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.
Itinerary is good except that it would be good to have one more day at Istanbul.
Tour guide and the driver are helpful , knowledgeable and the tour guide Suat is delightful to deal with.
AdventureWalking tours
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
Istanbul, Cappadocia, Gallipoli
Istanbul, Cappadocia, Gallipoli Peninsula, Selçuk, Ephesus, Fethiye, Kas, Kekova, Antalya
Looking for the ultimate Middle Eastern adventure? The Jordan and Egypt - Petra to the Pyramids trip is a 15-day, action-packed tour that whisks you from Amman to Luxor, blending ancient marvels with vibrant modern life. With a moderate activity level, this city sightseeing journey is perfect for travelers eager to experience history’s greatest hits—from Petra’s rose-red tombs to Cairo’s iconic pyramids and the sacred Nile.
Traverse the dramatic Wadi Rum by camel, sleep Bedouin-style beneath desert stars, and rejuvenate by floating in the mineral-rich Dead Sea. In Egypt, marvel at the Great Sphinx and pyramids, visit the cutting-edge Grand Egyptian Museum, and cruise the timeless Nile by felucca. Optional sunrise climbs on Mt. Sinai and snorkeling in the Red Sea add an adventurous twist to your itinerary.
This trip package stands out for its seamless blend of archaeological treasures and cultural immersion, all with the support of knowledgeable local guides. For those seeking a tour that offers both legendary sites and unforgettable experiences, this journey delivers Middle Eastern magic at every turn.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
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
Italy by rail offers a journey of timeless allure. On this 14-day adventure from Venice to Sorrento, with stops in Rome, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast, travelers experience the country’s iconic sights through a blend of city sightseeing and coastal exploration. The tour is tailored for those who appreciate a moderate pace, combining the freedom of train travel with guided discovery.
Wander Venice’s romantic canals, browse Bologna’s bustling food markets, and marvel at Florence’s architectural masterpieces. Two full days in Rome allow deep dives into the Colosseum and Roman Forum. The sun-drenched Sorrento Peninsula awaits, with optional excursions to Capri and walks along the scenic Path of the Lemons. Pompeii’s legendary ruins and the dramatic silhouette of Mount Vesuvius complete the experience.
This trip’s unique selling point is its seamless integration of Italy’s urban grandeur and coastal serenity—all connected by the comfort and efficiency of rail travel. It’s a tour package designed for those who want to see it all, at just the right pace.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Dora our guide leader was amazing. Very calm and very organised.
The boat, Sans Sova, was very comfortable. The crew were very friendly and the meals delicious.
Great guides and well thought out itineraries
Tourist class hotels. Fine with us. This was travel. Not a vacation lol. Tino was super I. Getting is set up at last minute. And all hands were I. Deck when we had a little medical scare. Would definitely book with them again