This tour was well run and for me a completely different cultural experience. I could relax and just go with the flow knowing everything was taken care of by the amazing tour leaders who were so very knowledgeable and caring. Their job is so difficult and I appreciated them both so much. My life has been forever changed got the better by visiting these countries thank you to everyone at Expat.
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
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
It was great. We learnt so much about the country. Really happy the way the tour was run. Our guide Mustafa was one of the best guides we have ever had. What an amazing man with such a great heart and so patient. He has so much knowledge, there wasn't any question he couldn't answer. Hotels were excellent. We would definitely recommend this trip to anyone wanting to travel. Very very happy. Thank you so much.
Four amazing countries in one trip! Each place had its own unique charm, and the itinerary was perfectly balanced. Switzerland’s Alps and Italy’s gelato were highlights!
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lisbon, Rome, Zurich, Mont Blanc
Lisbon, Rome, Zurich, Mont Blanc, Milan, Madrid, Barcelona, Girona, Leysin
The only thing I would change is that the first day - coming right after most people had taken trans-oceanic flights and still had jet lag - was too demanding (flying to Luxor, touring Karnak before checking into ship). It would have been better to have a lighter Day One to allow for rest and time zone adjustment, and do Karnak on the way back.
The all-women's tour group and the Tour Director were outstanding and hugely enhanced the experience.
Tipping became a constant irritant and would be better if Tour Director handled tips and Insight appropriately raised the package cost, to alleviate that daily chore (ensuring correct currency & denominations, ATM visits, etc.). PS - bring American dollars in small bills.
Overall, a fascinating country, knowledgeable and constantly helpful Tour Director, and a good balance of historic and current experiences. Aswan (and the Cataract Hotel) was a definite highlight, and don't pass on Abu Simbel. It is worth the cost; as is the Aswan boat tour of the Nile (two options worth doing).
This tour was a perfect balance of amazing food, historical sites, and sightseeing, and time to do things on your own. We had such a dynamic and charismatic group leader that made the whole experience that much better. Wide range of activities, which made interesting aspects to the food tour theme… it was a magnificent trip!
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers