Jackie was an excellent leader. Organised, very knowledgeable, and catered for all the needs of the group.
Tour itinerary was excellent, got to experience a lot in a short amount of time. Highlights were Hoi An and the homestay in the Mekong Delta.
Transport, bus drivers and extra tour guides were all brilliant. I enjoyed that we had the odd free day or half day to either explore individually or just take some time out.
This trip is definitely great value for money. The accommodation was all much better than I expected, nice comfortable air conditioned rooms. And great breakfasts!
Active and outdoorExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This was another thoroughly enjoyable Explore trip to a fascinating part of the world in terms of its rich history and present-day geopolitical relevance. The group we were travelling with bonded very quickly and were great company throughout the trip. Both tour leaders, Armene (Armenia) and Alex (Georgia) were excellent, communicated their knowledge and love of their respective countries with infectious enthusiasm and were genuinely lovely people. Both drivers also did a great job on sometimes less than perfect roads.
There were multiple highlights but worth special mention would be both capital cities, Yerevan and Tblisi, the basalt rock formations along the Garni River Gorge, the spine-tingling medieval choral music at Geghard Monastery, a performance of La Traviata at Yerevan Opera House that wildly exceeded expectations, the amazing 12th-C cave settlement remains at Vardzia, hiking in the spectacular Kazbegi Mountains, plus all the amazing regional food and drink we sampled throughout the trip. Georgia's reputation as a bit of a foodie heaven is entirely justified.
I would not hesitate to recommend this trip!
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
As described the tour is full on but its so worth it to see so much. This tour really throws you into Indian history and witnessing day-to-day life was fascinating. You cover a lot of ground with some very long travel days but the sites around Rajasthan make up for it with stops always providing interest.
The hotels were great with a good mix between heritage properties and the modern facilities. Gajner Palace hotel was a particular highlight and the setting is incredible.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
New Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Ajmer
New Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Ajmer, Udaipur, Jojawar, Bikaner
Excellent tour. Guide Elena was outstanding and driver Zoki was excellent. Learned so much about the region and history of Ancient Macedonia.
The hotel in Skopje, Hotel Centar, was ok but its location was in the middle of several construction sites which was not great.
There were several long drives during the tour but due to the distances covered understandable. Was disappointed with Kratovo although the pipes, herb making and lunch were good.
All in all a great trip
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This is varied tour covering cities, villages, historical sites, mountains, deserts and seaside. The tour was made even better by an excellent guide who clearly explained the history, geography and geology of ehat we saw. It is ideal for those who like busy holidays.
Active and outdoorExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
A great and affordable trip with excellent opportunities for spotting a range of animals and birds.
Some quite long drives but with a good range of visits - glass makers, candle factory, Raukes Drift.
Incision of Eswatini was very worthwhile.
ExplorerActive and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hut, Guest House, Hotel
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Johannesburg, Drakensberg Mounta
Johannesburg, Drakensberg Mountains, St. Lucia, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, Eswatini, Mlilwane, Kruger National Park, Graskop
This was my 22nd Explore trip and one of the best in recent years. This was largely due to the excellent leader (Wilfred) and the group itself. The itinerary sadly had to be altered (and options removed) due to a combination of heavy rain and other factors but what remained was still a full and interesting and varied trip. Shame not to be able to reach Crooked Tree, nor see more animals and birds, but these are not Explore's fault. Kayaking was not on offer, nor tubing which had been highly recommended to me but that may never have been an official option. The accommodation was great except that at Placencia (Sea Spray hotel?) the bathroom was really too tight for me. Wilf in particular deserves a very special mention - not only was he reliable, knowledgable, funny and charming he went out of his way to help on more that one occasion all during a very difficult week for him personally dealing with a family bereavement and his own illness near the end of the holiday.
I led the tribute to him on the last night, sung to the tune of 'Mamma Mia':
We’ve been travelling with you since I don’t know when
Sadly now it is time it must come to an end
Where will we go? We dont have a clue
What to do now ? - that you’re suddenly not right here
Sending menus and choosing beer
On day one
- you explain everything
From then on
- we forget everything
Whoa
Brother Wilfred. Now we’re off again
Who knows - where we’ll be without you
Brother Wilfred - we’ll be lost again
Back home - we’ll be thinking ‘bout you
Yes we’ll be broken hearted
blue - Now that we have parted
Why why did we ever let you go?
Brother Wilfred - have a great next trip
Bye bye - we will really miss you so
Active and outdoorWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Belize City, Flores, Caye Caulke
Belize City, Flores, Caye Caulker, Altun Ha, Lamanai, Placencia, Cockscomb Basin Forest Reserve, XUNANTUNICH MAYA TEMPLE, Guatemala City
A thoroughly enjoyable week in Gran Canaria. The walks were interesting & varied with an optional day to rest! Excellent transportation across the island with a few hairy moments!
Both hotels were comfortable, with a perfect location in Aguimes.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
We really enjoyed the cycling tour of Murcia. Our guide Miguel Angel was first class and good humoured. While the weather let us down one day (severe weather warning), Miguel quickly organised a range of activities to keep us all entertained and amused. The roads we cycled on were generally very quiet and well paved.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Valencia, Murcia, Caravaca De La
Valencia, Murcia, Caravaca De La Cruz, Calasparra, Cieza
The trip itinerary certainly gave a wide range view of different areas of Southern India and their way of life. Busy bustling Chennai, then to the coastal resort of Pondicherry with a French flavour, followed by the temples and palace of Madurai. Then on to the hills hitting the tea plantations, spices and backwaters of Kerela for a sail along the river. Kochi, a busy town, with lots to see - Palace, museums, churches, synagogue and chinese fishing nets to name a few. A highlight was the toy train to Ooty. Lots to see in bustling Mysore from the Palace, statues, temples, markets and everything on the road together buses, cars, TukTuks, motorbikes, cows, sheep and goats and people! Fun to watch. Another variety of travel is the overnight train back to Chennai, ending with a leisurely day at Mamallapram. A bit of everything - recommended.
Cruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Chennai, Bangalore, Mamallapuram
Chennai, Bangalore, Mamallapuram, Bandipur National Park, Mysore, Pondicherry, Meenakshi Temple, Thekkady, Kerala Backwaters, Kochi, Coimbatore