Luxury Gold and EF Ultimate Break offer distinct travel experiences tailored to different age groups and budgets. Luxury Gold provides a premium, personalized experience for older travelers willing to spend more, while EF Ultimate Break offers affordable, social travel options for younger adults. The choice depends on individual preferences regarding budget, travel style, and desired level of luxury and customization.
| Attribute | Luxury Gold | EF Ultimate Break |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $400 to $500 per day | Prices vary; e.g., 10-day tour from $2,009, sales can reduce prices up to $1000, some tours from $1,469. |
| Target Audience (Age Group) | 5-99 years (attracts travelers in their 60s and 70s) | Travelers aged 18-35; college-aged adults and young professionals. |
| Tour Duration | 8 to 20 days on average (ranges from 1 to 4 days, 5 days, 5 to 7 days, 7 days, 8 to 13 days, 10 days, and over 14 days) | Ranges from 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, and 4+ weeks; e.g., 8 days for 'London & Dublin Escape', 15 days for 'Italy & the Greek Islands'. |
| Accommodation Style | Carefully curated hotels, including 5-star properties and unique accommodations like castles and game reserves. Partners with hotels such as Belmond, JW Marriott, Intercontinental, and Red Carnation Hotels. | Varies by 'trip type': Essential (hostels, 3-6 per room), Standard (mix of hotels and hostels), Plus (hotel-style, typically two sharing). |
| Inclusions | Admissions to attractions, escorted sightseeing, and VIP access; Luxury accommodations; Transportation via motorcoach, rail, or cruise (high-speed trains, hydrofoils, alpine cable cars, and river cruise boats); Services of a Travel Concierge; Fine dining, with breakfast included daily; Gratuities for Local Experts, housekeepers, hotel porters, dining room staff, and customer service providers at train stations and docks. | Airfare, accommodation, tour director, some meals (daily breakfast, welcome/farewell dinners), transportation between cities, selected activities; optional excursions extra. |
| Group Size | Small group tours, with an average of 18-20 guests. Some tours have a maximum of 24 guests, while some in Asia & South Africa are limited to 24, and Australasia and Southeast Asia tours operate with a maximum of 20 and 26 guests, respectively. | Typically 20 to 44 travelers. |
| Destination Coverage | Europe, Britain, Africa, India, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. | Europe, Central America, South America, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand; emphasis on Europe. |
| Pace of Travel | Balance of sightseeing and relaxation. Incorporates "relaxed starts" on some mornings. | Can be fast-paced; city trips may have more free time, others (e.g., Greek Islands, Costa Rica) more pre-planned activities. |
| Tour Customization Options | Free time is built into every tour, allowing for personalization with the assistance of the Travel Concierge. Offers a choice of included experiences to personalize journeys. | Limited; no refunds for skipping paid activities. |
| Sustainability Practices | Committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. Supports local businesses, chooses shared transport, avoids single-use plastics. Features MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experiences on most tours. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. | Dedicated to sustainable practices; partnered with WeForest to plant over three million trees in Tanzania. |
| Guide Expertise and Language | Tours are accompanied by a Travel Concierge who is fluent in the local language and has in-depth knowledge of the destination. Local Expert Guides are also used in select destinations. | Tours led by tour directors providing local insights. |
| Booking Flexibility and Cancellation Policy | Offer a Gold Seal Protection plan that allows cancellation for any reason prior to 30 days from the departure date. If cancellation occurs before the final payment due date, the deposit will be retained. Future Travel Credit (FTC) may be issued for cancellations due to a Force Majeure Event. | $150 reservation fee (refundable within 48 hours if cancellation is 60+ days prior to departure). Standard Cancellation Policy: 365+ days prior to departure: $150, 100-364 days prior to departure: $450, 61-99 days prior to departure: $1,000, 30-60 days prior to departure: $2,000, 30 days or less prior to departure: Full balance paid |