Embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of Northern Italy with our Dolomites and Prosecco Self-Drive Tour. This unique adventure offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and culinary delights. Wind your way through the majestic peaks and verdant valleys of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities. Then, immerse yourself in the world of Prosecco, exploring the lush vineyards and charming villages where this world-famous sparkling wine is produced. With the freedom of a self-drive tour, you can set your own pace, stop to take in the views and savor the region's delights on your terms. Get ready to experience the best of Italy's alpine and wine country, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Embark on an immersive 7-day journey through Turkey's most captivating historical and natural wonders, starting from Kuşadası! Uncover the ancient grandeur of Ephesus and marvel at Pamukkale's dazzling white terraces and therapeutic hot springs. Travel the ancient Silk Road to Konya's Mevlana Museum before being enchanted by Cappadocia's surreal lunar landscapes, fairy chimneys, and underground cities. Your adventure culminates with a visit to Ankara's significant Anıtkabir, offering a comprehensive and unforgettable immersion into Turkey's rich heritage. This expertly guided tour concludes in vibrant Istanbul, leaving you with lasting memories of Turkey's diverse beauty.
Explore all 7 of the 7 cultural UNESCO sites in Bulgaria in 7 days! Land in the Sea Capital - Varna on the romantic Black Sea Coast and visit the old aged town of Nessebar. Spend several days traveling through the countryside, learning more about the culture and traditions of rural Bulgaria. Meet the hospitality of the locals in Rila Mountain and visit the famous Rila Monastery. Then head to the capital of Bulgaria, a modern and buzzing city which keeps an impressive history from Antiquity to nowadays. The travel will pass by the Rose Valley, where you can admire the paintings of the Kazanlak Tomb. Head to the North of Bulgaria to find the next three UNESCO World Heritage sites. Discover the beauty and the history of this unknown country and have a lot to share with your friends!
I had done one trip previously – Amalfi coast hiking, fall 2023 – with EXPLORE. I was so impressed I asked my excellent guide, Pete, what else he would recommend knowing my abilities and interests. He immediately recommended the Slovenia trip, and it actually was on my list of places to visit. He had apparently set the trip up about seven years ago and was very familiar with it.
I have been in 50 countries to date - some several times- and Slovenia is now in my top five and I am already planning my return for next May.
We had a lovely small group, being the first of these hikes of the season, hailing from Canada, Spain, Australia, and the UK.
The accommodation, staff, management, and food at Art Hotel Kristal were A+ – and I especially loved and took advantage of the options of the sauna and cold plunge, Ayurvedic massages with the wonderful Bhatri, chocolate tasting with the owner, Alenka, and a fantastic wine tasting with her son, Jan. I went home with a lovely assortment of chocolates and also a wonderful bottle of wine that I will try to hold onto for a few years until it is optimal to drink.
The hikes were not difficult at all, but I found that I did feel like I got a good amount of exercise by the end of the day. I spent my free day doing a mountain bike ride. The whole area around Lake Bohinj is stunning and there are so many activities that one can partake in, as well as really yummy local restaurants close by the hotel. I loved that the hotel offered a pre-fixe three course menu for hotel guests for only €25 on the nights that were not included with the hike. An incredible bargain given the quality of the food, as with almost all of the food we had in Slovenia, it was locally sourced and delicious. I am not typically a meat eater, but I had the venison twice – locally sourced, and wild – and it was by far the best I have ever had.
I would definitely stay at this hotel when I return to the area. I would strongly encourage others to spend some time in Ljubljana – either before or after the trip. A beautiful city a two hour bus ride awaythat is just the right size and full of so much to offer. Next time I am going to see a lot more of this country – it is half the size of Switzerland, but the variety of the terrain and ecosystems is quite impressive. Also, to be noted is that English is widely spoken and children start in grade 3, learning this second language. The Slovenians couldn’t have been nicer and more helpful everywhere I went. What can I say?? Get yourself to Slovenia before it is overrun: safe, clean, and green – a beautiful country of farmers, foragers, wine makers, and beekeepers. Also note that they have some fantastic fly fishing there as well as mountain and road biking – very cycling friendly. After all, it is the country of Pogacar.
The best. It suited me. Lovely walks, lovely food, historical locations, wonderful guide. I loved the local input - visits to the farms, bakery. A visit to a working Truli house would have been a plus ( very touristy visit to Alberobello) and the last walk could have been more varied scenically. Could have stayed much longer in Matera! Altogether it was the best trip I’ve done with Explore. It helped having a lovely group too.
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Unique cruise among a thousand islands, with extremely indented coastline adorned with numerous magical islands, Croatia is a place made for cruise trips. Join us on an unforgettable island-hopping journey while we explore natural wonders scattered around the Adriatic Sea.
Discover the secrets of Bulgaria during this 8 days exclusive group tour. Start with the former Bulgarian Capital of Veliko Tarnovo and be fascinated by the magnificent views from the top of Tzarevetz hill. Explore the nearby villages and learn how wealthy merchants have lived in the Bulgarian Medieval ages. Then head to the romantic Black sea coast, the Sea Capital Varna and the old aged town of Nessebar. Spend several days travelling through the countryside, learning more about the culture and traditions of rural Bulgaria. Stop in the European city of Culture, Plovdiv and have enough time to feel the special atmosphere of this colourful town. Finally explore the capital of Bulgaria, a modern and buzzing city which keeps impressive history from Antiquity to nowadays. Lots of history, scenic nature and rustic traditions – what memories to share!
We had the best time on the Greek Caique Cruise. The itinerary was fantastic and Thanos knew everything and everyone. We swam off the boat every day and when we docked in various ports Thanos was able to point us to the best places to go, organise taxis for us if necessary and in the evening recommend the best restaurants.
Our fantastic North West Highlands Walking Tour takes in ascents of some of the most iconic mountains in this stunning part of the Northwest of Scotland including Suilven, Stac Pollaidh and Cul Mor. The landscape in the area is incredible, with views from the mountain tops taking in hills, sea and islands, being some of the best to be found in the whole of the UK.
The area is home to truly fascinating Geology and there is always the possibility of spotting wildlife on our walks. We also visit and hike to some of the most unspoilt and remote sandy beaches that compare with anywhere across the globe, boasting white sands and turquoise seas.
We are based in the delightful village of Ullapool which lies on the edge of beautiful Loch Broom. Here we stay the whole 7 nights in good quality B&Bs which allows us to settle into our accommodation and get acquainted with all this lovely village has to offer.
Ullapool has various bars with live folk music most nights as well as being home to art galleries, bookshops, quirky gift shops and a Saturday market selling locally made produce and crafts. The village centre also has several eating establishments which includes the unique and award-winning Seafood Shack.
Join this fascinating 8-days gulet cruise starting from Marmaris and discover interesting and well-preserved archaeological sites standing witness to the many cultures that have thrived here over the millennia. Sail through Gocek that harbours islands and coves located in a large and secluded bay. Owing to its location, it naturally enjoys a high potential for yacht tourism. Gocek became known to groups of artists and poets and to some fisherman from Bodrum as a result of their cruising along the Turkish Turquoise Coast, a journey later called the “Blue Voyage”.
As we were following the Bay of Biscay (Atlantic coastline) it was a beautiful part of the world to visit, see, experience. Would totally recommend it.
Your base for this holiday is Kandersteg, one of the last surviving picture-postcard Swiss villages in the heart of the Bernese Oberland. It's incredibly pretty (with streets full of cuckoo-clock style houses) and very much unspoiled. The combination of high trails and wonderful open plateaux make it a superb cross-country ski choice for all ages and abilities.
As your trip is self guided, our ski programme is both varied and flexible. The glistening trails are beautifully marked, easy to follow and incredibly picturesque. They undulate through snowy pines by the hotel and extend up to the sunny plateaux at Oeschinensee and Sunnbuel, which are easily reached by chairlift or cable car. You are free to explore the local area at your leisure, however, if you prefer we can arrange tuition at a local ski school to get you started.
We've included unlimited free rides on the local bus network, giving you the opportunity to extend your skiing further from the hotel, which is situated on the edge of the village and offers real 'home from home' comfort levels. If you visit Kandersteg in January you can step back in time over 100 years during Belle Epoque week (Please enquire for dates), there are period costumes, sledging and bob-sleigh races and an afternoon tea dance!
La Gomera is the second smallest Canary island and remains a largely undiscovered destination. It’s a stunning island with at least 50 dramatic deep cut barrancos that slice through the landscape from 1500 metres altitude down to the sea.
The island is indeed a walkers paradise offering lush vegetation, impressive landscapes, fantastic path networks and beautiful mountain villages with outstanding views. It is home to Garajonay National Park which was declared a World Heritage site by Unesco in 1986.
Our guided walking tour takes you on a spectacular journey through the island, walking from village to village with baggage transferred throughout.
We use a mix of small hotels and apartments located in lovely villages along the way and have dinner in local restaurants so you are immersed in the culture and traditions of the friendly Gomeran people.
Unique cruise among a thousand islands, with extremely indented coastline adorned with numerous magical islands, Croatia is a place made for cruise trips. Join us on an unforgettable island-hopping journey while we explore natural wonders scattered around the Adriatic Sea.
