For point 2 and 3 the communication was very poor. It started with arrival at Budapest - it was not explained how I shall be received at the airport. The voucher of the service issued to me do not mention how I should recognize the pickup person at airport. When I inquired Makemytrip - the agency I booked this trip, told me that at the airport a person with their company sign will be waiting for me. I did not find the person for waiting at the airport in Budapest with makemytrip signage. I called all numbers in India and in Europe, finally to get answer that I must wait at the airport until 1 hour and half as mentioned in the voucher. Whereas the person with Europamundo sign was waiting from the time I arrived at the Airport. It was only when I started asking every person waiting there for pickup with some signage and then came to know that pick-up person from Europamundo was there but because of poor document and communication shared with me I could only find him after one hour of my arrival in Budapest. During this one hour I called so many numbers, felt harassed as either no one picked up the call or was able to tell me which sign I should look for. I spend almost USD 15 in this process.
The prague itinerary on day 4 was disaster. We were made to walk so much that we felt tired. the information does not say how many kilometer we shall be walking. Based on which we could have decided to continue with rest of the day walking or not. Castel Quarter was very good, the guide (Eva) was excellent. Later we were to take a boat. To get to the boat your agent made us walk another 1.5 Km. After the boat trip he made us walk another 1 km and said the coach will be there at 8pm, now I do not understand that a tour starts at 8.15 am with walking until 12:00. After which we were told that we should assemble again at some point at 13:40 so that we can get to boat. Then we walk from there until 14:10. After which again we are told now it your free time (which means walk) as the coach will come at 8pm. We had selected a trip as vacation to enjoy and not for exercising. Do you think on a normal working day any person will walk for nearly 12 hours? That left us completely tired on day 4. Clearly no one has reported to you until now. Please let me know how you intend to compensate me for this poor service and improve this service for any future customer.
I knew from the description that it would be a fast paced trip and that we would sleep in a different place each night and that’s exactly what I wanted = an overview so I could see whether I wanted to go back anywhere. If you’re like me, who enjoys going out for dinner and drinks each night, you would be very tired at the end of trip. However, many chose to stay in and go to bed and I believe for them the trip was not tiring, even for the older ones. Morning starts are reasonable - we left at 8am each day. Simon was a fabulous tour guide and the local guides were all wonderful. Do take small euro bills = you definitely need them. (also take coins for toilet stops). Definitely have a revolut, or similar, card. The optional activities, whilst nice,, are highly, highly over-priced, shame on the travel specialist! One thing I missed, was more. recommendations to authentic local food with local prices. All in all, a fabulous trip and I’m so glad I did it. I will use this agency again for their professionalism.
Join us on this fascinating Balkan Discovery to witness the living history as well as unparalleled natural beauty. Share a cup of tea with the lively and passionate people; fall in awe against the magnificent mountain range and crystal mirror-like lakes; meanwhile soak in the massive history that shaped the future of Europe. This Balkans tour takes you through all the highlights from palaces of the Tsars in Sofia and charming Belgrade to the pearl of Adriatic, Dubrovnik, to the pretty Montenegrin villages and Albanian towns, via the heart of stunning Macedonia.
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.
It really doesn’t get much more iconic than celebrating Halloween in the birthplace of Dracula himself! Get ready for an adventure that combines the best Halloween sights and frights as you experience the hidden wonders of Transylvania. Start your journey in the capital city, Bucharest and soak in the ancient beauty of this city before continuing on to Brasov for the iconic Halloween party hosted in Dracula’s Castle, Bran. Get ready to dance the night away with other fun-seekers from across the world donning their best costumes and get VIP access including Halloween Tour by Night, Vampire Gourmet Dinner, and Magic Time Tunnel! This one's for the bucket list!
Continue your adventure through Transylvania’s magical mountains and lush forests, revel in the beauty and mythology of the charming towns, be in awe by the unique gothic architecture, and immerse in the intriguing and spooky history of this region. For a spine-tingling adventure full of Halloween celebrations, beautiful landscapes, rich history, charming old towns and medieval castles, you’re in for a spook-tacular treat in Transylvania this Halloween!
'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.
Enjoy this unique tour that will allow you to visit seven of the best UNESCO heritage sites in Czechia in just six days. Start in marvellous Prague, where you can admire the history of Prague Castle or the Charles Bridge. Stroll through the Old Town and Wenceslas Square, and take a boat ride on the Vltava River. Continue to Český Krumlov, a picturesque and romantic town with the meandering Vltava River and an impressive castle. Leave Bohemia behind and visit the three Moravian jewels – Telč, Třebíč, and Zelená Hora – places full of history, stunning architecture, and spirituality. End your journey in Kutná Hora and visit one of the most remarkable Gothic cathedrals in Central Europe.
Take your time and relax on the beautiful Black Sea Coast for 4 days. Explore the many faces of the Sea Capital of Bulgaria, Varna. With prehistoric settlements from the mid-5th millennium BC to modern touristic cities, Varna can offer entertainment to each one’s taste. Admire the picturesque views from one of the numerous beach restaurants, relax in the Sea Garden or discover the oldest processed gold in the world in the Archaeological museum in the town. Participate in a private excursion to the romantic North coast of the Black Sea and its beautiful chalky cliffs and white waters…. Bulgaria has much to offer, come and enjoy it!
Discover the sights in Budapest with our tour guide. Let us show you the main sights on both parts of the river in Budapest. Walk around the Castle District, enjoy the view from the Citadell, drive along the Andrássy Avenue until Heroes’ Square passing by many sights in the city.
Begin your tour near the Parliament, the world’s third largest Parliament building, then take the Margaret Bridge to drive over to the Buda side. We stop in the Castle District and during a short walk we show you the main attractions of the area. We walk to Matthias Church and to the Fishermen’s Bastion (from where you can enjoy the beautiful panorama).
Next, we drive to the Gellért Hill (Citadel) and show you the most spectacular view of Budapest. We then take you over the Elisabeth Bridge to Pest and show you the famous Central Market Hall and the largest Synagogue of Europe, after which we drive to the City Park. We pass by Europe’s largest thermal spa, the Budapest Zoo and the Amusement Park, then stop at the Heroes’ Square (with statues of the most famous Hungarian kings and dukes).
We then take the Andrássy Avenue to downtown Pest, pass by the Opera House and the St Stephen’s Basilica. During the tour we offer a brief overview of the last 1000 years of Hungarian history. The Tour ends in the city-centre.
Begin your tour near the Parliament, the world’s third largest Parliament building, cross over to Buda and passing by the Funicular we are heading up to the Old Town of Buda founded in the mid 13th century.
We stop in the Castle District and, taking a short walk, we show you the main attractions of the area (Fishermen’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Holy Trinity Square). After the guided walk there is a short free time to stroll around the historical area.
Next, we take you up to the Gellért Hill (Citadel) from where you can enjoy a gorgeous view to the city. We return to the city centre, where the tour ends, close to the well-known pedestrian street ‘Váci utca’.
We warmly invite you to come and enjoy the unique world of Hungarian folklore and dance as well as great views of the capital city of Budapest at night.
While enjoying a boat trip aboard one of our unique catamaran boats on the Danube, you can delight in the wonderful sights of the beautifully illuminated city. This 3 hour river cruise is a good way to see many historical and cultural monuments of Budapest on the banks of the Danube, some of which are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Sightseeing experience aside, the main part of this tour is a delicious Hungarian dinner for our guests. We pay special attention to the presence of traditional Hungarian taste in our menus.
We have also specifically planned a uniquely Hungarian experience for you with our ''Folklore and Dance Show'' which displays Hungarian customs, traditions and history through storytelling and dance.
Enjoy this unique evening in Budapest with us.
