Martin Randall Travel Traveller Reviews

We spent a week on a Martin Randall gastronomic tour of the Basque region under the superb care of guide and lecturer Gijs van Hensbergen, who is highly knowledgeable not only about the culture and food of this region but many additional regions of Spain including Andalucia, Catalunia, etc. Gijs is, simply put, unique: he is highly informed, enthusiastic, and always willing to share his knowledge of Spanish history, art, and food. His ability to elaborate cogently on a range of subjects beyond gastronomy (Picasso; Gaudi; Frank Gehry) sets the stage for a more complex and unique understanding of what we saw, heard, and ate. But it is as a food aficionado that he truly shone! Not only did Gijs bring us to several of the most iconic and world-renowned restaurants in the Basque Country (and that is saying something), but his acquaintances with their internationally famous chefs guaranteed that these were meals never to be forgotten. In addition to experiencing truly sensational restaurants, and using Bilbao and San Sebastian as anchors, we visited fabulous wineries, and learned about key aspects of the region's history and culture, with visits to museums and, most profoundly, the city of Guernica. Guided activities were balanced with ample breaks to explore on our own or spend time getting to know our fellow travellers.

This unique and memorable holiday was made possible because of the ethos of care and attention that is the hallmark of Martin Randall Travel. The fact that we have taken eight tours to date (with several more booked) is testament to how well planned and executed MRT's tours are: our itinerary was perfectly conceived, with manageable times on busses, and stays in excellent hotels in fascinating locations. Our highly-informed guide ensured that visits to specific locations went far beyond the predictable highlights of a particular location and added depth and richness to our understanding of the history and culture of the destination in question. The group size -- maximum twenty-two -- enabled a friendly dynamic amongst participants, and the highly-efficient manager always ensured smooth transitions from bus, to hotel, to destination.

A week staying in good hotels in Valletta, Malta, on a music tour - Handel Festival, with daily talks on the musician and the work to to seen/ heard that day by experienced and lively musicologist. Varied settings for all concerts - cathedrals, palaces, historical houses, in and around the city. Extra activities - art, history and walking tours also on offer. Opportunities to mingle with guests staying in different hotels on numerous occasions; knowledgeable Festival staff on hand for help and questions

Martin Randall, experienced in offering specialist tours like this - shipping orchestras out must be a nightmare of logistics - but everything ran extremely smoothly, choice of hotels on offer to cater for different needs and prices. Courteous and timely communications at all times with UK office beforehand. Wonderful musical immersion in beautiful places.

Over three days we were treated to four substantial concerts of Renaissance music of the highest quality and with excellent programming. The infomation booklets and the explanations of the mujsic by the performers added greatly to the experience.

We have travelled with Martin Randall Travel many times in the past and always rely on their meticulous planning and inspirational programming.

Which one we have been on about ten or more Martin 🚈Randall holidays and everyone has been wonderful. The organisation wonderful, lecturers first class, itinerary fantastic no complaints whatsoever just first class recommendations .

Great - easy to get on with,very knowledgeable no complaints at all just recommendations .n

I have done several tours of stately homes in England and Ireland with Martin Randall. All were well organized, informative and enjoyable. And there were always special events, such as dinner with a Duke, access to houses not usually open to the public or owner lead tours. The accommodation was first class, as was the food. As a single traveler, I made serval new friends. I cant recomment these tours hghly enough.

All the staff from Martin Randall are knowledgeable, friendly and efficient. There are few problems but, should they occur, they handle them well. I feel they offer good value for money.

Visiting Palladian villas based in Vicenza. Appreciated NOT having to change hotels on a nearly daily basis. Lecturer (ex-Courtauld in London) highly knowledgeable, tour manager on top of everything

MRT responds to emails within 12 hs (not to say 2...), always helpful and polite. No complaints whatsoever.

"Trecento Frescoes" is a fantastic study of the pioneering art of Giotto and his contemporaries, a must for anyone interested in pre-renaissance Italian art (even a non-academic like myself). Wonderful visits to key sites in Padua, Florence, and Assisi, with an excellent lecturer. As always with a Martin Randall tour, meticulously planned, and with the added pleasure of travelling with like-minded companions - a thoroughly convivial experience

Martin Randall Travel is a thoroughly professional cultural tour operator: all arrangements are impeccably organised, tours are well researched, lecturers are experts in their subjects, and are excellent guides both on-site and in formal lectures. The company, of like-minded individuals is always congenial - in sum, an excellent informative and enjoyable experience

impossible not to become more knowledgeable after to tour

The closed circuit contact radios make seeing sites much easier - although not a foodie, meal choices were woderful apart from the rice!

Excellent product but poor planning communication

Excellent product but poor planning communication

A wonderful series of first rate choral concerts in some stunning churches and venues including the Pump Room in Cheltenham.

As always, Martin Randall had created a perfectly designed itinerary and executed it in an extremely well organised manner, despite it being a very complex event.