What Trafalgar Tours is and who runs it

Trafalgar Tours is a tour operator owned by The Globus Family of Brands, which is part of Expedia Group. The company organizes guided group trips to destinations across Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Australia. Trafalgar has been operating since 1947 and focuses on smaller group sizes compared to some competitors — most tours run with 40 or fewer passengers, though some are larger.

Trafalgar is a for-profit travel company, not a nonprofit or government program. You pay them directly for a tour package, and they handle the logistics: hotels, transportation, guided activities, and some meals. The company operates from offices in multiple countries and books tours through travel agents and its own website.

Key Takeaways

  • Trafalgar offers guided group tours to multiple continents, with most groups capped at 40 passengers, and you book through their website or a travel agent.
  • Tour prices vary widely by destination and length — a week-long European tour typically costs more than a comparable domestic trip — and usually include accommodation, transportation, and a guide but may not include all meals or airfare.
  • You can cancel most tours up to a certain number of days before departure, but cancellation fees increase as your travel date approaches, and trip insurance is sold separately.
  • Trafalgar assigns a tour director to each group who manages the itinerary, and local guides join at specific stops to provide destination informed.
  • The company requires a valid passport for international travel and may have age or physical fitness requirements depending on the tour's difficulty level.

How tour pricing and what's included work

Trafalgar publishes tour prices on its website and through travel agents. The cost depends on the destination, length of the tour, the season you travel, and the type of accommodation. A seven-day European coach tour might range from $1,500 to $3,500 per person, while a longer or more remote destination could cost significantly more. Prices change based on demand and availability, similar to airline pricing.

What's included in the tour price varies by package. Most Trafalgar tours include accommodation, ground transportation (usually by coach), a tour director, and some guided activities. Many tours include a certain number of meals — often breakfast daily and some dinners — but not all meals. Airfare to and from your departure city is typically not included and must be purchased separately. You should review the detailed itinerary for each tour to see exactly which meals, activities, and services are covered.

Some tours offer optional add-ons you can purchase separately, such as extra excursions, travel insurance, or airport transfers. These appear during the booking process and are not required to complete your reservation.

How to book a Trafalgar tour

You can book a Trafalgar tour in three ways: through Trafalgar's official website, through a travel agent, or by calling Trafalgar's customer service line. The website lets you search by destination, travel dates, and tour length. Once you select a tour, you'll see the full itinerary, included services, pricing, and available departure dates.

During booking, you'll provide passenger names, contact information, passport details (for international tours), and payment information. Trafalgar accepts major credit cards and may offer payment plans for tours booked far in advance. You'll receive a confirmation email with your booking reference, itinerary, and pre-travel information. Most tours require a deposit at booking, with the balance due several weeks before departure.

If you book through a travel agent, the agent handles the reservation on your behalf and may offer additional services like airfare booking or travel insurance bundling. Travel agents typically charge the same price as booking direct, though some offer added value through their own services.

Cancellation policies and what happens if you need to cancel

Trafalgar allows cancellations, but the refund you receive depends on how close you are to your departure date. If you cancel far in advance — typically 60 or more days before departure — you may receive a full refund minus a small administrative fee. As your travel date approaches, cancellation fees increase. Within 14 days of departure, you typically forfeit the entire tour cost.

The exact cancellation terms appear in your booking confirmation and on the tour details page. Some tours have different cancellation policies than others, so you should read the terms for your specific tour before booking. If you need to cancel, contact Trafalgar or your travel agent as soon as possible — the sooner you cancel, the more you may recover.

Trafalgar sells trip insurance separately, which can cover cancellation costs if you cancel for a covered reason (illness, injury, family emergency). Trip insurance is optional and must be purchased at or shortly after booking. It does not cover cancellations due to changes of mind.

What to expect during your tour

Each Trafalgar tour is led by a tour director — a Trafalgar employee who stays with your group for the entire tour. The tour director manages the schedule, handles logistics, and provides some commentary about destinations. At specific stops, local guides join the group to provide in-depth knowledge about that location's history, culture, and attractions.

