Group travel specialist since 1965

Description

In a nutshell, we’re an independent, family-run business that’s dedicated to creating tailor-made international tours for groups. And since 1965, we’ve extended our family to create a team of experts who are ready and raring to help you create your perfect tour.

Rayburn Tours specialise in Educational Trips for a variety of subjects including geography, history and language, Ski Trips and Sports Tours for schools, as well as Concert Tours for all types of youth and adult ensembles. Our aim is to inspire our groups to seek new adventures, embrace new cultures and learn new skills. Our specialists know our products inside and out and, together, we help to send over 23,000 passengers around the world each year.

Why Choose Us?

We make things simple
We know you’re pushed for time, and that’s why we give you all the information you need in a nutshell. No waffle, no lengthy forms, just the important stuff. We’re all about making your life easier, which is why we arrange everything for you, from the essentials to all those little extras.

Everything is tailored to you
We’re here to help make your trip ‘your trip’. We’ll take the core objectives and build from the ground up, working with you to hand-craft every element and wrapping it all up in one neat, Rayburn-stamped package.

We’ve been around for a long time
Since 1965 to be exact. Through years of tried and tested methods, our trips are pretty watertight. We know what works and what doesn’t, so you can trust that you’re in the hands of experts. Ultimately, we let our years of experience and first-hand knowledge speak for themselves.

Around the clock support
We’re here for you whenever you need us. You can speak to us any time of the day with our 24-hour on-tour emergency contact. Just that extra bit of reassurance if things don’t quite go to plan.

Safety sorted
Your safety is one of our top priorities, which is why we’re ABTA bonded, ATOL licensed and offer full travel insurance, with a handful of accreditations under our belts. Our Covid Guarantee provides additional reassurance.

Ready to start your next adventure? We're here to help!

Reviews

The following reviews have been added by visit leaders using the EVOLVE system.

Overview

4.4

174 reviews

Excellent

63%

Very Good

21%

Average

14%

Poor

Awful

(April 2024 - Secondary School)

(March 2024)

(March 2024 - Secondary School)

An outstanding visit supported by an excellent company. Support was provided at all levels and the risk assessments were provided in advance that could be reviewed with our students in mind. All activities during the visit were engaging and provided exciting opportunities for students to engage their geographical understanding in the physical landscape. Some amazing highlights including walking on crampons to the top of the snout of a glacier, bathing in geothermal pools and flying over Iceland were all eye opening and amazing experiences that will remain with students in the future. One quote from a student as that "It was the most electric trip ever" - and was reflected in a range of comments from students. Overall, an outstanding experience that I would recommend, supported by an outstanding company. Only change that I would make would be to add one more member of staff to enable greater coverage of any support required and also to slot in more activities - potentially an extra day or swap out activities to change it up every two years. Next visit is planned in 2026. (March 2024 - Secondary School)

Excellent tutor from Rayburn Tours, knew GCSE and A Level syllabuses. Reference made throughout the visit - all students thoroughly enjoyed. (March 2024 - Secondary School)

(February 2024 - Secondary School)

Rayburn tours itself had not planned the itinerary to suit 91 pupils. It felt as though the itinerary was suited a group of 40 pupils. Timings were extremely difficult to achieve and this meant us potentially missing some times skiing. The reps which were provided were in over their head unfortunately as it was their first tour supporting and for a group of 91 pupils to be supported by them did not seem fair. Lots of the issues had to be sorted by the staff and not the reps as they did not feel comfortable having these conversations. (February 2024 - Secondary School)

A very successful trip with very good planning by Rayburn and only one error in the schedule that was swiftly resolved by the staff at the DDR Museum. (February 2024 - Secondary School)

Amazing service and attentive reps! (February 2024)

(February 2024 - Secondary School)

A fabulous trip, well worth doing (February 2024 - Secondary School)

This is a Ski Resort-so I would recommend it for skiing (February 2024 - Secondary School)

(February 2024 - Secondary School)

A fantastic resort with friendly staff and great food. resort is quiet with minimal pubs for teenagers to missbehave in. A shame the altitude of the resorts impacts on the qualtiy of the snow when its a bit warmer. (February 2024 - Secondary School)

Photography course would love the light (February 2024 - Secondary School)

(February 2024 - Secondary School)

(December 2023 - Secondary School)

(November 2023)

(November 2023 - Secondary School)

Rayburn Tours provided us with an effective tour to Austria with a hotel that was perfectly appointed for a large group of secondary school children on a music tour. It had ample rehearsal space and recreational facilities and the food and hospitality was excellent. The main weaknesses from their service were that once the tour was booked it was sometimes difficult to get contact from our designated tour rep, and the tour rep sent on the trip lacked experience of the venues and itinerary. (November 2023 - Secondary School)

(November 2023 - Secondary School)

(November 2023)

(November 2023 - Secondary School)

Rayburn provided a very well organised itinenary and much support given at each stage including and up to the day's departure. (October 2023 - Secondary School)

(October 2023)

(October 2023 - Secondary School)

We had a few issues with Rayburn Tours prior to departure from the UK (in the lead up to the trip) and then a few issues whilst we were away. We managed to communicate with the tour company who generally managed to resolve all the issues. Upon our return, we communicated our views with them directly and although they thanked us for this feedback, they did not accept everything that was said. For our next ski trip, we have decided to switch to a different Tour company as we cannot afford to go through the same issues again. It does not make for a 'nice' trip! (October 2023 - Secondary School)

(September 2023 - Secondary School)

(September 2023)

(September 2023 - Secondary School)

The accommodation was excellent and the staff were so helpful. Our two performance venues were great. The issues I had were all linked to our specific agent at Rayburn Tours. When we arrived there weren’t enough rooms, (even though I had emailed to check this several times), we had no tickets for the theme park and we were supposed to have had them. The hostel had not been updated on our meal requirements (which the agent at the tour operator had made a mistake with previously). The organisation of the Sunday meant quite a lot of time was spent r travelling. Everything was sortable but it was a bit of a hassle. (July 2023 - Secondary School)

Rayburn were on the most part very helpful and accommodating. There were a number of issues during the visit, mostly relating to lack of communication between Rayburn and the various other agencies involved in providing this visit. (July 2023 - Secondary School)

(July 2023 - Secondary School)

I hadn't used Rayburn before and they helped me put together a really exciting trip for y8 which included visits to galleries, country parks, boat trips, flamenco lessons and spanish lessons. This was very much a cultural trip and an opportunity for y8 to spend some time together away from school. Rayburn were great... there was a lot of chopping and changing with numbers of students and they bent over backwards to make it work. Once in Spain everything ran smoothly. Coaches turned up, tickets were on the Vamoos app, they had built in lots of down time and the girls had a really enjoyable experience. The hotel we stayed in was lovely - brand new, spotless and they really enjoyed having a group of quite noisy y8 girls. We would definitely use Rayburn again and i am planning the next trip already - possibly somewhere a bit warmer as Santander was quite soggy. (June 2023 - Secondary School)

Some issues with things not being booked, but Ypres were generally accommodating to this. (June 2023 - Secondary School)

(June 2023 - Secondary School)

Accommodation was clean but no flexibility in terms of dinner times which can be a problem if coach is delayed etc (June 2023 - Secondary School)

(June 2023 - Secondary School)

A few areas to be improved mainly regarding communication between tour agent and Greek sportscamp to then ensure itinerary is more exact. (May 2023 - Secondary School)

(May 2023 - Secondary School)

This is certainly a very important residential trip for Classics pupils from Fourth form to A Level. All the archaeological sites we visited had a direct link with the pupils' curriculum and especially their GCSE and A Level course. For instance, the visit and exploration of the temple of Zeus and the Parthenon enabled low ability pupils to create stronger links between what they learn in the course and what they saw in real life. Similarly, the whole trip inspired and enthused the younger learners, such at the fourth form pupils to study Classics. (May 2023 - Secondary School)

Well thought out activities and very engaging (May 2023 - Secondary School)

(April 2023 - Primary School)

Classical Civilization course, this trip ticked all the boxes for our Greek Religion A-level course. (April 2023 - Secondary School)

I found Rayburn to be an organised, experienced and efficient tour company. I will most definitely use them again. (April 2023 - Secondary School)

(April 2023 - Secondary School)

(April 2023 - Primary School)

Hostel - packed lunches inadequate and did not take into account pupil allergies. One room had not been cleaned. (April 2023 - Secondary School)

(April 2023 - Primary School)

(April 2023 - Secondary School)

Excellent customer service and value for money. Rayburn Tours could not have been more helpful and I would definitely use them again. (April 2023)

(April 2023 - Secondary School)

(March 2023 - Secondary School)

(March 2023 - Primary School)

(March 2023 - Secondary School)

(March 2023)

A well packaged ski trip to Santa Caterina. Excellent hotel that is good for groups of around 40 sdtudents. (February 2023 - Secondary School)

(February 2023 - Secondary School)

(February 2023 - Primary School)

The resort was quiet and therefore slopes tended not to be busy. Some bottle necked areas due to limited slopes. Hotel Mondole was very poor; Groups squeezed into rooms too small. ^ students in a room suitable for maximum 4, no floor space visible. Staff were originally asked to share beds. No safety bars on side of bunk beds Food very poor and limited. No choice or option. Those with dietary needs were made to sit separately from their friends on a segregated table. Very little support/effort by hotel staff - Requested a taxi for a pupil on crutches to attend evening event. Hotel failed to inform us that they had not booked a taxi. Required to supply own music etc. for disco Drinks expensive at the hotel Room furnishing falling from walls, door frames un attached. Lift broke trapping students inside. (February 2023 - Secondary School)

Great Ski Trip organised by Rayburn. Our sales representative, tour coordinator and resort rep were all amazing and sorted all problems quickly and without hassle! Will definitely use again. (February 2023 - Secondary School)

(February 2023 - Secondary School)

(February 2023)

(February 2023 - Secondary School)

(November 2022 - Secondary School)

Very good trip. Students saw lots of features both geographical and scientific. For some students, this is a once in a lifetime chance. (November 2022 - Secondary School)

(October 2022 - Secondary School)

This trip is a geographer's dream visit and an excellent way of bringing the Hazards topic at A level to life. The trip was well organised and we packed a lot into our days. (October 2022 - Secondary School)

(October 2022 - Secondary School)

The trip was short and we included many excursions, some of which could have been given more time to have explored more but the aims of the trip were fulfilled. Although it was a hectic start with flight delays and cancellations our tour provider were contactable 24 hours a day and were there to support any issues with this. In future, it would have been nicer to add 1-2 more days in order to have spent more time at some of the museums and galleries visited. (September 2022 - Secondary School)

(September 2022 - Secondary School)

I will not be using them again. (August 2022 - Secondary School)

(August 2022)

(July 2022 - Secondary School)

(July 2022)

(July 2022 - Secondary School)

Organisational issues with Rayburn (June 2022)

(June 2022 - Secondary School)

Bus Driver not confident and not up to expectations. (June 2022 - Secondary School)

Great for Geography - tour tutor was extremely knowledgeable (June 2022 - Secondary School)

(May 2022 - Secondary School)

(April 2022 - Primary School)

(March 2022 - Secondary School)

Great at answering questions and getting in contact whilst we were out in Rome (May 2020 - Secondary School)

(March 2020 - Secondary School)

Excellent service as usual (March 2020 - Secondary School)

Well organised, excellent coach driver this year in Iceland. EasyJet were not very good with a large group. Also, Gatwick north not as good for groups as Gatwick South. (March 2020 - Secondary School)

(March 2020 - Secondary School)

(February 2020 - Secondary School)

Extremely efficient and helpful, and always at the end of a phone. I have used them many times before. (February 2020 - Secondary School)

(February 2020 - Secondary School)

We had everything we needed from the company (tickets, etc), and I could get a hold of our contact when we needed in the lead up to the trip. (December 2019 - Secondary School)

(November 2019 - Secondary School)

Overall, efficient and responded to queries quickly. A well organised tour, although audience numbers could have been stronger. (November 2019 - Secondary School)

(October 2019 - Secondary School)

Very knowledgeable guide, excellent planning support (October 2019 - Secondary School)

(October 2019 - Secondary School)

Outstanding experience (October 2019 - Secondary School)

Excellent organisation - they listened to our requests and accommodated changes accordingly. Sarah - main organiser - was on hand throughout the trip should she have been needed. The app was invaluable. (August 2019 - Secondary School)

I would advise other tour organisers to agree the concerts before sorting out the rest of the itinerary. (July 2019 - Secondary School)

(July 2019 - Secondary School)

Excellent tour delivered by a very professional provider. The quality of the Field Tutor brought the history to life. (July 2019 - Secondary School)

