"Thanks for making this trip memorable with my family. Well organised trip great services. Great team coordinator who is in constant contact with us. Well-experienced drivers with comfort cars. All tour guides were very professional with fluent English speaking with history knowledge."
Glories of Türkiye 15 day tour
This small group (in our case just 8 people) tour was excellent and provided a perfect introduction to this country. The first thing that stands out is how clean everywhere is. Not so much as a candy wrapper anywhere, city streets or country by-ways. The Turks are hospitable, polite and friendly people, eager to please everywhere you go. English is spoken in many places and commnication is never a problem. Our escort and guide, Fatih, was both knowledgeable and informative about the many sights; but also thoughtful and concerned for the well-being of his group members. Highly organized and experienced, he had everything under control. Our fellow travelers were all delightful company.
Istanbul is a vibrant city with a history dating back thousands of years. Divided by the Bosphorous, it is both in Europe and in Asia. The Kadikoy district, on the Asian side, is not part of the tour but should be. If possible try to spend a couple of additional days there.
The ancient sites are all interesting and cover thousands of years of history, including Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and many associated with biblical writings. This is also a good opportunity for non Muslims to learn about the Islamic faith.
Dining was always a pleasure. Although the Turkish population is almost entirely of the Muslim faith, it is politically secular. As a result, alcoholic beverages are widely but not universally available. Tap water is generally avoided, but bottled water is available everywhere.
Prices in stores and dining establishments were significantly cheaper than Europe or North America.
There was no sense anywhere of a threat to personal safety. Indeed we saw no signs of homelessness or drug or alcohol abuse or criminality. Toilets were clean and fresh everywhere.
In summary, Turkey was a wonderful vacation experience, and the Glories of Türkiye 15 day tour met and exceeded our expectations.
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.
Experience the magic of a Transylvanian Christmas as you journey through Romania's most charming cities. Delve into the festive atmosphere of Bucharest and explore the ancient Cozia Monastery. Discover the enchanting beauty of Sibiu Old Town, where the Christmas market comes alive with local crafts and traditional delicacies. Wander through the picturesque Rasinari Tram and explore the historic Sighisoara. Visit the legendary Bran Castle in Brasov and marvel at the stunning Peles Castle in Sinaia. Throughout the tour, you'll be immersed in the rich cultural heritage and timeless traditions of a Transylvanian Christmas.
Join us for an unforgettable adventure through Romania's most captivating destinations and celebrate the season in the heart of Transylvania.
It was an amazing way to see so many awesome-inspiring Greek places. The archeological sites and locations were an adventure to be had (make sure to pack hiking shoes!) and our group became like family as we discovered all new places and history together. Would 10/10 do it again in a heartbeat.
We were looking for a customized, small group tour. We just returned from our trip and are more than highly pleased and satisfied of our experience. They planned an amazing itinerary, booked amazing hotels and transfers and tour guides went above and beyond to please us. We are already planning another trip next year and will be using these guys.
A great way to experience Croatia. However, we feel that some of the optional experiences should be INCLUDED (specifically the lunch at the family-owned winery) and a little more time spent in the STON area would have been nice.
This trip to Türkiye will show you the most breathtaking attractions in Türkiye. Begin your journey in Istanbul, the cultural heart of this beautiful country. Visit magnificent palaces, bustling bazaars, and ancient mosques, such as the iconic Blue Mosque. Make your way east for a scenic stop in Ankara; discover the Mausoleum of Atatürk and its Museum. Next, you will travel to Cappadocia, one of the most beautiful regions in Türkiye. In this region, erosion has formed caves, clefts, and soft folds of volcanic rock, creating a surreal landscape that is perfect for hot air ballooning. Your next stop will be in Pamukkale, known for its extraordinary hot springs and natural white limestone cascades. Discover the ruins of Hierapolis and its Necropolis before you continue your journey to Izmir. The third-largest city in Türkiye, the Gateway to Ephesus, offers modern attractions surrounded by gorgeous mountain scenery. End your tour of Türkiye with a trip back to Istanbul, soaking in the rich history and vibrant culture that this enchanting country has to offer.
Before visiting the shores of Gallipoli, discover some of the most epic sights of Turkey in our 8 Day ANZAC Day tour. Soak in the famous natural spa pools of Pamukkale and experience best preserved ruins and ancient wonders of Ephesus. Visit the ever popular Trojan horse in Troy, before embarking on the emotional and unforgettable experience at Gallipoli.
This week-long tour of Greece will show you some of the most fascinating cities and extraordinary sites in Southern Europe! Begin your journey in Athens, where you will discover the Temple of Olympian Zeus and visit the Acropolis. Then, make a short stop at the Corinth Canal and discover the breathtaking scenery en route to Olympia, where you will visit the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus and see the Archaeological Museum. Travel along the coastal road to Delphi, known in ancient times as the navel of the world. Discover the Museum of Delphi and bask in the views of Central Greece before you continue your journey to Kalambaka, spanning through the northwestern part of the Thessaly Plains. Then, explore Meteora, a World Heritage Site with hilltop monasteries and a wide collection of Byzantine art. Travel back to Athens and enjoy your leisure time before you end a fascinating journey of Greece!
With endless architectural jewels, fascinating cultural sites and glistening seaside towns – this is the best of Turkey. On this nine-day Premium trip, explore the world-famous mosques in Istanbul, walk in the footsteps of ancient rulers in archaeological sites like Pergamon and Ephesus and see (almost) every inch of Cappadocia with an experienced and knowledgeable local leader by your side. Cruise the Bosphorus Strait on a private yacht, join a cooking class in Sirince and spend a night in your Feature Stay in specially restored cave suites.
Our fabulous tour guide led us through the charming cities and towns of Croatia and Slovenia. Highlights included Lake Bled, the Postojna caves, Plitvice lakes/falls, and Dubrovnik. The pace was well planned and there was free time for us to explore on our own. All our hotels were very nice. My only negative would be the size of the group; at 48, it was too large for walking tours and getting on/off the bus, but everyone was very prompt.
Embark on an 8-day odyssey through Greece, starting in Athens. On this guided tour, you can explore iconic sites like the Acropolis. While Naxos beckons with its ancient churches and Venetian charm, Santorini awaits with sunset vistas and leisurely strolls. This tour seamlessly blends cultural exploration with leisure, offering a window into Greece's rich heritage and scenic wonders.
Visit the Panathenaic Stadium, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian´s Arch, the Parliament and the memorial of the Unknown Soldier, and the Academy. Explore beautiful old churches, monasteries and Venetian castles coexisting harmoniously with the cubic houses of the Cyclades. Walk in the paths of Fira, the picturesque capital of Santorini; perched high up on the edge of the Caldera and enjoy the views of the volcano, ocean, white-washed buildings, and blue domed churches. From Athens to Naxos and Santorini, each day promises a unique experience, leaving you with cherished memories of this ancient land.
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.
