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.
Japan- an incredibly fascinating country with a culture like no other. The 2 week bike trip was a wonderful way to start to get to know Japan. Of course cycling is the best way to travel anywhere but having guides that explain their beloved country, teach you some of its culture, try to teach you the social skills that the Japanese excel at, getting you to test all the interesting food, giving history lessons and nature lessons, explaining the Shinto or Buddhist religion all the while giving you a great cycling experience makes the entire experience beyond memorable. The choice of the route gave us a good variety places to see. Staying in the Japanese inns ( ryokans) was amazing and definitely a must on any Japan trip. The food is an experience all on its own and if you are a fish lover than you will be in paradise. I really felt that the trip was complete and didn't just focus on one element of Japan so I never felt that I had too much of any one thing which was great. The description of the tour corresponded to what the trip really was and that is always appreciated. In the end, I didn't have too many preconceived notions of what I would be seeing and I can tell you that I was constantly amazed and ended up having enormous respect for the Japanese and their way of life. I thought my own country of Switzerland was well run but Japan wins on that respect. Kudos to the people of Japan and their being so courteous towards us tourists. Weeks later I am still feeling the effects of this trip and it is wonderful. Oh and thanks to Mother Nature for blessing us with the cherry blossoms.
Bicycle toursBeach
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
First of all, shout out to Doan the tour leader. Passion for his country was contagious, he had us all transfixed with his stories and guides through history, food and culture.
The whole team was fantastic, making us feel welcome. They gave us space so we felt like we were exploring and adventuring, but if we needed them (puncture etc) suddenly they would appear.
Very happy with the tour. Cycling through amazing landscapes, remote villages and vibrant cities. Variation of light cycling, more challenging and chill out days (Beach and City).
Pace of cycling was adapted to our fitness. This tour will work whether you are a leisure cyclist or someone looking for some challenge.
Now we have done a cycle tour with Explore, its difficult to consider doing anything else. Cycling adds to the sense of adventure and gives a connection to the country you don't get otherwise. Explore put together an itinerary and ran the tour faultlessly.
To add, I was surprised by the quality of Hotel. Better than I expected.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Wonderful trip organized by this tour operator. Guides who listen to your needs. Nice hotels. Journey according to our requests. Transportation on time. Highly recommended.
Local cultureLocal boat rides
Tour Type
Private Tour
Age Range
12-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Halong
Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Halong Bay, Mekong Delta, Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Phu Quoc Island, Can Tho, Phu Quoc, Saigon
We had an excellent leader in Sujth and a great group overall. The itinerary was full-on although we had enough time to relax and fully appreciate the very varied activities. This included a couple of opportunities to add some small additional inputs related to the specific interests of some of the group. For example, Sujth has an extensive knowledge of the Sri Lankan birds which was put to great use throughout the holiday.
Bicycle toursRafting
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
Colombo, Negombo, Sinharaja, Hik
Colombo, Negombo, Sinharaja, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Chilaw, Wilpattu National Park, Anaradhapura, Minneriya National Park, Polonnaruwa, Kandy
This trip was excellent. Our guide was great, the accommodations were varied but all very good, the food was good too. We really enjoyed the riding, it was varied and through lovely countryside on quiet country roads and lanes. The riding through the cities and towns was a bit more challenging, but the traffic was very considerate and we were well guided through by our guide.The organisation, along with attendant bus and driver, and truck and mechanic, was outstanding. We were very grateful for the electric bikes, some of which were better than others. Felt we had a very good experience of Vietnam. Thoroughly to be recommended.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort, Guest House, Villa
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An
Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Mekong Delta, Mai Hich, Pu Luong, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Phu Thuan, Lăng Cô
Great trip from Bobobudur, through Java and Bali. Some really un-touristy places on both islands ending with uber touristy Ubud and Sanur so a good mix.
Pieter our leader was amusing and knows everything there is to know.
Always plenty stops for drinks and to stretch the legs on travel days .
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, Resort, Lodge
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Sanur, Yogyakarta, Ubud, Malang
Sanur, Yogyakarta, Ubud, Malang, Bromo, Kalibaru, Pemuteran, Bali
We had an excellent tour guide: helpful, informed, receptive and with a good sense of humour. Most of the hotels were excellent....some slightly less so (Nha Trang for example). The service on the trip was exceptional. The support team of transport, bag carriage and a cycle mechanic were also excellent. Vietnam is fascinating and being on bikes we saw all aspects of the country. We saw its beauty, we saw the industry and pride of its people who were universally very welcoming. We also saw all sorts of things normal tourists, arriving in a large group with little language ability, would not be able to see. Some of the best things were stops in markets, or by rice fields, or at very basic homes or cafes. We saw a lot and visited a lot of different places: a 'grand tour' if you can do such a thing on bikes! The country certainly has issues, in my opinion, with rapid over-development (in the south particularly) with endless giant resorts half finished, being built or built and empty. It also needs to address the issue of litter. It is not alone in facing these issues! I am also certain it has the ability and determination to address them.
City sightseeingBicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Yet another excellent trip with Explore. Each day was a new, diverse cycle ride providing a real insight to Vietnam - off the beaten track. Our guide Bình was so kind, full of knowledge and enthusiasm which he was so willing to share with the group.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
A superb trip, incorporating cycling with plenty of opportunities to see various sights and the variety of landscapes around the country. All of the accommodation was excellent, comfortable and welcoming. The trip was supported by a great team who did everything possible to make it enjoyable for us all. In particular, our main guide worked tirelessly to ensure everything went well and in sharing his local knowledge, enhanced the overall experience.
All in all, a great way to enjoy everything that Sri Lanka has to offer.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers