Business Details
35 Years
experience
Luxury Tailor-Made Holidays Experts
The Ultimate Travel Company has been crafting award-winning luxury holidays for over 40 years. We specialise in tailor-made journeys, escorted tours, and villa holidays designed to combine adventure with unparalleled comfort. Our team of passionate specialists takes time to understand individual preferences, creating bespoke itineraries that reflect personal tastes and travel aspirations. With a commitment to responsible tourism, we support global conservation projects and maintain carbon-neutral operations through mangrove-planting initiatives. Recognised by The Sunday Times, The Observer, and Conde Nast Traveller, we offer ATOL/ABTA financial protection and 24/7 client support.Our directors, industry veterans with decades of on-the-ground experience, remain actively involved in daily operations. We maintain partnerships with trusted local operators worldwide to ensure authentic experiences. Client testimonials consistently highlight our seamless organisation, expert knowledge, and exceptional customer service. As a family-run business, we combine global expertise with a personal touch in every aspect of our service.
Services
Tailor-made holidays
Escorted tours
Luxury villas
Family travel
Wildlife safaris
Cultural journeys
Adventure travel
Cruise holidays
Beach vacations
European breaks
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of specialist travel expertise
- Our consultants create 100% bespoke itineraries
- We maintain carbon-neutral operations through conservation projects
- All holidays include ATOL/ABTA financial protection
- Our directors provide hands-on industry leadership
Associations and certifications
- ATOL
- ABTA
- IATA
What people say
Seamless organisation
Expert recommendations
Exceptional guides
Personalised service
Memorable experiences
Services
Tailor-made holidays
Our bespoke holiday planning service creates unique itineraries based on individual preferences. With expert consultants specialising in specific regions, we offer insider knowledge and trusted local contacts. Clients benefit from handpicked accommodations, seamless logistics, and exclusive experiences that go beyond standard travel offerings.
Escorted tours
Small-group escorted tours led by expert guides provide immersive cultural experiences. Limited to 15-20 participants, these journeys include exclusive access to attractions, expert-led excursions, and carefully curated itineraries that balance structured activities with free time for personal exploration.
Luxury villas
Curated selection of premium villas in Tuscany and the Balearic Islands. Each property undergoes rigorous personal inspection to ensure quality standards. Our service includes complete trip organisation, from private transfers to customised local experiences and dedicated concierge support.
Wildlife safaris
Specialist safari planning with expert guides in prime wildlife destinations. We arrange access to remote locations, conservation-focused lodges, and unique wildlife encounters. Our itineraries balance game viewing with cultural experiences and responsible tourism practices.
Family travel
Custom-designed family-friendly itineraries with age-appropriate activities. We handle all logistics including child-friendly accommodations, flexible schedules, and educational experiences. Our consultants specialise in creating memorable multi-generational travel experiences without compromising comfort.
People
Nick Van Gruisen
Managing Director
With decades of experience in luxury travel, Nick leads our team with a focus on exceptional client service. His career began as a professional guide in Botswana, shaping his commitment to authentic travel experiences.
Rowan Paterson
Executive Director
A travel industry veteran with extensive experience in wildlife safaris and Himalayan treks. Rowan co-founded the company in 1991 and continues to shape our approach to responsible tourism.
Cassie
Africa Specialist
Africa expert with deep personal connections to the continent. Having grown up near Kruger Park, she specialises in creating immersive safari experiences and has extensive knowledge of regional conservation efforts.
Sophie L
Tour Planner
Specialist in escorted tour development with extensive personal travel experience across four continents. She focuses on creating balanced itineraries that combine cultural immersion with practical considerations.
Alison
Senior Consultant
With over 20 years of experience designing luxury travel, Alison specialises in European cultural tours and Caribbean beach holidays. She prioritises understanding client preferences to create perfectly paced itineraries.
Questions
What destinations do you specialise in?
We offer expertly curated travel experiences across all continents, with particular specialism in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Our escorted tours cover Europe, the Middle East, and polar regions.
How do you ensure travel safety?
We provide comprehensive pre-travel information, maintain 24/7 emergency support, and work exclusively with trusted local partners. All holidays include ATOL/ABTA financial protection.
Can you accommodate special requests?
Our consultants create 100% bespoke itineraries. We accommodate specific requirements including accessibility needs, dietary preferences, and special occasion celebrations.
What is included in your holiday packages?
Packages typically include flights, accommodations, transfers, guided excursions, and selected meals. We provide full transparency with no hidden fees in our pricing.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking 6-12 months in advance for bespoke holidays and 3-6 months for escorted tours to secure preferred dates and accommodations.
What happens if travel plans change?
We offer flexible booking terms. If government restrictions prevent travel, clients can choose to postpone or receive a full refund, including flights.
Reviews (4)
Jessica Myers
Aug 08, 2020
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My 85y old Mum had decided on one last adventure and we decided on Peru. Despite not having used The Ultimate Travel Company before, right from the start we were treated as if we were long loyal clients. Jonny put together a unique itinerary for us, the right balance between adventure and the "must sees". The highlight was to be a remote stay in a… research station deep in the Amazon, but sadly it wasn't to be. Coronavirus hit the world and we were unable to travel. I phoned Jonny with a heavy heart to cancel and I was beyond delighted when, without question, our full deposit was returned
Jacqueline Madders
Feb 14, 2020
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Faking it....80 per cent of directors resigned. Not to be trusted. Advice to this company would be to appoint a receptionist who has a public school accent and uses please and thank you. How they are still in business baffles me.
Linda Lister
Oct 22, 2017
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Looking forward to our second trip with Ultimate in 2 weeks to San Francisco, New Zealand and Singapore. The did a fabulous job for us two years ago to Kenya. Would recommend.
Vanessa Nelemans
Oct 07, 2015
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Had the most amazing time travelling through Namibia. Thanks for organising such a wonderful honeymoon!
