Get to Know Us!
Celebrating 60 Years of Travel in 2025
Learn all about our independent, family-run business!
Welcome to Rayburn Tours, where a passion for travel and creating extraordinary experiences have been at the heart of everything we do since 1965. This year, we proudly celebrate 60 years of incredible journeys shared with countless groups!
Our story began with Mr. Rayburn, who, after leaving his post as Head of Modern Languages at Derby School, a grammar school for boys in Derby city, set up a small enterprise to help teachers at other schools run trips to Europe for language learning. He ran this from home with three staff until he retired in 1983. The business was passed on to John and Brenda Boyden, who, in the preceding years, had been associated with Mr. Rayburn, as they provided the transport for his tours. John’s love of travel and commitment to unforgettable group experiences laid the groundwork for our family-run business. Today, Jamie Boyden and Katie Boyden, as well as other brilliant directors, lead Rayburn Tours. They ensure that John’s values of trust and quality continue to guide us.
Sixty years on, Rayburn Tours has grown into a thriving team of over 100 people. And through years of experience and exploration, we organise the lot – educational escapades, ski-slope adventures and spirited sports tours, as well as the electric energy of adult and youth concert tours. Whatever your group’s adventure, we’re here to shake up the ordinary! All our tours are tailor-made to match the preferences and personality of your group.
Our 60th anniversary celebrates the thousands of travellers who have trusted us with their adventures. To all the teachers, students, sports teams, musicians, and explorers who have travelled with us, thank you for being a part of our story. Here’s to the journeys yet to come!
Discover how we can make your next adventure unforgettable as we continue the Rayburn Tours legacy and move toward an exciting future!
Our Team
Behind every great trip is a great team!
With boundless enthusiasm and six decades of experience, our team embodies a profound passion for exploring the world. With a commitment to treating each group as our sole focus, we’re devoted to creating amazing experiences.
Behind the scenes, our various departments collaborate from the initial spark of an idea to the launch of the trip itself and the reflective moments that follow. It’s this dedication that has defined Rayburn Tours for 60 years and continues to drive us forward.
Our Network
We take immense pride in the relationships we’ve built with our partners and suppliers. They are the gateway to extraordinary experiences for our groups, and our commitment to remarkable rapport ensures continuous learning about our destinations, accommodations, venues, activities, excursions, curriculums, teaching resources, and so much more!
These relationships are the cogs that keep us running and refining the most incredible trips opportunities for groups!
Accommodation
We have a whole network of top-notch accommodation providers – hotels, resorts, hostels, lodges, you name it! They share our dedication to excellence. We understand how important your home away from home is – a comfortable, fully-facilitated and welcoming stay is a must!
Transport
Our travel experiences wouldn’t be possible without our transport providers! Whether it be via flight or coach, we work closely with our partners to ensure safe, efficient and comfortable journeys for our groups.
Activities and excursions
Every adventure we craft is enriched by our close collaboration with local activity and excursion providers! From adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities to immersive cultural and educational experiences, we’ve specially selected an array of unforgettable opportunities that showcase the best each destination offers.
Our Promise
Incredible destinations
We have a fine-tuned selection of destinations that offer you a variety of experiences!
Tailor-made
Our tailor-made itineraries are created to match your group’s preferences and personality.
Seamless support
You’ll receive continuous support and clear communication from start to finish.
Tour objectives
Each group has their tour goals, and we’re here to meet (and surpass) expectations.
Value
We balance competitive pricing with high quality, delivering unmatched value!
Going the extra mile
We’ll always go that extra mile, whether it be through our History Tour Guides, Field Study Tutors, Tour Managers.
Safety and Security
Peace of mind and unforgettable memories!
Safety is of the utmost importance to us, and we monitor the safety aspects of all of our tours to ensure you have a memorable experience for all the right reasons. Communication is at the forefront of what we do, we’re always on hand to answer questions, find solutions and provide reassurance.
You can also have peace of mind that your financial security is in the best of hands, as we are ABTA bonded, ABTOT bonded, ATOL licensed and offer full travel insurance.
Responsibly Rayburn
Sustainability isn’t a buzzword to be thrown around!
While we may not have all the answers, we’re dedicated to making a meaningful contribution to protecting our planet. Check out our latest achievements and what we hope to implement going forward!
Visit our Sustainability Hub
Fabulous Feedback
Don’t just take our word for it – experience the journey through the kind words of those who have travelled with us! Over the last 60 years, the incredible feedback we’ve received has not only been a testament to the quality of our trips but also a source of inspiration. Each review fuels our passion, guides us in refining our offerings, and opens doors to new and exciting opportunities for you and your group.
Work With Us
Be a part of something special!
We foster a vibrant company culture that thrives on continuous opportunities to learn and develop, support, creativity and collaboration. A happy team is key in creating unforgettable experiences. Want to be a part of it all?
Join our team