Our Policies & Style

Martin Randall Travel was founded in 1988 by Martin Randall, a graduate of the Courtauld Institute of Art. There are now 28 staff. In addition, we work with some 100 freelance lecturers and tour managers.
There are two main strands to the business: small-group tours for a maximum of 22 participants, all accompanied by a lecturer. Each has a particular emphasis covering the visual arts, gardens, music, history, geology and gastronomy. Even the walking tours have a cultural focus. With around 160 tours each year, they constitute the largest area of our activities. Secondly there are the all-inclusive music festivals. These are festivals which we devise and organise ourselves in various cities or regions of Europe, and which now number four or five each year.
We are renowned for our first-rate client care and unobtrusive efficiency which leads to the highest levels of customer satisfaction. In 2009, for the third time in four years, Martin Randall Travel was Travel Company of the Year, based on customer satisfaction surveys among members of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. There are no hidden extras. The price covers nearly everything, including wine with meals and all tips. Our tours are considered good value for money. We do not levy surcharges for fuel or for any other reason. 

We spend a lot of time selecting restaurants, menus and wine. We aim for a high quality of food and ambience, and where sophisticated restaurants do not exist we seek an authentic experience with good local produce (in other words, we try to avoid tourist fare).
While most dinners are included in the price, one or more evenings are left free on nearly all our tours. Most clients welcome the opportunity for independence, but if you do not share this view the tour leader would be happy to help make arrangements.
Few lunches are included, as most travellers prefer something quick and light in the middle of the day. Lunches are provided in places where it would be difficult to find something to eat without prior arrangement
Drinks are included with all meals. In most countries we provide wine and there is always water and the option of soft drinks or beer. Coffee or tea are also included.