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 trip was suggested to me by a friend, but as an 83 year-old who ‘peaked’ more than 10 years ago I had some reservations about going on it. However, my fears were put to rest when I saw that the same hotel was used before and after the most challenging stage – the 14-mile final stretch of the northern trail, including the crossing of Mount Pantokrater. But in the event, although the terrain is hilly with some steep climbs I didn’t find any of the walking particularly difficult. It helped that a lot of the journey was on shady woodland tracks. Mt Pantokrator was quite an easy climb, the only challenge being the length of the day and the distance.
Not having visited Corfu before I found it a fascinating place, and have many vivid memories of the trip. We were fortunate to have, in Spiros, a leader who was very knowledgeable about local history, politics and wildlife. He worked very hard to make the holiday enjoyable for us, including leading us on a beautiful coastal walk to Kassiopi on the free day. I only wish I had discovered the island earlier so that I could walk the southern section as well.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Our tour director was phenomenal! Without her we would have never been able to experience all that we did. She knew the insights of Greece and Turkey so well and made it so easy to navigate these places. The tour was great. Santorini and Mykonos took my breath away. We also loved swimming on the hotels rooftop pool while glancing at the Parthenon in the distance. Seeing the monastery up in the mountains was extraordinary, the local guides were incredibly knowledgeable and so welcome and to top it off the food was delicious! We also enjoyed the cruise. The cabin was beautiful and the boat had a ton of activities to enjoy. Best trip ever and very budget friendly.
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
An amazing trip with such a variety of places and activities. The tour guide and bus driver were so fun. It was great to see such a range of countries with each one having such a difference culture. It had a perfect mix of add ons and time to yourself with each place having lots to do.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Split, Budapest, Mostar, Sarajev
Split, Budapest, Mostar, Sarajevo, Belgrade, Ljubljana, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Dubrovnik, Tirana
Amazing experience!! met the best people and had the best time! London to Athens was very jam packed and exciting, the greek island hopping was relaxing but also had lots of parties so it was a great way to end the trip!!
It was so fun. Sorta expensive but we had a great group of people and had a really great time at all the places. They liek to take us to karaoke bars so we didn’t really get to any other cool bars but it was still very fun and u could leave if u wanted.
Overall a great time and out tour leaver was sooooo amazing.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Hostel
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
London, Athens, Paris, Venice, F
London, Athens, Paris, Venice, Florence, Rome, Beaujolais, Barcelona, French Riviera
The island tours and optional experiences provided were so worthwhile! These experience allowed us the opportunity to truly experience the places we visited and learn fascinating and phenomenal pieces of information. The costsaver and local guides truly made the optional experiences a part of the trip we HAD to experience for every place we visited.