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.
Discover the treasures of the Balkans and Transylvania on this immersive 19 day adventure packed with the perfect mix of charm, culture, history, architecture and scenery. Go back in time to a world of Saxon villages and hilltop citadels in Transylvania as you delve into the myths and legends of Dracula. Bathe in the turquoise waters of the sun-drenched Adriatic coast. Witness the incredible ancient ruins of Athens. Experience the quirky and historical capital cities of Sofia, Skopje, Tirana and Belgrade. Uncover the hidden gems and wonders of Transylvania and the Balkans on this ultimate adventure!
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-75 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Athens, Bucharest, Sarajevo, Tre
Athens, Bucharest, Sarajevo, Trebinje, Shkoder, Ohrid, Skopje, Thessaloniki, Delphi, Brasov, Cluj-napoca, Sibiu, Veliko Tarnavo, Sofia, Belgrade
40% OFF TODAY
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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
Explore the crossroads of Bulgaria and Serbia with the 'From Sofia to Belgrade' tour, an 8-day city sightseeing trip crafted for seniors desiring comfort and discovery. Traveling through Arbanasi, Sighisoara, Sofia, and five more destinations, this group tour provides all your accommodations, transport, and meals. The highlight is the tour’s blend of Eastern European history and hospitality—delivered in an easy-going format that invites mature travelers to unwind and enjoy every moment.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Sofia, Belgrade, Plovdiv, Arbana
Sofia, Belgrade, Plovdiv, Arbanasi, Veliko Tarnovo, Bucharest, Sighisoara, Timisoara
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
Experience the best of this old-world region on a journey through enchanting Central Europe and Romania. Travel to Austria and be immersed in the country's superb musical heritage and step back in time in the castles of the Czech Republic. Experience Polish traditions while exploring the romantic Old Town of Krakow and get active in Slovakia's Tatra Mountains. Then Explore Hungary and Romania, from the beautiful Baroque churches of Budapest to the haunted castles of Transylvania. Learn about the failed Turkish invasion of Eger and take a wine cellar tour in the Valley of the Beautiful Women. Become acquainted with traditional Romanian culture and customs in Maramures. Tour 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. This epic journey through Central Europe and Romania gives a great insight in to that magical part of the world.
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
This trip is perfect if you want to really smash out Europe, safely experience Egypt and if you haven’t travelled much. We got to see so many amazing places and now I have a great idea of where I would go back to. Yes it is very fast paced and you wont do everything you want to but you do 95% of the main attractions of each place and you have people to share the experiences with. You will 100% make friends on these trips if you solo traveler :)
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Hostel, Resort, Guest House
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Paris, London, Amsterdam, French
Paris, London, Amsterdam, French Riviera, Venice, Florence, Rome, Athens, Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, Red Sea, Kavala, Eceabat, Istanbul, Swiss Alps, Black Sea Region, Bucharest, Transylvania, Budapest, Salzburg, Tyrol, Munich, Prague, Berlin, Beaujolais, Barcelona
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.
Prepare for the cruise of a lifetime as you travel the length of Europe through eight nations, exploring wonders of the Old World and the New, the East and the West.
Sail the romantic Rhine, the serene Main and the captivating Danube, witnessing dazzling natural beauty and incomparable architectural feats. Visit no fewer than five capital cities (Amsterdam, Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade and Bucharest) and a dozen towns and villages, with time to explore each. Enjoy numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the castle-dotted Upper Middle Rhine Valley and the magnificent Cologne Cathedral.
From Amsterdam to Bucharest, you’ll visit the best of Europe with its spectacular architecture and stunning history on this truly remarkable journey.
Ultimate European Journey is a combination of Highlights of Eastern Europe and European Jewels.
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.
