Experience Balkans intimately with over 460 small group tours (max 16 travelers). Enjoy personal attention from guides and deeper cultural connections rated by more than 2,400 small group travelers.
I loved my time in Cappadocia. The hotel was great, our guide Aykut was brilliant, the walks a little bit but not too challenging and our group lots of fun. We had two lovely drivers who couldn’t do enough for us. Thoroughly enjoyed all the “sightseeing” activities as we got a break from walking but we learnt more about the history of Türkiye and its people.
Being in Cappadocia for a week enabled us to get to know the area so well and see so much more of its wonderful geography and culture.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
A fab tour from Explore. Their tour leaders are always so passionate and enthusiastic and group sizes are not too big.
This trip allows you to experience the beauty and diversity of Albania and understand the ongoing political and economic struggles the country has been through with centuries of occupation by the likes of the Ottoman Empire, the Romans and then at the hands of Communist Communism. Albania is now able to show off its beauty and is increasing it tourism offering. A hidden gem.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This was a very good holiday. Our tour guide Peter was amazing, he was very knowledgeable, kind, thoughtful and made every effort to ensure all the group were able to enjoy the experience. Due to weather and other factors there was some switching about But this did not matter at all. The food and accommodation was also very good We were very lucky to have Peter Great guy
Walking tours
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
The experience of cycling in Albania was very interesting as far as seeing different parts of the country, interacting with Albanian people, learning about the culture and history and cycling through forests and fields and down to the beaches.
The cycling itself was quite hard in terms of the hills, but because of the bikes/gears it was very attainable. We were able to stop and rest, as necessary and always had support and encouragement from our guide and the van.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This tour was a perfect balance of amazing food, historical sites, and sightseeing, and time to do things on your own. We had such a dynamic and charismatic group leader that made the whole experience that much better. Wide range of activities, which made interesting aspects to the food tour theme… it was a magnificent trip!
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This is quite a challenging trek and the distances were slightly more than the trip notes. Plenty of steep ups and downs and poles definitely needed. Having said that the scenery is stunning and the trip balanced well. The hut accommodation is pretty comfortable and warm and more of a hostel really with outdoor loos. The huts also provide crocs so no real need to carry spare footwear if you want to save weight and space in your day rucksack.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This long weekend trip packs in a lot without feeling rushed or overwhelming. It's a good combination of town and country, with a touch of good fun tourism included in the trip to Bran Castle. Accommodation was as described and very comfortable. Romania has a fascinating history and the food is great. Our guide was brilliant and we had a terrific time. Highly recommended.
Wildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
We could not of asked for a better tour guide than George, he was patient, catered for everyone’s ability. The excursions were really good. Hotels chosen where amazing we could not fault them at all
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
We absolutely loved the trip. the Hideaway was a beautiful place to stay right by the Turkish baths and the Amphitheatre. The staff were so helpful, the room clean and setting and food was fabulous.
Each day of the trip brought us a new adventure. The group gelled very well together and out guide Zainab was fun, flexible and helpful and knowledgeable.
Walking toursBeach
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
