Alexander+Roberts

Alexander+Roberts: small group journeys and private experiences since 1947

Alexander+Roberts is a travel operator founded in 1947 by Alexander Harris, a Polish World War II survivor, under the initial name of General Tours. The company presents itself as a pioneer in organizing the first scheduled tours to the Soviet Union during the Cold War, with approval from Eisenhower's White House. In 1972, it was a founding member with bond of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA). In 2014, it adopted its current identity, inspired by the names of Alexander and its second-generation leader.

More than 80 years of travel innovation

The company's history includes milestones such as its participation in the 1954 UNESCO conference in Montevideo, which marked the beginning of more than 70 years of travel throughout South America. In the 1970s, after observing that safaris in East Africa were only within reach of the wealthiest, the company operated Pan Am charter flights to Kenya and Tanzania, the first of their kind. From the 1980s onward, following Nixon's trip to China, it began operating tours for Americans in that country, and later expanded its offerings to all of Asia, from India to Southeast Asia and Japan. In the 21st century, the company claims to have been the first to limit its small groups to a maximum of 16 guests.

Travel styles

The catalog is organized into four main categories:

• Small Group Journeys: small group trips with a guaranteed maximum of 16 guests.
• Small Ships: small ship cruising.
• Private Journeys: private trips for your own traveling party.
• Tailor Made: creation of unique tailor-made itineraries.

The company also offers special savings for solo travelers.

Destinations and sample itineraries

The offerings span all seven continents. In Africa, safaris are included in Botswana, Kenya, Morocco, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. In the Middle East, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. In Asia, Bhutan, Borneo, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tibet, and Vietnam. In the Pacific, Australia and New Zealand. In Europe, Albania, Armenia, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, England, Finland, France, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and Turkey. In Latin America, Amazon River, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Galapagos, Panama, and Peru. In North America, Canada, United States, and Cuba. And in Antarctica.

Featured itineraries on the site include: "On Safari in Kenya + Tanzania" (Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and the Great Migration), "Wild + Wonderful Borneo + Kuala Lumpur," "Enticing Portugal" (privately guided journey with flexible explorations), "Spain – Privately Guided" (new, featuring Barcelona, Madrid, Granada, and Seville), "Quito + the Galapagos" (luxury hotel, 24-cabin deluxe cruiser, and naturalists), "From Japan’s Inland Sea to the Alps," "Croatia + Greece" (two new privately guided trips), "Tuscany + Amalfi + the North" (with chauffeur and private sightseeing), "Five Paths through Egypt" (with Egyptologists and luxury cruisers), "Peru" (luxury hotels and guides), "The Galapagos" (guides, hotels, and naturalists), "Iceland" (two intimate itineraries), "Wild + Wonderful Alaska," "Australia + New Zealand" (21 days), "Morocco" (luxury riad and desert camp stay), "Italy by Rail" (private tour with hotels and transfers), "Costa Rica" (Arenal and Monteverde National Park), and "Cambodia + Thailand" / "Visions of Vietnam + Laos + Cambodia + Thailand."

Service approach

The company describes its journeys as designed to combine iconic destinations with lesser-known places. Its small groups, with a maximum of 16 guests, and its private tours include authentic cultural encounters, exceptional local guides, luxury hotels, and memorable meals. All journeys include comprehensive guided sightseeing and distinctive experiences led by fluent English-speaking local experts. The accommodation selection ranges from evocative luxury hotels and historic boutique properties to the finest safari camps and elegant small ships. The company also selects restaurants that showcase the very best of regional cuisine.

Recognition and values

The company presents itself as a founding member with bond of USTOA since 1972, an organization dedicated to integrity and financial responsibility in the travel industry. Its philosophy, according to its own history, is based on the belief that travel connects people and fosters understanding between cultures.

Location and contact

Phone: 800-221-2216 · Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-8pm ET