I just completed the Costa Rican adventure tour. It far exceeded my (already high) expectations! My tour guide Ricardo Howell made the trip educational in addition to entertaining (he set the bar very high for any tour guides I interact with in the future, as I would give him an 11 out of 10). He was very accomodating and made everyone feel welcome. I never felt uncomfortable or alone even though I was traveling by myself. There is really something for everyone on this trip. If you're not interested in learning about the culture, history, agriculture, geography, flora, and fauna of the country, you can just take in the views and enjoy the activities. If you're anything like me, however, you will find the information provided to be an excellent bonus for the trip. All of the information was presented in an interesting (often funny) manner that keeps you begging for more. Honestly, I wish my teachers in school had his style. I never thought I would care to learn the intricacies of shade grown coffee techniques, but it was fascinating! Ricardo was very well educated and very knowledgeable about every aspect of the trip. Knowing the background and history really enhanced the trip for me as it enhanced my appreciation. The tour includes amazing scenery, with plenty of time to take all the breathtaking shots you need. You do a lot of traveling, so you get to experience multiple ecosystems. This trips provides a lot of variety for those who are easily bored! All of the hotels were clean and comfortable, with necessary amenities such as television, pools (or natural hot springs!), and wi-fi. The tour is pretty light on activity for a healthy/young adult, but there is some walking/hiking and even the older adults on the trip were able to enjoy it. You won't regret the effort, however, when you get to view the cloud forest from the canopy! It is also a birdwatcher's paradise, as we were able to see a large variety of birds, even though we did not get to see a quetzal. There are also a large variety of mammals and reptiles: in one day I was able to see multiple lizards, caimans, sloths, bats, and two species of monkeys. There are also multiple side trips available. I was able to enjoy a cruise and go snorkeling, where I was able to see an octopus, an eagle ray, dolphins, and multiple tropical fish. I also feel that zip-lining through the canopy is a must do. Additionally, the hotels had lovely views, from the Pacific Ocean to the Arenal Springs Volcano. Last, but not least, the food was excellent. I did not have a meal there that I did not enjoy (including all the fruit you could want). For the picky eaters, most restaurants have Italian food (though I think it defeats the purpose to eat food you could eat at home). Long story short: Do this trip, you won't regret it! I will be doing tours with Colette again in the future. Thanks Colette and Ricardo! read more

As a Group Leader for a bank travel club, I recently escorted my 64th Collette Tour and as always was not disappointed. We did the Pacific Northwest's Coastal Treasures tour which featured Victoria & the San Juan Islands. After a couple of sightseeing days in Seattle we boarded our private yacht. This was a fabulous experience and really allowed us to relax while searching for whales and other sea life. The captain & crew were very professional and helpful throughout our 2 days on the yacht. We spent the night in Friday Harbor which was a lovely quaint village, before cruising to Victoria B.C. While in Victoria we had a wonderful time exploring the magnificent Butchart Gardens, enjoying local cuisine as well as free time to go, see and do as we pleased. Our Collette Tour Manager Charles (Chuck) Tracy was so knowledgeable about this area but also so attentive to each of my travelers needs as well as the other passengers on the tour. He made every effort to make sure we had unique experiences as well as attended to any special needs or requests we might have. I took some of my group to the IMAX theatre as well as a tour of the Parliament House, while others took in the Museum and tour of a Castle. We then took a big ferry to Port Angeles for the next two nights. While there we did a day trip to Olympic National Park where we met a local naturalist and guide, who took us on a very informative leisurely hike through the HOH Rain Forest. They offered two different trails depending on each travelers capability, which was great. Not all of my travelers are up for a big hike but want to see what they can, so this worked out good for all levels of hikers. We saw lots of wild life, which I will attempt to post some pics. Our tour ended back in Seattle before flying home. I would recommend this tour to anyone, especially those who want to see the Butchart Gardens and the beautiful Pacific Northwest, which I think offers some of the most beautiful scenery you will ever see anywhere! Thanks Collette and I am looking forward to my 65th Collette tour in October where I will escort folks on the Magical Rhine & Moselle River Cruise. Gail Martinez - Denton, TX read more

A warning to everyone out there, especially Seniors to avoid any kind of travel with Collette. I did their Iceland's Magical Northern Lights Tour. I took severely ill, and although I was fully insured, I was given no medical aid. My sole purpose was to see the Northern Lights. The one night that the lights were visible our tour guide neglected to take us out. The rooms at both hotels were filthy, the food, leftovers.They do not care about their clients, only about money. They were court ordered to pay me 400.00 and defied the court!!! Imagine being ordered by a court to pay and not doing so!!! . On their travel buses you have many seniors and elderly people, and several are wearing strong fragrances in an enclosed bus for 6 hour stretches, you may as well be allowed to smoke cigarettes. Their guide was horrible, after telling him I was too sick and needed help, his solution was to put me on another bus where I infected those people as well. He had no personality and I can not imagine why is is a tour guide.They are great at doing damage control so you really have to look carefully for reviews. read more

Collette exceeded all of my expectations! Their tours are phenomenal, offering unique, immersive experiences that truly set them apart. From the moment I booked my trip, their outstanding team went above and beyond to ensure everything was seamless and stress-free. The itineraries are thoughtfully curated, combining must-see landmarks with hidden gems that you wouldn't find on your own. Every detail--from transportation to accommodations--was handled with precision and care, allowing me to relax and enjoy the journey. What impressed me most was the value for the price. Collette delivers a premium experience at a fantastic rate, making it accessible without sacrificing quality. If you're looking for a company that truly knows how to create unforgettable travel experiences, Collette is the one. Highly recommend! read more

Collette is my favorite travel partner! I am Director of a Travel Club in Milledgeville, GA and we use Collette for almost all of our tours. They never let me down. The Tour Managers, the hotels, the itineraries and the insurance cannot be beat. I recommend Collette especially for exotic tours and overseas tours. I know if anything happens in the world to cause a disruption of our trip, Collette will take care of my groups and me. They have a 24/7 call center to help solve anything from flight changes to special needs of my guests. Collette offers the best insurance available with cancellation waivers up until the day before the tour....for any reason. This is very important when you are working with Seniors! read more

We recently took our first ever tour with Collette Tours through Colorado. Our tour guide, Jan, was excellent and very professional in every way. She stayed with us the entire time, made sure our luggage got on/off the bus, provided a wealth of interesting information about each location, told the funny stories, and made everyone feel welcome and special. We covered a lot of ground in nine days and it was a trip we will never stop talking about. Everything was well planned and organized. All we had to do was get on the bus! Collette also donates money to many charitable organizations. You'll love it! read more

My wife and I booked a Hawaiian tour September 2017 and put $1700.00 up front with $700.00 covering Tripp insurance once you depart. Due to a medical problem and surgery my wife had on her ankle we had to cancel in October 2017. We even sumitted a doctors statement about her condition. By the way she is 70 and I'm 75. The Tripp was still 6 months out and Collette reluctantly refunded $1000.00 but to this date refuses to refund the $700.00 for insurance that isn't even in force... COLLETTE IS DISHONEST, CROOKS AND A CRIMENLE INVESTIGATION AGAINST COLLETTE AND THEIR PRACTICES NEEDS TO BE OPENED. read more