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 was an excellent trip that not only took us to a number of really interesting sites across northern India but also gave us the opportunity to meet and interact with the local people on the train journeys. Our guide, Vivek, was excellent, ensuring that everything ran to plan despite the trains to Varanasi being especially busy due to the Kumbh Mela. The last day in Amritsar when we visited the Golden Temple and the Beating of the Retreat/flag down ceremony at the Wagah Crossing was a superb end to a fantastic journey.
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, Sleeper Train, Lodge
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Amritsar, Kolkata, Shimla, Bodh
Amritsar, Kolkata, Shimla, Bodh Gaya, Varanasi, Agra, New Delhi
Looking back at our photos now we've returned to the UK we can't believe the amount we saw and the amazing experiences we had on this tour. Sri Lanka is an amazing beautiful country with some much going on - we only scratched the surface. Our tour leader Cham worked so hard to make sure that we had everything we needed, resolving our problems and sorting out food for our fussy son! His knowledge about Sri Lankan history and wildlife was immense. He even found the best place to buy genuine Sri Lanka cricket shirts for the sporty members of our group. The only thing we'd change was the pace of the second half of the Sri Lanka leg of the trip. The first half gave us time to chill and bond as a group, as well as hang out in the pool at Giritale and play cricket. The second half we moved every night and covered a massive distance, though interesting, this was quite tiring (especially for the kids), so we'd suggest that a two night stop in the middle of this element would resolve this issue easily. This was clear in the notes, however, as was the high chance of not getting the train. The pace did slow considerably for the Maldives element, with a lot of time on our boats travelling between reefs. The snorkelling was quite frankly mind-blowing, and even the more nervous swimmers loved it. The crew were fantastic, and the food was delicious. The guide knew his stuff, and made sure we had great snorkelling experiences. Our only criticism of this part of the trip was that splitting the group when we'd got to know each other and were getting on really well was disappointing. There were larger boats, and we'd have preferred to be on a single boat given how long we spent travelling separately. The crew did what they could to mitigate this by tying the boats together when we moored for snorkels, meals and overnight and that was great. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable trip, and with a few very small tweaks it'd be perfect!
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
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
Fantastic trip. Lots of variety - sightseeing, walking and a safari at the end. Hotels were all good - a mixture of local and more modern and 2 nights in most worked really well. Food was good, locals are friendly and our guide Udaya made sure we had everything we needed and provided loads of info on everything we saw. Great safari at the end with brilliant sightings of deer and rhinos. Sadly no tigers but you cant have everything. Only down side is the roads which are currently truly awful whilst they convert the main highway to a dual carrigeway. Dirt surface in a lot of places.
Active and outdoorRafting
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
Best trek yet! If you’re after creature comforts this isn’t for you; if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and explore the beautiful Annapurna range, meet locals, see some awesome-inspiring scenery, stay in rustic, basic accommodation but have some of the heartiest, tastiest meals and best hospitality ever, whilst taking on a challenging yet deeply rewarding trek, this is for you. Su, our tour leader, was exceptional, nothing was too much bother and he became the 11th member of our group. The crew and guides were fantastic, setting an achievable pace that meant we could chat as we walked or just enjoy the quiet as we took on a section of steeper steps, it all meant we were well-acclimatised for altitude and hardly had any effects whatsoever. Every day was different so there was never a dull moment and always something new to see - we even saw monkeys! The days spent in Kathmandu and Pokhara to top and tail the trip were the perfect intros and downtime to show two very different sides of Nepalese life. The food was fantastic - light, flavourful and satisfying. Have the momos and Dal Baht - you won’t regret it! Going during Nepalese Diwali (Tihar), made the experience even more magical to be honest. Fully recommend going then to get that added cultural experience as well! Just couldn’t have had a better two weeks away in the mountains (with a bit of culture thrown in) if I tried!
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, Guest House
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kathmandu, Bamboo, Jhinnudanda
Kathmandu, Bamboo, Jhinnudanda, Nayapul, Pokhara, Ghandruk, Chhomrong, Dovan, Deurali, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp
Set out on an unforgettable journey through Vietnam and Cambodia with the Family Discovery Vietnam and Angkor Wat Extension tour. Over 15 days, this art and architecture-focused trip is perfect for travelers eager to experience the best of both countries, blending vibrant cities, rich traditions, and breathtaking scenery.
Begin in Hanoi, Vietnam’s bustling capital, where the maze-like Old Quarter and French colonial facades offer endless intrigue. Cruise through the towering limestone formations of Halong Bay by kayak, and continue on to the historic charm of Hoi An, a riverside town known for its lantern-lit streets and centuries-old architecture. Experience daily life firsthand with a homestay in the Mekong Delta, where you’ll learn the secrets of Vietnamese cooking and master Kinh Van martial arts.
Travel south to Ho Chi Minh City, discovering hidden underground bunkers and the lively backstreets of old Saigon. An overnight train journey adds a dash of adventure, while a traditional junk boat stay offers a peaceful respite on the water.
The adventure doesn’t stop at the border—your trip culminates in Cambodia’s awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, where stunning temples rise from the jungle, and in Phnom Penh, whose vibrant riverfront pulses with energy and history.
With an easy activity level and a thoughtfully paced itinerary, this tour is accessible for a wide range of travelers. Accommodation, transport, and meals are all included for a worry-free journey.
The unique highlight of this tour package is the immersive blend of urban and rural experiences—letting you not only see, but truly participate in the daily rhythms and traditions of Vietnam and Cambodia. For those seeking a culturally rich adventure, this tour delivers memorable moments across two incredible lands.
Art and architectureCruise
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Sleeper Train, Home-stay
Age Range
7-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Hanoi, Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh Ci
Hanoi, Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Chau Doc, Phnom Penh, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Cu Chi Tunnels
We really enjoyed this comprehensive tour of Vietnam. Including time in more rural areas as well as the well known cities and sites, it gave us a great insight into local culture and there was plenty of opportunity to meet the locals who were incredibly friendly. The trip ran seemlesly in the extremely capable hands of our tour leader Diem, one of the best we've had (this was our 6th family holiday with Explore). Highlights would include all of the bike rides, exploring Tam Coc caves by boat, Saigon by cyclo, the amazing food, so fresh and plentiful, and the kids loved haggling for bargains in the markets and shops (especially Hoi An). Accommodation and transport were both of a great standard. Well done Explore!
We are absolutely in love with Vietnam! Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the tour company for creating an incredible experience for us.
Throughout the planning process, the tour operator was incredibly responsive and accommodating. We worked together on multiple iterations of the itinerary until we
settled on the perfect one. During the trip, when a small hiccup occurred, but our tour operator swiftly responded and made necessary adjustments to ensure our journey
remained seamless. His clarity regarding the inclusions and his expertise in selecting fantastic hotels and guides truly enhanced our experience.
A special mention goes to our outstanding guide in Sapa. We highly recommend this as he provided exceptional insights
and even hosts homestays. Our time in Hanoi, Sapa, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh, and Halong Bay was nothing short of amazing!
We were fortunate to learn so much about Vietnam and its incredible people. The country and its rich culture left a lasting impression on us.
Once again, thank you to tour company Travel for making this journey truly unforgettable.
Local culture
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
8-90 yrs
Operated in
chinese, english, french, german, spanish
Destinations
Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Sapa, H
Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Sapa, Halong Bay, Mekong Delta, Cuchi Tunnels, Hue, Hoi An
