Our group Explore Leader, Filip Kolic, is highly professional in ensuring our trip is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. He's quick in problem-solving and forward thinking for example he's on top of organising alternative transport back-to-back for our group when early news of regional floodings and landslides had caused disruptions of the railway and road connections to our next destination. Great job there as we were able to reach our next city to continue our planned guided city tour, although quite short. We managed to celebrate our trial & tribulation at a lovely quick dinner next to our hotel! All went well with extra National Park sceneries and travel experiences!
Train tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort, Sleeper Train
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ljubljana, Pristina, Belgrade, N
Ljubljana, Pristina, Belgrade, Novi Sad, Skopje, Lake Ohrid, Mavrovo National Park, Bled, Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Sarajevo, Mostar, Tivat
Uncover the Balkans, a region rich in history and culture amid the beauty of rocky coastlines, steep landscapes, and ancient cities. Journey through Croatian cities and countryside, and take in Dubrovnik’s timeless appeal, choosing a closer look at its medieval walls or a sky-high view from a cable car. Share meals and encounter traditions among locals – in a Sarajevo home, in a rural Croatian village, and in Tirana. Embark on an adventure threading the peninsula’s wonders in Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Greece.
City sightseeingLocal culture
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
1-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Dubrovnik, Athens, Ljubljana, Za
Dubrovnik, Athens, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Kotor, Tirana, Kalambaka, Karanac, Sarajevo
Discover a piece of paradise as you dive into the best of Slovenia and Croatia on a 16-day Premium adventure. Explore the glittering canals of Venice, the still waters of Lake Bled, the underground world of the Postojna Caves and the caves and waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Go beneath the surface of Split and Dubrovnik, get away from the modern world and in with the locals and soak up ancient riches on the historic island of Korcula. From sun-soaked beaches to fantastic local wine, you’re never far from a good time on the Adriatic coast.
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
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Dubrovnik, Venice, Split, Lastov
Dubrovnik, Venice, Split, Lastovo Island, Korcula Island, Bled, Rovinj, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Zadar
Embrace the cultural, culinary and natural delights of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia on a 16-day Premium adventure. Travel through the rustic heart of Tuscany, explore the wonders of Venice’s Piazza San Marco and Pisa’s Leaning Tower and visit the home of a Nobleman in Rome with an expert local leader. Discover the waters of Lake Bled and the underground world of the Postojna Caves. Ride the cable car up Mt Vogel for views over Lake Bohinj and appreciate the caves and waterfalls in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Coloured by sunshine and flavoured with local wine, this pocket of Europe is a joy to explore.
Culture
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Split, Rome, Bled, Rovinj, Plitv
Split, Rome, Bled, Rovinj, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Zadar, Chianti, San Gimignano, Florence, Venice
Experience the highlights of Turkey and the spectacular Cycladic Islands of Greece on this immersive tour. Begin in Istanbul, a vibrant city straddling Europe and Asia, where you will visit iconic landmarks such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Museum, and the colorful Grand Bazaar. Later, visit the legendary city of Troy and explore its archaeological ruins, then proceed to Ephesus to wander through its marble streets, magnificent Library of Celsus, grand theater, and sacred Temple of Hadrian. Later, travel from Marmaris to the Greek island of Rhodes by hydrofoil, home to the Colossus of Rhodes. Afterwards, fly to the romantic island of Santorini, famed for its stunning caldera views and unforgettable sunsets, and continue by ferry to Mykonos, known for its charming, whitewashed houses, windmills, and vibrant beaches. Conclude your journey in Athens, marveling at the world-renowned Acropolis and exploring the charming streets of the Plaka district. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty across two continents and some of the most iconic destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Journey through the Balkans where dramatic landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and warm hospitality. From the glittering coastline of Croatia to the medieval towns of Bosnia and Montenegro, uncover a region shaped by history and brimming with beauty. Wander through walled cities, savour fresh oysters and local wines, and connect with communities keeping centuries-old traditions alive. This is a trip of vivid contrasts — where UNESCO sites and hidden gems combine to create something unforgettable.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This is the 10th Explore holiday, we have covered places like Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Vietnam, Cambodia, Cuba, India and this just covers 5 holidays.
These are not for everyone, as some are very full on, but the two Balkan trips were easy, although some of this group had not read the itinerary properly and this was a bit too much for them!
The Cuba and South America were what I call, sanitised back packing, as sleeping out in the open and you can have very early starts, around 4 am and late finishes.
However, you really see the place and interact with the local people. This is why we love Explore tours.
If you want total comfort and not really interact, then Saga or like is for you, as you do have to rough it on some trips.
One trip in particular was India, two days going up the Ganges on a wooded raft, inches from the water and sleeping on the bank at night with the snakes and wild dogs, just an amazing experience, and you know you are alive!
Another was in the jungle of Cuba, no tent, just under the stars, but I did get attacked by the smallest ants in the night, but still a fantastic experience, one I won’t forget!
Our tour guides have all been very good, but on this trip, Constantin went beyond the norm.
The only criticism on this trip was no local experts and Constantin had to do it all, which makes it very difficult for him to become an expert in every area, town etc.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel, Villa
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Bucharest, Sofia, Black Sea Regi
Bucharest, Sofia, Black Sea Region, Kaliakra, Transylvania, Sibiu, Belgrade
Discover the magnificent ruins of ancient Greece and bask in the brilliance of the Mediterranean. This comprehensive journey explores Greece's most important ancient monuments, including the famed Temple of Zeus, the archaeological site of Olympia and ancient artifacts of Delphi. Explore Athens on a comprehensive tour of the incredible Acropolis. Visit a local farm in the countryside to see how olive oil and wine are produced. Learn how to cook traditional Mediterranean cuisine during a cooking demonstration. Wander the winding streets, vineyards, marketplaces and beaches of Mykonos and Santorini. Explore the excavations of the ancient city at Akrotiri, the most important prehistoric settlement found anywhere in the Eastern Mediterranean. Learn the history of this fascinating country from local experts on guided tours of Athens, Metéora, Delphi, and Olympia. Throughout your journey, experience the iconic sights of Greece's Classical age with ample time to explore on your own.
Embark on a 16-day Premium journey exploring very the best of mainland Greece and the Cyclades. Whether it’s tracing a path through ancient ruins in Delphi, visiting secluded monasteries high in the Meteora Valley, or watching as the sun sets over the whitewashed buildings of Santorini, this is a country where the weight of history makes its presence felt. With plenty of opportunities to mingle with the locals, savour traditional Aegean cuisine and visit the acclaimed sites, this is a complete adventure into Greece’s sun-kissed heartland.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Step into the myth and magic of Greece on a journey where ancient history meets sun-drenched island life. Stand in awe before the ruins of Athens, wander through the cliff-top monasteries of Meteora, and sail across the Aegean to the legendary island of Delos with a local archaeologist as your guide. Along the way, explore timeless towns like Olympia and Nafplio, savour regional flavours, and soak up the beauty of a country where every stone tells a story.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
