Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
We had the most incredible time on the Highlights of Assam and Nagaland trip. We have travelled a number of times with Explore, and our expectations were blown away at every stage of this incredible trip.
Wildlife highlights included the river dolphins on the Brahmaputra and incredible safaris - including the 'Big 5' in Kaziranga National Park - Royal Bengal Tiger, Water Buffalo, Indian One-Horn Rhino, Elephant and the Swamp Deer! The Khasi hills were stunning, with the walk to the living root bridges a real highlight. We were lucky to have a swim in the crystal-clear river to cool off at the bottom of the valley before trekking back up the steps! Longwa Headhunter Village afforded us some fantastic interactions with local people and opportunities to see their local cottage industries. Majuli Island was a beautiful, relaxing and spiritual place, as were the tea plantations in Dibrugarh.
Of course, the incredible Hornbill Festival was a sight to behold. We spent two full days wandering around the various tribes longhouses, interacting with the friendly tribes, trying local delicacies and watching their performances. This is truly an experience not to be missed...
There were some long drives, as expected, but these seemed to be well-planned and the views were often spectacular - especially in the Naga Hills and plains of Cherrapunjee.
Our driver, Moon was fantastic - safe, calm and worked hard to find us the best stops for photos etc.
Our guide, Pema Bhutia, is an absolute credit to Explore and his homeland. Passionate, caring, kind and knowledgeable, he went over and above at every opportunity to ensure our experience was first class - we would definitely travel with Pema again in future.
Overall, don't hesitate to book this trip - the accommodation was much better than described, the infrastructure in the region is improving slowly, and the food is fantastic. It's still a relatively unexplored part of the world, rich in culture and tradition that surely won't disappoint even the most seasoned traveller!
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Bungalow, Guest House, Resort, Villa
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kolkata, Assam, Guwahati, Majuli
Kolkata, Assam, Guwahati, Majuli Island, Nagaland, Longwa, Dibrugarh, Umananda, Cherrapunjee, Khasi, Kaziranga National Park, Mokochung
This was a very interesting and well organised tour. I enjoyed all the activities and there was a good mix of food and location.
The main problem was the quality of two of the hotels. The First in Bordeaux was very small and had no air-conditioning, which was unfortunate as we were experiencing a heat wave. The room in the final hotel in Toulouse was rather grubby and again very small. For a tour that cost over £2000 I feel this was unacceptable and I would’ve preferred even a chain hotel such as ibis where one can at least expect air-conditioning and a level of cleanliness for a similar price.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
My 1st time in Europe! Our tour leader Paris Bermuda was so organized and genuinely very pleasant and sweet. The stops along the way were fascinating, picturesque and so much fun! Wonderful history and stunning buildings! Recommended highly!
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This was my first trip as a single person and I had a fabulous time. The group of 12 (four couples and four singles) really gelled and were very friendly, supportive and fun. The itinerary was very good, with at least one specific thing to do, see or visit each day. The high points were the tea plantation, the spice farm, the cookery evening, the wonderful scenery and the houseboat . The accommodation was generally very good, but the homestay was too basic to be an enjoyable experience. It didn't feel as though we were guests in someone's home, it felt more like a commercial exercise (eg the host talked of building a hotel next year to accommodate more guests). The food was excellent in most places with some well-chosen restaurants/snack bars, and plenty of choice for vegetarians, but I was a little disappointment at the street food experience, which was just selecting one cold, precooked snack (such as samosa, vada or fritter.) I was anticipating some freshly cooked food (while we looked on) such as rice and dahl or pani puri. Also, I thought that the purpose of visiting the market was to select spices and vegetables to use later in our cookery evening, but there wasn't an obvious link. Our guide, Sree, was flexible, knowledgeable and very accommodating of all our needs.
Overall a really great experience with a great group of people. Will definitely use Explore again for another adventurous trip.
