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.
This trip exceeded my expectations. Our trip leader, Abdullah, was excellent and extremely knowledgeable. I would thoroughly recommend this trip, particularly at a time when Jordan has seen a big drop in visitor numbers.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
I just loved this trip. We saw so much and learned and laughed so much as we went. Too many highlights to list, and so varied too, but for me personally my favourite part was the camel ride across the sand dunes: just unbelievably beautiful.
Ridouan was an excellent tour leader: he somehow just about kept our group under control (!) and in the right place at the right time, and usually with a twinkle in his eye. He was so generous in sharing his knowledge of and pride for Morocco. We had a great group of people too: the trip was full (16) which I thought might feel overwhelming but actually worked really well.
Yes, there is a lot of driving, but that was reasonably restful too - all I needed to do was sit in a coach and watching the beautiful scenery change all around us, and occasionally have a nap. It wasn't a hardship! And it's true that the accommodation is certainly a bit basic for some stops, but each place had character, and this is travelling rather than a luxury retreat.
It's a really full-on week but I'd recommend it completely. What a fascinating, warm, colourful and welcoming country.
Active and outdoorExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
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 the trip of a lifetime for me. We met our guide Luis on arrival at the hotel in San Jose and were welcomed by name. Every day was different and special. Luis was impressively knowledgeable about all aspects of the trip. Travel, wildlife, agriculture, social structures, the economy. He asked about our interests and made sure we were all accommodated. We experienced several completely different areas of Costa Rica with different climates and environments. We had a variety of optional activities which were all fun. Our driver, Danny was brilliant; we always felt safe. The group was great too.
Active and outdoorWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Simply Japan is pretty much as described in the trip notes, a full-on tour. Owing to the challenges of travelling by Minibus on Japan's highways the tour makes full use of Japan's Efficient rail network. Each location change is via train (Shinkansen or Ltd. Express). This would be more difficult without forwarding main luggage items by courier, hence living out of an overnight bag on 3 separate occasions during the tour.
All these travel arrangements and surviving the many city Metro and tram systems would be extremely daunting if it was not for the ceaseless attention of the tour guide. I could not praise our guide Henrik enough for his support. His enthusiasm and local knowledge was invaluable and clear instructions and morning briefings kept everyone in the group on track.
Almost every night he offered a group dinner option for those who wished to join him and he would take us to some less known local restaurant for authentic local cuisine. Even on the designated free time days Henrik (his designated days off), would offer to show anyone who wished to local places of interest.
All in all a wonderful experience. The only improvement I would suggest is that arranging an extra day in Tokyo at the beginning and in Osaka at the end would be highly beneficial (Some in the group had done this). Time is limited at the start and end of the tour and I certainly felt that I have not quite explored Tokyo and Osaka as much as I would have liked.
Lliasing with your tour group leader is very useful to plan visits to the most popular temples shrines and attractions. Most big tour groups tend to plan visits for opening time and pre lunch or post lunch. Visiting attractions at around 9:45, 13:00 or 15:00 generally avoids the massive peak-time coach tours.
Thank you Explore for another great travel experience
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
A very interesting tour covering a lot in just two weeks. Made particularly successful by excellent leadership from local leader and support staff.
Every effort was made to ensure we got the most from our experience and that our particular needs were met.
WildlifeArt and architecture
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This trip is a great way to pack a lot in, with a limited amount of time. The sights do not disappoint and even though it’s been 10 years since we both last visited India, the love affair continues! A special mention goes to our wonderful guide, Neha. Unflappable, kind & a superb ambassador for her crazy, colourful country. We were blessed with a fantastic group, all taking in what India has to offer in our varied strides.
I would probably give the Motor Museum a miss at the end of the tour and replace with a bit more of Delhi (India Gate perhaps?) But just a mild criticism of a great week in a beautiful & vibrant country.
Rickshaw, cycle or local transport tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
A great trip that allows you to explore all parts of the island and learn about the history of the island on a tour that is interesting and at time challenging.
The guides are really knowledgeable and ensure you experience all aspects of this fascinating island - the history, the food, its wines and its culture - a really interesting introduction.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Funchal, Santana, Porto da Cruz
Funchal, Santana, Porto da Cruz, Faja Do Penedo, Rabaçal, Pico, Madeira
