Amazing Britain

Tour Director was committed, knowledgeable and prepared. Driver was professional, skillful and disciplined. The coach was always clean and nice. The sightseeing locations were good and interesting. I'm happy with my selected 4 optionals. Hotels were commendable especially the Hiltons. However, majority of the meals (meat) selection for both included and optionals were limited to either fish or chicken only and the type manners were almost the same which were not exciting but dull. Also, please note that the meal qualities diminished when tour resumed after the covid period. Fyi, my wife and I joined the Trafalgar Travel Tours since 2016 n this is my 8th and my wife 9th tour with Trafalgar. First encounter that this Amazing Britian tour doesn't provide transportation services from airport to hotel and hotel to airport. Only knew of this exclusion after we bought the tour. Not convenient especially when have big luggages and at senior age. Thank you and regards...

Very long coach drive but manageable. The included dinners were so so only. Either chicken breast or fish. The “be my guest” from the first time I joined Trafalgar, the quality of the food has deteriorated so much. Overall trip was good with TD and the driver.

Unfortunately, the tour began quite poorly due to the attitude of the tour guide. At the beginning of the trip, she came across as disconnected, and rather despondent. My travel companion was so uncomfortable she actually considered leaving the tour altogether. It was only after my travel buddy emailed the company that there was a noticeable improvement in the atmosphere and organisation of the tour. Prior to that, the experience felt quite disappointing and unprofessional. There was also an awkward incident where the tour guide confronted me while I was walking toward the bus and repeatedly called me by my travel companion’s name. Even after I continued walking, she loudly called out the incorrect name again until my travel buddy corrected her. Following their conversation, the tone of the tour noticeably changed. Before this point, the tour director appeared disorganised and often rambled or stumbled over information, which made things feel awkward and confusing. Having just completed a very organised and professional European tour, I had expected a similar standard. Other issues included: * Music was not played on the bus initially, creating a flat atmosphere. * The bus driver was sternly instructed not to make announcements about distances or upcoming stops, which reduced useful communication. * We were dropped at a church and university, only to discover both were closed despite being told to return at a set time. This felt poorly planned. * The accommodation, particularly during our two-night stay in Edinburgh, was extremely disappointing. The hotel was well below expectations closer to a basic 3-star property at best. * We were strongly encouraged to book the additional dinner because we were told there would be very limited dining options nearby. Unfortunately, the hotel restaurant food was poor quality and very overpriced. * We were provided with virtually no information about Edinburgh itself no guidance on transport, buses, trains, or suggestions for exploring the city independently. While I appreciate that things eventually improved, I paid a significant amount of money for flights and the tour expecting a well-organised and professionally managed tour experience from the beginning, not only after concerns were formally raised. I found the repeated encouragement around tipping uncomfortable. As an Australian, tipping is not customary, and based on my experience I certainly would not have considered it appropriate in this case. Finally, I was interested in booking a Scandinavian tour, however I was never given the opportunity to discuss or arrange this during the trip. As a result, I am now exploring alternative tour companies for future travel. I hope this feedback is taken constructively, as there were certainly aspects of the trip that improved later on, but overall the experience did not meet expectations.

The tour was poorly planned. Many of the hotels were outside of the city centres and below standard. Rest stops were poorly planned and extremely short. These stops were at highway service stations. In many occasions we missed opportunities to have rest stops near or at places of interest. The bus was cramped and the seats uncomfortable. At one point I made a complaint and actually investigated on how I could end and leave the tour. The tour guide did the minimum and her knowledge and description was often incorrect. She was unhelpful when I chose not to attend the optional experiences. She lacked knowledge on local transportation arrangement’s. She on one occasion told guests that she would allow a second round of drinks ( which we had already paid for ) trying to make the guest believe she was providing extra. It was only after my complaints that she made any real effort to be a better tour director, and lift her game. Whilst I understand that there are constraints with such tours I believe that the Amazing Britain Tour needs to be overhauled. It was incredibly rushed, stops could have been better planned. We stoped at locations which weren’t open to the public, the TD hadn’t even been aware that locations weren’t open. Sites which were on the itinerary. We drove past sites like the Kelpies in Scotland which would have made a perfect rest stop. We were offered and promised a form to be sent to us regarding booking our next tour with discounts, The TD failed to give me the form. Which was a shame as my next tour bookings would have been in and around Scandinavia. Though to be honest I think after this experience I doubt I’d book with Trafalgar or its associated tour companies. Compared to the Imperial Europe tour this tour is a waste of time and money. As it stands now I would NOT recommend it. I was beyond disappointed.

For us it was perfect. We visited some incredible places. Loved it all.