City sightseeingSight
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Great trip, beautiful walks and interesting guided tours in each place visited. Visiting over mid summer special. Some free time but a pretty packed itinerary. All very enjoyable
City sightseeingWalking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
We had an excellent tour guide: helpful, informed, receptive and with a good sense of humour. Most of the hotels were excellent....some slightly less so (Nha Trang for example). The service on the trip was exceptional. The support team of transport, bag carriage and a cycle mechanic were also excellent. Vietnam is fascinating and being on bikes we saw all aspects of the country. We saw its beauty, we saw the industry and pride of its people who were universally very welcoming. We also saw all sorts of things normal tourists, arriving in a large group with little language ability, would not be able to see. Some of the best things were stops in markets, or by rice fields, or at very basic homes or cafes. We saw a lot and visited a lot of different places: a 'grand tour' if you can do such a thing on bikes! The country certainly has issues, in my opinion, with rapid over-development (in the south particularly) with endless giant resorts half finished, being built or built and empty. It also needs to address the issue of litter. It is not alone in facing these issues! I am also certain it has the ability and determination to address them.
City sightseeingBicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
From neon-lit Tokyo to the timeless temples of Kyoto, the "Upgraded - Discover Japan" tour is a 12-day city sightseeing journey that captures Japan’s many faces. Ideal for travelers who value comfort and rich cultural experiences, this itinerary features private Zen meditation in Kamakura, Japanese calligraphy workshops, and a night in a traditional inn near Mount Fuji. Glide between destinations on the bullet train, enjoy sushi-making, and witness a captivating fire ceremony in Tokyo. Each night, relax in hand-picked premium hotels, ensuring a restful retreat after days packed with discovery. The unique advantage of this tour package is its immersive blend of modern and ancient Japan, all experienced in elevated style—perfect for those who want the best of both worlds without compromise.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Villa
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kyoto, Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone
Kyoto, Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kurashiki
Italy by rail offers a journey of timeless allure. On this 14-day adventure from Venice to Sorrento, with stops in Rome, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast, travelers experience the country’s iconic sights through a blend of city sightseeing and coastal exploration. The tour is tailored for those who appreciate a moderate pace, combining the freedom of train travel with guided discovery.
Wander Venice’s romantic canals, browse Bologna’s bustling food markets, and marvel at Florence’s architectural masterpieces. Two full days in Rome allow deep dives into the Colosseum and Roman Forum. The sun-drenched Sorrento Peninsula awaits, with optional excursions to Capri and walks along the scenic Path of the Lemons. Pompeii’s legendary ruins and the dramatic silhouette of Mount Vesuvius complete the experience.
This trip’s unique selling point is its seamless integration of Italy’s urban grandeur and coastal serenity—all connected by the comfort and efficiency of rail travel. It’s a tour package designed for those who want to see it all, at just the right pace.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Looking for the ultimate Middle Eastern adventure? The Jordan and Egypt - Petra to the Pyramids trip is a 15-day, action-packed tour that whisks you from Amman to Luxor, blending ancient marvels with vibrant modern life. With a moderate activity level, this city sightseeing journey is perfect for travelers eager to experience history’s greatest hits—from Petra’s rose-red tombs to Cairo’s iconic pyramids and the sacred Nile.
Traverse the dramatic Wadi Rum by camel, sleep Bedouin-style beneath desert stars, and rejuvenate by floating in the mineral-rich Dead Sea. In Egypt, marvel at the Great Sphinx and pyramids, visit the cutting-edge Grand Egyptian Museum, and cruise the timeless Nile by felucca. Optional sunrise climbs on Mt. Sinai and snorkeling in the Red Sea add an adventurous twist to your itinerary.
This trip package stands out for its seamless blend of archaeological treasures and cultural immersion, all with the support of knowledgeable local guides. For those seeking a tour that offers both legendary sites and unforgettable experiences, this journey delivers Middle Eastern magic at every turn.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers