gaps in customer communication and care but also underscores the need for immediate, effective action. Timeline of Events and Communication Issues: Initial Contact on 11/22: We contacted OAT 19 days before the trip, scheduled for 12/11, as soon as it became clear that extended surgical complications would prevent my travel. Policy of No Refunds or Changes Under 30 Days: We were informed that the trip is non-refundable under 30 days, which is understood. However, OAT also refused to allow a replacement traveler, posing zero risk to the company. Both of us called, met with the same response. Response from Exceptions Department on 11/22: The no-change policy was reiterated by the Exceptions Department on the same day. Written Escalation on 11/22: Both parties sent written letters to escalate the matter. Delayed Response Until 11/29: We did not receive any response until 11/29, with OAT mentioning the inability to make changes 12 days before the trip. Policy vs. Practical Reasons: The response seemed more policy-based than practical. We offered to cover the cost for a replacement traveler for the internal Galapagos flight, which was declined. The rep always returned to the policy prohibiting it. She further added we do not sell trips within 30 days. Upon looking the next day, I found no less than 7 different itineraries with no less than 13 different trips that I could have booked within 30 days. Further Escalation Request and Conversation on 11/30: A further request for escalation resulted in a 23-minute conversation on 11/30 without any change. Given these circumstances, I propose the following practical solution: Future Travel Credit in Exchange for Re-Selling My Space: If finding a substitute traveler is unfeasible, I suggest OAT resell my space to another interested party, crediting me for a future trip. This solution aligns with my preference and ongoing loyalty to OAT. The lack of a constructive response and rigid adherence to policy without considering exceptional circumstances is alarming. It not only affects this immediate trip but also impacts my ability to continue advocating for OAT in good conscience. An amicable and prompt resolution to this issue would speak volumes about OAT's commitment to customer satisfaction and flexibility. Unless there is a prompt and constructive resolution to this matter, we will be forced to escalate our concerns further. This includes reaching out to higher management within OAT, engaging with consumer protection agencies, sharing our experience through travel forums, and social media for breach of service. Our preference is to resolve this amicably, yet the current trajectory leaves us little choice but to pursue these avenues. I implore you to seriously consider these options and respond in a manner that reflects OAT's values of empathy and customer support. Your immediate attention to this matter is not only appreciated but necessary for a resolution that respects both parties' interests. Thank you for your understanding and prompt attention to this critical issue."

What travelers are saying

"Μου αρέσει πολύ και θαυμάζω τα υπέροχα καταπληκτικά τοπία τις πανέμορφης Australia’s I love it and admire the wonderful amazing landscapes of beautiful Australia's"

What travelers are saying

"This was their July 22 Cruise “Delights if the Danube” Absolutely awful company, great at taking your bookings and money but it then ends there. We paid a premium rate for what they listed as “Delights of The Danube” river cruise. They changed our ship, so we did not get what we paid for, and no pool as we originally specified. The drinks in the drinks package had very little choice. One draft beer is all that is available, and that is pretty poor as it is, you can’t even buy bottled beers or any other draught beer as that one is your only choice. Wines at meal times are either red, white or Rosa, no choice, just those three.The ship they put us on “boasted” a new wine bar, it didn’t serve any wines or beers at all the entire week, it wasn’t even stocked or manned, but it did have a kettle and tea or coffee !!!. The trips ashore are advertised to deceive you, this is appalling. Some of the trips are over two and a half hours each way on a coach, and the shorter ones are rushed, don’t be fooled by their misleading advertising. The train journeys are an absolute nightmare, even though we booked first class there and back. You have to rush between connecting trains while dragging your luggage with you, and the connecting times are tight, we felt so sorry for those less able who were severely stressed. On part of the journey we were told that 1st class was not available, we were put in filthy overcrowded carriages, with our luggage carriages away, and professional thieves operate on these trains. Some of our fellow passengers, on our cruise, were robbed on the way to the cruise and the way home. Great Rail offered us the paltry sum of £30 compensation for this. Once we got on the cruise we were excited, but that quickly changed, we spent the first two days moored up overlooking an industrial estate, yes an industrial estate, that’s what Great Rail advertise as a “Delight of the Danube”. When we complained and asked why are we on an industrial estate,we were told “because it’s cheaper than mooring up in a city or town”. We complained to the reps on the cruise, as did numerous others, only to be told that they don’t actually work for Great Rail, they are sub contracted free lancers, and that we would have to take it up with Great Rail upon our return. After numerous phone calls and e-mails we have been offered a derisory amount on one of their vouchers, which only benefits Great Rail, why would we want to go back with such an incompetent company? The communication with Great Rail is appalling once they have your money, be warned. Overall I have to say that Great Rail are appalling, amateurs playing in a market they simply don’t understand, their advertising is very misleading, that’s putting it politely!! The tone of their responses are arrogant, they simply ignore many of the points raised, and they honestly don’t seem to care, they are all image and no substance."