Time your adventure perfectly with 4,100 tours departing in September 2026 in Europe. Seasonal highlights and optimal conditions await, backed by 35,600 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.
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
The tour days were not strenuous nor too laid back. Meals supplied and on your own were well apportioned based on the tour day's activities. We had a good opportunity to try the local cuisines of the three countries visited which is important to me since I'm a foodie and the wine tastings were interesting as well.
Natural landmarks sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
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
Embark on a spectacular 33-day journey from Vienna to Istanbul where you’ll gain a fascinating insight into how much regions can change as you cross national borders! Discover the hidden fairy tale gem of Cesky Krumlov, explore the classic Polish cities of Wroclaw and Krakow and join a guided tour around the medieval churches of Brasov, including Bran Castle – the inspiration for Dracula’s home. Breath in the crisp alpine air on a hike in the Pirin Mountains and dine with a local family during your overnight homestay in Viscri. Take a wine cellar tour in the Valley of the Beautiful Women and become acquainted with traditional Romanian culture and customs in Maramures.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Home-stay, Hotel, Resort
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Istanbul, Vienna, Krakow, Tatra
Istanbul, Vienna, Krakow, Tatra Mountains, Budapest, Eger, Maramures, Sighisoara, Viscri, Brasov, Bucharest, Veliko Tarnovo, Sofia, Bansko, Cesky Krumlov, Plovdiv, Prague, Wroclaw
Well organised which made the whole trek lot more pleasant. The accommodation was all very good except for one that was average but quite doable. Overall, very pleasant experience, thanks!
Walking tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Santiago De Compostela, Tui, Arc
Santiago De Compostela, Tui, Arcade, Pontevedra, Caldas De Reis, Padrón
