Just returned from the Loire Valley cycling trip with Explore and had a fantastic time. Our group leader, Erwin, was absolutely top notch—knowledgeable, fun, and great at fixing bikes on the fly (a very handy skill on a trip like this!). He was incredibly responsive to any issues, whether it was saddle woes or a hotel hiccup—he always did his best to sort it out quickly and with a smile.
The tour itself was stunning. The route took us through beautiful countryside, charming towns, and past jaw-dropping châteaux. There was also plenty of time in the afternoons and evenings to explore off-bike, enjoy a glass (or two) of local wine, and soak in the atmosphere.
We did hit a bit of a heat wave, but that’s just luck of the draw. Erwin made sure we took lots of water and shade breaks to keep the group comfortable, which was much appreciated.
The hotels were as expected—nothing fancy, nothing awful. Some rooms were quite warm due to the unusual heat, but fans were provided and that helped.
We were called the "guinea pig group," as this was Explore’s first time running this particular tour in quite a while. That said, it was an excellent experience, and with Erwin fine-tuning the itinerary along the way, I imagine it’ll be even better for the groups that follow.
Bicycle toursSightseeing 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
Tours, Amboise, Chenonceaux, Blo
Tours, Amboise, Chenonceaux, Blois, Château De Chambord, Cheverny, St. Pierre-des-Corps
20% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Loved the whole experience- visited all the best countries in Europe, tasted wines, spirits and other European alcohol In cheapest prices. It’s not suitable for asians with dark skin and if you’re over 34 yrs old unless you have a thick skin to not give any reaction to the comments some people make as a joke- only because they are white and still young. Not sure what they are so proud about in those moments. Other than that I enjoyed my time with rest of them. The price was on discount- I had to add on some extra adventures which worth it. Honestly 24 days is finished so quickly. Recommend to all the people who like explore Europe more in less time in cheaper price. Great work contiki, I am on my second one now- in Thailand, this group of approx 30 people is much better than European escapades (just my personal experience).
From the chic avenues of Paris to the rolling Scottish hills and Irish traditions, the 'France, England, Scotland and Ireland with Paris and Rouen' tour is a 15-day group journey perfect for seniors. Enjoy guided sightseeing, comfortable hotels, and inclusive meals as you traverse these storied regions. The tour’s USP is its multi-country itinerary—offering an unparalleled blend of cultures and landscapes in a seamless, senior-friendly package.
The trip was well organised and the tour guides communicated clearly with us at every stage. The hotels were comfortable and I was happy with the number of places we had seen and the time we spent at each place. I especially appreciated the Spanish tour guides also in addition to the English ones. Alberto was comfortable in English and kept the entire group entertained by his travel tips. Mariella too was comfortable in English and was also very friendly and helpful. This was my first experience with a bus tour and I was really pleased with the entire trip. Congratulations to a very talented and efficient team!!
Craving a quick yet immersive escape? The 'Brittany and Normandy' trip offers a delightful 3-day exploration from Paris, tailored for seniors who want to experience France’s northern charm without strenuous activity. This easy-going group tour includes comfortable accommodations, efficient transport, and meals, making travel hassle-free. The key highlight is its concise itinerary, perfect for those seeking a taste of Brittany and Normandy’s scenic and cultural treasures in a short, accessible package.
Explorer
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Paris
Paris
8% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
We had a fabulous time with Explore, the walking tour was breathtaking! Majestic snow capped mountains surrounded by the gorgeous array of wildflowers, and lakes and streams dotted throughout . We were blessed with perfect weather every day and loved seeing the clouds roll by each day.
Our leader was wonderful, very organised, knowledgeable and a genuinely a lovely person.
Explore tours really captured the essence of the Mont Blanc area.
Walking toursAdventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Chamonix, Mont Blanc, Les Praz
Chamonix, Mont Blanc, Les Praz, Cascades De Berard, Le Tour, Lac Blanc, Les Houches
20% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Discover the charm of Paris and beyond on the 'France and Switzerland with enchanted Alsace' tour, a 7-day guided group journey. Perfect for seniors, this sightseeing trip covers Paris and the alluring Alsace region, with all accommodations, transport, and meals included. The tour’s highlight is its immersive introduction to Alsace, renowned for its storybook villages and cultural richness.
Provence is the France of artists and artisans, where lavender fields meet ancient villages and time-honoured cuisine. Experience the highlights on this compact adventure, which takes you from Forcalquier’s cobbled lanes to the elegant boulevards of Aix-en-Provence, via the beautiful villages of the Luberon mountains. En route, you’ll indulge your inner Francophile, combing local markets, sampling local produce, and meeting the local people – an experience made all the more immersive thanks to the expert insight of your local tour leader.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Head for 90 degrees North! Since the 16th century, the greatest expeditions have repeatedly attempted to reach the North Pole. This mythical geographic point inspires and attracts as much as it fascinates dreamers and conquerors, seeking out the other side of the world. Following in the wake of Frederick Cook, Robert Edwin Peary or Roald Amundsen, who were among the many who sought to achieve this elusive goal, you will be part of the chosen few who will attempt to reach this near-unattainable point, some 700 km from the nearest land. Swept by the winds and the currents, the ice floe is constantly drifting and your ship's Captain will manoeuvre carefully in an attempt to reach the northernmost point of our planet. From Spitsbergen, you will set sail north to the waters at the edge of the Earth, towards landscapes that continually change according to the ice, and the light at play in the skies above. Nature reigns supreme here, sheltering exceptional wildlife; polar bears, seals and a variety of whales call these glacial waters home and you will have a chance to spot them as you journey towards the North Pole - the Holy Grail of all polar explorers.
Be among the few people in the world - to go in search of the Geographic North Pole.
Perfect your photographic skills - learn from the eye and sound advice of British photo ambassador Ian Dawson
Enjoy the rugged and varied landscapes of Spitsbergen - jagged mountain peaks, gigantic glaciers and steep-sided cliffs that reach down to the sea
Incredible wildlife - polar bears, seals, whales and a prolific array of Arctic birdlife
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This was a very interesting and well organised tour. I enjoyed all the activities and there was a good mix of food and location.
The main problem was the quality of two of the hotels. The First in Bordeaux was very small and had no air-conditioning, which was unfortunate as we were experiencing a heat wave. The room in the final hotel in Toulouse was rather grubby and again very small. For a tour that cost over £2000 I feel this was unacceptable and I would’ve preferred even a chain hotel such as ibis where one can at least expect air-conditioning and a level of cleanliness for a similar price.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
French delights. Mulled wine. Medieval buildings. Twinkling lights. Nowhere does Christmas quite like France, and this is your chance to see why. In just 7 days, you’ll see Château de Chambord in all its festive glory. Visit a champagne house. Try steaming wine in Strasbourg. Stroll the cobblestoned streets of Reims & so much more. Come witness the most wonderful time of the year in the most wonderful way possible.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Paris, Tours, Beaune, Metz, Reims
Paris, Tours, Beaune, Metz, Reims
25% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Hike the GR20 in Corsica, one of the most beautiful mountain treks in the world. Over 13 days, we hike 110mi (180km) in mountainous terrain, rising from the Mediterranean Sea to granite peaks topping 8,530ft (2,600m). Rather than take the classic north-to-south route, we head in the opposite direction, with the sun on our backs, a quieter trail, and the toughest legs at the end of the trip. You won’t be doing it alone either. The adventure is guided by an experienced International Mountain Leader with expert knowledge on the route and you’ll be part of a small group of like-minded hikers ready with words of encouragement.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Corsica, Conca, Vallone, Haut As
Corsica, Conca, Vallone, Haut Asco, Carrozzu, Ortu Di Piobbu, Calenzana, Bastia, Bavella, Cuscionu Plateau, Cozzano, Col De Verde, Vizzavona, Refuge Petra Piana, Refuge De Manganu