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We know you want to explore and also dive in. We’re curious travelers, just like you, so rest assured, you’ll experience must-sees and connect with the people and culture that define the destination. You’ll eat in locals’ homes, take cooking classes, travel by trains and tuk tuks, explore cities with food tours, and stay in igloos, castles, and chateaus.

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Collette travelers choose from 160 tours across all 7 continents, as well as 5 travel styles including small group touring and destination spotlights. Check out some trending tours for inspiration on your next adventure.

Explorations

$3,824 pp* $4,499 pp

A Taste of the Balkans featuring Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina & Slovenia

$3,144 pp* $3,699 pp.

Majestic Cities of Central & Eastern Europe featuring Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest & Krakow

$3,149 pp* $3,499 pp.

Painted Canyons of the West featuring Utah’s Five National Parks

Flavors of Portugal & Spain: featuring Barcelona

$3,399 pp* $3,999 pp.

Essence of France Paris, Provence & the French Riviera

$3,059 pp* $3,599 pp.

Colors of Morocco

$6,494 pp* $7,499 pp.

Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari by Land & Water

$3,059 pp* $3,399 pp.

America's Music Cities featuring New Orleans, Memphis & Nashville

$2,779 pp* $3,229 pp.

Discover Croatia, Slovenia and the Adriatic Coast

$3,329 pp* $3,699 pp, historical greenbrier featuring washington d.c. & williamsburg, $2,879 pp* $3,199 pp, old world sicily & malta, $1,699 pp* $1,999 pp.

Spain's Costa del Sol & Madrid

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THE 10 BEST Colorado Tours & Excursions

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1. Discover Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver or Boulder

2. Mesa Verde Express Tour

3. Small Group Tour of Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods from Denver

4. Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park Tour from Denver Winter and Spring

5. Half Day Rocky Mountain Escape

6. Pikes Peak Jeep Tour

7. Downtown Denver Food Tour

8. Private and Personalized Three Hour Morning Tour of Rocky Mountain National Park

9. Pikes Peak COG Railway & Garden of Gods Tour

10. Private Jeep Tour in Garden of the Gods and Pike's Peak Cog Rail

11. Mesa Verde National Park 1/2 Day Tour

12. BEYOND Light Show & Meditation

13. Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs, Old Stage Road Jeep Tour

14. Guided Hiking Tour in Colorado mountains

15. Winter / Spring Private Rocky Mountain National Park Guided Tour

16. Denver, Red Rocks, and Beyond

17. Breckenridge Ultimate Full Day Mountain Tour from Denver

18. RiNo Arts District Food Tour

19. Private Three Hour Afternoon Custom Tour of Rocky Mountain National Park

20. Visit Red Rocks Park, Continental Divide & Breckenridge

21. Twilight Ghost Tour

22. Sightseeing Jeep Tour in Garden of the Gods

23. Women's Snowshoeing Emerald Lake Rocky Mountain National Park

24. Shared Half-Day Mountain Tour in Red Rocks Evergreen and Echo Lake

25. 2 Hour LoDo Historic Walking Tour in Denver

26. Hiking Adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver

27. Rocky Mountain National Park in Summer Tour from Denver

28. Rocky Mountain 6-Zipline Adventure on CO Longest and Fastest!

29. Craft Beer Tour in Lower Downtown Denver

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Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in India 2024/2025

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in India. Below you will find 49 of the best tour operators and travel agencies in India offering in total 371 tours and holidays through-out India. Combined they have received 863 customer reviews and an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The top tour activities offered in India are: Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history, Wildlife, landscapes and nature & Adventure and sport.

• Tours in India
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49 Tour Operators in India with 863 Reviews

Swastik India Journeys

• Address 83,Officer's Campus Extension, Sirsi Road, Jaipur, India
• Response Rate 66%
• Response Time 2 hours

• Best-in-Class Top 5% of companies
• Excellent Service Top 10% of companies
• Superior Service Top 15% of companies

• Address 6 Fife Road, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey,, London , England
• Response Rate 83%

Amazing India Tours

• Address S 272 Greater Kailash Part - 1, New Delhi, India
• Response Rate 74%
• Response Time 1 hour

The Taj Wonder Tours

• Address 32/20 Purana Kutlupur, Chhipitola, Agra, India
• Response Rate 85%
• Response Time 3 hours

Indo Pacific Holidays

• Address 301, R.G Complex, Sec 5, Plot No. Ph- I, 8, Dwarka Rd, New Delhi, Delhi 110075, New Delhi, India
• Response Rate 75%

Bout India Tours Pvt Ltd

• Address C 56 nemi nagar extension, Jaipur, India
• Response Rate 92%

Cox & Queen Travel

• Address 93 Niti bagh near indra puram shamshabad road, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India, India
• Response Rate 100%

Bespoke India Holidays

• Address Service Office - 6/16 Sapat Villa, near Makaloo Hotel Gangapur , Nashik, India

G Adventures

• Address G Adventures Ltd, 60 Bastwick Street, London, England
• Response Rate 90%

World Expeditions

• Address 1B Osiers Road, Wandsworth, London, England
• Response Rate 82%

Ashmita Trek and Tours

• Address 3A Nehru Road, Opposite Planters Club (near Keventers), Mall Road, Darjeeling, India
• Response Rate 61%

Exodus Travels

• Address Grange Mills, Weir Road, London, England

• Address 3/193 Katra fulel Tajganj agra, agra, India

Encounters Travel

• Address Leigh House, Varley Street, Leeds, England
• Response Rate 94%

Traveling to India? Chat with a local travel specialist in India who can help organize your trip.

India Tour Reviews

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SOTC Best Selling Tour Packages

Domestic holidays, trending international destinations.

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Starting with the mesmerising snow-clad mountains of the Himalayan range that takes up the northeastern section of the country, including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh , Ladakh , Uttarakhand , Sikkim , and so on. Besides phenomenal panoramic views of the region, these locations are also ideal for individuals looking for thrilling winter sports and other adventure activities. Next on the list of popular trending holiday destinations in India is Rajasthan , where tourists can not only enjoy the Great Indian Desert but also catch a glimpse of the remarkable royal history of the region through forts, palaces, temples, and so on. Gujarat is yet another well-known vacation spot that offers individuals a diverse tourism experience in the form of temples, national parks, historical landmarks, hill stations, and the most notable, the Rann of Kutch. While for the ultimate cultural, shopping, spiritual, culinary, and historical extravaganza, places like West Bengal , Andhra Pradesh , Telangana and Kerala are among the most preferred holiday destinations within India. As a peninsula, the country shares its border with the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, making it an ideal getaway for beachside holidays. Places like Goa and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer tourists some of the world’s most spectacular beaches, like Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Baga Beach, Palolem Beach, etc. These versatile locations are also known for their unique culture and traditions, shopping aspect, historical monuments, regional festivals, and religious landmarks.

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These locations are just the tip of the iceberg, there is a lot more that you could experience. SOTC’s tour packages have been carefully designed keeping in mind the variety you would love to have in your life. Keeping that in mind, we have categorized our international tour packages and tour packages in India.

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India Tours & Vacations

There’s probably no other country on the planet that blazes its way into your memory like India.

Years later, you can still hear the morning calls of the chai wallahs; see smoke curling over the Ganges during a golden Varanasi sunrise , and smell the rich aromas of simmering curry. A lot of India tours rush from highlight to highlight, ticking them off in a blur of temples and tikka. But not us. Our India holidays are more about spotting Bengal tigers in Ranthambhore or Panna National Park, hanging with nomads in Jaisalmer, meeting the holy men of Pushkar, or hunting down the best street eats. This isn’t just the India you see on postcards. This is India as it is. Raw, bizarre and totally addictive.

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Varanasi Homestay Extension

India's Golden Triangle

Articles of India

From Delhi to Udaipur, here are the five Rajasthan cities I think you should visit in India

Following in sacred steps on a journey from India to Nepal  

Lighting up hearts: My Diwali experience with a family in India

What to expect on an Intrepid Premium trip

10 awesome places to go for your 21st birthday

10 things you’ll only know if you’ve travelled in India

After surviving cancer, my trip to India made me feel like me again

9 ways to make meaningful cultural connections through food in 2023

Popular local regions 

India at a glance, capital city.

Delhi (population, 32.94 million)

1.408 billion

Indian Rupees (INR)

Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, Bengali, Kashmiri, Kannada, Marathi, Gujarati, Telugu, English

(GMT+05:30) Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi

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Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin) Type D (Old British 3-pin) Type M (see D)

Learn more about India

Best time to visit india.

Due to India's size and topography, the climate varies from place to place but the best time to visit, generally speaking, is in the winter from December until early March. During the coolest months (December-January), temperatures can get quite cold in Delhi and in the north, especially at night. The whole country tends to get very hot from April onwards and most regions experience the summer from late May to around October. The summer offers hot and humid conditions, although this is considered one of the best times to visit Ladakh and the hills.

Learn more about the best time to visit India

Culture and customs

India is one of the world’s oldest civilizations with a culture steeped in ancient beliefs and traditions. Religion also plays a massive role in everyday life with 80% of the population practicing Hinduism while the remaining 20% is divided into Muslim (India has the world’s second-largest Muslim population), Christian, Sikhism and Buddhist populations.

At its core, India remains a deeply conservative nation; however, it has been touched by rapid modernization and Western influences in recent years. Some families still adhere to a traditional structure (especially in more rural areas) with generations living under the same roof, the eldest male at the head of the family and arranged marriages. But this is becoming less and less popular, particularly in larger cities, where Western ideas and societal shifts heavily influence the culture due to things like Bollywood films.

While some behavioral standards remain the same (public displays of affection are still taboo), it’s important to keep in mind that with more than one billion people speaking over 122 languages across 28 states and seven territories, it’s impossible to describe one unified culture for the entire nations and the character of India’s people can vary greatly from city to city.

Witness India's multi-faceted culture firsthand on a Delhi to Goa adventure - 15 days

Top places to visit in India

Surely there isn't a more iconic image of India than the Taj Mahal. It's spectacular and soul-stirring, but words simply aren't enough to describe the beauty of this immense mausoleum (even when it's packed with tourists). Best known as a monument to love and loss, the 17th-century building was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his second wife – a bold declaration of love, indeed! Wander around Agra on our 3 day Taj Mahal Extension or on our 15 day Real Kathmandu to Delhi tour.

2. Udaipur, Rajasthan

Welcome to Udaipur, India's most romantic city that could easily give Venice a run for its money. You'll undoubtedly fall in love as you explore its grand marble palaces, shimmering lakes, and winding alleys filled with cozy chai bars and dizzying bazaars. It's also a popular hub for Indian artists, dancers, and musicians whose talents will pull you deeper under Udaipur's spell. Get lost in the beauty of Udaipur on our 15 day Rajasthan Experience or on our 15 day Classic Rajasthan tour.

3. Ranthambhore National Park

Ranthambhore National Park was once a famous hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur, but these days it's a haven for wildlife. Jump into a 4WD and search for Bengal tigers, hyenas, jackals, deer, langurs, marsh crocodiles and more. You can also hike up to the stunning ruins of the 10th-century fort or experience the peace and tranquillity of the ancient Ganesh temple (one of the oldest temples in India). Go wildlife spotting on our 14 day Premium India in Depth tour or on our 10 day Northern India Family Holiday.

4. Kerala Backwaters

Surrounded by tea and coffee plantations and connected by a series of blissful, palm-shaded backwaters, Kerala is a peaceful oasis deep within India's colorful chaos. Float along the dreamy waters of rural Kerala on a houseboat, paddle over to an island village on a pole boat for an overnight homestay with a local family, and enjoy traditional Keralan food served on a banana leaf. Explore the Kerala Backwaters on our 13 day Premium South India tour or on our 13 day Classic South India tour.

5. Varanasi

Varanasi is a place that will be etched in your memory long after your time in India is over. Uncover the stories and secrets of this holy city with your local guide, get lost in the laneways, cruise along the golden Ganges at dawn, or witness ancient religious traditions and groups of pilgrims praying in the river. Even if all you do in Varanasi is sit along the ghats and watch life go by, you'll walk away with countless stories to tell. Experience Varanasi's holiness on our 4 day Varanasi Homestay Extension , on our 11 day India Getaway or on our 11 day Real North India adventure.

This holy desert city is one of the main pilgrimage destinations for Hindus. Explore the bustling ghats and temples around Pushkar Lake, watch devout rituals and worship at the Brahma Temple, share a meal with a local family while learning about their life and culture, or hike up the hill to the beautiful Savitri Temple for unbeatable sunrise views over the town. Embark on a pilgrimage on our 22 day North India Revealed tour or on our 15 day Cycle Rajasthan tour.

Get ready for delicious bites and lots of Bollywood. Some say Mumbai is the food capital of India, and you'll see, smell and taste huge culinary diversity here that celebrates regional cuisines from across the country. You might also like to watch life go by at Dhobi Ghat (the world’s largest outdoor laundry), check out the Bollywood Walk of Fame, or explore the sprawling Crawford Market selling everything from fruit to jewelry. Snack your way through Mumbai on our 15 day India Real Food Adventure .

8. Dharamsala

The mountainous Himalayan town of Dharamsala, also known as McLeod Ganj, is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile. Tibetan culture is central to life here and it won't take long for the town's calming, grounding energy to wash over you. Sip chai and watch robed monks strolling between the monasteries, listen to the prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, and visit the Dalai Lama’s temple. Soak up the Tibetan culture on our 13 day Mountains & Mystics of India tour.

9. Rishikesh

Not only is Rishikesh the yoga capital of the world, but it's also one of the best places to experience the sacred soul of the Ganges. Join a yoga or meditation class along the riverbanks, enjoy delicious vegetarian food in one of the many rooftop cafes, go white-water rafting down the Ganges for a different perspective of this holy river, or experience the nightly fire ritual known as Ganga Aarti at one of the city's dazzling temples. Meditate in Rishikesh on our 19 day Best of India tour.

Tinged with Portuguese influence (and flavors!), the state of Goa boasts lovely beaches, rich traditions, World Heritage-listed buildings and mouth-watering food. Kick back with a coconut (or cocktail), join a yoga class on the beach, visit a local spice farm to learn about some of the essential ingredients in Indian cuisine, or pick up fresh ingredients at the market and cook up a storm with a local Goan cook. Experience Goa on our 37 day Iconic India tour or on our 16 day South India Revealed tour.

The gorgeous pink stone buildings in Jaipur’s old town have earned the city its 'Pink City' nickname. Discover buzzing bazaars filled with handcrafted textiles and jewelry, dodge camel carts and rickshaws as you stroll through the streets, explore the oh-so-impressive Amber Fort, or visit the home of a local Brahmin family to learn about their culture and way of life over a delicious homemade meal. Marvel at Jaipur's pink-hued streets on our 8 day India's Golden Triangle tour or on our 12 day India Women's Expedition.

Home to the magnificent Mysore Palace and the birthplace of Ashtanga yoga, there's no denying Mysore is one of South India's most captivating cities. Lose yourself in the grandeur of the palace's ornately decorated rooms, marvel at the intricate Hoysala architecture of Keshava Temple, go on a hunt for the tastiest idli, or share a tasty biryani lunch with a local family. Explore Mysore on our 15 day Southern India tour.

Delhi is a place where ancient temples stand beside Bollywood billboard ads, people commute to work alongside sacred cows and monkeys, and pockets of peace exist within the chaos. The electric energy of India's capital city is palpable, and while it can take some getting used to, there's no denying the excitement of discovering new sights, sounds, tastes and smells at every turn – especially when you have a local leader by your side. Experience the chaos of Delhi on our 15 day Delhi to Kathmandu tour or on our 9 day North India Highlights tour.

14. Thar Desert, Rajasthan

Check another item off your bucket list as you travel across the pristine dunes of the Thar Desert on camelback, stopping at a few dhanis (small villages) along the way. When you reach your camp, enjoy dinner in the relaxing desert ambiance before sleeping in a comfy permanent tent under the stars. This desert safari is bound to be one of the main highlights of your adventure. Soak into the sand on our 16 day Real Rajasthan tour or on our 11 day Rajasthan Adventure .

Food and drink

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating. Whether you're sampling street food, savoring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world. Indian food is one of the world's most favored cuisines, and travelers will be in for a real treat when visiting India. Relying heavily on spices and vegetables, vegetarians will be delighted with the multitude of meat-free dishes available and visitors will be able to notice marked differences in the cuisines of each region.

Read more about Indian food

Read more about Indian drinks

Geography and environment

India shares land borders with   Bangladesh ,   China , Pakistan,   Nepal ,   Myanmar   and   Bhutan , and also has wide stretches of coastline along the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. As the seventh largest country in the world, India is home to a variety of terrains - the Himalayas of the north, the deserts and plains of the west, the fertile waterways of the south and the hills and forests of the east. Development is occurring at a rapid pace, with India's large, sprawling cities consisting of everything from five star hotels to shanty towns, and with modern malls and cinemas sitting comfortably alongside bazaars and street food vendors. A trip through India will reveal a diverse range of landscapes, villages, cities and environments.

History and government

Early history.

Humans have inhabited India for as long as 75,000 years, with early civilizations flourishing as early as 3300 BC. Over the centuries, India both influenced and was influenced by other nations and kingdoms, with far-reaching trade, conquest and migration spreading the subcontinent's culture far and wide. Empires rose and fell over the centuries, with the wealthy Mughal Dynasty ruling most of India by 1600. At the same time, different European nations started showing an interest in India after being brought to the area for trade. The Portuguese, Dutch, British and French all had vested interests in India, with the British East India Company being given the rights to trade in India in 1617. The 1857 rebellion and War of Independence culminated in the decline of Mughal rule and were considered the first movements against the British Raj's heavy-handed rule of the country.

Recent history

By the 1920s, India's independence movement had grown considerably with Mohandas Gandhi leading mass movements based on passive resistance and non-cooperation against the British Raj. Although it took decades, India finally gained independence in 1947. More recently, India has seen dramatic societal changes mainly due to modernization and globalization. A new wave of prosperity has seen the rise of the middle class, with men and women entering into new work roles in telecommunications, manufacturing and business. India's large cities are dealing with the mass migration of rural citizens, who are moving to the city to seek better employment, education and opportunities for their children.

Top 10 sensory experiences of India

1. potent pleasures.

Breathe in the intoxicating aroma of fresh spices while wandering through the bustling markets of India. Cardamom, coriander, cinnamon and nutmeg are classic spices of the subcontinent and aren't hard to find - the fresh scent envelopes markets across the country.

2. Fiery flavours

Treat your tastebuds to the spicy flavors of India with a traditional aromatic curry. Indulge in the heady mix of coconut milk, chili, ginger, ghee and spices, then cool down by sipping on a refreshing Lassi - the perfect antidote to the unrelenting heat of an Indian curry.

3. Colourful chaos

Experience the urban cacophony of Delhi - a unique collision of cultures, cattle and people. Hear the rumble of cars, trucks and buses, the frantic calls of street vendors and hawkers, the sizzle of food and the rustic ring of a cow's bell in this unforgettable and irrepressible city.

4. In the pink

Admire the dazzling pink hues of Jaipur. Watch the historic palaces, forts, temples and monuments of the 'Pink City' be bathed in a dusky pink glow as the golden sun sets over the dramatic Aravalli Range.

5. Rat race

Walk barefoot through the Karni Mata Temple as thousands of rats scamper across the marble floor. Just felt a furry rodent scurry over your feet? Fear not - it's a sign of good luck in this unique rat-worshipping temple.

6. Instant karma

Experience the multi-sensory wonder of an Aarti ceremony on the banks of the Ganges. Hear the clanging of bells, watch the luminous glow of fire, smell wafts of pungent incense and hear rousing devotional songs and mantras. Be immersed in the fire and prayer of this Hindu ritual and be changed forever.

7. Gorgeous Goa

Sit beachside in Goa and gaze into the sublime beauty of the ocean. Take a moment to kick back and soak up the clear skies and deep blue sea of this exotic island. Watch the sun's rays shimmer on the horizon and bask in the golden glow of this balmy retreat.

8. Silky sophistication

For a slice of extravagance, feel the soft, luxurious touch of traditional Indian silk. Made in a variety of vibrant colors and perfect for making everything from saris to prayer mats and decorative hangings to upholstery, the inimitable feel of finely crafted silk is a simple pleasure in life.

9. Answered prayers

Hear the flutter of prayer flags as they flap in the wind near the isolated monasteries of Dharamsala. In a stark environment of rugged, mountainous landscapes, quietness permeates the air, except for the unique sound of prayer flags collecting prayers and sending them to the heavens above.

10. Big screen brilliance

Be treated to a feast for the senses at a bombastic Bollywood movie screening. Covet the glamorous costumes, marvel at the energetic choreography and delight in the lively music. Revel in the razzle-dazzle of the whole spectacle and be swept away by the irresistible charm of India's triumphant cinematic phenomenon.

India's fragrant bazaars, modern boutiques and village markets are brimming with wares harnessing centuries of artistic traditions. With talented artisans and top quality items at low prices, India is a shopper's paradise. It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Things to buy in India

From big, chunky ornate silver earrings to vibrant bangles and bold statement rings, India's silversmiths and jewelry makers ensure there are lots of pieces to choose from in the bazaars and shops.

2. Wraps, scarves and shawls

Whether you're looking for pricey pashmina, luxurious silk or colorful cotton, India has a huge variety of materials to wrap yourself in.

If you're lucky enough to be able to bring tea into your home country, then pick up some of the world's finest tea from the Darjeeling, Assam or Nilgiri regions.

Indian cotton sheets, embroidered bedspreads and colorful cushion covers can be picked up in bazaars at a fraction of the price paid elsewhere.

Many shops are open between 9 am and 7 pm, Monday through Saturday, though hours can vary at bazaars. Most shops are closed on Sunday.

Festivals and events in India

Many of India’s biggest festivals are religious and follow either the Indian lunar calendar or the Islamic calendar. The dates may change each year, but the fervor of celebration never does. Some of the best and biggest festivals to keep an eye out for in India are:

Holi (Festival of Colour)

Take a whole lot of colored powder and water, add thousands of happy people not afraid to get a little (or a lot) dirty and you have Holi – a technicolor Hindu celebration that marks the beginning of spring and the triumph of good over evil. Celebrations take place across India in either February or March.

Diwali (Festival of Lights)

India’s biggest festival – meaning ‘rows of lighted lamps’, people decorate their homes with colorful lights, candles are lit and firework displays take place across the country. The celebrations are particularly spectacular in Varanasi, where illuminated candles and earthen lamps are floated down the Ganges River as fireworks light up the sky. This five-day festival takes place every October or November.

Gujarat Kite Festival

Large, colorful and unusual kites flood the skies of Gujarat each January to commemorate the start of summer and the beginning of harvest. Purchase your own at Patang Bazaar, a famous kite market, or just watch the others dance through the sky.

Mumbai Ganesh Festival

The birth of the elephant-headed god, Ganesh, is celebrated for 10-days each August or September in cities across India, but Mumbai takes it to another level. An incredible energy can be felt throughout the city as people pack the streets for a massive party and an elaborate statue of Ganesh is paraded around.

Pushkar Camel Fair

Thousands of camels (and their owners dressed in their finest garb) descend upon Rajasthan's Pushkar for the annual camel fair. Camels are traded and raced, acrobats and performers entertain crowds at a nearby fair, while finely dressed males and bejeweled females take the chance to let their hair down.

Learn more about festivals in India

Further reading

Similar destinations.

We have a variety of similar destinations, trips and routes that you could consider! Tie another trip into your holiday, or, see how we can help you get from A to B. We have tours departing from a variety of locations around India. The options below may be of interest:

Kathmandu to Delhi Tours From Delhi Tours to Delhi

India travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Is it safe to travel to India?

India can be overwhelming sometimes, but it's generally a safe country for travelers and many people enjoy their time without any problems.

Is it safe for women to travel in India?

India can be overwhelming sometimes but most travellers enjoy their time in India without any problems. That said, some regions experience ongoing issues, and there are several things a traveler should keep in mind when traveling through India to minimize their chances of running into any trouble.

Do I need a visa to travel to India?

Yes, all foreigners entering India will need a visa. Whether you can apply for an e-visa is dependent on your nationality, the duration of your India tour and how you plan on entering the country.

This page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates. 

Last updated: 22/06/2023

Is tipping customary in India?

While traveling through India, on a tour or otherwise, it’s expected one would tip porters, drivers, restaurant staff and other service workers given the low wages they earn.

What is the internet access like in India?

Internet access is generally very good in India, with most cafes, restaurants and accommodations offering free wi-fi, even in the more rural areas. There is also good phone coverage for data use if you choose to purchase a local SIM card to stay connected for the duration of your India tour.

If you do wish to purchase a local SIM in India, make sure your phone has been unlocked before your tour begins. There are quite a number of carriers that are all very competitive, but Airtel is probably the best option for travelers. You’ll need to a copy of your passport and visa to pick up a SIM, and the process can sometimes be a hassle, but rates in India are very affordable given the competition.

Can I use my cell phone while in India?

Yes, you’ll be able to use your cell phone while on an India tour, but only if you have activated global roaming or purchased a local SIM card.

What are the toilets like in India?

Squat toilets are the most common toilets in India. Always carry your own toilet paper and soap or hand sanitizer, as they are usually not provided. Flushable, Western-style toilets can be found in up-market restaurants, some higher-end hotels and in some tourist areas.

What will it cost for a...?

India’s unit of currency is the rupee:

• Cup of tea = INR 7-10
• Small bottle of beer = INR 150-350
• Meal at a local restaurant (thali, masala dosa or similar) = INR 100-200
• Meal in a tourist restaurant = INR 350-600

Can I drink the tap water in India?

India is notorious among travelers for sickness – we’ve all heard horror stories about Delhi belly. We do not recommend ever drinking tap water in India, and travelers should avoid drinks with ice and foods that haven’t been cooked or peeled. Salad is off the menu for now ­– let your inner child rejoice!

Are credit cards widely accepted in India?

Credit cards are being accepted in an increasing number of cafes, shops, restaurants and hotels in India, with Mastercard and Visa being the most common. That said, cash is still king, especially outside of cities like Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai.

What is ATM access like in India?

ATMs are widespread across India in both cities and smaller towns. Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus and Maestro are the most commonly accepted cards, but of those Visa and Mastercard are more likely to have success. The daily withdrawal limit differs from bank to bank.

What is the weather like in India?

The weather in India varies from region to region, but it’s generally safe to say that December–February sees dry, cooler weather before the heat intensifies from March–May. June, July and August are the monsoon months, though the amount of rain differs across the country, while October, September and November see rainfall ease once more.

What public holidays are celebrated in India?

India has different classifications of holidays because of the multitude of faiths in the country. There are compulsory holidays and then various others chosen by government offices within each state. The following are the compulsory ‘gazetted holidays’ taken by government offices across India:

• 26 Jan: Republic Day
• Feb/Mar: Maha Shivaratri*
• Mar/Apr: Rama Navami*
• Apr: Mahavir Jayanti*
• Mar/Apr: Good Friday*
• May: Buddha’s Birthday*
• May: Eid ul-Fitr (end of Ramadan)*
• Jul/Aug: Eid ul-Adha*
• 15 Aug: Independence Day
• Aug/Sep: Janmashtami*
• Aug/Sep: Islamic New Year*
• Sep/Oct: Dussehra*
• Oct: Birth of the Prophet Mohammed*
• 2 Oct: Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday
• Oct/Nov: Diwali*
• Nov: Guru Nanak Jayanti*
• 25 Dec: Christmas Day

* Please note, India public holidays may vary.

Is India safe for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

The majority of Indian society is still conservative, and while most travelers will have a welcoming and hospitable experience, discretion is still advised for LGBTQIA+ travelers, particularly in more remote towns and villages which may be more conservative. The same advice is also given to heterosexual couples (and couples of all other sexual orientations) as public displays of affection other than hugging and holding hands are generally frowned upon.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting  Equaldex  or  ILGA  before you travel.

Is India accessible for travelers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

What to wear in India

What you decide to pack and wear in India will depend on where you are and what time of year it is. The weather across India usually follows the monsoon cycle, so it’s quite easy to plan what to pack when it comes to rain, but temperatures will vary quite a bit from the north to the south.

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

How will I be traveling around India?

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

Depending on which trip you're on while in India, you may find yourself traveling by Jeep.

Safari through jungles and national parks aboard a jeep, which is ideal for conquering the difficult terrain and offers supreme wildlife viewing opportunities.

Cruising the waterways of India is a revealing, inspiring experience. Whether it’s the iconic Ganges or peaceful Kerala backwaters, seeing India from the water is a must.

Traveling by train is one of the great experiences of India. It's a system which looks like chaos, but it works - and well.

Use the efficient metro to get around the sights and suburbs of Delhi.

Zip around the big cities of India by auto rickshaw.

What kind of accommodation will I be staying in?

Traveling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavor to provide travelers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.

When traveling with us in India you may find yourself staying in a homestay.

Make new friends, feast on authentic home cooking and receive kind hospitality while staying with friendly families in India.

With walks, wildlife spotting and adventure sports nearby, staying in a jungle resort is the perfect way to see another side of India.

From ex-royal palaces to historic hill stations and converted forts, India is full of heritage properties that have been turned into comfortable accommodation with an old-world touch.

What is it like traveling on a small group tour?

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or you’re about to embark on your first trip, traveling can be as intimidating as it is exciting. That's the beauty of a small group tour. From handling the logistics and organizing amazing cultural activities to local leaders who know each destination like the back of their hand (like which street has the best markets and where to get the most authentic food), traveling on a small group tour with Intrepid will give you unforgettable travel experiences without the hassle that comes with exploring a new place. Plus, you'll have ready-made friends to share the journey with. All you have to do is turn up with a healthy sense of adventure and we’ll take care of the rest.

Does my trip to India support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveler. Trips to India directly support our foundation partner, Positive Change for Marine Life. 

Positive Change for Marine Life

Positive Change for Marine Life nurtures ocean health with community-led conservation initiatives. Donations help them expand and implement vital programs in India that empower local communities, support sustainable fishing practices, restore marine habitats and drive policy change. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

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• World's Best

The 15 Best Tour Operators in 2022

These are the companies Travel + Leisure readers trust to provide them with travel expertise and memorable experiences.

Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite tour operators .

When it comes to an itinerary, Travel + Leisure readers want more than a string of photo opportunities — and the right tour operator makes all the difference in creating a trip of a lifetime versus one that simply checks off a list of sights. This year, our readers were especially drawn to companies that utilize local expertise and experience to thoughtfully design trips that will entertain as well as inspire.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey , T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated tour operators and safari outfitters based on their staff and guides, itineraries and destinations, activities, accommodations, food, and overall value.

The top picks were noted for their deep knowledge of destinations and guides who "go the extra mile." One reader who has been traveling for more than five decades said a trip with Classic Journeys (No. 2) was the "very best" they had experienced. Others noted attention to pandemic safety details, while one who went to Norway was charmed by a "wonderful surprise dinner in Bergen out on the water that was fantastic."

Tour operators that seamlessly navigated the logistics of a trip also came out on top. Quasar Expeditions (No. 9) was noted "for really planning out every detail" so that "all you have to do is show up and have a great time." Meanwhile, of TCS World Travel (No. 10), a guest said: "You never lift a finger and just spend your time actually exploring the destination." They even added that they "learned so much" along the way.

Among the five companies on this year's list that weren't on last year's were two women-only tour operators that cater to travelers of all ages. AdventureWomen (No. 14) has multiday tours designed by women from Bhutan to Yellowstone National Park, while Explorer Chick (No. 15) has everything from day trips — like glassblowing in Baltimore and cave rappelling in St. Louis — to full itineraries in Machu Picchu and the Galápagos. One reader said her Everest Base Camp trip with AdventureWomen was filled with "like-minded women" who "bonded so well," while another said she felt it was a "safe tour group for women."

No matter which tour they chose, readers were most taken by the people they met along the way, as one said of Trek Travel (No. 13): "By the end of the trip, a group of strangers felt like longtime friends." Find out which other companies round out the list of the best tour operators below.

1. DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co.

A tour with DuVine goes far beyond just riding a bike — it's a way to really see the character of a destination. Case in point: even those who say they're not necessarily cycling fans have been converted. That's part of what helped the tour operator — which runs trips in Europe, the U.S., Latin America, and Africa — skyrocket from No. 14 last year to this year's top spot. Its "top-notch biking equipment" and "challenging but doable itineraries" didn't hurt either. One reader was especially taken by a guide picking figs off of a local tree in Puglia for an extra energy boost during a tough climb, as well as another guide singing to the group after dinner. As another reader put it simply: "They exceed your expectations."

Score: 99.12

More information: duvine.com

2. Classic Journeys

Score: 99.04

More information: classicjourneys.com

3. Artisans of Leisure

Score: 98.38

More information: artisansofleisure.com

4. (tie) Black Tomato

Score: 98.33

More information: blacktomato.com

4. (tie) GeoEx

More information: geoex.com

4. (tie) Wilderness Travel

More information: wildernesstravel.com

7. Inside Japan Tours

Score: 98.14

More information: insidejapantours.com

8. Kensington Tours

Score: 98.03

More information: kensingtontours.com

9. Quasar Expeditions

Score: 97.84

More information: quasarex.com

10. TCS World Travel

Score: 97.78

More information: tcsworldtravel.com

11. Butterfield & Robinson

Score: 97.33

More information: butterfield.com

Score: 96.95

More information: tauck.com

13. Trek Travel

Score: 96.90

More information: trektravel.com

14. AdventureWomen

Score: 96.11

More information: adventurewomen.com

15. Explorer Chick

Score: 95.87

More information: explorerchick.com

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" London, Normandy, Paris was a fabulous trip, especially the year of the 75th anniversary of D-Day! That was our 7th trip with Holiday Vacations. Loved every one of them. The national parks are well worth seeing, as were Hawaii and Cuba. "

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" My third trip with HV was to Austria and Germany in 2014. This included the bucket list of experiencing OKTOBERFEST. Looks like I’m doing a beer commercial with the Alps as a backdrop. Also notice my pinkie extended. This is due to 2 years of charm school (REALLY). Thank you HV for all the amazing memories. "

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" Jackson Hole, WY while on the Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Tetons trip last year. We just completed our 6th trip with Holiday Vacations last month and are now discussing which tour we will take next. Only way we wish to travel and Holiday Vacations tours are the best! "

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Activity levels.

Tour days tend to be shorter in length, at a relaxed pace, and include lots of unscheduled time for leisure. Expect standing and walking for extended periods of time on flat surfaces, mostly low altitudes, and consistent temperatures.

Tour days usually move at a leisurely pace. Some days’ scheduled activities last longer than others. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on occasionally uneven terrain. You may experience changes in altitude or temperature.

Tour days tend to be long, move at a consistent pace, and may include long travel days. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on uneven surfaces. Some destinations may have changes in altitude and/or temperature.

Tour days tend to be long, move at a brisk pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on uneven surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.

Very Active

Tour days tend to be long, move at a vigorous pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on rough surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.

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USA Tour Companies

Looking for an unforgettable USA tour? Book a fully-organized trip with the best tour companies in USA and let the tour operator take care of everything for you. Check out the tour details and read 190947 reviews from our customers to help you choose the perfect tour for you.

List of USA travel companies & tour operators with 190947 reviews

G Adventures

• Excellent - 19,064 reviews for USA tours

the tour itself was amazing. The national parks do not disappoint. The travel accomodations were very cramped and uncomfortable. I am only 5 foot tall and I was cramped in this 14 passenger van. Food opportunities were limited.

Fantastic experience - efficient use of time, great itinerary. Well-informed and interesting guide who is also just a great person.

Bindlestiff Tours

• Excellent - 1,443 reviews for USA tours

Awesome trip, i had an amazing time ans will highly recommend.

We had an absolutely fantastic trip to Death Valley with Charlie as our tour guide. He was punctual, kind, and incredibly knowledgeable about the area's history. We covered most of the top spots in Death Valley and even enjoyed delicious sandwiches for lunch. We arrived back in Vegas right on schedule. Overall, we had a truly positive and satisfying experience. Charlie is a valuable asset to your organization and we can't recommend him enough!

• Excellent - 984 reviews for USA tours

Great tour, good group size too

Great experience!

Southwest Adventure Tours

• Excellent - 94 reviews for USA tours

Guide was knowledgeable and helpful. It was a good group

This was a wonderful experience brought to life by a passionate and caring tour guide.

Intrepid Travel

• Excellent - 11,683 reviews for USA tours

My son and I had a great hiking adventure on the Sedona tour! The scenery was stunning, the hikes were fun! Tolman was an excellent guide, who was very knowledgeable about the area, he had great hiking tips, and he picked some enjoyable challenging hikes for us! He was also an excellent cook! He prepared us some great meals! His positive outlook on everything helped the group of strangers on the trek quickly bond which led us all to have a great hiking experience!

Judd was excellent, and very knowledgable, he was very prepared and i would recommend Intrepid to my friends and family

• Excellent - 1,882 reviews for USA tours

Excellent. Great guide, driver, weather, hotels, food. Great itenirary. Love love this trip.

Optional excursions were reasonably priced. Suggest you put together other places in each city as a walking guide or short taxi or uber ride. Example access to close by museums open late and could walk to from hotel. Free time activities and what they are and where located is helpful.tour guide can offer to accompany a group interested to explore more during free leisure tome.Provide more detail info about the logistics of site visits. Niagara falls..suggest more water proof gear clothing and shoe types etc. Terrain to expect when visiting certain sites and possible alternatives.climbing and how difficult-easy or more strenuous or advanced climbing activity. Overall, small groups so much better than filling up bus. Thank you for giving single travelers their own bus space. Would love to watch more travel videos on longer driving distances.

BrushBuck Wildlife Tours

• Excellent - 23 reviews for USA tours

Although the tour was very expensive- over $2000 for 3 days is over the top- it wss a great experience, saw lots of wildlife and the guide was outstanding

What an amazing experience this was; from the greeting and pick up by our guide/driver, to the phenomenal sights and the historical references that accompanied them! I am so pleased. This was an exceptionally planned tour that successfully met all of my needs. I would not change a thing and look forward to future adventures with them.

Insight Vacations

• Excellent - 625 reviews for USA tours

My first experience with an organized tour like this. Expense alone will limit future trips. Much more walking than my wife was prepared for. This alone reduced her enjoyment. Tour guide was very knowledgeable and thorough with his planning and execution. Andrew has a fun personality and very personable. One item that disappointed me was the shuttle from airport to resort at both ends of the

Insights Tours are always amazing and this one was no exception. Nice balance of free time to relax and experience Hawaii on your own with visits to places on the islands to experience the culture. Learned a lot of Hawaii’s history throughout our visit. Overall a lovely experience and would highly recommend if you want to visit Hawaii and learn more about the islands.

National Geographic Journey…

• Excellent - 254 reviews for USA tours

Good time with lots of riding in the van going to interesting places

We had a wonderful time. The tour was well planned and well managed. The CEO was excellent ..good driver, good communicator, had good knowledge of the local attractions and made great recommendations for restaurants. The group we were with was also a very pleasant group which made the experience that much more enjoyable. That said, would have loved to see the accommodations updated.. most except the Denali cabins were old and "weathered".

Infinite Adventures

• Excellent - 118 reviews for USA tours

It was my first group trip and also my first camping trip. I have to say it was one of the best trips I've been on. It was an adventure! We were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights at Remote Camp. Tory and Dave took care of everything and made sure everyone had a great time. No matter what problem you had, they always helped each other! Dave cooked delicious food, we had marshmallows by the fire in the evening and it felt like family. It's a great tour and I can only recommend it to anyone! It certainly wasn't my last tour with Infinite Adventure! Many thanks to Tory, Dave and Natalie (who you could ask any question you wanted to know beforehand) for this unforgettable time! :)

Jump on the bus with Infinite Adventures for a magnificent Alaskan expedition! Dave and Tory are excellent guides and will keep you informed about the areas you visit and give expert advice. I found this to be a truly joyful experience!

• Excellent - 74,882 reviews for USA tours

This was our second trip on Globus and both experiences were fantastic.

I was skeptical of a group tour, particularly by coach. The experienced guide, Jason, along with driver Shauna, changed my view completely.

Bucket List Group Travel LL…

• Excellent - 15 reviews for USA tours

Had a wonderful time - a lot of hiking, seeing the sites in Alaska and viewing the Northern Lights.

The tour was amazing, great and tour guides:).

• Excellent - 19,641 reviews for USA tours

Could have had more included activities

The tour had a few bumps. It would have been better if there were some included meals. There was no information about some of the excursions such as where the island tour stopped.

• Excellent - 860 reviews for USA tours

This was a fast but nice tour and Dave was a good guide. Only in LA i thought we should have had more time but it was perfect for a Solo Travler

I enjoyed this trip . The coach is good.Hyannis first day break fast was good.coverage is good.Hyannis golf resort stay is superb.providence city halt in hotel graduates is excellent.Fall colours coverage is very good.coach guidance is okay.overall the trip is very good.

The Coyote Trip

• Good - 11 reviews for USA tours

This trip was run like a school trip, we were told that we had to stick to the schedule rigidly even though I asked several times to visit a different museum/shop. Free time was limited and it seemed like the guide had specific ideas of what he wanted to do and see. Our guide also left us on a subway in New York to get home close to midnight and then we had issues getting checked into the hostel. FYI most tour guides make sure their group gets to the hotel safely and without hassle. Waste of time and money.

From a speedboat to the Statue of Liberty to fireworks on 4th July in Washington to hiking to Yosemite Falls, this trip showcased the very best the USA has to offer. I went on the 21 day Full Cyote trip from New York to San Francisco with my brother. With such a packed itinerary of included activities, it offered great value for money. The guides in every region we visited were excellent. A particular shout out to Ryan, who added in extra stops and experiences based on the group's interests. Other highlights included the Grand Canyon, Washington's museums, whale watching in Boston, cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge and sunset in Griffeths Park. I met a great group of people on the trip, and I wouldn't hesitate to book with the Cyote Trip again.

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The 10 Best Group Travel Tour Companies for 2023

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her adventures around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

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For those truly epic, once-in-a-lifetime destinations, you want to leave your itinerary to the experts. Whether your dream is to see the Big Five on an African Safari, trek tall mountains, explore European cities, or something even wilder, a group tour is the easiest way to do it.

However, picking the wrong group tour company is the quickest way to ruin your trip. Make sure you choose a tour company that aligns with your goals and travel styles. Do you want an intimate group tour or do you prefer to make lots of new friends in a big group? Does the price line up with what you like (luxury vs. budget)? Is the itinerary going to all the places you want to see? 

We’ve done the research and found the very best group travel tour companies for 2023 for every type of traveler.

Best Overall Group Travel: Exodus Travels

With trips on every continent, Exodus Travels covers anywhere on this planet that you could possibly want to go, from popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast to well off-the-beaten path adventures like Tajikistan. This award-winning group travel company boasts thousands of repeat customers who sign up for trips year after year (97% of past participants would recommend Exodus Travels to a friend). 

These small group tours operate with only around 12-16 people, and always feature experienced local leaders who can give you a unique insight into your destination. Exodus Travels caters to any type of travel style, including trips broken down by type of activity (think walking, cycling, multi-adventure, winter, or cultural) as well as type of traveler (family, age group, etc.). There are curated collections (coastal, “away from it all”, European wilderness, and trips of a lifetime) to inspire you, as well as self-guided options for when you want all the benefits of a group tour planner without the actual group. Looking for that special safari? Exodus Travels just partners with the African Wildlife Foundation to create carefully curated luxury adventures that go above and beyond the standard safari. 

Exodus Travels tours work for almost any budget, with options that range from affordable to premium. 

Top Trip: Explore under-the-radar Europe by foot on Exodus Travels’ Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia walking tour .

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Best Adventure Group Travel: World Expeditions

World Expeditions has been taking adventurous travelers to remote locations all over the world ever since its first group trek through Nepal in 1975. Today, World Expeditions offers active itineraries on every continent. Intrepid travelers can opt for trips themed around mountaineering, rafting, cycling, hiking, and more. 

World Expeditions aims to leave communities and places where they operate tours better than they found them. Trips are created using the company’s Thoughtful Travel Charter as a guideline, which emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainability, having a positive impact on local communities, protecting wildlife, and more. 

World Expeditions’ trips are capped at just 16 people to provide a good experience for participants, and there are no single supplements for solo travelers willing to share a room with someone of the same gender. 

Top Trip: Summit Africa’s tallest mountain on a fully-supported trek up Kilimanjaro on World Expeditions’ eight day trip up the beautiful Lemosho Route . 

Best Budget Group Travel: G Adventures 

For travelers on a budget, G Adventures offers cheap group tours that make dream destinations accessible to nearly anyone. (Think: sailing the Galapagos for just $1,124 , criss-crossing India’s Golden Triangle for $559 , or spending 8 days in Bali for less than $800.)

G Adventures is one of the best tour companies for solo travelers as well, as most trips don’t have a single-supplement. You can choose to share a room with another G Adventures solo traveler, or pay extra to have your own space.

G Adventures keeps costs down by opting for cheaper hotels and local meals, and making certain activities optional (for an additional cost). Pick your travel style—options range from “basic” to more luxe tours run in partnership with National Geographic. Family tours, local living tours (featuring homestays), and wellness-focused tours are also available. 

Top Trip: G Adventures’ China Express trip is a great way to see the highlights of China if you’re short on both time and budget. 

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Best Educational Group Tours: EF Go Ahead Tours

When you really want to learn about a destination, consider a group trip with EF Go Ahead Tours . EF is the world’s largest private education company, and the Go Ahead Tours arm capitalizes on the company’s relationships with local educators, historians, and tour guides to create group trips that take you deep into a destination. 

These small group tours generally cap at 38 travelers, and feature unique educational experiences. For a bucket list trip, EF Go Ahead Tour’s special event tours are particularly enticing, as they offer behind-the-scenes access to tough-to-plan trips like Oktoberfest in Munich or Cherry Blossom season in Japan. 

Intimidated by solo travel? EF Go Ahead Tours is a great option for solo travelers, since it offers designated trips for solo travelers , where everyone is traveling alone, making it less intimidating.  

Top Trip: Bring the tastes of Italy home with you on EF Go Ahead Tours’ Food & Wine: Piedmont & Tuscany tour (operated in partnership with America’s Test Kitchen), where you’ll learn how to make local dishes. 

Best Responsible Group Travel: Intrepid Travel

Looking for a responsible group travel operator that focuses on bettering the communities and destinations they visit? Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest travel B Corporation, a certification for companies doing good. 

Intrepid Travel’s tours focus on sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and sustaining communities. The company has its own charity, The Intrepid Foundation , which has donated over 7 million dollars to over 130 community organizations. 

Intrepid Travel’s small group tours attract a wide range of travelers, but they are especially great for younger travelers, as they have a large number of trips designed for people aged 18-29 . (Other trips, including family-focused trips, are geared toward any age.)

Top Trip: Experience unforgettable wildlife encounters on Intrepid Travel’s Premium Uganda & Rwanda trip which includes time with the mountain gorillas of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. 

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Best Private Group Travel: Kensington Tours

Whether your group consists of just two people or involves taking the entire extended family, Kensington Tours will take all the hassle of planning out of the equation. This private group operator creates personalized trips and itineraries tailored to your preferences, while their experts handle all the logistics and bookings. 

Plans are entirely flexible, and can even be changed while on the trip on a whim. Need some inspiration? Browse Kensington Tours’ travel ideas , to get some ideas for your next adventure. 

Top Trip: Sail around the stunning shores of Croatia and the Dalmation Islands on a private luxury catamaran on Kensington Tours’ fully customizable tour . 

Best Polar Group Travel: Chimu Adventures

Whether you’re headed north to the Artic or south to Antarctica, Chimu Adventures has the perfect polar group trip for you. Chimu Adventures has some of the most variety for polar trips, with options to fly, cruise, or a combination of both to get to your destination.

For an ultra-unique Antarctica trip, Chimu Adventures offers cruises departing from Australia or New Zealand (most Antarctica trips depart from Argentina). Can’t stay long? Book one of Chimu Adventures’ scenic flights to Antarctica , which fly as far as the south pole in one spectacular 16-hour day.

Chimu Adventures is one of the cheapest group trips to Antarctica, with rates starting under $5,000.

Top Trip: If you’re pressed for time (or simply don’t have the stomach for the Drake Passage), Chimu Adventures’ Antarctica Fly Cruise will get you to the ends of the earth quickly and smoothly.

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Best Group Tours for Solo Travelers: For the Love of Travel

Group tours can be a great way to meet new people, but they can sometimes skew on the older age range. If you’re between 25-39 and a solo traveler looking to meet new people, you’ll love For the Love of Travel . All participants on the trips are between 25-39, and according to the company, 80 percent are solo travelers—so you’ll make friends fast. Hoping to meet someone who will be more than just a friend on your next trip? Trips include a balanced number of “gal and guy spots” to ensure an even balance of genders within groups (and of course, non-binary genders are always welcome). 

For the Love of Travel offers weeklong (or longer) international trips as well as shorter weekender trips to nearby destinations like Mexico or Denver—perfect for people without a lot of vacation time.

Top Trip: Sleep in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, go sledding with huskies, and warm up in traditional saunas on For the Love of Travel’s Lapland tour , already booking dates for 2024.

Best Biking Tours Group Travel: DuVine Cycling

Biking through the rolling hills of Italy or across the mountain roads of Chile sounds like a dream, but the logistics seem daunting (especially if you don’t want to haul all your own stuff from point-to-point). Enter: DuVine Cycling , a luxury small group tour company that specializes in bike trips. 

With trips across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the United States, DuVine Cycling is a cyclist’s dream. Choose from all-biking trips or mix things up with a cycle and sail bike tour or a multi-sport adventure —no matter what, everything is included, from luxury boutique accommodations to top-quality name brand bikes. 

Top Trip: DuVine’s Holland Bike Tour promises “tulips, windmills, beer, and cheese”—what more could you need?

Best Luxury Group Travel: Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent has been delighting discerning travelers since 1962. Today, they take travelers on unforgettable adventures across over 100 different countries and all seven continents. Although Abercrombie & Kent’s trips are pricey, they encompass once-in-a-lifetime experiences like private jet tours around the world or luxury chartered cruises .

There are trips designed for solo travelers and families , and the small group journeys max out at around 14-18 guests.

Top Trip: Swim with whale sharks in the Philippines, feed proboscis monkeys in Malaysia, and photograph wild tigers in India on Abercrombie & Kent’s Wildlife Safari: Around the World by Private Jet trip , already booking dates into 2024.

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For independent explorers who don’t want to miss out on these amazing destinations, book your hotel stay for a great rate with SmarterTravel Hotels .

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Our motorcoach, rail, air and cruise guided tours are a wonderful way to explore different cultures, cuisines, and ways of life, in addition to creating new friendships. From one-day excursions on our bus tours , weekend getaways by train, to traveling across America by boat or plane, our experienced bus tour guides will make the vacation of your dreams a memorable and pleasant experience. Our guided tours are not only affordable but also a once in a life time experience. Only a tour bus away from your dream destination, learn more about each city tour below and make sure to buy your ticket before they sell out!

Interested in dramas, musicals, matinee shows, and more? Coach USA offers a wide variety of theatre tours throughout North America for you to choose from. Hop on board one of our bus tours today and experience the theatre in a way you haven’t before.

When planning your next cruise, let Coach USA help book your perfect vacation. We provide motorcoach and cruise packages, serving popular cruise companies and destinations. You can choose between a guided tour that will take you across the States, or stay close to home on a city tour.

Take a ride with us to the best casinos in North America. Our services include regularly scheduled bus guided tours , single and multi-day tours at various times throughout the year. Check out our casino bus schedules today.

Interested in exploring local museums? Choose one of Coach USA’s museum guided tours to explore the history of many different subjects, countries, and families. Get a chance to explore the key highlights of national museums with our multiple guided tours. There are museum visits across the States so find the schedule that fits best for your schedule.

Shopping has never been easier! Coach USA offers convenient bus tours to popular outlets, malls and shopping centers, giving you more time to shop and less time planning and parking. What’re you waiting for? Hop on one of our bus tours and brace yourself to shop until you drop!

Coach USA offers safe, reliable and convenient bus tours to many different music, art, and food festivals throughout the year. Treat yourself to a good time without the extra hassle. Our bus tours are the perfect way to get the festivities rolling.

Looking to explore new cuisines? Coach USA offers restaurant tour bus packages based on top restaurants in the area of your choice. Feast like a king and let Coach USA’s guided bus tour handle the rest. Sit back, relax and enjoy the journey to the restaurant on one of our very own tour buses.

Throughout North America, Coach USA offers safe, reliable and convenient bus tours to get you to and from multiple different sporting events. Say goodbye to hectic travel arrangements post events and rest assured as our tour buses will be awaiting your departure. Enjoy the game and enjoy your smooth ride back on a Coach USA tour bus.

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Visiting bucket list sites are a highlight of traveling, however, traveling on your own can make them hard work. Don’t queue with other sightseers for hours, with Trafalgar our experts unlock doors –  think exclusive access to the Vatican out of hours or a tour of Versailles and its grounds with an expert. This, coupled with the intimate glimpses and hidden gems our local specialists show you, are the life-changing experiences that make you feel like an insider, not a tourist.

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Best Tour Companies in Ireland

Ireland is an amazing country to visit and the selection of tour companies at your disposal is fantastic. We’ve compiled a list of the best tour companies we always hear feedback for.

The country is full of magnificent sceneries, castles, and cities that are sure to leave you in awe. Even though it is a relatively small country, you cannot visit all these excellent sites in one trip. Chances are after your first visit; you will go to the first, second, and probably more tours, and still, you won’t get enough of the country.

If you are fun of tours, then you don’t enjoy the stress of driving in a new country. It is especially so if you are used to driving on the right. Ireland is a left-hand side driving country; therefore, you will get challenges. Also, you get the tour companies to know all of the best spots, hence no single minute will be wasted on the road looking for them.

Therefore, the best thing you can do is hire the services of a tour company. It will get you around to almost all of the best tourist attraction sites in Ireland. We live here have a good idea of the best tour companies in Ireland.

There are multiple tour companies Ireland picks to move you around the country. The following are the best tour companies in Ireland:

1. CIE Tours

The company has over 80 years of excellent service of taking tourists around Ireland. They have unique flexible options, which include private- driver trips, coaches, and self-driven tours.

There are no hidden additional costs or fees as their tours are all-inclusive. Hence you can plan and save for your all-important trip without the fear of costs adding up when you are in a new country.

Accommodation is never an issue when traveling with CIE tours because they present a range of high-class hotels that are bookable in advance.

Added to the accommodation advantage is the fact that they have guaranteed departures times and prices to all of their flights, meaning you will always be on time to tour sites. Their staff tour guides are humorous and have in-depth knowledge of all locations in the country.

You can get a 7-day tour, that starts from Dublin, heading south passing through Cashel, and ending in The Ring of Kerry . After that, you head north and cross the Cliffs of Moher and finally in Galway .

With this trip around the isle, you get to see locals in their daily activities, and it never ends without a fantastic glimpse of the fabulous and luxurious Dublin castle .

2. Game of Thrones Tours

A tour to Ireland wouldn’t be complete without you visiting some of the iconic scenes where the famous HBO fantasy drama series were shot.

Game of Thrones gives you a chance to visit the Castle of Winterfell in Belfast as well as other popular Westerosi scene settings. If you are a fan of the epic drama, you wouldn’t want to miss the interaction with guides who were extras on the thrilling show. You can, therefore, get an intriguing insight into some of your favorite cast.. The tours run all year round, meaning you won’t miss a chance at any time of the year.

Aside from Winterfell, you will also get a chance to visit the Riverlands and Twins. The Tollymore Forest Locations are also another fan favorite when on tour to Ireland. You will also be provided with a full costume effect such as banners, swords, and cloaks.

If you want to get fully immersed in the Game of Thrones world, then booking with Game of thrones tours will be the best place to start.

These are all great scenes to take pictures and therefore grab your camera and book with Game of Thrones Tours.

3. Rail Tours Ireland

Rail Tours Ireland offers an exciting option to this beautiful country. The company was started in 1998 and worked in association with the country’s national railway service-Irish Rail. This gives travelers an affordable option to tour the country.

Traveling around Ireland has never been affordable and exciting than when traveling with Railtours. The trains on offer are fast and comfortable, and the company ensures that you have reserved seats and an accompanying Rail Tour guide who takes you through all the significant points and history of traditional sites.

After getting off the train, there are ready tour buses that take you to the interior where the trains cannot access. You get to see different human settlements that make up the traditional culture of the country.

There are tours every week, and you will have a chance to observe beautiful scenery and towns that helped shape this great Nation. One of the most exciting things you will get to see is the gorgeous Irish hills and fabulous gothic architecture of Connemara.

You will also get an exciting tour around museums, castles, and galleries that are sure to leave a long-lasting memory of the country.

4. Rick Steves Best of Ireland

This fantastic tour agency offers a wide range of itineraries to leave you truly satisfied. Their tours typically with the best of Dublin as most tour companies and then you head off to visit the must-see tourist attraction and historical sites.

The most famous sites that you will get to visit are Kinsale, Cliffs of Moher, Giants Causeway , the Dingle of Peninsula, and the Aran Islands. The guides are informative and friendly, ensuring you will enjoy every second of the trip.

The trips typically take 14 days giving you maximum time to visit all the famous attraction spots. There is a range of top hotels that you can book a month before your tour.

Even though they don’t include air travel in their package, there are ready buses that will take you from Dublin Airport when you arrive. You will also be escorted back to the airport when your tour ends.

That shouldn’t take away from the excellent package on offer. The chance to roam the Dingle Peninsula will make the trip, worthy last to the last cent.

5. Wolfhound Tours

The company is excellent for adventurous young adults who love traveling in small groups. The tour company offers the young blood a chance to visit unique and unusual sites in Ireland. The best example being the stone circle.

Their tours usually take ten days by it satisfies the hunger for adventure-seeking young men and women. The trip starts in Northern Ireland and often ends in West Cork. You won’t miss the great sites and locations in Dingle, Galway, Aran Islands, and the Cliffs of Moher, this, therefore, ensures you complete the full loop around the coast of Ireland.

Each tour takes you in a full circle to get you to see the beautiful culture and countryside on display, while you get to visit local villages and pubs. If that’s not all, you can even decide to see Fungie the dolphin , kayak with seals, and catch a glimpse of whales. That’s incredible considering its in their six-day tour package.

Guests rave about the tour guides who are passionate and knowledgeable about each specific tourist location you visit. Get rare tales and folklore from their well-versed tour guides to leave you yearning for much more.

6. Fab Food Trails

A trip to a new country usually means taking a bite of their local foods, which is part of their culture. The best tour company for a food enthusiast is Fab Food Trails.

With a tour around the country, you will be able to learn how to cook new dishes from the state. In every significant Irish you make a stop, you can meet a food expert who will get you up to grips with cooking methods of the best traditional meals from the Island.

The tour offers you a chance to meet like-minded people from all over the world to share your cooking ideas. The tour guides are friendly and know their way around the major markets, stalls, and great traditional hotels where you will learn a lot.

You move around in groups of approximately 12, ensuring that meals are enough for every guest. The small groups also enable an in-depth discussion with the local food guides.

If you want to interact with the local community, enjoy beautiful sites, and still have a bite of the delicious Irish Cuisine, then Fab Food Trails is the best option for you.

At the booking stage, you can also make an order for a special dietary requirement. The restaurants you will visit are in constant communication with Fab Food Trails, and all your needs will be met.

Ireland is a gem of an island full of history, culture, hospitable local people, beautiful scenery, and delicious local cuisine. The landscapes are jaw-dropping with the emerald hills, an excellent attraction. The chance of visiting iconic scene sets of Game of Thrones is always a major attraction to people across the world.

Whatever your primary interest, the tour companies Ireland options give you an excellent chance to visit the beautiful country and have one of the best times of your life. All the tour companies are high class, with guest satisfaction, their main priority. Whether you decide to take a tour bus or have a tour guide drive you and your partner, you will always get the best package that you desire.

As such, to get your plane tickets, book with the tour company in the list that suits your interests, and get to explore the best Ireland has to offer.

Ultimate Coron Island Hopping Tours Guide

By: Author MC Miller

Posted on Last updated: October 23, 2022

Categories Philippines , Travel Blog Post

Wondering which are the best Coron Island Hopping Tours to spend your money on? We know the feeling!

Having tried and tested the tours we can help you pick the right tour for you.

After experiencing all there was to offer in  El Nido , we moved on to Coron (only a short boat ride away).

Like El Nido, Coron is an area where boat tours whisk you to jaw-dropping lagoons, reefs and white sand beaches.

Which Coron Tour should I take? 4 Coron Tours which Rocked!

We did the 4 main tours in Coron with JY Travel & Tours . They were all absolutely amazing!

Know which tour you’re interested in? Jump right to it here:

• Ultimate Tour
• Coron Escapade
• Calauit Safari

Coron Town Tour

Or keep reading to see what each tour has to offer to help you decide what is the best for you.

The Ultimate Tour – For those who only want 1 Tour

The Ultimate Tour is exactly as the name suggests – it showcases the best & most iconic areas Coron has to offer.

If we had time for only one tour in Coron, this would be it. The stunning lagoons and amazing landscapes are unique to Coron and something you do not see everyday.

The Ultimate Tour costs 1200 PHP per person ($22 USD).

The tour includes: hotel transfers, an experienced guide & lunch. It does not include the use of kayaks (1000 PHP per kayak).

Tips for the Ultimate Tour:

• Unlike the El Nido tours, hiring/buying reef shoes is not really a necessity. We did not hire the reef shoes and were perfectly fine;
• Bringing or hiring a snorkel is worthwhile as part of the tour involves viewing of an underwater ship wreck;
• Hiring a kayak is advantageous but not essential. You can also enjoy the Twin Lakes by swimming.

Kayangan Lake

The first destination of the day is Kayangan Lake. This is perhaps the attraction we were most excited to see in Coron due to the perfect turquoise water.

To reach this attraction, it involves a 367 step climb.

Luckily half way up, you will find an absolutely stunning view of Coron.

As this is one of the most iconic views of Coron, there was quite a line up to get this shot. Well worthwhile for a beautiful memory though!

And yes, the hike is completely worth every agonising step up as at the bottom you are rewarded with some of the clearest water in Asia with absolutely stunning natural rock formations.

The water is in fact so clear that you can see garfish swimming around you in the lake.

You are not allowed to swim in Kayangan Lake without a life jacket so make sure you bring one with you from the boat!

Barracuda Lake

Our next stop was Barracuda Lake. This was an unexpected stop and a “bonus stop” of our tour.

We thoroughly enjoyed Barracuda Lake and would recommend trying to book a tour which includes it.

If anyone is also interested in the best place to free dive in Coron – this is the place to do it! The underwater rock formations at Barracuda Lake are absolutely unreal.

We did not free dive but we had an opportunity to snorkel at Barracuda Lake and were very happy with the opportunity to be able to swim & snorkel in one of Coron’s most iconic locations.

We could also see the beautiful underwater rock formations just by snorkeling as the water is SO clear in Barracuda Lake. The visibility is unparalleled anywhere else we visited in Palawan.

Following Barracuda Lake is one spot we were eagerly awaiting. It’s one of the most iconic spots of Coron – the Twin Lake.

Twin Lake is known for the beautiful colour of water & stunning rock formations.

Here you have the opportunity to use rented kayaks. It is advisable but not absolutely necessary to kayak at Twin Lake.

After a fun time swimming & kayaking in the lake, we enjoyed a delicious lunch aboard the boat. This consisted of grilled fish, rice, vegetables, chicken & fruit.

Japanese Ship Wreck

The next stop is a Japanese ship wreck. It was very cool seeing a Japanese ship wreck from WW2 submerged underwater.

As stated above, it is advisable to hire or buy snorkel gear for this tour as it is fascinating to see the ship wreck.

The final stop of the day was CYC beach.

You can swim or use your kayak to access the beach.

Interestingly, we met a French tourist camping overnight on CYC beach. He had actually come on a day trip and asked if he could be collected the next day.

An option for anyone who wants to get back to nature for a night. Ask your tour if this is possible in advance. The tourist brought all his own supplies.

As we got back on the boat, we were treated to “Turon” a Filipino specialty which is banana wrapped in spring roll paper and fried.

Turon was one of the extra perks on our tour with JY Travel and Tours and one of the many reasons why we love them!

Coron Escapade Tour

The next tour we took of Coron was the Escapade Tour . We choose this tour as we wanted to see some spots further away from Coron where fewer tours (and tourists) go.

We recommend this tour for those looking for beautiful beaches further away from Coron.

There are less stops included in this tour as the first stop is 1.5 hours boat ride from Coron.

Tips for the Escapade Tour:

• Hiring/buying reef shoes is not really a necessity. We did not hire the reef shoes and were perfectly fine;
• Bringing or hiring a snorkel is worthwhile as the snorkeling on this tour is amazing;
• Hiring a kayak on this tour is not necessary.

Malcapuya Island

The first stop was Malcapuya Island. This Island is absolutely beautiful – white sand beaches & crystal clear water.

What we also loved about this beach was that there are plenty of tables & chairs to sit on at the beach to keep shaded in the hot weather in the Philippines.

This island is also great for off shore snorkeling so if you have brought or hired a snorkel, this is a great opportunity to see some beautiful reef life.

Banana Island

After enjoying snorkeling and swimming at Malcapuya Island, it was time to stop for lunch at Banana Island.

The JY crew prepared the most delicious lunch at Banana Island consisting of grilled fish, chicken, rice & fresh fruit.

Banana Island is also a great place to snorkel. If you feel energised after lunch we highly recommend snorkeling at Banana Island as it was one of the best snorkeling spots we experienced in the Philippines.

Metres from shore Mike found a huge school of fish on a feeding frenzy – check out our Instagram story highlights for more about this!

Bulog Dos Island

The island we were most excited about visiting for the day was Bulog Dos Island , which features a stunning white sandbar which protrudes from the beach.

Alas, we are not very lucky with sandbars. Just like our visit to Snake Island, El Nido – we visited at high tide so the ocean covered most of the sandbar.

Even though the full sandbar was not visible Bulog Dos was still an absolutely beautiful island. The snorkeling on this island is also fabulous.

There is also a viewpoint on this Island where you can get some pretty cool Instagram shots.

View this post on Instagram Paradise found ????️ Where is your happy place? . . . . . . @jytravelandtourscoron A post shared by Travel Couple ✈︎ (@coupletraveltheworld) on Nov 18, 2018 at 7:47am PST

Calauit Safari Tour

One of the reasons we were excited to visit Coron was to see African animals at the Calauit Safari.

We had seen this safari park on Instagram and were amazed that there was really African animals living in the Philippines. I mean, how cool is that?

Coron Safari

This tour starts even earlier than regular El Nido and Coron tours. The pickup time for the Coron Safari tour is 5am.

We actually didn’t realise this and managed to miss our tour one morning. Not recommended. All of the island tours in Coron start at around 8am. This is different – be prepared.

The first stop is for a local breakfast for those who want it. Breakfast is 100 pesos per person and includes 2 eggs, Filipino sausages & rice.

From here, it takes around 30 minutes to reach the entry to the safari park.

The safari park is a very interesting experience and definitely not be missed if you are in Coron.

A cool quirk of the park is that it’s located on an island reachable only by boat. It really felt like we were visiting Jurassic Park as our boat trundled up to this densely green island where rare animals awaited.

We found the boat ride over to the island to be pretty fun in itself.

