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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
Ready for a whirlwind of sunshine, history, and adventure? The Spain, Portugal and Morocco Highlights tour is crafted for young adults eager to see, taste, and experience it all over 21 unforgettable days. From Porto’s riverside charm to Sintra’s fairy-tale palaces, Seville’s Game of Thrones settings, and the flavors of Iberian cuisine, this trip is packed with iconic moments. The journey continues south to Morocco, featuring camel treks in the desert and the magic of Marrakech. The trip’s unique selling point is its dynamic itinerary: you’ll soak in three cultures, cross continents, and tick off bucket-list experiences—all in one epic tour package.
I am genuinely amazed.Bus drivers were very careful, and the guides were extremely well-informed and fluent in English. Accommodating hotels that prioritize safety and cleanliness, accompanied by cooperative personnel. There are charging connections and WiFi on board! The weather was perfect, and we made some wonderful new friends!
Scandinavia has astonishing sightseeing for those who like nature or history. The experience was even better with Contiki. Ollie our trip manager and Tamas our drive provide a lot of historical information, curiosities and we were able to drive to some other places for sightseeing. Highly recommend it.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Lodge, Resort, Hotel
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Copenhagen, Helsinki, Stockholm
Copenhagen, Helsinki, Stockholm, Oslo, Elverum, Torgås
Glories of Türkiye 15 day tour
This small group (in our case just 8 people) tour was excellent and provided a perfect introduction to this country. The first thing that stands out is how clean everywhere is. Not so much as a candy wrapper anywhere, city streets or country by-ways. The Turks are hospitable, polite and friendly people, eager to please everywhere you go. English is spoken in many places and commnication is never a problem. Our escort and guide, Fatih, was both knowledgeable and informative about the many sights; but also thoughtful and concerned for the well-being of his group members. Highly organized and experienced, he had everything under control. Our fellow travelers were all delightful company.
Istanbul is a vibrant city with a history dating back thousands of years. Divided by the Bosphorous, it is both in Europe and in Asia. The Kadikoy district, on the Asian side, is not part of the tour but should be. If possible try to spend a couple of additional days there.
The ancient sites are all interesting and cover thousands of years of history, including Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and many associated with biblical writings. This is also a good opportunity for non Muslims to learn about the Islamic faith.
Dining was always a pleasure. Although the Turkish population is almost entirely of the Muslim faith, it is politically secular. As a result, alcoholic beverages are widely but not universally available. Tap water is generally avoided, but bottled water is available everywhere.
Prices in stores and dining establishments were significantly cheaper than Europe or North America.
There was no sense anywhere of a threat to personal safety. Indeed we saw no signs of homelessness or drug or alcohol abuse or criminality. Toilets were clean and fresh everywhere.
In summary, Turkey was a wonderful vacation experience, and the Glories of Türkiye 15 day tour met and exceeded our expectations.
Art and architecture
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Istanbul, Pamukkale, Ankara, Ant
Istanbul, Pamukkale, Ankara, Antalya, Cappadocia, Canakkale, Izmir, Ephesus, Bodrum
Excellent trip and very good guide in AJ.
Only negative was hotel in Florence. Good location (change from original hotel) but was tired and cleanliness could have been better. Very cramped solo room 🙁
Highlights were Pienza and Castellina in Chianti. Great hotels, beautiful walks and really good food and wine. 😀
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Florence, Pisa, San Gimignano, T
Florence, Pisa, San Gimignano, Tuscany, Pienza, Montalcino
This trip provides the opportunity to walk a beautiful long distance path, led with skill and charm and with excellent accommodation along the way. I had a wonderful experience.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
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.
Where next?
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Bari, Altamura, Gravina, Alta Mu
Bari, Altamura, Gravina, Alta Murgia National Park, Matera, Cisternino, Monopoli
Ready to unravel the Balkans’ rich tapestry? The "All About Balkans (4 Star Hotels)" tour invites families and young adults to a 12-day odyssey through Bulgaria, Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Albania, Montenegro, and Greece. From Sofia’s vibrant streets to the timeless wonders of Athens, you’ll explore Skopje, Belgrade, Sarajevo, and the serene Adriatic coast. Highlights include the floating monasteries of Meteora and the legendary Acropolis. Enjoy comfortable 4-star accommodations and expertly guided sightseeing, all at an easy pace suited for families. The USP? This tour brings the region’s intertwined histories and diverse civilizations to life, creating travel memories for all ages.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-75 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Athens, Sofia, Delphi, Belgrade
Athens, Sofia, Delphi, Belgrade, Sarajevo, Trebinje, Budva, Ohrid, Skopje, Thessaloniki