AITO: The Association of Independent Tour Operators
Experience Travel Group

Experience Travel Group Traveller Reviews

Reviews of Experience Travel Group

Overall Company Rating
99%
Excellent 744
Good 33
Average 2
Poor 3
Terrible 0
Reviews Submitted: 782
Reviews Accepted: 781
Reviews Rejected: 1
781 reviews
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Beach and Wildlife: The Classic by Birches, 20 Oct 2016
Holiday Rating:

Fabulous Holiday

From beginning to end the organisation was second to none. The hotels and lodges were really lovely with very friendly and helpful staff. 3 of the hotels and lodges were of a very high standard. Gorgeous. That said the other lodges were more basic but very comfortable, good food,friendly and in idyllic situations. Our guides were excellent, very knowledgeable and good company. We saw so much wildlife, Orang Utans, proboscis monkeys and other ...

From beginning to end the organisation was second to none. The hotels and lodges were really lovely with very friendly and helpful staff. 3 of the hotels and lodges were of a very high standard. Gorgeous. That said the other lodges were more basic but very comfortable, good food,friendly and in idyllic situations. Our guides were excellent, very knowledgeable and good company. We saw so much wildlife, Orang Utans, proboscis monkeys and other species of monkey, various types of hornbill,snakes, bats, squirrels, flying lemurs and so many more. All our internal flight connections were on time, in fact the whole holiday ran like clockwork. I can only say I would have loved the holiday to have lasted longer.

Rating for tour operator:

As previously said James was very helpful, informative, patient, enthusiastic and nothing seemed too much for him. Always happily answering my many questions and replying promptly.

Experience Travel Group responded to this review on 21 Oct 2016:

Dear Diana,

We're so pleased to hear you had a wonderful holiday. Thank you also for such lovely comments - we'll be sure to pass those onto James too. Hope to hear from you again for one of other destinations!

Regards,

Sam

Beach and Wildlife: The Classic by Birches, 20 Oct 2016
Holiday Rating:

Fabulous Holiday

From beginning to end the organisation was second to none. The hotels and lodges were really lovely with very friendly and helpful staff. 3 of the hotels and lodges were of a very high standard. Gorgeous. That said the other lodges were more basic but very comfortable, good food,friendly and in idyllic situations. Our guides were excellent, very knowledgeable and good company. We saw so much wildlife, Orang Utans, proboscis monkeys and other ...

From beginning to end the organisation was second to none. The hotels and lodges were really lovely with very friendly and helpful staff. 3 of the hotels and lodges were of a very high standard. Gorgeous. That said the other lodges were more basic but very comfortable, good food,friendly and in idyllic situations. Our guides were excellent, very knowledgeable and good company. We saw so much wildlife, Orang Utans, proboscis monkeys and other species of monkey, various types of hornbill,snakes, bats, squirrels, flying lemurs and so many more. All our internal flight connections were on time, in fact the whole holiday ran like clockwork. I can only say I would have loved the holiday to have lasted longer.

Rating for tour operator:

As previously said James was very helpful, informative, patient, enthusiastic and nothing seemed too much for him. Always happily answering my many questions and replying promptly.

Essential Sri Lanka - Deluxe by Taylor/Gray Family, 6 Oct 2016
Holiday Rating:

An introduction to the real Sri Lanka thanks to ETG

We told ETG what we would like to see and do and Nick came up trumps. We got to visit a coconut plantation, National Park,tea plantation and Botanical Gardens. We visited the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Kandy's Sacred Temple of the Tooth, and climbed Sigiriya Rock and Little Adams Peak. We got to see the work of local farmers and enjoyed a meal with them. We travelled on a train with the locals and at Galle had a cookery experience which ...

We told ETG what we would like to see and do and Nick came up trumps. We got to visit a coconut plantation, National Park,tea plantation and Botanical Gardens. We visited the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Kandy's Sacred Temple of the Tooth, and climbed Sigiriya Rock and Little Adams Peak. We got to see the work of local farmers and enjoyed a meal with them. We travelled on a train with the locals and at Galle had a cookery experience which was so enjoyable. There were tours of Galle and Colombo with very knowledgeable guides and rides in the famous tuk tuks. We got to see so much of Sri Lanka all thasnks to our driver Saman.

Rating for tour operator:

We were introduced to ETG by a friend who assured us that we would be well looked after and he wasn't wrong. Right from the start ETG kept in touch with us with reminders of what we had to do eg. visas, insurance etc. We were given numbers to contact if we experienced any problems (which we didn't have to use as all went like clockwork.) For anyone wanting a holiday with a difference I would recommend ETG.

Experience Travel Group responded to this review on 07 Oct 2016:

Hi Ann

Thank you so much for your kind words, I am so glad that you had such a good holiday.

Your comments about your holiday fit in exactly to what we are trying to do and it is always very pleasing to hear when we are successful in this.

I will pass on your thanks to Saman, who is a real star, and will look forward to hearing from you again soon.

Thanks

Nick

Sri Lanka Laid Back - Deluxe by C & K, 29 Sep 2016
Holiday Rating:

Exemplarily

Where to start? I suppose digging about for an independent tour operator with great reviews. Then given them a call. It went something like, 'right, we would like you build us a honeymoon package visiting Sri-Lanka then onwards to the Maldives and we would like bespoke, boutique villas and would want to spend as much time as possible getting to know and feel Sri-Lanka'. It continued, 'In the Maldives we would like all inclusive and do nothing ...

Where to start? I suppose digging about for an independent tour operator with great reviews. Then given them a call. It went something like, 'right, we would like you build us a honeymoon package visiting Sri-Lanka then onwards to the Maldives and we would like bespoke, boutique villas and would want to spend as much time as possible getting to know and feel Sri-Lanka'. It continued, 'In the Maldives we would like all inclusive and do nothing much apart from snorkelling maybe'. We were advised to leave all the arranging to them now that they have an idea and will get back to us and send us an initial itinerary. We both were so exited and impressed when it arrived, suffice it to say, we did not have to change a thing! Honestly. Our instruction were headed and it all looked spectacular. Getting into the thick of it; the flight was hassle free, our chauffeur was polite, knowledgable, humorous and was very aware when we needed space. The vehicle was new and clean as were the various accommodations. A short flight and an exhilarating speed boat trip [55mins] to our last destination, 'The Maldives'. WOW met and supposed our expectations, you may say a little contrived insomuch as practically everything had to be brought in and placed in their final resting place for there likes of tourists, but we sort of knew that. I have deliberately not mentioned the villas, staff and trips as I be here all day and I would rather you have the experience we had planing, exploring and meeting people as we did. Thank you all at E.T.G

Rating for tour operator:

Experience Travel Group A truly 1st class and knowledgeable team. Efficient, polite, understanding and with an exceptional grasp of our needs. I would thoroughly recommend them to our families and friends.

Experience Travel Group responded to this review on 30 Sep 2016:

Hi Chris,

Thank you very much for this feedback, I am so glad you had a good time on your honeymoon! We pride ourselves on giving a genuine full service from the moment you first get in touch with the company to the moment you return from your holiday and beyond of course. We really want to make sure your experience is the best it can be and appreciate you letting us know that it's working!

Becky

Experience Travel Group responded to this review on 30 Sep 2016:

Thanks Chris, I will make sure to pass your kind words on to the whole team, both here in the UK and in Sri Lanka!

Thanks, Becky

Experience Travel Group by Clive, 25 Sep 2016
Holiday Rating:

Varied cultural and wildlife experience in Sumatra as we had hoped.

Generally very good. We saw and learnt a lot about the culture and wildlife of Sumatra. Overall the programme was very well designed. A couple of activities were not available as planned although there were more or less satisfactory alternatives.

Generally very good. We saw and learnt a lot about the culture and wildlife of Sumatra. Overall the programme was very well designed. A couple of activities were not available as planned although there were more or less satisfactory alternatives.

Rating for tour operator:

Generally good. Good design of programme. They responded quickly when a couple of problems arose during the holiday. Greater attention to detail needed in one or two areas. The problems may have been due to communication difficulties between Experience Travel, the local tour operator in Bali and our guide in Sumatra.

Experience Travel Group responded to this review on 27 Sep 2016:

Dear Martin,

Thank you for your feedback. We appreciate your taking the time too leave a public review. We're glad you had a really good holiday, but sorry it wasn't perfect and that the detail let us down in one of two areas. We'll be in touch with you directly on those and are working now to ensure that this issue is fixed.

Kind regards,

Sam Clark
Co-founder & MD
Experience Travel Group

Experience Travel Group by Liz, 19 Sep 2016
Holiday Rating:

Honeymoon in Borneo

We did a multi centre holiday in Borneo taking in destinations in Sarawak and Sabah. Highlights included seeing orang utans in the wild, the caves in Mulu and trecking through the rainforest.

We did a multi centre holiday in Borneo taking in destinations in Sarawak and Sabah. Highlights included seeing orang utans in the wild, the caves in Mulu and trecking through the rainforest.

Rating for tour operator:

OUr tour operator tailor made our holiday just for us. They understood what it was we wanted for our Honeymoon and delivered. The guides in Borneo were also excellent.

Experience Travel Group responded to this review on 27 Sep 2016:

Dear Liz,

Delighted to hear that you had such a good honeymoon! Thank you also so much for leaving such a positive review. Much appreciated.


Kind regards,

Sam Clark
MD & Co-founder

Sri Lankan Family Adventure by Nichols , 16 Sep 2016
Holiday Rating:

Sri Lanka family adventure and beach holiday

Stayed in 6 different places, guided by a chauffeur. Had relatxation, culture, elephants and safari, actions and adventure in the rainforest and beach time.

Stayed in 6 different places, guided by a chauffeur. Had relatxation, culture, elephants and safari, actions and adventure in the rainforest and beach time.

Rating for tour operator:

Beautiful organisation. Holiday exceeded our expectations. Organised a perfect itinerary - particularly taking into account our family requirements and disabled son.

Experience Travel Group responded to this review on 16 Sep 2016:

Dear Helen,

Great to hear and thank you for reviewing. Very pleased that we got the organisation right for your requirements. I'll pass on your comments to your consultant Matt.

Best,

Sam
Co-founder and MD

Sri Lanka Laid Back - Deluxe by HellyH, 14 Sep 2016
Holiday Rating:

Holiday of a lifetime!

Two weeks in Sri Lanka - one touring & one on the beach. The tour took us to coconut plantations, temples, tea country, waterfalls and on safari; the beach was paradise,

Two weeks in Sri Lanka - one touring & one on the beach. The tour took us to coconut plantations, temples, tea country, waterfalls and on safari; the beach was paradise,

Rating for tour operator:

Experience Travel Group created our personalised itinerary, booked and arranged everything professionally and to a very high standard. Helpful and knowledgeable staff.

Experience Travel Group responded to this review on 14 Sep 2016:

Hi Helen,

Thanks for your comments, I am so pleased you and your family enjoyed your trip!

Thanks,

Becky

Sri Lankan Family Adventure by Nick and Laura, 13 Sep 2016
Holiday Rating:

Sri Lanka Family adventure

A three week Tour of Sri Lanka In July 2016 for our family of four. We wanted an experience for the children (17 and 11) and wanted to see real Sri Lanka as well as the more obvious bits. The use of a private chauffeur and Guide allowed us to tailor our trip exactly as we needed and change things as we went. Too many highlights to list but great People and such natural Beauty. The food was a great surprise and not like anything else we have tried...

A three week Tour of Sri Lanka In July 2016 for our family of four. We wanted an experience for the children (17 and 11) and wanted to see real Sri Lanka as well as the more obvious bits. The use of a private chauffeur and Guide allowed us to tailor our trip exactly as we needed and change things as we went. Too many highlights to list but great People and such natural Beauty. The food was a great surprise and not like anything else we have tried. We would go back as there is more to see. We used a mixture of small to medium hotels. All excellent but the views at Kelburne cottages will always stay with me.

Rating for tour operator:

ETG know Sri Lanka very very well and tailored our holiday perfectly. Nothing was too much trouble and the local knowledge and support made our trip.

Experience Travel Group responded to this review on 14 Sep 2016:

Dear Nicholas,

Thank you for taking the time to leave this review. Breakfast with my extended family outside at Kelbourne with the view of the mountains falling away to the plains below is one of my favourite memories ever!

Best,

Sam
Co-founder

Sri Lankan Family Adventure by Naggingange, 10 Sep 2016
Holiday Rating:

Sri Lankan adventure delivered everything we wanted and so much more

A family of four touring Sri Lanka with our own private chauffeur/guide incorporating seven boutique hotels and sampling the cultural, natural and culinary delights this fantastic country has to offer. We explored ancient cities, climbing the stunningly magnificent Sigiriya rock at sunrise then watched the sunset with the monkeys at Dambulla caves. We were honoured to be invited to particIpate in a Buddhist wedding, and a few days later a beautiful ...

A family of four touring Sri Lanka with our own private chauffeur/guide incorporating seven boutique hotels and sampling the cultural, natural and culinary delights this fantastic country has to offer. We explored ancient cities, climbing the stunningly magnificent Sigiriya rock at sunrise then watched the sunset with the monkeys at Dambulla caves. We were honoured to be invited to particIpate in a Buddhist wedding, and a few days later a beautiful Tamil, Hindu bride and her groom. Early morning and late evening safaris forged unforgettable memories of elephants, crocodiles, Eagles, mongoose, buffalo to name but a few. A Train ride through tea plantations and yuk tuk rides through Colombo were brilliant fun, as was exploring the market in Dambulla, climbing mountains, swimming in waterfalls, watching Kandian fire walkers and the sun set over the Indian Ocean. Stunning hotels with the most fantastic, attentive staff and superb cuisine in some of the most exquisite locations I have ever experienced. A truly memorable holiday.

Rating for tour operator:

This was to be a special holiday for our family following a very difficult year. Becky, our travel consultant listened to all our requests, modifying and adjusting our agenda to suit our needs. She obviously had a good knowledge of Sri Lanka and planned an itinerary to satisfy each member of our family. We were given both electronic and hard copies of our travel plans as well as being able to access these documents through the Vamoos app. We were given a local contact in Sri Lanka who replied to our queries quickly and effectively. I would not hesitate to recommend Experience Travel to my family and friends

Experience Travel Group responded to this review on 14 Sep 2016:

Hi Angela,

Thank you so much for your feedback, I am so glad you had such an amazing time! It is always lovely to hear when a client of ours falls in love with Sri Lanka as much as we did when we first set the company up!

Thanks,

Becky

Experience Travel Group responded to this review on 14 Sep 2016:

Thanks for your kind words Angela, I am so pleased you had such a memorable trip! Becky