When you first arrive, you get to feed the giraffes. It was so fun to be able to feed these animals. They were quite cheeky too so hold on to your branch or they will take it in one bite!

From there the rangers take you around the park to have a longer look at the animals and take photographs.

You can get fairly close to the giraffes and zebras in order to take a beautiful photo. The rangers don’t like you getting closer than 3-4 metres.

On the safari, the ranger also took us to see turtles, monkeys & a large snake.

It was a great experience and we would highly recommend it to anyone who loves animals.

After the safari, we had a quick pitstop at a local beach before heading back to the same restaurant as breakfast for lunch.

Black Island

After lunch the group split into two: those who wanted to see a waterfall & those who wanted to see Black Island.

We choose to skip the waterfall in favour of Black Island, an absolutely beautiful island off the north coast of Coron.

There is also an amazing cave on the island with a natural swimming hole. If you feel like an icey cold dip, you can even take a swim in the cave.

We arrived in Coron after a ferry ride from El Nido. The boat from El Nido arrrives at around 10am in the morning. This means it is too late to do a boat tour.

However, we didn’t need to waste any time as we were able to join the Coron Town Tour! This tour starts at 4pm in the afternoon.

Admittedly, we are not usually fans of town tours. We would rather DIY. However, as this tour requires an after dark transfer to the hot springs 30 minutes from town, we think it’s good value and more convenient than taking a tuk tuk.

We would highly recommend it if you have an extra afternoon spare while you are in Coron.

Lualhati Park

The first stop on the Coron Town Tour is Lualhati Park.

This was our least favourite spot of the tour but it was only a short stop for 10 minutes.

Basically, it is a nice river view walk/dock boat. Locals sell various souvenirs here and if you haggle, you can get a great price!

Mt Tapyas View Deck

The highlight of the Tour in our opinion was what came next – Tapyas View Deck.

The view and scenery at the View Deck is sublime.

We were not expecting this kind of countryside in the fisherman village of Coron and we were totally blown away.

In order to access the view deck, it is around a 20 minute stair climb to the top. We found it reasonably tiring (we were quite exhausted at the top).

Our guide told us that older people still manage to make it so it is definitely a doable hike!

From on side of the mountain a view deck with a beautiful vista of Coron town. On the other side is beautiful yellow rolling countryside like the one pictured below.

Mt Tapyas View Deck is the perfect place to enjoy a beautiful sunset.

One of the reasons for the late start of this tour is so you can sit down and enjoy the sun set over Coron.

Maquinit Hot spring

After a steep climb uphill, what is better than relaxing tired muscles under the stars?

We weren’t sure what to expect of Maquinit Hot Spring but we were pleasantly surprised.

The hot spring was so relaxing. It is extremely hot though and hard to stay in longer than 20-30 minutes at a time.

Luckily, there is a little cafe where you can buy cheap drinks and relax around the hot springs while you steam off.

Our group preferred to stay longer at the bigger attractions. There were a few attractions we missed in this tour: Town Plaza, Souvenir Shops, St Augustine Church & the cashew harvest.

What is great about JY Travel & Tours – they listen to the needs of the group and their preferences.

We loved that the tour is adaptable to individuals interests.

Which Tour Company? JY Travel & Tour

All Tours of Coron we did with JY Travel & Tours. We couldn’t recommend this company highly enough.

The staff were fun, professional and looked after our safety the entire time. They were also very helpful with information about the surrounds.

Not only are the staff fabulous but they serve a fabulous lunch consisting of grilled fish, chicken, pork, prawns, grilled vegetables, rich & fruit.

If you are looking for a tour in Coron, we would highly recommend this company.

You can find more information on  JY Travel & Tour   website . You can also them on Facebook &  Instagram .

Where to Stay in Coron

There are so many great places to stay in Coron to suit all budgets.

Click here to search all accommodation in Coron during your dates.

We would recommend staying in town rather than outside of town as there tends to be better access to internet! We stayed in a very clean & comfortable place in town with a great view.

To see where we stayed in Coron click here !

We were guests at JY Travel & Tour as part of these tours. However, as always, all opinions are our own.

We hope this helped you plan your Coron tour! If you have anything to add or need some advice, leave a comment below!

Save this ‘Coron Tour Guide’ to Pinterest so you can find it again later!

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”https://coupletraveltheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/What-to-do-in-Coron-Philippines.png” alt=”What to do in Coron Philippines” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] [/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”https://coupletraveltheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/The-Best-Tours-Coron.png” alt=”The Best Tours Coron” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] [/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”https://coupletraveltheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Things-to-do-in-Coron-and-what-tour-to-take.png” alt=”Things-to-do-in-Coron-and-what-tour-to-take” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] [/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

MC Miller is a travel blogger and writer who has travelled America extensively and abroad to over 80 countries. He founded Couple Travel The World in 2017. Since then, he has spent over 6 years on the road as a full time travel couple. When he not traveling he likes to spend quality time with his partner Bett, planning our their next date or romantic getaway!

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Thursday 27th of February 2020

OMG! I have been to Palawan at least 5 times and just falls in love with the place even more each time.

coupletraveltheworld

Saturday 29th of February 2020

Palawan is truly amazing. Did you take any of the tours in Coron? Between visiting the islands and meeting the friendly locals we fell in love too

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Tour Championship 2024 LIVE RESULTS: Mark Williams SHOCKS Ronnie O’Sullivan to win final – latest snooker updates

• Williams WINS Tour Championship
• Rocket reaches final
• Jon Boon , Features writer
• Updated : 10:54, 8 Apr 2024

RONNIE O'SULLIVAN has been beaten by Mark Williams in the Tour Championship final in Manchester.

Welsh wizard Williams dominated O'Sullivan in both sessions to win the final 10-5.

Attention now turns to the long-awaited World Snooker Championship at The Crucible.

• Session times : Evening session started at 7pm
• FREE live stream: ITVX / ITV Sport
• TV channel: ITV4
• Explainer : Tour Championship full schedule
• What is the prize money 2024?

Join us for The Sun World Snooker Championship Preview Night featuring Judd Trump and Mark Allen

Here's the moment

This is when humble Mark Williams lifted the Tour Championship trophy.

He was serenaded in confetti, as he held back the tears.

Job well done, Mark.

Family affair

For Williams it was a family affair at the Tour Championships.

Afterwards, he was joined by his wife and their three sons to pose with the trophy.

Williams is the victor

It's Williams' 26th ranking title.

This will certainly put him in people's thoughts at the Crucible.

The form guide

Williams must have feared a ninth successive loss against the Rocket today.

It goes all the way back to 2016, and he was 5-3 down in this Tour Championship final.

However, the Welshman saw it differently.

Winning seven consecutive frames, he saw off O'Sullivan. Astonishing stuff.

'He likes to play golf and chill out, enjoy his life'

Ronnie O'Sullivan joked that Mark Williams would be No1 in the world, if he didn't prefer to 'chill out' and 'play golf'.

"If he was to dedicate his whole life to it, he would probably be number one in the world," he said.

"But he doesn’t – he likes to play golf and chill out, enjoy his life.

"He doesn’t do badly for someone that just plays about it in the sport."

O'Sullivan's modest in defeat

Listen, I think Mark has been the most consistent player for the last five years. “The way he has been hitting the ball. Very rarely does he play a poor match. “The way he has played this week and in the final, he’s such an amazing player. He’s so talented. “I think he’s better now than he has ever been to be honest with you. He seems so strong. “I tried, I gave it everything, but he’s so consistent, so strong. “If you don’t keep playing top-level snooker against him, he’ll just eat you alive. I think I did well to get five frames.” Ronnie O'Sullivan ITV Sport

More Williams reaction

Not bad. I played well all day. I took it to him, I played well. I cannot believe I won. “It’s not bad for a part-timer. I am a part-timer pool player now! “I never thought I would win tournaments at the age of 49. Who knows, the world championships are round the corner? I will try my best. “This is up there in my career. As Ronnie said, I think I am a better all-round player now. Considering I don’t practice that much. But I always try my absolute nuts. “I have beaten the best three players in the world. I haven’t done it the easy way. “It’s nice to have family up here. One son always comes with me. Two of my sons only come up to watch Ronnie. “The crowd have been fantastic. They have given everybody great support.” Mark Williams ITV Sport

Frame-by-frame

Williams reaction

"I can't believe I won. "Who knows the world championship is around the corner, he's the man to beat and I'll try my best. "I think I'm better all round than I've ever been. I've beat Judd Trump, Mark Allen and Ronnie O'Sullivan the best three players in the world. Mark Williams ITV Sport

O'Sullivan praises Williams

Incredibly, this is O'Sullivan's first final loss in five years.

But, he was quick to take his hat off to his opponent.

He said: "I think he's better now than he's ever been," O'Sullivan said.

"I think he's been the best player for the last five years."

Williams is the Tour Championship winner

What a remarkable performance from Williams.

He was in unbeatable form today, and O'Sullivan just couldn't keep up with his opponent.

The Welshman is the Tour Championship winner.

O'Sullivan 5-10 Williams

With Williams on 40, he misses a red.

But an out of sync O'Sullivan misses a pot he would usually make.

It's catching. Williams then misses with the rest, with Rocket returning to the table.

O'Sullivan's short on a red! Williams returns and makes no mistake. But guess what? An easy pot hits both sides of the bottom left cushion and bounces out.

What a frame. O'Sullivan then gives Williams the opportunity to plant a double - which he does.

A missed yellow from O'Sullivan is then sunk by Williams. It's all over.

O'Sullivan 5-9 Williams

One frame now from glory.

It has been quite the exceptional performance from Williams.

He is reborn.

O'Sullivan 5-8 Williams

Well, well, well.

O'Sullivan's game has gone to pot here. A routine red missed, Williams capitalised.

Earlier in the frame, Williams played a brilliant double - showing off, perhaps, his pool skills.

Another century break gives him a big extension of his lead.

And we're back on

After the evening interval, we're back under way.

Williams blitzed that last session.

Best of 19 frames, it means Williams is just three frames away from glory.

O'Sullivan 5-7 Williams

Williams was in danger of losing the frame very early on when he was told by the ref another miss would see him concede.

But, he managed to find a way out of trouble and a series of safety's followed.

Williams seemed to take the initiative when Ronnie left a long red open, which he potted - but he couldn't quite get a run going.

Another mistake from Ronnie gifted Williams the frame with a break of 99.

O'Sullivan 5-6 Williams

Williams has stole another frame.

Rocket run up a score of 42, but the Welshman got to 60, before missing the pink.

Ronnie needed a snooker, and tried to force the issue until Williams finally sunk the pink.

Williams is playing with such poise and calmness out there.

O'Sullivan 5-5 Williams

This is superb from Williams.

He's shown determination and amazing character to fight back and level the scores up.

We're in for an epic night, clearly.

A break of 104 - with Ronnie failing to pot a ball - seals the 10th frame.

O'Sullivan 5-4 Williams

Williams stops O'Sullivan's run after the interval to go within one.

A brilliant shot to the middle pocket on a red that appeared to be blocked by the pink was dealt with beautifully with a bit of swerve.

It was a tight frame, but the Welshman got over the line and is back in it.

Williams' plan of attack

I'm just going to enjoy it. "How many more times is this going to happen? "I couldn't pick a better player to play in a final. I'm going to attack and try my best. "I know I haven't played Ronnie in a final for a long time but that's because he keeps beating me before the final!" Mark Williams ITV Sport

Ronnie's mental health battle

Ronnie O'Sullivan has been candid about his mental health battle, revealing he has seen a psychiatrist during the Tour Championship.

