Overall, amazing trip!
From the moment I rang up and spoke to lovely Mandy, I was impressed by Explore.
I was part of a group of 8 ranging from 30s-70s, by the end of the trip, we were like old friends. I hadn’t done a group trip before and you are spending a lot of time together so be prepared for that if you are also sharing a room.
Luckily we all got on really well and had a laugh together but you do have to carve out some solo time.
Itinerary - this trip is described as moderate but it’s quite full on. So many activities are squeezed in to the available time and a fair bit of travel in between, but this is broken up by stops on an off the bus for points of interest.
It meant we saw so much of Sri Lanka, we covered 2000km. Think, temples, wildlife, food, hiking, boat / train trip, beach, cities, and history and beautiful scenery.
Accommodation - some were lovely, some not so much, but all were clean / acceptable, some just a bit more basic than others.
Most had pretty good food as we eat at the hotel most nights due to often being off the beaten track.
You are accompanied for the whole trip by your tour guide and we were very lucky to have Sam.
Sam made the trip.
He has such and in depth knowledge of Sri Lanka and was so willing to tell us everything we wanted to know about the history and customs of the country that we really felt like we had gotten to know the country in depth. He had so many little extras ‘up his sleeve’ from stopping the bus to show us how to blow bubbles with a soap plant to arranging for us to go into the signal room at the train station.
I am sure all of the guides are brilliant, but know if you are lucky to be assigned Sam, he is something special.
The trip was fantastic, so many experiences packed into two weeks and friends I hope to stay in touch with. If you’re considering this trip, 10/10 recommend.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Discover charming island life on a tour across Flores – Indonesia's ‘Flower Island’. On this nine-day trip, you’ll hike to Mt Kelimutu at sunrise, soak in the Mengeruda Hot Springs, visit a remote village in Wae Rebo and walk through the spiderweb rice terraces. Spend two days sailing through the Komodo Islands and hike to the top for amazing views, swim at Pink Beach and see the home of the Komodo dragon up close. Exploring one of Indonesia’s less-touristed islands, this is one adventure you’ll remember for years, taking the road less travelled and experiencing the unique culture and hospitality of Flores along the way.
SnorkelingTrekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Journey into Nepal's heart and experience this enchanting region's colourful sights and culture. Mingle with local villagers and craftspeople, visit temples and sacred Buddhist sites, travel the cobbled streets of tiny mountain towns and search for unique wildlife. From the whirlwind of Kathmandu to the lush jungle of Chitwan National Park – with plenty of delightful hidden gems in between – you’ll take an unforgettable tour of Nepal, brimming with culture, history and natural beauty.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bandipur, Ch
Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bandipur, Chitwan National Park, Bhaktapur
Go in search of the gentle giants of the Borneo jungles – the elusive orangutan – on a 12-day wildlife expedition. Kalimantan, the Indonesian portion of Borneo, is teeming with jungles to explore, cultures to learn, and welcoming people to have a laugh with – and your wildlife expedition will be so much more than that. Staying in comfortable eco-lodging and a traditional longhouse in the heart of the jungle, go out in search of orangutans and learn about how the local communities’ conservation efforts have ensured that these creatures, along with other endemic wildlife, continue to thrive in this slice of jungle paradise. Share in the wonder of an untouched Borneo before others find out about it, with a unique opportunity to spot orangutans in their natural habitat.
AdventureWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort, Eco Lodge
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Jakarta, Tanjung Puting, Sampit
Jakarta, Tanjung Puting, Sampit, Palangka Raya, Tumbang Malahoi
Discover the beautiful landscapes and cultural treasures of Nepal on this 9-day small group tour. Explore the Kathmandu Valley, visiting ancient temples, royal palaces, and vibrant markets steeped in centuries of history. Go in search of wildlife on safari in Chitwan National Park, home of the endangered one-horned rhino and the elusive Bengal tiger. Marvel at the breathtaking views of the Himalayas in picturesque Pokhara, where its serene lake mirrors snow-capped peaks. Watch sunrise at the World Peace Stupa and go boating on Lake Phewa, watch the monk's daily prayer at Jangchub Choeling Monastery and take an exhilarating rickshaw ride through Kathmandu. With expert guides, 4-star hotels and unique local experiences, this tour promises to unveil the essence of Nepal, leaving you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Take a 19-day Premium adventure through South Asia where you’ll discover the Pink City of Jaipur, witness the Mughal splendours of Delhi and Agra, wildlife-spot in Minneriya National Park, soak up the ambience of holy Varanasi, explore the ancient ruins of Habarana, sip tea in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya and taste culinary delights in Colombo. Local leaders will bring the magic of India and Sri Lanka to light, from lavish palaces to vibrant bazaars and the incomparable Taj Mahal. Packed with hotspots and hidden gems, you’ll discover the cultural heart of India and Sri Lanka.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
We recently concluded a two-week trip travelling throughout Sri Lanka using World Expeditions. With our input on sites to see, hikes to take, places of interest to visit, accommodations etc., the World Expeditions team provided an excellent and customized itinerary for our comprehensive private journey to Sri Lanka. The entire team was highly responsible and provided professional input up to the moment we departed for the trip. Upon arrival we were greeted by our guide and driver who provided dedication, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to excellence all throughout the trip, consistently going above and beyond his responsibilities as a travel guide ensuring we would experience the "real” Sri Lanka. He consistently anticipated our needs to ensure that our questions or concerns were addressed and resolved. Being very intuitive, in addition to the hikes, temples and ancient cities visited in our itinerary, he also further customized our trip to include additional activities he knew we would both enjoy as wildlife and photo enthusiasts. Overall, this was an incredible experience and very satisfied that we used World Expeditions to organize this trip.
Bicycle toursAdventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Negombo, Colombo, Ella, Udawalaw
Negombo, Colombo, Ella, Udawalawe National Park, Galle, Anuradhapura, Habarana, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya
Travelling as as single person i find Explore group holidays a good way of seeing countries and places i wouldn’t go to alone. I enjoy the groups company finding like minded people to share meals and have fun and laughter together.
Darjeeling and Bhutan is a wonderful trip and experience that i strongly recommend.
City sightseeingWildlifeCruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Experience the real India on this comfortable introduction to the cultures of the north and the natural beauty of the south. Travelling from Delhi to Kovalam, see what India has to offer on an 18-day adventure. The country’s highlights and hidden jewels are revealed against a backdrop of green through the Western Ghats and in the vibrant towns of Rajasthan. Visit India's bustling cities contrasted with quiet tiny fishing villages, along with tea gardens, tribal homes and historic enclaves. This wonderful introduction to India includes lavish palaces, vibrant bazaars and the incomparable Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Rickshaw, cycle or local transport tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
New Delhi, Kovalam, Kochi, Munna
New Delhi, Kovalam, Kochi, Munnar, Periyar, Kumarakom, Agra, Ranthambore National Park, Jaipur
Stray off the tourist trail with an eight-day hiking adventure on some of the great ancient pilgrim routes in Japan. The Koya-san and Kumano Kodo treks take you deep through the wilderness and into the mountainous landscapes of Honshu, as you gain insight into the strong connection with past and present pilgrims. Along the way, stop by peaceful temples and monasteries, soak in traditional onsen and discover the cultural hubs of Kyoto and Osaka. This small-group adventure will give you both a physical and cultural workout around the best of enchanting Japan.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Wow!
This trip was just incredible.Temples,Buddhas,meeting elephants,travelling on the Death railway ,swimming in the river Kwai and so much more. If you want to learn about the history and culture of this beautiful country then this is the trip for you.
Our guide Wit was absolutely outstanding and he made the trip so special.
This was our first trip with Explore and we will definitely be booking another.
Active and outdoorWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Home-stay, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Elephant Na
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Elephant Nature Park, Si Satchanalai, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi
From Vietnam to Cambodia, discover incredible diversity, delectable cuisines, dramatic histories and natural beauty. Travel to Cambodia and delve into the dramatic Khmer legacy in Phnom Penh and explore the intricate temples of Angkor Wat. Travel to Vietnam and view the country's colourful history on the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City, and explore the architecture of Hanoi. This trip offers places of breathtaking beauty, from the backwaters of the Mekong Delta, to the temples of Cambodia and the wonder of Halong Bay. Add a mix of friendly locals and age-old traditions to ensure the ultimate South East Asian experience.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Hanoi, Phnom Penh, Nha Trang, Ho
Hanoi, Phnom Penh, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hue, Halong Bay, Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta