Does anyone know what tour companies ABD uses for Japan, South Africa and Australia?

[Theta]

Since ABD uses existing local tour companies in different countries (like AMAwaterways for the river cruises) does anyone know which companies they use for their tours in Japan, South Africa and Australia?

 

[Woodview]

Try a co called " Trailfinder " based in London ( U.K. ) with offices in Ireland

Fly to Dublin & join the tour there

 

[neurosx1983]

Since ABD uses existing local tour companies in different countries (like AMAwaterways for the river cruises) does anyone know which companies they use for their tours in Japan, South Africa and Australia?

Not exactly sure what you mean. ABD partners with AMA on River cruises (because ABD doesn't own the cruise line...) but on land based tours ABD *is* the tour...they organize everything and will hire local guides in various places to supplement.

 

[sayhello]

Not exactly sure what you mean. ABD partners with AMA on River cruises (because ABD doesn't own the cruise line...) but on land based tours ABD *is* the tour...they organize everything and will hire local guides in various places to supplement.

Occasionally, ABD will contract with another group, like the Jeep tours in Arizona, or any rafting trips, etc. They don't purchase any of their own equipment. Also, some of the local guides work for a Guide company, and are not independent contractors. But you're right, they don't contract with other tour companies. Even AmaWaterways is really only contracted for the "Hotel" and "transportation" part of the river cruises. ABD handles all of the tour excursions.

Sayhello

 

[Theta]

Even AmaWaterways is really only contracted for the "Hotel" and "transportation" part of the river cruises. ABD handles all of the tour excursions.

Sayhello

I thought I saw Amawaterways Danube river cruise excursions were pretty very similar to what what ABD offers. They even advertise the same "Oktoberfest" festivities with beer, pretzels, dancers and musicians. I wonder how many local guides are those used by AMA. I always assumed a great number.

 

[sayhello]

I thought I saw Amawaterways Danube river cruise excursions were pretty very similar to what what ABD offers. They even advertise the same "Oktoberfest" festivities with beer, pretzels, dancers and musicians. I wonder how many local guides are those used by AMA. I always assumed a great number.

I did the Danube river cruise, and many of the excursions are basically exactly what they do on their Central Europe trip. Anywhere they didn't already have excursions set up, they arranged new ones, plus a lot of extra options even where they already had excursions. It's hard to know if they use some of the same guides as AmaWaterways, but from what I hear, the excursions are *very* different from what AmaWaterways offers. ABD really vets out their local guides, and they are always wonderful.

Sayhello

 

[Cousin Orville]

They do use Wild China, but I'm not sure to what extend Wild China ends and ABD begins as far as the planning and logistics. It may be required in China to use a Chinese company. Who knows? To my knowledge they're not using a similar South African or Japanese travel company - other than for very localized tours or experiences. In South Africa they visit Kapama Lodge which handles the safari's but not the additional activities ABD does at the lodge.