The hotels and content of the tour were very good. The food included in the package was also excellent. The bus on which we were travelling was not so good and thoroughly underpowered for the job, making for slow transfers between stops. The Tour Manager was very knowledgeable about the places we visited and also helpful with personal requests.
We booked our holiday travelling around South America with cox and king. We gave them a rough itinerary around a tour they did but wanted it extending plus a few extra add ons. Our travel agent helping with our trip was Angela Pullinger, Angela was absolutely amazing, she worked so hard putting together an amazing trip at the best possible price, she kept in touch with us throughout and answered any questions we had, we have all booked many holidays before but Angela was brilliant and the trip was just incredible. The personal service cox and king put on for us throughout the entire trip was mind blowing, we were picked up in private transfers, had personal guides and drivers, amazing hotels, incredible trips and tours, breakfast and other meals, airport check in assistance, it was another level and like I said we are all very well travelled but this holiday they booked us was outstanding. I can only say cox and king are a brilliant travel company and we have told everyone this and Angela was the best. If I could give more stars I would and it would be more then we'll deserved. Thank you and can't wait for next one with them.
This was an excellent tour which introduced you to a number of amazing Mesoamerican sites and Spanish colonial towns. Better coverage of Diego Rivera, Mexico’s most famous artist, would have been a definite plus while one was in the Mexican capital. A couple on the tour had actually arrived a couple of days early in order to do this. Our guide found a government ministry that was open during a day of political demonstrations that had a whole range of his earlier murals whilst other buildings had had to close. But probably not enough time was available to see a good sample of them anyway and it might be a good idea in future to consider replacing a visit to the San Juan food market - which was not particularly popular with people on the tour - with more coverage of this important artist. The San Juan market visit was a bit of a disaster anyway as two of us were separated from the main group by a dishonest cyclist who succeeded in extorting money from us. The final hotel, the Hacienda Chichen Itza, was a very pleasant way to end the tour.
An excellent holiday with a knowledgeable guide and first class driver. All hotels were good. An unforgettable holiday
Our Indian experience was excellent. Our guide Ash was knowledgeable and thoughtful. He told us lots of facts about history, religion, local life, marriage and customs which enriched our travels. Any questions were answered. Amritsar and Varanasi were off the usual routes and longer journeys but well worthwhile. The safari great fun but be aware not everyone sees a tiger as they are scarce. Hotels were changed after booking which we were upset about. However, the standard of hotels was high and those more business like were very short stays and the more characterful hotels we were able to enjoy for longer avoiding most rather noisy weddings which occur at this time of year. Our itinerary was busy but we have returned with many fabulous memories and a better understanding of India. The Kerala extension was very enjoyable but we have advised a few adaptations which may make the extension better from seeing and learning about local life and the beautiful birds.
Have used Cox & Kings three times prior and have booked for the Splendours of Kerala for next year. Find them a good small group tour company but have not used any other company to compare. Only niggle, I find the upfront tipping collected by the tour guides does seem quite high. Especially when hotel porterage is included.
Our travel consultant (David) did a great job arranging our next vacation. He was attentive, enthusiastic and very helpful.
The personal attention received at all times is excellent and all queries are attended to very promptly and efficiently. This is the major factor why we are regular clients. There is one point that needs mentioning and that is the Cox & Kings' policy of not issuing Gibraltar (UK) residents an ATOL Certificate, which is contrary to all the other UK travel companies that DO issue us with ATOL Certificates. Perhaps there is a misunderstanding about the territory of Gibraltar, that although not being part of the EU, it is however a UK Overseas Territory in mainland Europe and Cox & Kings does not unfortunately seem to cater for this UK territory like all the other travel companies in the UK do.
Iguazu Falls was superb, as was our guide Maria.The Gran Melia hotel not so great. We paid in US dollars for our meal and we're kept standing for 20 minutes in full view of other diners while the cashier Vivien slowly examined every note slowly TWICE. Extremely rude and inhospitable. I could not recommend this hotel. Perhaps the Belmond hotel on the Brazil side would be better.
Seeing a tiger lying in a stream 20 metres away from our jeep was a very special experience. Also seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise. I also very much enjoyed my extension to Varanasi and having a guide to myself. This meant that I could go at my own pace and stop to take photos whenever I wanted. I think you should have included a visit to Varanasi silk weaving: I did in fact go there at my own request. Prem is an excellent tour leader and when I requested an extra safari at Ranthambore he got me into Zone 3 and I saw more tigers!
Great itinerary visiting all the top sights. Brilliant local guide. Travel arrangements and hotels all great too
OVERALL EXCELLENT HOTELS WITH SPACIOUS ROOMS. FOOD WAS VERY GOOD. GUIDE KNOWLEGEABLE AND PERSONABLE. Personally I would have liked a less packed program over a few more days. I would have also preferred hotels to be more centrally located. I think we missed the Mekong experience ... the time spent there was not enough. Maybe overnight on a boat. Although everyone else liked the Halong Bay trip I think a day trip and another night on a boat on the Mekong would have been a better experience.
All was very well organised and the guides were excellent. Our only complaint was that in La Serena although our guide was very good he was also our driver in his own car which was dirty, in poor condition and had no air conditioning. In very high temperatures that was a serious disadvantage. All other guides had drivers and lovely vehicles. We would use Cox and Kings again as we were satisfied but our experience should be raised with the agents in Chile.
Fantastic guide and driver . A fascinating country - faded glory . Long days as advertised but always broken up into regular breaks / lunches / comfort breaks . A few hotel changes - dealt very well by Guide . A trip of a lifetime - best ever
I’ve been travelling with Cox and Kings for nearly 15 years and they never disappoint. I’ve tried their small group, solo and tailor-made holidays, always a great itinerary, fab hotels and excellent tour managers and local guides. Recent trip to India was no exception, tour included places other operators don’t visit so saw more than just the ‘golden triangle’.
The company cancelled the holiday and has not refunded my deposit
Brilliant, knowledgable guide. Lots of variety, including river trips, hikes through rain and cloud forests and night walks, with lots of information imparted by our guide who was great in finding, as far as possible, what we wanted to view. Good hotels and food. Very well organised. Only downside was the bus, but it did not impair our experience. Add on hotel was a real treat. Loved it.
Our trip was well organised from start to finish. Have used this company on numerous occasions and always had excellent service.
Whilst I was not the main person on the booking, I shared the experience received and was impressed with the speed of response to email and telephone queries. The itinerary was exactly as stated in the brochure, even down to the state of the roads we would be travelling on.
William Gilmour
Mar 27,2025We have used C&K eight times and each trip has been excellent. The key is our trips are tailored to our specific interests so every day has something interesting to see and do, there are no shortage of events and activities to enjoy. We are always accompanied by a local guide and they are invariably knowledgeable and willing to take us off the beaten track if they know something new or novel is taking place. Also the drivers who take us from place to place are knowledgable, friendly and very safe drivers (importnat as driving can be chaotic in India). The hotels chosen always meet our needs.