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
'Every known superstition in the world is gathered into the Carpathians, as if it were the centre of some sort of imaginative whirlpool.' So says the narrator of Dracula, the late 19th century English novel of Victorian superstitions that used this area of Romania to represent something on the edge of civilisation.
A trip to this part of the world is to enter a maelstrom of natural sensation. There is everywhere a bewildering mass of flora and fauna. Profusions of trees and flowers and grasses are barely touched by agricultural exploitation. Be alert, however, for roe deer and chamois and hedgehogs and rodents, plus the sight and sound of the area's 190 bird species. Transylvania is a region full of beauty of every kind, sometimes little towns or castles on the top of steep hills.
This trek rises daily through Carpathian lower reaches, a green land full of forests and woods, with here steep hills crowned with clumps of trees, and there villages newly built in a riot of colour and style. Smile and say Boo Naa (Hello) and you'll meet open-faced strangers who say all the country people show 'hospitality, flexibility, honesty'. The message is that tourists are welcome.
This was a tough but thoroughly enjoyable trip in a very beautiful part of the world. The challenging grade is about right; be prepared for a lot of rocky steep ascent and descent including a fair amount of scrambling and using fixed cables/chains. Some parts (particularly the ascent to La Om on Day 4 and the ridge along the top) are pretty exposed. There is a good mix of tougher and somewhat easier days to break things up with some nice forest and meadow sections. The reward is some amazing scenery in a relatively unspoilt part of the world. The whole trip was very well organised and accommodation at Villa Hermani was very clean and comfortable, with friendly hosts and great food. The mountain huts were a good experience but be prepared for very basic toilet and sanitary facilities.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Bucharest, Magura, La Om, Piatra
Bucharest, Magura, La Om, Piatra Mare, Cabana Malaiesti, Omu Mountian Hut
I honestly do not know if my words can truly describe how incredible this trip was and the exceptional, first-class service our guide, Traian, provided. We saw so many amazing castles, citadels, and fortified churches and did so much in four days that it is difficult to pick any one favorite. Peles Castle is truly the most beautiful; Bran (Dracula’s) Castle, the most eerie and intriguing; and Corvin Castle comes straight out of a fairytale. As for the citadels, I have to say that I favor Cetatea Rupea and for the churches, The Black Church, Biserica and Biertan held their own fascinating unique history of how they provided protection to their villagers. For the nights, we stay in the beautiful towns of Brasov, Sighisoara (birthplace of Vlad Dracula), and Sibiu. We enjoyed delightful outings walking the streets, seeing all the shops, the people, and enjoying the local foods. It was our wedding anniversary during our stay in Sibiu, and with the help of our guide, Traian, he secretly (unknown to my wife) arranged dinner at a wonderful restaurant for my wife and me. There was even a surprise anniversary cake with candles. Oh, and the hotels that we stayed at each night were amazingly distinctive to the town and culture. And, finally, on the last day, we traveled through the Carpathian Mountains along the famous Transfagarasan Road witnessing the beautifully breathtaking, winding, scenic route on our way back to Bucharest. We even had quite a few photo shoot opportunities of brown bears along the roadside. While I am sure that I have missed much, I just have to say that you must experience this marvelous adventure for yourselves. You will be astonished.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
12-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Bucharest, Brasov, Sibiu, Sighis
Bucharest, Brasov, Sibiu, Sighisoara, Curtea De Arges
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
What does Budapest Cards include?
If this is your first time visiting the Hungarian capital, then we recommend the Budapest Card for you.
- You can use all public transportation within the city limits of Budapest completely free of charge – whether it's buses, trams, metro, trolleybuses, suburban railways (HÉV), or trains, the city card is valid on all.
- You'll also receive a free map of Budapest and a catalog with the card, so you can have all the information about the participating locations at your fingertips.
- 30+ museums and attractions await you for free: for example, you can visit the exhibitions at the Hungarian National Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Hungarian National Gallery at no cost.
