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.
Having worked with them on a trip in Northern Italy last year, I was confident they would deliver a great experience.
They did. From the quality of the hotels, included meals, the navigation app used down to the distances covered each day, everything was well thought out and first rate.
Along the way I met other walkers who’d used other companies. Every single one had a complaint about the company they used. I had no complaints and recommended them repeatedly along the route. I’m already making arrangements for an Italian walk next year with this company.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Rome, Siena, Lazio, Lucignano D
Rome, Siena, Lazio, Lucignano D Arbia, Tuscany, San Quirico d'Orcia, Castiglione D Orcia, Radicofani
La Gomera is a stunning island with an amazing variety of landscapes and stunning views. Our experience felt very authentic and we enjoyed the local hospitality. The hiking was enjoyable but tough. I would certainly rate some of the ascents and descents as challenging rather than moderate. The terrain is often rocky but it is the areas with small stones, particularly on the downhill that can lead one to be on their feet one minute and on the ground the next! It can be very slippery with all the loose gravel and stones and needs solid concentration! In spite of this we enjoyed the trip very much and would heartily recommend visiting La Gomera.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House, Villa
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Sebastian, Santiago De Compo
San Sebastian, Santiago De Compostela, Tenerife, San Sebastián de La Gomera, Hermigua, Vallehermoso, Chipude, Laguna De Santiago
This was a great trip to explore each city. Personally, this felt a bit more independent type travel (exploring the city by yourself or if you made a friend with them) vs other Contikis (more time with the group). Hotels were great and fantastic locations (centrally located near metros and the main train station). Fantastic free time add ons as well.
A most enjoyable, at times challenging experience since we did the whole trip on conventional bikes. The bikes were in good condition, the chosen hotels were good, and the special app made navigation easy. We were lucky with the weather; I would have hated to do some of the gravel/dirt road stages in the rain.
This was an lovely wander from Vineyard to château to hilly forest and medieval village and small town. A combination of relaxation, good walks and moderate challenge. The accommodation was comfortable and welcoming.
Another spectacular trip with Explore. I highly recommend this company. As a solo female traveller they have never let me down. Explore is 100 % reliable.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
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