Fascina
Everything is beautiful
Lovely people!. Every city/town we visited deserved more time, but within time constraints c we have seen a lot! The recommend extra trip to see Mount Fuji was wonderful, but one has to be lucky with the weather ..
Accommodation was very good. Loved the one night in the old fashioned Japanese hotel. Excellent breakfasts in every hotel.
Train tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel, Villa
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tokyo, Osaka, Miyajima, Kyoto, A
Tokyo, Osaka, Miyajima, Kyoto, Arashiyama, Matsumoto, Kanazawa, Takayama, Hiroshima
Sri Lanka was an amazing country to experience. The Explore itinerary is well thought out to cover a variety of places and experiences, as much as it can be done in a short two weeks time. I loved the Sigiriya climb and the Hortons plains walk the most. And the elephants and their babies, of course.
The accommodation was good. The food was plentiful, and usually not an issue to find something for everyone's taste. There were times when I felt we had been faced with one too many buffet options, when lighter choices would have been more desirable. But I understand that a buffet was usually the most expedient way to accommodate a group of our size.
With 12 people in the group, mostly solo travellers, we had a very good dynamic. People were always included if they so desired, and also had the option to step out of the group bubble and do their own thing.
Hector, our driver, was a joy to be around, always attentive, safe, and going out of his way to make sure we were all taken care of, always with a smile. Thank you Hector!
And not the least, Nala, our tour leader, was the secret ingredient that made it all even better. Always with a big smile and a big heart, assessing everyone's needs and desires and trying to accommodate everyone, Nala was a treasure trove of information about Sri Lanka. Thank you Nala for sharing your love and passion for your country with us.
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, Hostel, Guest House
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Colombo, Negombo, Demodara, Udaw
Colombo, Negombo, Demodara, Udawalawe, Koggala, Wilpattu National Park, Mihintale, Giritale, Sigiriya, Kandy, Adam's Peak, Nuwara Eliya
A spectacular area to hike. The village of Sotres is small and friendly. The family hotel was welcoming and the food was consistently great. Juan was an interesting and engaged hiking guide. Overall a very good experience.
Walking tours
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
Bilbao, Picos de Europa National
Bilbao, Picos de Europa National Park, Northern Spain
This was a great trip. Our guide, Thin, was fantastic and the itinerary meant that we got to see all of the highlights of Vietnam whilst not being rushed because we had a few days in each place. Having said that, we still packed a lot in, with lots of additional optionals that were brilliant.
Active and outdoorExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
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
This was a really packed holiday with plenty opportunities to see wildlife, learn about the history and current events in the areas visited. Although long distances were travelled some days there were breaks to see local markets, glass factory and local crafts. The scenery was spectacular with time for walking, exploring and swimming in the Ocean There was the chance to opt in to additional excursions or to just chill
The guides were all excellent- very good at spotting the wildlife and with a wide breadth of knowledge Our tour leader was especially good at keeping us organised and informed in a relaxed and fun manner
Accommodation was an interesting mixture of eco villages but all with comfortable beds and en suite facilities
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 trip is varied and covers a lot of different areas of interest, cultural, historical and natural. It is important to have realistic expectations of the overnight train and the homestay - neither are luxurious but that isn't the point. Our guide was very knowledgeable and very helpful, really looked after us and was thoughtful in booking us space on the train over the River Kwai which isn't routine. That day is particularly powerful and thought provoking. We did the skywalk in Bangkok in a free afternoon which is amazing. As you would expect there are some longish drives - up to 4.5 hours, so not too bad. Elephant sanctuary a highlight for me, homestay, River Kwai and Chiang Mai night markets also. Lots of temples!
Active and outdoorWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Althea, our tour leader was the most knowledgeable, caring, professional young woman. She showcased Gozo and Malta through a local perspective. She is a tremendous asset to Explore. For travellers wanting to experience the history, culture and everyday life of Gozo and Malta, this is an excellent trip.
Active and outdoorFood tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Sliema, Valletta, Gozo, Xaghra
Sliema, Valletta, Gozo, Xaghra, Blue Grotto, Mdina
The Dolomites are a beautiful part of the world and this trip didn't disappoint!!!
From airport pick up to drop off, I felt in safe hands.
Our hotel was perfectly placed near the centre of town and only a short distance from the bus station. Food at the hotel was delicious and we had 5 courses every night, just what you need to fuel a good hike!
Our walks gave us the opportunity to take in the stunning views of the mountains and lakes. Around every corner was another WOW!!!! We tackled a range of terrain from woodland and meadow to the rocky paths around the Tre Cime.
Nigel, our guide, was fab. He made sure we all got on and off buses, offered alternatives so people could tailor the walks to their ability and was very knowledgeable about the region & it's history. Best of all, he kept us entertained with myths & legends about dwarves, princesses and of course marmots!!!
Thanks Nigel & Explore! for a fantastic holiday!
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Beautiful and spectacular scenery, remote ruined castles, a strange ghost city, preserved monasteries, ancient fortresses, Roman and Greek ruins, the tour encompassed them all as well as moderate length, reasonably challenging hikes. Our tour leader Engin, was entertaining, interesting and a fount of knowledge on all things Cypriot. He kept the group moving to timetable and frequently pointed out flowers and plants, as well as leading us expertly through some (at times) challenging terrain. With a comfortable bus, a highly competent driver and a pleasant hotel which lacked nothing and was staffed by such friendly people, the whole trip was a most enjoyable and stimulating way to see in the New Year. Such a lovely group of hikers too.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kyrenia, Bellapais Village, Kapl
Kyrenia, Bellapais Village, Kaplica Beach, Karmi, Lapta, Buffavento Castle