The excursions were really well organised and the trip ran very smoothly. The Disney workshop was particularly good and the staff were amazing and incredibly enthusiastic and professional.The accommodation was not in a particularly good location and did not feel safe. The rooms were basic, as expected, however the food was very limited choice and next to no choice for the vegetarians. The language barrier also made it very difficult to communicate allergies to the kitchen staff. (July 2019 - Secondary School)

(July 2019 - Secondary School)

(June 2019 - Secondary School)

(April 2019 - Secondary School)

Excellent (March 2019 - Secondary School)

Rayburn were very organised, provided a great deal of information and the tour guide Cath, was very knowledgeable and communicated with enthusiasm. (March 2019 - Secondary School)

really good as a tour operator (February 2019 - Secondary School)

(February 2019 - Secondary School)

Excellent - would definitely recommend and happily use again (February 2019 - Secondary School)

(February 2019 - Secondary School)

(January 2019 - Secondary School)

(December 2018 - Secondary School)

Outstanding provider. (November 2018 - Secondary School)

(November 2018 - Secondary School)

One or two areas which need addressing in feedback, mostly to do with estimated travel times. Nothing which wasn't sorted out in good time during the trip. Excellent venues for the concerts and the itinerary worked out well with all booked events and meals going smoothly. (July 2018 - Primary School & Secondary School)

Superb - customer service was yet again second to none. Our 12th successful tour with this company. (July 2018 - Secondary School)

Rayburn have been excellent. Allowing us to change the dates of this trip, and carrying our deposit over into the new year. (July 2018 - Secondary School)

All documents provided and worked effectively. Itinerary was very thorough. Guides chosen were good and sites were all appropriate. At times there was not enough time to get between places planned but more a problem caused by packed schedule. One major problem was that information regarding dietary requirements was not passed onto hotel and we had to identify food was not appropriate for a caeliac and for a vegetarian. We had to buy alternative food for them at the school's expense. Otherwise costs came in as delivered and it was well organised. (July 2018 - Secondary School)

The trip was very easy to organise, as we had visited the area previously, and the support and communication from the staff at Rayburn Tours was second to none. (July 2018 - Secondary School)

Excellent itinerary , guide and admin staff (June 2018)

Overall, I was happy with the service provided by Rayburn tours. They were easily contactable, quick to respond to communication and the minor issues we experienced during the trip were overcome fairly easily. (June 2018 - Secondary School)

(April 2018 - Secondary School)

Rayburn were fantastic to work with. They dealt with all queries quickly and supported me through the organisation of the trip. They were professional throughout and I felt nothing was too much trouble. Whilst away were well looked after and the tour ran smoothly. The sites were interesting and the days well planned. I would definitely use Rayburn again. (April 2018 - Secondary School)

The trip was very well organised and our tour guide was brilliant. He was extremely knowledgeable and carefully changed the itinerary when needed. The tour company were always on hand and very helpful through the planning process. (April 2018 - Secondary School)

Really good that Rayburn offered a small group option so our students could go on this trip. (April 2018 - Secondary School)

(April 2018 - Secondary School)

well organised and everyone there really cared about our trip going well. (April 2018 - Secondary School)

(April 2018 - Secondary School)

Rayburn where not ideal as a company issues with ratio's that were resolved. This was the ski school in Italy, instructors changed after first day. Hotel not a true ski in ski out. (April 2018 - Secondary School)

(March 2018 - Secondary School)

An excellent tour provided. As a result of their organisation, experience and professionalism they put together an excellent trip for us. In addition, due to the extenuating weather conditions that we experienced whilst in Iceland, their emergency contact was excellent, ensuring that we were safe and advising us on the best things to do. (February 2018 - Secondary School)

(February 2018 - Secondary School)

I have used Rayburn several times before, I always have found them excellent. On this occasion, as well as being successful, it was an eventful trip in some ways (adverse weather, coach/car collision and lost passports) but Rayburn helped us overcome these obstacles and in turn ensured a successful tour. (February 2018 - Secondary School)

(December 2017 - Secondary School)

Reviews

The following reviews have been added by visit leaders using the EVOLVE system.

Overview

4.4

174 reviews

Excellent

63%

Very Good

21%

Average

14%

Poor

Awful

April 2024 - Secondary School

March 2024

March 2024 - Secondary School

Excellent tutor from Rayburn Tours, knew GCSE and A Level syllabuses. Reference made throughout the visit - all students thoroughly enjoyed.