Balkans Explorer Trips

This was a great trip full of lots of amazing sites, experiences and information. I would definitely recommend the optional extras of Saqqara and Abu Simbel. When packing, I would recommend bringing dollars to save lugging Egyptian Pounds around (you will need a lot of notes!). A lot of places accept card which is a blessing as well. However, you will need small denominations of Egyptian Pounds for tipping and any toilet trips (paying to use the toilet is standard). The overnight train and Nile cruise were contrasting experiences but great fun. Personally, I found my sleeping bag liner really handy on the train - but no one else had one and it didn’t bother them. We also didn’t need the extra snacks on the train as the food was ok. Long, floaty trousers or skirts are a must to ensure you are respecting the culture of Egypt. However, I did feel ok in a tshirt but always had a loose, long-sleeved shirt in my bag ready to wear. The group we travelled with were great and Amr, our guide, could not be faulted on his knowledge and passion of Ancient Egypt. I have learnt a lot! Thank you.

A wonderful way to experience the best iof Morocco in a compact 7 day trip. Souks, royal cities, desert, world heritage sites, high and middle Atlas. We covered it all. Would highly recommend

Overall, the explore elements of the trip were great, the Elephant walking was wonderful and interesting (could write more but I don't want to give any spoilers) and the kayaking through the mangroves were highlights. Some of the optional trips were less good - mainly the bio luminescent trip. I wouldn't recommend this trip to people as it isn't what was advertised in the local trip notes. It was commercialised travel on a speed boat with only 30 minutes of snorkelling at one destination (we were told several sights of snorkelling) and the swim with the bio luminesence was good but that was only for 10 minutes. Additionally the organisation of the trip (after the explore guide had booked) was horrendous. We were on and off buses/taxis and no clue where we were heading. We did eventually get the right boat, but I wouldn't recommend this optional extra to others. We were lucky with the time of year we went and were able to experience a couple of night markets which are well worth visiting for the local food. Our guide Por, was kind and caring and ensured we got to the right pier at the right time. Some of the speed boat people are a little hap hazard with your luggage, so you will need a strong piece of luggage. Overall though, a great trip to see many islands, see the sun, sea and sand (though we did have a lot of thunder and rain through out the trip too). There is a good mix of activities and relax time though I think my favourite island was Koh Hai - the first island.

This was a fantastic trip, very full on but this was known at the time of booking but the early starts are definitely needed. Would recommend that the optional trips of Saqqara and Abu Simbel are done - they really should be part of the itinerary as Saqqara is part of the evolution of the pyramids. Great group to travel with and Amr our guide was fantastic - tried to make sure we all had a great time and was so passionate about Egypt and Egyptology. The overnight train was an experience - but that's what we travel for isn't it! Experiences and being in front of the pyramids was like being on a film set and the colours in the Valley of the Dead - wow! The experience of certain visits was so busy and not fun but that was definitely not the guide or Explores fault - that is the tourist police telling the boats when they can arrive at certain places! Be prepared for lots of busy days but the experience is so worth it though we were disappointed that the nicest hotel you only stay in for one night and if you go to Abu Simbel it's a really short night! A few recommendations for future travellers - the optional extras are all referenced in dollars for a reason - it is definitely worth taking dollars as so much easier to pay for the trips in this as the exchange rate means lots of Egyptian pounds and the optional tombs in the Valley of the Kings are only payable by card.

Morocco The tour was exceptional! The group of 15 was diverse, interesting and yet worked together and interacted well throughout the trip. We travelled a lot of miles but our bus was both modern and roomy and we were blessed to have an excellent driver , Youseff, so the miles passed easily. Our tour guide, Mohammed, was both informative and supportive with really good communication so we all knew where to be and what to expect on this fast paced tour. We visited many diverse and interesting places and the various guides were very informative - we walked a gazillion steps to the bottom of a waterfall - and up again! We drove up and over the Atlas Mountains- more than once - and across the plains to visit Roman ruins, medina/souk, a pottery factory , castles, palaces learning about the history as we went along. We supported local businesses on our coffee, lunch and overnight breaks as well as enjoying the hospitality of a family in a small village. The tent camp on the edge of the desert afforded an excellent night sky vista and the camel ride was an interesting experience - excellent views across the dunes and the camel were all well cared for and handled appropriately - overall the animals were all well cared for wherever we went. This was my first ever group trip and my first Explore trip. But definitely not my last - I have plans for 2 trips in 2026 with Explore and can highly recommend them.

A really busy programme with plenty of variety and so many moving parts. Everything worked seamlessly - multiple boat trips, meals out, etc expertly organised. A lot of bird watching opportunities!