A fantastic holiday which gives you numerous opportunities to enjoy the local wildlife while also allowing time to visit Vancouver, Victoria and some of the other towns. This was my first wildlife focussed holiday which meant there were lot's of things i had never seen before including black bears, grizzly bears, orca whales, otters, seals etc. I do think you need to be aware however that you are trying to spot wild animals so you need to accept that anything you see is a bonus, there is the possibility that you might not see certain things depending on the weather, conditions and just how lucky you are. Having said that the people involved in the trips know what they are doing and will always swap things around and will do their best to get you the best possible experience. We were not disappointed and saw so much throughout the holiday.
Marine wildlifeWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
It's my 2nd Expat Explore experirnce. Had a great fun time with the tour. Our tour leader, Larry, always make it a point to address our concerns, and he's very informative. The driver, Leo, also did a great job. Fantastic tourmates as well with no issues. Such an ultimate experience of a lifetime. Highly recommended!
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
10-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
New York, Philadelphia, Niagara
New York, Philadelphia, Niagara Falls, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., Boston, Quebec City, Ottawa, Toronto
11% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
I had done one trip previously – Amalfi coast hiking, fall 2023 – with EXPLORE. I was so impressed I asked my excellent guide, Pete, what else he would recommend knowing my abilities and interests. He immediately recommended the Slovenia trip, and it actually was on my list of places to visit. He had apparently set the trip up about seven years ago and was very familiar with it.
I have been in 50 countries to date - some several times- and Slovenia is now in my top five and I am already planning my return for next May.
We had a lovely small group, being the first of these hikes of the season, hailing from Canada, Spain, Australia, and the UK.
The accommodation, staff, management, and food at Art Hotel Kristal were A+ – and I especially loved and took advantage of the options of the sauna and cold plunge, Ayurvedic massages with the wonderful Bhatri, chocolate tasting with the owner, Alenka, and a fantastic wine tasting with her son, Jan. I went home with a lovely assortment of chocolates and also a wonderful bottle of wine that I will try to hold onto for a few years until it is optimal to drink.
The hikes were not difficult at all, but I found that I did feel like I got a good amount of exercise by the end of the day. I spent my free day doing a mountain bike ride. The whole area around Lake Bohinj is stunning and there are so many activities that one can partake in, as well as really yummy local restaurants close by the hotel. I loved that the hotel offered a pre-fixe three course menu for hotel guests for only €25 on the nights that were not included with the hike. An incredible bargain given the quality of the food, as with almost all of the food we had in Slovenia, it was locally sourced and delicious. I am not typically a meat eater, but I had the venison twice – locally sourced, and wild – and it was by far the best I have ever had.
I would definitely stay at this hotel when I return to the area. I would strongly encourage others to spend some time in Ljubljana – either before or after the trip. A beautiful city a two hour bus ride awaythat is just the right size and full of so much to offer. Next time I am going to see a lot more of this country – it is half the size of Switzerland, but the variety of the terrain and ecosystems is quite impressive. Also, to be noted is that English is widely spoken and children start in grade 3, learning this second language. The Slovenians couldn’t have been nicer and more helpful everywhere I went. What can I say?? Get yourself to Slovenia before it is overrun: safe, clean, and green – a beautiful country of farmers, foragers, wine makers, and beekeepers. Also note that they have some fantastic fly fishing there as well as mountain and road biking – very cycling friendly. After all, it is the country of Pogacar.
Trekking and HikingWaterfalls
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ljubljana, Bled, Bohinj Lake, Sa
Ljubljana, Bled, Bohinj Lake, Savica Waterfall, Lake Bled, Brod, Julian Alps
An incredible experience, I had an amazing time. 10 strangers came together in week 1, we and shared lots of fantastic experiences, we ended up finishing the trip as 10 friends with great memories
Natural landmarks sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Tent, Hotel
Age Range
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Vancouver, Calgary, Waterton Lak
Vancouver, Calgary, Waterton Lakes National Park, Sooke, Parksville, Squamish, Whistler, Kananaskis Country, Lake Louise
Very well planned service. Our Tour Director was very knowledgable and very accommodating. She really made us feel at home and gave tremendous information. Our drive was excellent and made us feel very safe. The tour covers a lot of interesting sites and at the same time gives you free time to explore on your own, should you wish. All the hotels we stayed in were very good. Whole of the tour is well planned and every day, next day's itinerary, was given in good time so that we can decode how we want to utilise the day.
