mtnestr

I'm planning on an escorted tour through Italy in the summer of 2010. Both companies offer comparable itineraries but Gate 1 is a little less money. Is one company preferred over another and why? Thank you!

P_M

I've never used Trafalgar but I've used Gate 1 twice (one trip to Israel, another to Turkey) and I highly recommend it. On both trips the hotels were nice and in great locations and the guides were very knowledgeable.

iris1745

Hi; I have not used either, but I am researching a trip for our 50th on Tauck. Working with www.cheapertravel.com/ They offer 10% off for the companies you are interested in. I have checked with the BBB and their rating is A+ with no complaints. They don't work with Gate 1, but they do work with Globus. These companies are similar in they offer First Class Tours. I have found a few comments about slow response. And there are other companies you could work with and get 10% off. Just google 'cheaper travel'. Richard

Dayenu

I traveled with Trafalgar and didn't like it, and when I sent in my complaints the letter from them basically said: it's the local tour, not our problem.

I did see Gate1 travelers in the same hotel (suitcase labels) and they looked all happy!

By the way, check out AffordableTours website, I wonder if they still offer 10% discount. Bought several tours from them in the past.

P_M

Hi Dayenu, that last time I checked Affordable Tours is not working w/Gate 1. At least they weren't when I took my Turkey trip in December.

iris1745

Hi; Yes, www.affordabletours.com/ is still working with Gate 1 along with many other companies. 10% is still offered for many tours with different companies. However, this company [Affordable Tours] is offering 20% off Trafalgar , Europe tours if booked by 30, September, 'paid in full'. You have one day. Richard

P_M

iris1745, I'm considering another Gate 1 tour for next year and I would have been very glad if they are working w/Gate 1 again, but unfortunately they are not. I just called Affordable Tours and they said they stopped working w/Gate 1 in December 2007. I knew they weren't doing it when I booked my Turkey tour last year, but hopefully someday they will resume someday.

BTW, the agent at Affordable Tours said it was Gate 1 who stopped allowing it.

P_M

Crap, please excuse my overuse of the word someday in the last sentence.

P_M

I forgot to mention--Affordable Tours can book the tour for you, but not with a discount. The agent went on to say that Gate 1 doesn't allow anyone to discount their tours.

iris1745

Hi P_M Sorry about that. They still list Gate 1 on their web site and I thought that included discounts. Richard

Dayenu

20% off Trafalgar while only 10% off other tours? This must tell about quality.

Sorry about Gate1, I didn't mean to misinform, was just lazy to look it up, and didn't remember which tourst get discounts.

I got 10% off for Trafalgar, Cosmos, Globus. I know Caravan is not on Aff.Tours

P_M

No problem Dayenu and iris1745. It is indeed confusing when they advertise Gate1 tours on their web site, but then you try to book something and that's when you find out they offer no discount. That being the case I prefer to book directly w/Gate 1, but that's just my preference.

xyz123

I disagree with the above...I've been on several Trafalgar tours and most of them have been very very good value (any tour company, any airline, any hotel can have individual problems from time to time of course)....you might wish to read up on particular tours on the trafalgar tours bulletin board....they are considered first class tours but the definition of first class in Europe might be different from North America...also Trafalgar caters to many different nationalities and it is fun to share experiences with Aussies and Kiwis (I'm a Yankee)...the 20% thing is absolutely not an indication of anything wrong with Trafalgar....they offer an additional discount for tours booked nine or more months in advance....