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
Take in the highlights of Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria on this 12-day group tour travelling from Belgrade to Sofia. Explore the vibrant capitals of Belgrade, Bucharest and Sofia, see Dracula's Castle in Transylvania and visit medieval Brasov. Uncover the rural roots of lesser-visited Bulgaria in Arbanasi, stroll the cobbled streets of Veliko Tarnovo and take in the historic highlights of Plovdiv.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Immerse yourself in new cultures as you travel from splendid Budapest to dynamic Bucharest, discovering the best that the revitalized nations of Eastern Europe have to offer along the way.
Gaze in wonder at the lofty spires of Hungary’s Parliament Building as it rises majestically above the Danube in Budapest. Sit down for friendly, intimate meals with farmers in Croatia and enthusiastic locals in Bulgaria. Uncover scores of little-known treasures and step back in time to investigate the history and legends along the Danube.
Who will love this cruise? Explorers wishing to discover ancient lands and modern multicultural cities. Photographers, amateur archaeologists, connoisseurs of regional cuisines, and anyone who loves beautiful and mysterious locales.
CruiseRiver cruise
Tour Type
Cruise Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Ship Cabin, Luxury Hotel
Age Range
2-99 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
Budapest, Bucharest, Batina , Be
Budapest, Bucharest, Batina , Belgrade, Golubac, Vidin, Ruse
Journey through Central Europe and Romania on this 24-day adventure. Travel to Austria and immerse yourself in its rich musical heritage, learn about Polish traditions as you explore Krakow’s Old Town and hike Slovakia's Tatra Mountains. Wander through the Baroque churches of Budapest, see the haunted castles of Transylvania and indulge in a wine cellar tour in the Valley of the Beautiful Women. Spend a night with a local family in Viscri and see Bucharest's 12-storey Palace of Parliament. From Vienna to Bucharest this trip showcases the best of Central Europe while giving you plenty of free time to experience its culture and people in your own way.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort, Home-stay
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Vienna, Bucharest, Krakow, Slova
Vienna, Bucharest, Krakow, Slovakia, Budapest, Eger, Maramures, Sighisoara, Viscri, Brasov, Cesky Krumlov, Prague, Gory Sowie
Beautifully preserved Prague has enchanted visitors for ages, but it is only a tiny part of this extraordinary voyage through eight nations. Sail past quaint villages and great cities on the glorious Danube, visiting baroque abbeys and medieval cathedrals, tasting fine wines, and encountering new cultures. Along the way, you’ll uncover the splendid Habsburg capitals of Vienna and Budapest, as well as the many hidden treasures of Croatia, Romania, Serbia, and Bulgaria.
Travelers seeking to explore famed capitals and storied lands, to meet new people and encounter diverse cultures, will relish their time on this picture-perfect journey.
Portraits of Eastern Europe is a combination of Delightful Danube & Prague and Highlights of Eastern Europe.
Explore the Baroque churches of Budapest and haunted castles of Transylvania on this 18-day journey across Eastern Europe. Learn about the failed Turkish invasion of Eger and take a guided wine cellar tour in the Valley of the Beautiful Women. Discover the medieval churches of Brasov, dine with a local family on an overnight homestay in Viscri and visit Bucharest's 12-storey Palace of Parliament. Compare age-old places of worship in Sofia, breathe in crisp alpine air on a hike in the Pirin Mountains and meander back in time in the Old Town of Plovdiv.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Home-stay, Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Budapest, Sofia, Bucharest, Veli
Budapest, Sofia, Bucharest, Veliko Tarnovo, Bansko, Plovdiv, Istanbul, Eger, Maramures, Sighisoara, Viscri, Brasov
Experience the highlights of the Balkans and Transylvania on this 16 day adventure. Explore the historic capital of Bucharest, delve into the legend of Dracula at Bran Castle, learn about the humbling history of Bosnia, be amazed by the coastlines and fjords of Montenegro and take a dip in Macedonia’s beautiful Lake Ohrid. You’ll experience it all with the perfect balance of history, culture, adventure, night-life and scenery.
Journey from Bucharest to Dubrovnik on the 'Balkan Peninsula' tour, an 8-day city sightseeing trip tailored for senior travelers. Discover the rich culture of Romania and Croatia, with comfortable hotels, reliable transport, and meals included. The unique advantage of this tour is its direct route connecting two of Eastern Europe’s most captivating cities, all while maintaining a gentle pace ideal for mature explorers.
Discover the magic of Southeastern Europe on this 9-day adventure tour from Athens to Bucharest. Geared towards seniors, the easy pace allows you to enjoy landmark cities such as Sofia, Kalabaka, and Sandansky, with visits to Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece. Accommodations, meals, and transport are all arranged for a seamless experience. The highlight of this trip is the opportunity to traverse three countries in under two weeks, offering a compact yet thorough cultural journey.
AdventureWalking tours
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Athens, Bucharest, Kalabaka, San
Athens, Bucharest, Kalabaka, Sandanski, Sofia, Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo
Between cobbled squares, Gothic spires and sweeping Carpathian views, this Romanian adventure captures the best of Transylvania. Starting in Bucharest, you’ll follow mountain roads to Poenari Castle and the famous Transfăgărășan Pass before reaching Sibiu and Cluj-Napoca. Medieval Corvin Castle, the UNESCO citadel of Sighişoara and fortified churches like Biertan all add to the region’s allure. The highlight is a Halloween night inside Bran Castle, complete with costumes and celebrations in Dracula’s most legendary setting. Ending with Peles Castle and Snagov Monastery, this eight-day trip blends folklore, architecture and breathtaking landscapes into a uniquely memorable escape.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Bucharest, Sibiu, Cluj Napoca, Bran Castle
Bucharest, Sibiu, Cluj Napoca, Bran Castle
15% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Set off on an eight-day adventure through Romania, beginning and ending in Bucharest. Wander past grand communist landmarks and the lively Old Town before heading into Transylvania’s storybook landscapes. Along the way, you’ll stroll Sibiu’s historic squares, explore the vast Alba Iulia fortress, and descend into the spectacular Turda Salt Mine. In Maramureș, meet warm-hearted locals and discover UNESCO-listed wooden churches, while medieval Sighișoara and charming Viscri reveal village traditions. Round off the journey with a tour of Dracula’s Bran Castle and the regal Peles Castle in Sinaia. A perfect mix of history, culture and breathtaking scenery awaits.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Take in the central belt of countries in the Balkan region, journeying from Belgrade in Serbia to Dubrovnik in Croatia. Uncover the highlights of Bulgaria and Romania including Bucharest, Sofia, Plovdiv and Dracula's Castle. In Bosnia, take in the highlights of Sarajevo and see the famous bridge of Mostar, and uncover the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. In Croatia, discover the highlights of Dubrovnik with guided sightseeing and free time.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Join us for our longest tour of the Balkans, exploring six magical countries: Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Croatia. Tour the historic European capitals of Belgrade, Bucharest, Sofia, Sarajevo and Zagreb, see the historic bridges of Mostar and enjoy a 3-hour tour of Croatia's Plitvice Lakes. Take a catamaran trip to Hvar, see the sights in Dubrovnik and uncover Dracula's castle in Romania. Explore the fortified town of Kotor in Montenegro, ride the heritage railway in Zlatibor and enjoy a sundown cruise on the Danube, plus so much more!
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Zagreb, Belgrade, Plovdiv, Sofia
Zagreb, Belgrade, Plovdiv, Sofia, Zlatibor, Sarajevo, Trebinje, Dubrovnik, Split, Sibiu, Sinaia, Bucharest, Arbanasi
15% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.