Classic Journeys Reviews

I had a great time exploring Portugal, and our guide along with the driver were top-notch. Still, there were a few issues that make it hard for me to suggest Classic Journeys. First off, from the moment I asked about the trip to when I actually booked, just one business day passed, yet the price increased. I mentioned this, but they replied, 'Thanks for pointing out the outdated online price.' It felt off, but it was only a couple hundred bucks, and I was keen to go. Secondly, the day after I secured my booking, they called to inform me that the itinerary was switched to start in Porto and finish in Lisbon—just six weeks before the trip. This wasn’t a huge deal for me since I was still within the 24-hour change window for flights. However, for the other travelers, this was a significant issue since many had already arranged their flights and additional travel plans. Thirdly, because the trip now began in Porto, one of the accommodations changed from a lovely boutique hotel to the Lisbon Intercontinental, which was busy with a business convention. Not exactly charming. We ended up spending more time in the van than anticipated. Plus, some activities that were advertised, like wine-making, just didn’t happen. No explanation, they simply didn’t occur. We also missed out on some sights I was really looking forward to. That’s the whole point of a brochure, right? You see something that catches your eye and you sign up for it. So, it was a letdown that things were altered and certain experiences were dropped without any heads-up. I sent two emails to the company, but all I got back was an acknowledgment that they received my comments.

I booked a trip for May 2020 and put down a $600 deposit. The company canceled it due to Covid, and they said the deposit would carry over to the next trip. I rescheduled for May 2021, but once again, the company canceled because of Covid. They rolled my deposit over again. Then I tried for May 2022, but guess what? They canceled that too, claiming not enough people signed up. Now, they won’t give me my deposit back and only want to apply it to a future trip.

Our week spent in the Galapagos with Classic Journeys was just fantastic. The schedule was well-balanced and flowed nicely. Our guide, Jairo Torres, was top-notch. Being a local, he seemed to know everyone around and could tackle any question we had, whether it was about the wildlife or the local economy. We really appreciated how he paid special attention to our grandkids, who are 7 and 10, and how he was flexible enough to tweak the plans to fit the different interests and needs of our group. The hotels we stayed at and all the meals provided were quite good, if not better.

We just wrapped up our third adventure with Classic Journeys in the last half year. Saying we adore this company doesn’t even cover it! Each trip (Costa Rica, Galapagos, and Iceland) featured a savvy LOCAL guide and was packed with thrilling experiences and amazing memories. The local guide and the intimate group sizes are what really make Classic Journeys stand out from other travel companies. It feels like you’re exploring with a good buddy who knows all the hidden gems. Classic Journeys really looks after their guests and treats you like they’d want to be treated themselves. We’re definitely planning to book more trips with them down the line.

We enjoyed an awesome adventure with a close-knit bunch of folks. We hiked along the Hooker Track and explored the South Island in a cozy van. We also checked out Auckland and Waiheke Island, all thanks to our super knowledgeable guide. New Zealand is stunning, filled with warm and friendly locals who all seem pretty content living there.

I was really happy with Classic Journey's. Our guide and driver were both exceptional (super knowledgeable, friendly, adaptable, and great at spotting wildlife). The accommodations, including rooms and suites, were top-notch. The meals provided were mostly good to very good (especially the breakfasts). The activities and options generally catered to clients with different physical abilities and preferences, though a few could have been better organized.

The highlights included the thermal springs at the Tabacon resort near Arenal volcano, kayaking, the Pardor resort with its ocean view, and the wildlife (monkeys, sloths, iguanas, crocs, and a bunch of different birds).

My family and I just wrapped up our seventh adventure with Classic Journeys. Every part of the journey was remarkable, from the pre-trip crew to the local guides, places to stay, and cultural activities. They don’t miss a beat, but what really stands out is how fast the team tackles any unexpected hiccups. That’s what makes them a top-notch travel partner. Thanks a bunch!

What really makes trips with Classic Journeys stand out are the guides. The places to stay and the meals are consistently top-notch. However, what distinguishes Classic Journeys from other tour operators I've tried is their commitment to personalized service, deep understanding of the local culture, and a focus on making sure every traveler has a fantastic time.

The Multi-Sport trip to the Galapagos was fantastic. There was so much excitement crammed into nearly a week! I honestly thought snorkeling was out of my reach since I’m not a strong swimmer. But thanks to Alfredo, our guide, it turned out to be no issue at all. He literally pulled me along while I held onto a life preserver. What a blast!

Classic Journeys set up a custom trip for my family inspired by the Family Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos tour. This was our first experience with Classic Journeys, and they truly came through for us. We've done a lot of traveling with our family through a travel agent before. Classic Journeys delivered a top-notch experience at a more affordable price. The accommodations, transportation, guides, and communication were all spot on. The itinerary struck a great mix of culture, history, nature, relaxation, and a bit of indulgence. I wholeheartedly recommend them and will definitely book with them again.

Every part of the journey was fantastic. The itinerary was awesome, and the guides and drivers were top-notch. The only downside was the Sofitel; we wouldn't choose to stay there again. I’d definitely recommend classic!!

We took a trip to Italy during the New Year with our middle schoolers, and it was amazing. The tour director and guides really knew their stuff, sharing local stories, history, and keeping both the adults and kids engaged. Everything was organized perfectly, making the whole experience chill and fun.

The accommodations and travel arrangements were top-tier. Our tour guide was outstanding. The meals were nearly overwhelming. I had never participated in a guided tour prior to this, and I was really impressed by the attention to detail in organizing our trip. The other travelers were similar in mindset, seasoned explorers, and laid-back. All in all, it was a fantastic experience that we will always remember.

The tour of the Christmas markets was just incredible! Visiting Prague, Vienna, and Budapest in the holiday season felt truly unique. I really enjoyed the markets and the cultural exploration of the region. Our guide, Karel, was right on the money with his insights and historical facts about the places we visited. It was a top-notch tour, and I’d definitely suggest it to others!

Our land tour of the Galapagos Islands with Classic Journeys was absolutely fantastic. The local guide we had was not only knowledgeable but also super enthusiastic and adaptable to all our requests. We encountered amazing wildlife while snorkeling, hiking, biking, and kayaking. Staying on three different islands allowed us to enjoy delicious local cuisine every single day of our adventure.