He told ITV: "I've just got to commit to it [speaking to a psychiatrist] now for a good year to try to get myself out of this sort of hole I've got myself in mentally with the obsession of the game, tinkering.

"I know I'm never going to stop tinkering, but I have to somehow get my head strong enough to be able to deal with it and not go too deep into that horrible murky world that it is.

"Every sportsman - maybe golfers, tennis players, snooker players - I suppose we all do it, but I went so deep into that it's like detoxing myself from it.

"It kind of felt like I've had the yips in a way - mentally, physically - it feels like you get scared to even want to go and play.

"That's not a nice place to be, so I've got nothing left to do other than to try to get myself mentally out of it and hopefully my game will start to flow again, maybe."

Pre-match meal

Mark Williams showed his fans he was just like Luke Littler by tucking into a kebab before his match-up with Ronnie O'Sullivan.

The family meal clearly went down well.

The respect between these two is there to see.

Before proceedings, O'Sullivan and Williams shared a fist bump.

And it's a close encounter in the final. Who will prevail when the evening sessions resumes at around 7pm.

Rocket by name...

Incredibly, Rocket Ronnie won the last four frames in astonishing amount of time.

It took the legend just 37 minutes.

That included breaks of 102, 127, and 121,

He's not wasting any time.

• Sport Live Blogs
• Ronnie O'Sullivan

From concerts to parties, what to know about the 2024 NC Azalea Festival in Wilmington

If you've been around Wilmington long enough, you either dread the coming of each year's Azalea Festival or the festival just can't get here soon enough.

But whether you leave town for the festival each year or are there for as many events as you can get to, one thing we can all agree on is that the Azalea Festival, which started in 1948 and is now in its 77th year, is not only Wilmington's biggest annual festival but also an important part of Wilmington's cultural history.

This year's festival features most of the tradtional events that folks have come to expect, along with a few new twists. Here's what you need to know about Azalea Festival 2024.

The concerts

The festival has two concert headliners this year : Grammy-award-winning hip-hop artist T-Pain will perform 7 p.m. Thursday, April 4, and platinum-selling country singer Chase Rice will perform 7 p.m. Friday, April 5.

Both concerts at at Live Oak Bank Pavilion, and tickets are $55 to each.

There's also the free Tunes & Blooms concert Saturday, April 5 , at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater featuring a half-dozen top Wilmington bands, including indie rockers The Great Indoors and Narah, pop-rock act Kicking Bird , folk singer Delia Stanley and more.

The 77th queen of the Azalea Festival is Sharon Lawrence, a longtime actress who's been in everything from "NYPD Blue" to the Wilmington-shot drama "One Tree Hill."

The queen's coronation, which is free to attend, is  3 p.m. Wednesday, April 3 , at the Battleship North Carolina.

The queen's duties include riding in the Azalea Festival parade, attending most festival functions and making other festival-related appearances.

There will also be a " Queen's Dance Party" event 6 p.m. Friday, April 5 , at the Wilmington Convention Center. Tickets are $55 and include food, music, dancing and a chance to meet Queen Azalea LXXVII Sharon Lawrence.

A festival staple since day one back in 1948, the parade starts 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 6 . Marching bands, area dignitaries and pageant queens, along with Queen Azalea herself, will be featured.

The parade proceeds down Third Street from Bladen to Market and is free to view, although bleacher tickets are available for a small fee.

The street fair

With more than 250 food and arts crafts vendors, a children's play area and a performing arts stage, the Azalea Festival Street Fair in downtown Wilmington is a festival centerpiece that attracts tens of thousands of people each year.

The street fair is back on Front Street this year, and hours are 6-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.

The fireworks

Will there be fireworks this year? Yes, Azalea, there will be.

The display starts at 9 p.m. Saturday downtown , and a good spot is pretty much anywhere along the Cape Fear River, although the Battleship North Carolina will be ground zero.

The garden tour

Technically it's the Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Garden Tour and it's been organized for the festival by the Cape Fear Garden Club since 1953.

The self-guided tour of some of the most fabulous area gardens starts 10 a.m. Friday-Sunday, although Airlie Gardens is only on the tour Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $50 each and are good for all three days.

The home tour

Last year, the Azalea Festival Home Tour organized by the Historic Wilmington Foundation highlighted the Sunset Park neighborhood for the first time.

This year, the tour heads to the Westbrook-Ardmore National Register Historic District , which includes two 100-year-old Wilmington neighborhoods you might never have heard of: Manhattan and the Bronx.

According to research done by Historic Wilmington Foundation Director Travis Gilbert, the neighborhoods, which are off South 17th Street between Castle Street and Wrightsville Avenue, were named by real estate companies of the day trying to drum up sales in what was then the outskirts of the city.

Tours run 1-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with a ribbon-cutting 1 p.m. Saturday at Historic Fire Station No. 5, 1702 Wrightsville Ave. Home tour tickets are $40 each.

The garden party

Officially known as the Airlie Luncheon Garden Party , it hosts hundreds of festival sponsors and supporters for a day of fancy outfits, Southern food and a little bit of day drinking at Airlie Gardens. Over 2,000 people are expected.

And the rest ...

In addition to everything else, the Azalea Festival also features a juried art show , a coin show , a boxing tournament , a volleyball and cornhole tournament and, new this year, a mini golf party at Jungle Rapids with NFL star and Wilmington native Alex Highsmith.

For details on these and other festival events, check the festival website at NCAzaleaFestival.org .

Nelly Korda wins T-Mobile Match Play in Las Vegas in fourth straight LPGA Tour victory

• Published 1 day ago

The victory was the 12th of Korda's career

Nelly Korda beat Leona Maguire to win the T-Mobile Match Play at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas for her fourth straight LPGA Tour victory.

American Korda, 25, won four of the first seven holes as she beat Ireland's Maguire 4&3.

Korda, ranked number one in the world, is the first woman to win four straight tournaments since Mexico's Lorena Ochoa in 2008.

"I can't even wrap my head around it," said Korda.

"Such a whirlwind of the last three weeks. I just feel like I was just in go-mode constantly."

Korda was five up after 12 holes before Maguire showed resilience in taking 13 and 14, but ended the match with a par win on the 15th.

"It's always nice to get a lead, kind of like a cushion," said Korda.

"But it's Leona. She's such a fiery competitor. I knew when I lost those two holes in a row, 13 and 14, that I really needed to put my foot down to finish the match off."

The tournament's format changed this year to three days of strokeplay, with the top eight advancing to matchplay on the weekend.

Korda beat US compatriot Angel Yin 3&2 in the last eight before overcoming South Korea's Na-Rin An 4&3, while Maguire defeated Thailand's Moriya Jutanugarn 4&3 and Korean Sei-young Kim 3&2.

Korda's victory follows successes at the Drive On Championship, Los Angeles Open and Arizona Championship.

She will attempt to tie the record of five - set by American Nancy Lopez in 1978 and matched by Sweden's Annika Sorenstam in 2004-05 - in two weeks at the season's first major, the Chevron Championship outside Houston.

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Related internet links.

DP World Tour

Ladies European Tour

Missy Elliott announces 1st headline tour: 'I am experiencing so many milestone 'firsts''

The Out of This World Tour kicks off this July.

Missy Elliott has announced her first-ever headline tour!

The award-winning artist will head out on the Out of This World Tour this summer, hitting 24 cities across North America. She'll be joined on the tour by artists including Busta Rhymes, Ciara and Timbaland.

MORE: Missy Elliott talks becoming first female rapper to be inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

"This is an incredible time in my life as I am experiencing so many milestone 'firsts.'" Elliott said in a statement. "Being the FIRST female Hip Hop artist to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and now going out on my FIRST headline tour."

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She continued, "Fans have been asking me to tour forever but I wanted to wait until I felt the time was right because I knew if I was ever going to do it, I had to do it big, and I had to do it with family! So get ready to be taken OUT OF THIS WORLD with me, Busta Rhymes, Ciara, and Timbaland! We can’t wait to share this experience with the fans!"

Elliott also celebrated the exciting tour announcement in an exclusive video message that aired on "Good Morning America" Monday.

Her monumental tour comes after she became the first female rapper to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in November.

Tickets for the Out of This World Tour go on sale April 12. Verizon presale tickets will be available April 9.

MORE: New Kids on the Block announce The Magic Summer 2024 tour

Check out a full list of dates for the Out of This World Tour at Missy-Elliott.com.

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The Grand Tour ‘gets huge lifeline’ – without Jeremy Clarkson

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The Grand Tour has reportedly been given a huge lifeline, with plans to develop a fresh version without Jeremy Clarkson .

The Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? host, 63, and his co-stars Richard Hammond and James May have filmed their final special of the Amazon Prime series, after it was revealed in November that it was coming to an end.

The trio, who first hit our screens together in 2003 on  Top Gear , announced their exit from the series in November last year, however, it could be coming back with a fresh presenting team.

According to reports, Studio Lambert – the production company who brought us The Traitors and Squid Game: The Challenge – has landed the contract to develop a fresh version of the motoring show.

An ‘update to the format’ is being prepped with new presenting talent, although has not been formally greenlit, Broadcast claims.

Clarkson, Hammond and May first launched the series in 2016, with their penultimate episode The Sand Job having aired earlier this year following a trip to Mauritania, and a final in Zimbabwe yet to reach our screens.

As the news of The Grand Tour coming to a grinding halt was announced in November, it was said to be ‘the end of an era’.

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A source revealed at the time: ‘It’s a surprising decision and everyone realises it very much marks the end of an era for the three presenters.

‘The Grand Tour is one of Prime Video’s most watched shows and Jeremy, James and Richard have a devoted following.’

The insider continued to  The Sun : ‘But the guys have made no bones about the fact they’re all advancing in years and they have lots of other projects to pursue.

‘They just felt like the time was right and wanted to go out on a high when the show remained popular.’

But, it may not be the end of Clarkson, Hammond, 54, and May, 61, on our screens together.

When asked if they’d reunite on another project, May said: ‘I wouldn’t rule it out, but you do have to bear in mind that we’re all getting on a bit.

‘We’ve got two (episodes) in the bag, there’s one coming out very soon, and another coming out a bit after that, but what happens between now and then we’ll have to wait and see.’

Clarkson also spoke about The Grand Tour ending and branded himself ‘unfit, fat and old’ when speaking about why he was done with the ‘immensely physical’ show.

‘I’ve driven cars higher than anyone else and further north than anyone else,’ he told The Times.

‘We’ve done everything you can do with a car.

‘When we had meetings about what to do next, people just threw their arms in the air.’

The future of The Grand Tour was thrown into doubt following Clarkson’s vile comments in a newspaper column about Meghan Markle  in January 2023, in which the broadcaster said he dreamed of the Duchess being paraded through the streets and publicly shamed.

It became Ipso’s most complained-about article after its publication, receiving more than 25,100 complaints, with Clarkson later issuing a lengthy apology to the Suits actress and her husband Prince Harry, and claims emerged that  Amazon reportedly ‘parted ways’ with him .

Meanwhile, Clarkson’s adventures at his Diddly Squat farm will continue to air on Amazon Prime for season four, while the third instalment of Clarkson’s Farm premieres next month.

Metro.co.uk has approached Studio Lambert for comment.

The Grand Tour is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.

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If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Jeremy Clarkson wants to ‘shake’ people complaining about cultural appropriation

MORE : Alison Hammond finally lands perfect job on BBC after ‘gutting’ axe

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