Southern Africa Cruise Trips

You get an excellent overview of all the varied regions, history and culinary traditions of the people of Italy. The scenery is outstanding and my dream of seeing Pompeii was the capstone. I majored in archaeology in college so seeing all of the sites we studied was a wish come true. And visiting the Vatican museums, upon coming out int St Peter’s Square, we happened upon the weekly Papal Audience which was a fun bonus as Pope Leo is from just down the road from my home!

Excellent for those wishing to see multiple sites and learn history of each from expert guides. Our host Belinda was so knowledgeable, helpful, and fun. We looked forward to each new day.

The itinerary was great. We saw lots of beautiful places and learned so much about culture and history of Croatia. Our tour guide, Nicole Tanner was one of the best tour director we have ever had. The only thing I would share is that nothing we read about this trip gave us a glimpse of how tough the walking and steps were. We did all the optional excursions, and most of them involved a walk up a very steep hill to a home or restaurant. Nicole made arrangements for a car to deliver us from where the bus could park to the destination. I was also quite disappointed that I had to opt out of the Plitvice Park waterfall walk. No where in the itinerary information (that I read) said it was not suitable for mobility impaired (vertigo). I have no problem walking--many days I walked 15,000-16,000 steps,-- but steps I have to do slowly, and narrow wooden walkways over water were not recommended for someone with vertigo. I loved this trip, but I think it should be promoted as a tougher experience for mobility impaired so wise choices can be made. I was thankful for Nicole's insight and advice about what was involved in some of the choices I had to make. Overall, it was a great experience. Hotels were in good locations where we could get out and have a nice walking experience. It would be nice to have the choice of a walk-in shower instead of a fancy soaking tub with no hand bars. I know that many people in our group had walk-in showers when we had a soaking tub that was not safe for me to use. It was a wonderful trip--interesting and varied itinerary, a great tour director (Nicole) and driver (Peter), a very diverse and fun travel group, some of the best local guides we have had, good food, and great times. I just share these concerns--not to complain, but to help you consider some things that make it tougher for some travelers.

We loved Oxford, Scotland Highlands, Skye and the Orkney Islands. Also loved Ireland, would have liked more time in Limerick City than just one night. Cork City, Derry & Blarney were very memorable. Really enjoyed the Killarney Celtic Steps excellent show (seats need to be spread out) and the Welsh concert dinner evening (food and music outstanding). Loved all the local expert city walking tours, and countryside visits to Glendalough, Dartmoor, Killarney & dinners at Heskyn Mill & Torpichon. Glasgow was a very quick stop, seemingly only for dinner & staying in a very nice hotel. On the downside, at the Dublin Three Rock cabaret the dinner was mass produced & the show a bit hard to see through the crowd. The Norseman Hotel at Wick was disappointing as the towels were frayed at the edges and one doona cover was ripped. Overall we really enjoyed the tour.

The Explore web page opens up with a statement “An adventure holiday company you can trust.” and this holiday proved that. Due to the extreme rain before we arrived the tour itinerary had to be changed. The new itinerary was just as good and our plans changed on a daily basis due to circumstances and events. Thankyou Explore, you gave me the opportunity to have a holiday of a lifetime. Thankyou fellow travellers, your company was amazing and we had so much fun and many laughs on the trip. Thankyou Bibi, as a tour guide you were brilliant, sorting unexpected events on a daily basis whilst ensuring we had an amazing wildlife experience. At our final group meal we sat around the table and discussed the holiday. Non of expected a holiday like we had just experienced and agreed our trip had been a proper adventure from start to finish! My holiday summary. Proper adventure! So much fun! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant!

I chose this itinerary for my 70th birthday celebration. I had no idea how fantastic this trip would be. Switzerland is amazing and beautiful our tour guide. Erik was the best. The people we met on the trip were also great. I would definitely do another Trafalgar tour.