- You can participate in free city tours in both Pest and Buda.
- You can redeem a free entry to Lukács Thermal Bath.
- You'll enjoy a beautiful panorama during the free Danube river cruise.
- Choose from 50+ discounted programs and services – you can avail of discounts between 10% and 50% with the city card.
Please note that most of the museums are closed on Mondays!
We had a great cruise with this agency! Staff was very helpful and kind. City looked amazing at the evening with all the lights and the sunset. Drinking champagne on the deck of the boat and watching beautiful lighted buildings was one of the highlights of our trip to Budapest!
Let Poland’s historic cities and scenic wonders unfold before you on the "Polish Triangle" trip—a 6-day guided group tour designed with seniors in mind. Starting and ending in Warsaw, this easy-paced journey covers Warsaw and Gdansk, with accommodation, meals, and transportation included. The itinerary is tailored for those who appreciate culture and comfort, offering insight into Poland’s past and present without the demands of strenuous activity. The trip’s unique highlight is its efficient route, allowing you to experience Poland’s cultural triangle in less than a week.
Poland’s storied cities of Krakow, Wroclaw, and Katowice await on the 'Full Wonders of Poland Circuit,' a 10-day guided tour crafted for seniors. This easy-paced group trip covers Poland’s historical and cultural highlights, with accommodations, meals, and transport all taken care of. The unique selling point of this tour package is its focused exploration of Poland’s most fascinating destinations, offering travelers an immersive yet comfortable experience of the country’s heritage.
Essential Poland comes alive on this 5-day guided tour, ideal for seniors seeking a convenient and insightful getaway. Begin and finish in Warsaw, with stops in Wroclaw, and enjoy an itinerary designed for easy exploration. With hotels, transport, and meals taken care of, travelers can focus on leisurely sightseeing and soaking up Poland’s vibrant history. The unique value of this trip is its concise yet comprehensive overview of Poland’s cultural highlights, making it perfect for those wanting a memorable European experience with minimal physical demands.
Explore the charm of Poland’s northern cities on the "Northern Poland Tour," a 7-day group package crafted for seniors who appreciate easy-paced sightseeing. Beginning and ending in Warsaw, this trip covers Warsaw, Wroclaw, and Gdansk, with hotel accommodation, meals, and transport included. The itinerary is designed for comfortable travel, allowing plenty of time to enjoy local history and cuisine. The unique selling point of this tour is its focus on Poland’s northern gems, offering travelers a well-rounded introduction to this culturally rich region.
Dive into the rich history and culture of Poland with the 5-day 'Journey into Polish History and Culture' tour, starting and ending in Warsaw. This easy-paced group trip, perfect for seniors, includes comfortable hotels, transport, and meals. Guided sightseeing brings you to both Warsaw and Krakow, revealing the nation’s storied past and vibrant present. The unique benefit of this tour is its focused, accessible approach, allowing travelers to experience Poland’s treasures without rushing.
Unveil the rich tapestry of Poland’s history and culture with the 'Heart of Poland' tour. This 8-day journey is designed for seniors seeking a comfortable, easy-paced exploration of Polish gems like Warsaw, Wroclaw, Katowice, and Krakow. Guided sightseeing ensures you won’t miss a highlight, while hotel accommodations, meals, and transport are all thoughtfully arranged. The trip’s unique appeal is in its focused route through Poland’s most storied cities, allowing for a deep dive into local traditions and architecture without any rush—ideal for those who wish to savor each moment.
Journey through the heart of the Czech Republic on this four-day adventure, starting and ending in Prague. Explore Namesti Miru, discover bohemian shops and take in the vineyard views from Havlickovy Sady on a walking tour through Prague. Hike to the Pravcice Gate and the Falcon’s Nest in Bohemian Switzerland and unwind in the outdoor thermal pools at the Saunia Thermal Resort. Explore Czech contemporary art at DOX, indulge in traditional Czech flavours and learn about the region’s history with a local leader by your side.
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers