Top Russia Luxury Trains & Rail Trips & Packages 2025/2026

What travelers are saying

"I don't typically write reviews about any enterprise, as I consider their perspective and the challenges they face. However, my recent experience with Star Tours UK has compelled me to write my first review, due to the gravity and helplessness I felt in the situation. I recently experienced an appalling and highly unethical service from Star Tours UK, that I feel compelled to share, in the hope that potential customers will avoid falling victim to their dubious practices. On March 22, 2024, I booked the Panoramic Europe 5-day trip with Star Tours for myself and my family, scheduled for departure on May 13, 2024 (Invoice No: 338341, Booking Reference: 158599/ ALIM). I paid an advance of £765 (approx. ₹78,000) for the trip (enclosing invoice). Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, I had to cancel my booking immediately after making it. This cancellation was made well months in advance of the trip's departure date, yet to my dismay, Star Tours refused to refund even a single penny of my payment. This treatment is especially egregious considering my longstanding relationship with Star Tours. Over the years, I have been a loyal customer, having taken their Scotland trip thrice, and my relatives and colleagues have also frequently availed their services. Despite this loyalty, Star Tours showed no consideration or goodwill in handling my situation. What makes this situation even worse is that their own cancellation policy states that cancellation charges begin at 25% of the total holiday cost only if notice is given 28 days before departure. Since my cancellation was made well months in advance, there should have been no charge at all. Their refusal to refund my advance payment is not only unfair but also indicative of their deeply unethical business practices. Star Tours should have considered my request for a refund given the significant notice provided and my history as a loyal customer. Their complete lack of flexibility and empathy is shocking. Furthermore, when I inquired about the refund over the phone, their customer service was negligent and dismissive, showing no intention of assisting me or understanding my predicament. It is also worth noting that friends, relatives, and colleagues who had to cancel similar trips with other travel companies have promptly received their refunds. These companies demonstrated genuine customer-friendly policies and understood the importance of treating their clients with fairness and respect. This stark contrast only highlights the unethical nature of Star Tours’ practices. I strongly urge potential customers to reconsider booking with Star Tours. Their lack of integrity, disregard for customer loyalty, and unethical behavior are appalling. At any time, you could find yourself in a similar situation, facing unexpected circumstances, and you deserve a travel company that values its customers and operates with transparency and fairness. Look for genuine, customer-friendly tours and avoid Star Tours at all costs. Regards, Mahitosh Satish (Contact- +91 7907608813)"

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

What travelers are saying

"Another wonderful trip organised by the team at Audley Travel. This time we arranged a holiday to South Africa. Robyn Hutchons was our advisor and her personal experience and knowledge was invaluable in planning the holiday. The local ground agents in South Africa were extremely helpful in resolving some car hire problems. All in all, I have no hesitation in recommending Audley and we will certainly be using them again for our holidays."

What travelers are saying

"Delighted by the experience."

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."

What travelers are saying

"The people who work for this company are top notch! Guides are knowledgeable and full of good humor! I had the chance to stay at Three Camel Lodge and the food, service and resort grounds are terrific! I highly recommend."

What travelers are saying

"The people who work for this company are top notch! Guides are knowledgeable and full of good humor! I had the chance to stay at Three Camel Lodge and the food, service and resort grounds are terrific! I highly recommend."

What travelers are saying

"The people who work for this company are top notch! Guides are knowledgeable and full of good humor! I had the chance to stay at Three Camel Lodge and the food, service and resort grounds are terrific! I highly recommend."