Time your adventure perfectly with 4,100 tours departing in September 2026 in Europe. Seasonal highlights and optimal conditions await, backed by 35,400 verified experiences.
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.
In the short period of time that we had to spend in Ireland, I think that we saw the highlights. The tour guide, was wonderful and well informed. The bus driver, was skilled and great at his job.
It was a wonderful trip and a great experience in a beautiful country!
The accommodations were good and every effort was made to provide handicapped accessibility for my husband.
My first cycling trip was a great experience ! All the accommodations were top notch. The sites visited and routes taken were fantastic. Riding level was challenging but never excessive... enough coffee and strudel breaks to keep you energized ! The tour leader made this trip so good, as did the diverse group of cyclists all sharing this common interest!
Bicycle tours
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
Venice, Mestre, Merano, Bolzano
Venice, Mestre, Merano, Bolzano, Trento, Torbole, Lake Garda, Verona
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.
Trekking and HikingWaterfalls
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
Ljubljana, Bled, Lake Bohinj, La
Ljubljana, Bled, Lake Bohinj, Lake Bled, Brod, Julian Alps, Mostnica Gorge
This is a fabulous tour. The itinerary hits almost every location of interest in beautiful Portugal. It is well thought out, local guides provide expert background information. There is a combination of walking tours, major historical sites with trips to vineyards, shopping opportunites, and even a cork factory. The days are broken up with a variety of activities so that it is exciting and fresh all day long.
The boat cruise on the river was a great way to see Porto. The small number of women-only travellers was a big hit. At least six of us were solo travelers but we were surrounded by new friends the whole time. Never once did I feel lonely or left out. The bus was spacious and very comfortable. The tour guide was professional, personable and on point. This is my very favorite group tour ever.
Adventure
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lisbon, Douro Valley, Algarve, E
Lisbon, Douro Valley, Algarve, Evora, Tomar, Pinhao, Porto
My wife and I were blessed to have a wonderful tour guide who shared his expansive knowledge of Ireland. He shared personal stories, read poems and sang to our group all along our journey. We also had a terrific driver who was super experienced and professional. We felt extremely safe with him behind the wheel. All things considered, it was a near perfect trip.
We were very pleased. A very affordable trip to Ireland with great attractions, comfortable hotels, a hilarious driver, and the best most knowledgeable tour guide. Saeed was our sales rep and very helpful also!
Natural landmarks sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Dublin, Galway, Limerick, County
Dublin, Galway, Limerick, County Kerry, Ring Of Kerry