Experience one of the most remote, historic sectors of the deep South in comfort on this exploratory expedition aboard the luxurious Douglas Mawson. Your journey begins in the subantarctic, where yellow-eyed penguins waddle through wizened rata forests and royal albatross nest amid megaherb moors. Cross the Antarctic Circle and cruise the pack ice, keeping watch for emperor and Adélie penguins porpoising along the ice edge, orcas patrolling for prey and snow petrels soaring against a backdrop of the vast Antarctic Ice Sheet. Embrace the spirit of adventure as you continue along the Victoria Land Coast and into the Ross Sea, where the Antarctic Ice Sheet flows into the world's largest floating ice shelf. These are historic waters, where the explorers of the Heroic Age staged their bold assaults on the South Geographic Pole. Hear the stories of their expeditions and attempt to land at some of their remarkably well-preserved huts.
Navigate through gleaming pack ice - alive with Weddell and leopard seals, Adélie and emperor penguins
Revel in the richness of the unique Ross Sea ecosystem - part of the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area
Visit rowdy beaches - crowded with harems of New Zealand sea lions
Explore rata forests - where rare yellow-eyed penguins can be found
Reflect on the remarkable achievements of the Heroic Age explorers - visit some of their historic huts
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
A fab tour from Explore. Their tour leaders are always so passionate and enthusiastic and group sizes are not too big.
This trip allows you to experience the beauty and diversity of Albania and understand the ongoing political and economic struggles the country has been through with centuries of occupation by the likes of the Ottoman Empire, the Romans and then at the hands of Communist Communism. Albania is now able to show off its beauty and is increasing it tourism offering. A hidden gem.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
If you love big landscapes, deserts, rock formations, volcanoes, geysers, remoteness and views that go on forever, then this is the trip for you. This was combined with very friendly people, local culture and good wine, making for one of the best trips I've ever had.
This was my first trip with Explore. (All the other members of the group had travelled multiple times with them). I would say the trip exceeded my expectations in every respect. Judging by the comments of the rest of the group, it was one of the best many of them had been on too. I have taken away memories that will last forever and met some wonderful people along the way.
There were six travellers in the group (all solo travellers) as well as Andres our guide, local guides and drivers. This was the first trip run on a new itinerary or at least one which Explore has not sold for a number of years. So in that respect our group were the guinea-pigs for the trip. I felt the group got on very well. I would say six was a good group size for the minibuses. It gave us room to spread out with our bags and snooze if needed on the longer journeys.
Itinerary:
The itinerary covers a lot of ground in a short space of time so is definitely full-on. However, overall, I thought it was well-paced with well-timed rest periods. Given that this was a new itinerary, there are a couple of "tweaks" I would make (mentioned below). However, they are minor changes only to what I found to be a well-rounded and balanced trip.
HIghlights for me included the Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia. I loved the desert, lagoons, volcanoes, flamingoes, the salt hotel and of course, our meal with our wonderful Bolivian guides - which I'll never forget. Another highlight was the sunset and moonrise over the Atacama Desert near San Pedro. I felt the trip was a gift that kept on giving. Just when you had one experience which you thought could not be topped, along came another one. The trip was cleverly planned in that sense.
In terms of amendments, I would suggest the following:
HIgh altitude is a feature of this trip and perhaps needs to be emphasised and explained a little more fully in the trip notes so that travellers can take a view. However, for me, any discomfort was more than compensated for by the remoteness and beauty of the landscapes we saw.
I particularly loved Bolivia and perhaps Explore could consider adding that another day to this leg of the trip. This would allow more time to get to know this fantastic country and its people but would also allow more time to acclimatise.
We had a wonderful day in the wine region of Cafayate. Both wine and food were delicious and plentiful. However, I think we all felt the number of tours and tastings should be reduced a little to allow us to relax into one wine tour and the meal without worrying about time.
Guiding:
Andres was our Explore guide and I cannot speak highly enough of him. Most of the group had travelled extensively over the years with Explore and said that he was one of the best guides they had ever had. Andres was excellent in every respect - professional, knowledgeable, organised but relaxed and very person-centred, attending well to the different needs of the group. The trip ran very smoothly and to time. Andres paid close attention to detail, making small changes to the itinerary as needed, He found good places to eat, and timed visits to avoid any crowds in particularly popular places. As far as I am aware, there was one small logistical glitch during the whole trip. This was beyond Andres' control but he took it in his stride, dealt with it and it did not affect the group. Definitely 5* for Andres.
The local guides and drivers in each country were very friendly and efficient. I would say the guides in Argentina and Bolivia were particularly knowledgeable. The warmth and kindness shown to us was lovely. I would single out Wilbur in Bolivia for particular praise.
Accommodation:
Before the trip, I did not have particularly high expectations of the hotels, thinking that location would take priority over hotel standard and that budget hotels would be used to keep costs down. To a certain extent this proved to be the case. I would say in most places the standard was 3*. I found all of them were perfectly acceptable although some had variable hot water and wifi which is only to be expected really given the region. All hotels were very friendly and in a very good location. Some hotels stood out as having more character and better service than others. The Salt Hotel (Laguna Salada) on the Uyuni flats was something truly special. The stunning location, the hotel design and the friendliness of the staff there were something I will never forget. The Hotel Los Flamencos at the Laguna Hedionda was graded as "simple" and we warned to take warm sleepwear as it can get cold at night. However, I found the hotel to be warm and characterful and again, the location was stunning. Standing outside the hotel (albeit at about -5 degrees Celsius), watching the flamingos on the lagoon and the sun come up over the volcanoes behind was something truly memorable.
San Pedro de Atacama was the most touristy place we visited and I would say the hotel there reflected that. It felt a bit more generic than the others, although the barman was excellent and served some knockout Pisco sours.
Overall, I would give this trip 5* without hesitation. Unforgettable - in the best possible way. Any quibbles are very minor ones to me. I would highly recommend.
Sightseeing 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
Buenos Aires, San Pedro, Santiag
Buenos Aires, San Pedro, Santiago, Salta, Cafayate, Purmamarca, Tilcara, Tupiza, Uyuni, Incahuasi, San Pedro De Atacama
Gabi was a knowledgeable and excellent leader and her enthusiasm for her country and it's food and culture showed. We had a busy week and some very large lunches, accompanied by some interesting sightseeing and journeys broken up into manageable times.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This was my first trip as a single person and I had a fabulous time. The group of 12 (four couples and four singles) really gelled and were very friendly, supportive and fun. The itinerary was very good, with at least one specific thing to do, see or visit each day. The high points were the tea plantation, the spice farm, the cookery evening, the wonderful scenery and the houseboat . The accommodation was generally very good, but the homestay was too basic to be an enjoyable experience. It didn't feel as though we were guests in someone's home, it felt more like a commercial exercise (eg the host talked of building a hotel next year to accommodate more guests). The food was excellent in most places with some well-chosen restaurants/snack bars, and plenty of choice for vegetarians, but I was a little disappointment at the street food experience, which was just selecting one cold, precooked snack (such as samosa, vada or fritter.) I was anticipating some freshly cooked food (while we looked on) such as rice and dahl or pani puri. Also, I thought that the purpose of visiting the market was to select spices and vegetables to use later in our cookery evening, but there wasn't an obvious link. Our guide, Sree, was flexible, knowledgeable and very accommodating of all our needs.
Overall a really great experience with a great group of people. Will definitely use Explore again for another adventurous trip.
City sightseeingSight
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
It was an amazing trip made even better by the dedication of our two guides Sajid and Jehangir. They went out their way to make sure we had everything we needed. There is a lot of driving on some of the worst roads in the world but the scenery and the people make it all worth while
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Walk the entire length of one of the original Camino routes followed by pilgrims walking to Santiago. 'El Camino del Norte' originates from the 9th Century and was one of the original Camino routes for pilgrims walking to Santiago de Compostela. Sheltered from the rest of the Muslim dominated Iberian Peninsula by the Picos de Europa and Cordillera Cantabrica, it was considered the safest route for Christian pilgrims making their way to the tomb of St James. The full route starts in Irun near the French border and joins the French route at Arzua. This walk begins in the vibrant city of Bilbao with the iconic Guggenheim museum, before continuing along the dramatic coastline through Cantabria and the Asturias region. From Ribadeo, gateway to Galicia the route veers south passing through historic villages enroute to Santiago de Compostela. Enjoy a variety of landscapes and architecture, both ancient and modern, while staying in small hotels with local character. The dramatic coastline of the Bay of Biscay and mountain paths make the northern way both challenging and rewarding, whilst the quieter trails offer a great alternative to the more popular French route.
Walking toursSightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Bilbao, Santiago De Compostela
Bilbao, Santiago De Compostela, Bustio, Llanes, Ribadesella, Colunga, Villaviciosa, Gijón, Aviles, Soto Del Barco, Cadavedo, Luarca, Navia, Ribadeo, Mondonedo, Abadín, Vilalba, Reguela, Sobrado Dos Monxes, Arzúa, Liendo, O Pedrouzo, Noja, Galizano, Santander, Santillana Del Mar, Comillas, San Vicente De La Barquera
Experience the beauty of Croatia on a captivating adventure that begins in Zagreb, where you'll explore the historic Upper Town, visiting iconic sites like St. Mark’s Church and the Cathedral. Journey south to the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park, then embark on your cruise in Split, where you’ll discover Diocletian’s Palace. Sail to Trogir for a guided tour of its ancient architecture and visit Krka National Park’s stunning waterfalls. Continue to Biševo Island to see the famous Blue Cave, followed by a visit to Vis Island’s historic ruins. Enjoy a refreshing swim en route to Hvar Island, where you'll tour its historical sites and admire views from Fortica. Next, visit Kor?ula, believed to be Marco Polo’s birthplace, and stroll its charming streets. Experience the beauty of Mljet National Park before indulging in a local oyster tasting in Slano, complemented by a Captain’s dinner. Finally, cruise to Dubrovnik, where you’ll explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town and its iconic landmarks before concluding your journey with breakfast and a transfer to the airport.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Split, Trogir
Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Split, Trogir, Bisevo, Hvar Island, Korčula, Slano
Discover the rich history, captivating culture, and delectable cuisine of the unforgettable Greek islands on this 7-night Cruise Journey. Begin your adventure in Athens, Greece’s historic capital, where you'll explore ancient ruins and iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis. Next, you'll sail to Kusadasi, Turkey, to marvel at the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Later, you'll arrive at Rhodes, where you can blend ancient and modern charm by visiting the medieval Acropolis at Lindos and wandering the Old Town. As you sail to Crete’s Agios Nikolaos, enjoy its beautiful Bay of Mirabello and legendary Lake Voulismeni. Next, you'll sail to Santorini, where you can relax amidst its stunning volcanic scenery and picturesque villages. Later, you'll arrive at Mykonos, soaking up the sun on its famous beaches, exploring the vibrant town, and perhaps taking a boat trip to Delos. As you sail to Milos, admire its unique volcanic landscapes and charming fishing villages before concluding your adventure back in Athens, reflecting on the rich history and cultural beauty of Greece.
CruiseSightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
Come with us to explore the Mexico Travel Cities and experience and enjoy this incredible country the way it is! From the impressive Sumidero Canyon to vibrant Mexico City which carefully preserves its magic and cultural heritage, this adventure takes in all the natural, cultural, and historical highlights of 4 Mexican states. On your way, you’ll cross the Isthmus of Tehuantepec which geographically divides North America from Central America.
BeachExplorerCity sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
12-69 yrs
Operated in
spanish, english
Destinations
Chiapa De Corzo, Salina Cruz, Mi
Chiapa De Corzo, Salina Cruz, Mitla, Oaxaca, Puebla, Mexico City
Discover cloud forests, volcanoes and plantations on this exotic Spanish island. Your first view of the great volcano Mount Teide (3718m, 12188ft) will probably be from the aeroplane window. A day or two later you will be there, walking across the Cañadas del Teide, a massive crater of 16km diameter to arrive at the unrivalled Parador Las Cañadas del Teide, your overnight stop (2200m).
Mount Teide is Spain's highest mountain and the third tallest volcano in the world. Tenerife is the highest island in the Atlantic and is the largest of the Canary Islands at 1275 square miles, 2053 km2. Walking on North Tenerife is hugely varied and our aim is to show you as much as possible. After the Cañadas del Teide adventure, you explore the north west of the island with its own mountain range, the Teno and views across the sea to the island of La Gomera and down the cliffs to the impossibly located village of Masca. Finally, there is a walk in the rugged Anaga Peninsula - its top is covered in dripping ancient 'laurisilva' woodland. Descending past fertile cultivated fields, tiny villages, then dry cactus strewn valleys, you'll reach the rocky coast of this stunning Canary Island.
This is an island walking adventure like no other.
This hike could be combined with the 8-day La Gomera walk (code JG8) to make a fabulous two-week Canarian walking holiday.
Sightseeing ToursWalking tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Canary Islands, San Cristóbal De
Canary Islands, San Cristóbal De La Laguna, Vilaflor, Teide National Park, Parador De Las Cañadas Del Teide, Garachico, Anaga, Tenerife
Begin your unforgettable journey in Zagreb, Croatia’s vibrant capital, where historic architecture and lively street scenes welcome you. After a guided exploration of the city’s Upper Town, travel across the border to Slovenia, visiting the charming capital of Ljubljana with its colorful markets and unique bridges, before continuing to the picturesque alpine town of Bled, nestled beside a stunning glacial lake. Next, return to Croatia and venture underground at the Postojna Caves, marvel at the seaside charm of Opatija, and then immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. From there, head south to Split for a deep dive into Roman history at Diocletian’s Palace. Your adventure continues aboard a deluxe small ship as you cruise the sparkling Adriatic Sea. Begin with Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” where ancient walls and marble streets set the scene. Cruise to idyllic islands including Mljet, Kor?ula, Hvar, and Vis—each offering a unique blend of history, nature, and culture. Highlights include oyster tasting in Ston, exploring the magical Blue Cave on Biševo (weather permitting), and discovering the timeless charm of island villages. Conclude your voyage with visits to Bra? and Trogir, sampling traditional olive oil and strolling through medieval streets before returning to Split for a final look at this coastal gem.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Ship Cabin, Resort
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Korčula, Puči
Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Korčula, Pučišća, Split, Hvar, Mljet National Park, Bled, Plitvice