Most days follow a similar rhythm: breakfast at your hotel, travel by coach to attractions or towns, guided tours or free time to explore, lunch (sometimes included, sometimes on your own), more activities or travel, and dinner (often included). The pace varies — some tours are more active with many walking tours and activities, while others are more relaxed. Tour descriptions note the activity level, and you should review this before booking if you have physical limitations.

You'll stay in hotels selected by Trafalgar, typically mid-range properties in city centers or near major attractions. Room types (single, double, triple) are assigned based on your booking. Trafalgar groups are usually 20 to 40 people, though some tours are larger. You'll travel together by coach, eat some meals together, and participate in group activities, though free time is built into most itineraries for independent exploration.

Documents and requirements you'll need

For any international Trafalgar tour, you need a valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your return date — many countries require this. Check your passport's expiration date well before booking. If your passport is expiring soon, renew it before you book your tour.

Some destinations require a visa in addition to a passport. Trafalgar's tour details page will note if visas are required. You are responsible for obtaining visas yourself, though Trafalgar can provide guidance on the process. Processing times for visas vary by country and can take several weeks, so plan ahead.

Trafalgar may have age or physical fitness requirements for certain tours. Adventure tours, hiking tours, or tours with significant walking may not be suitable for people with mobility issues. Tour descriptions include activity levels and any physical requirements. If you have health concerns or mobility limitations, contact Trafalgar before booking to confirm the tour is appropriate for you.

How payment and refunds work

Trafalgar accepts payment by credit card, debit card, and bank transfer, depending on your location and booking method. Most bookings require a deposit (often 10 to 25 percent of the tour cost) at the time of reservation, with the remaining balance due 30 to 60 days before departure. You'll receive payment due dates in your confirmation email.

If you pay by credit card, the charge appears on your statement as a Trafalgar charge or under the name of the payment processor. If you book through a travel agent, payment may go to the agent, who then pays Trafalgar. Keep your confirmation email and receipt for your records.

Refunds for cancellations are processed back to your original payment method. The time it takes for a refund to appear in your account depends on your bank or credit card company — typically 5 to 10 business days after Trafalgar processes it. If you paid through a travel agent, the refund goes to the agent first, and the agent then refunds you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need travel insurance for a Trafalgar tour?

Travel insurance is not required, but Trafalgar recommends it and sells it as an add-on. Insurance can cover trip cancellation, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and other travel disruptions. If you're concerned about losing money if you have to cancel, or if you have pre-existing health conditions, insurance may be worth the cost. Read the policy details to understand what is and isn't covered.

Can I join a tour if I'm traveling alone?

Yes, you can book a Trafalgar tour as a solo traveler. You'll need to choose a room type at booking — single rooms cost more than double rooms. Some tours offer roommate matching, where Trafalgar pairs you with another solo traveler to share a double room and split the cost. Ask about this option when booking.

What if I arrive late or need to leave early?

Contact Trafalgar as soon as you know you'll be late or need to leave early. Depending on the tour, you may be able to join partway through or leave before the end, but this may affect your refund or require additional fees. Trafalgar cannot hold a tour or adjust the itinerary for individual passengers, so late arrivals or early departures mean you'll miss included activities.

Are meals included in the tour price?

Most Trafalgar tours include breakfast daily and several dinners, but not all meals. Lunch is often on your own, giving you the chance to explore local restaurants. The tour details page lists exactly which meals are included. Budget extra money for meals not included and for snacks, drinks, and dining out during free time.

How do I get to the airport or my hotel before the tour starts?

Your tour typically begins at a specific hotel or meeting point on your first day. Getting to that location is your responsibility unless you purchase an airport transfer add-on. Trafalgar offers airport transfers in some cities for an additional fee — you can add this during booking. If you don't purchase a transfer, you'll need to arrange your own transportation (taxi, rental car, public transit) from the airport to your hotel.