The coach is very comfortable. Everyday cleaned the coach so that everyone can get the best view while travelling. Sufficient comfort breaks are already built-in to ensure that everyone can travel without any anxiety.
Local guides were very knowledgable and helpful and gave valuable details that make you appreciate the local history, community, architecture and customs. In all the hotels we stayed the staff were very polite and went out of their way to help.
Overall the tour was way nicer beyond our expectations. We can say with certainty that we will be using Costsavers in future.
really makes any tour with her very entertaining and informative. I do not have enough words to describe how effective she is as a tour director. I look forward to join her in other tours in future.
AdventureCity sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Toronto, Boston, Ottawa, Quebec
Toronto, Boston, Ottawa, Quebec City, Montreal
18% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Have been on many guided tours in the world. This tour tops them all.
A couple from Canada made our group feel uncomfortable by being demanding and rude sometimes. Min did a great PR job.
Sculpture Park was amazing, especially the Picasso Museum. Seeing cherry blossom for the first time with Mountains of snow in background was a plus. Trying and tasting the local food was a gastronomical experience.
With a small group I and the others received personalized attention. I have a problem with heights and stairs. I was lucky to have Min's arm to guide me so I did not feel apprehensive or falter.
Where would you like to visit next?: Not sure, but I don't like cruising. Only land travel. Congrats to your travel firm for such a wonderful experience to Japan. Special thanks to Min.
Cherry BlossomCity sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
35-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima, Himeji
Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima, Himeji, Kansai, Mt Fuji, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto
10% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
This is going to be long. My TA Alice from Vancouver, Canada is very fast efficient with how she managed the booking and got me answers for most of my questions
Coming back to the hotels : Best part is in every single hotel my room was near the elevator because I am traveling with a child this was thoughtful-love it. Most of the hotels were nice, breakfast was adequate, meals were fine as well where they were included. No issues, no complaints
Regarding the tour bus - the small bus was fine for 20 odd people and drivers were excellent and did a wonderful job, if possible please add free WIFI on the bus
Regarding the tour guides Eng speaking only - Most of them were alright but as a traveller, I expect them to talk more about the countries we were passing thru. Yes, the gap was filled by the local city guides however time is short and we are on the bus driving long distances so info can be filled. They should be provided with matter that the guides can then talk to us about. I find a huge gap in the knowledge level of spanish guides versus english guides on the tour
Europamundo app on my phone : Since my trip in 2022, the app has been upgraded and I see watsap contacts of transfers with 3rd party contractors which is really helpful
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Bucharest, Tirana, Sighisoara, T
Bucharest, Tirana, Sighisoara, Timisoara, Belgrade, Sarajevo, Dubrovnik
Anyone considering going on this trip needs to think about why they are going. If it is for wildlife eg. birds, they need to investigate the best time of the year to go, taking migration into account etc.
I had a wonderful time on this trip. Whilst the wildlife were not particularly co-operative, or the weather, the Expedition Team did their best at all times to fulfil the itinerary and give us the best opportunity to see the expected wild life. Whilst many whales were missing, we had the unusual bonus of seeing six Polar Bears and 17 Narwhals! You win some, you lose some!
The M/V Greg Mortimer is an impressive ship, keeping the rocking and rolling across Baffin Bay, to a minimum. Inside it is extremely comfortable, all the 'hotel' staff are friendly and very professional. The rooms were kept spotless and serviced twice a day. There was a very large choice of good food at all meals. Two meals are buffet and the evening dinner, a served meal.
The lectures on board, given by members of the Expedition Team and some guest lecturers, were linked to the programme and additional ones added where particular interest was shown by passengers. They were of a high standard.
I am very happy to recommend this trip to those who are prepared to be flexible, both with the itinerary and daily programme. One day we started on Plan A and ended on Plan E thanks to the weather! It should not be considered as a cruise but a truly exploratory trip, getting into zodiacs a couple of times a day to go and get close up views of icebergs, bird nesting cliffs, glaciers: anything that may be of interest.
Cruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Marvel at the immense beauty of both Canada and the United State’s western natural wonders on this 14-day tour across two countries and three epic national parks full of postcard-perfect landscapes. Walk along the pristine, clear waters of Lake Louise and Lake Crescent, stare in wonder at the intimidating mountains in Banff, Whistler, and surrounding Hurricane Ridge, and spend free time in some lively, iconic cities along the way. From a visit to the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre outside of Whistler, to watching the sunrise over Mount Rainier National Park, this trip will ensure your time in the Pacific Northwest checks all the boxes for a well-rounded experience.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
