First, I was extremely pleased by the Local guides. They were upfront and clear about the whole process beginning with travel itinerary, help with the visa process, travel costs and so on. The agents were cordial, and always responded promptly during the pre travel phase of the journey.
Once our tour started, I was pleasantly surprised by the enthusiasm of the guides to show everything possible at different sites. The guides as well as the driver were very friendly and helpful.
The organization of the itinerary and the logistics were very well planned. All hotels, with the exceptionption of one, were very good.
The only shortcoming that I can think of, was the food that was local thoroughout the journey. It lacked variety and there was no other option. However, this is not the fault of the travel agency since all restaurants served only local food.
Overall, I can summarize that I had a great experience. The trip was very well planned, organized and successfully completed.
River cruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
The tour was a beautiful pilgrimage to different monasteries, very high intensity, we enjoyed Armenian, music, culture and food. Visit to see of Holy Etchmiadzin and Holy Badarak was exceptional. Lake Sevan, views of Majestic mouth Ararat will never be forgotten. Delicious dinners, hands on cooking classes in Georgia and Armenia, made it a great tour of both learning and connection. Most evenings concluded with traditional song or dance and the group seemed to love that. Visit to the vineyards and wine tasting in Georgia was also special. It was a wonderful opportunity to visit and see contrasts in the culture.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This is the 10th Explore holiday, we have covered places like Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Vietnam, Cambodia, Cuba, India and this just covers 5 holidays.
These are not for everyone, as some are very full on, but the two Balkan trips were easy, although some of this group had not read the itinerary properly and this was a bit too much for them!
The Cuba and South America were what I call, sanitised back packing, as sleeping out in the open and you can have very early starts, around 4 am and late finishes.
However, you really see the place and interact with the local people. This is why we love Explore tours.
If you want total comfort and not really interact, then Saga or like is for you, as you do have to rough it on some trips.
One trip in particular was India, two days going up the Ganges on a wooded raft, inches from the water and sleeping on the bank at night with the snakes and wild dogs, just an amazing experience, and you know you are alive!
Another was in the jungle of Cuba, no tent, just under the stars, but I did get attacked by the smallest ants in the night, but still a fantastic experience, one I won’t forget!
Our tour guides have all been very good, but on this trip, Constantin went beyond the norm.
The only criticism on this trip was no local experts and Constantin had to do it all, which makes it very difficult for him to become an expert in every area, town etc.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel, Villa
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Bucharest, Sofia, Black Sea Regi
Bucharest, Sofia, Black Sea Region, Kaliakra, Transylvania, Sibiu, Belgrade
22% OFF TODAY
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27% OFF TODAYThis deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
This holiday delivered on every front. We saw so much wildlife and enjoyed the variety of parks and environments. We were very lucky in having a small group and this added to the enjoyment. The Tortilis camps are fabulous and on 2 occasions catered for only 4 guests eight 18 staff. The tents are wonderful and met all our needs. However our fellow guests did experience issues with hot water for their shower on several occasions but staff did endeavour to resolve the issue each time.
Hamse, our guide, was great and also helped us arrange an air balloon trip over the Serengeti which enhanced the overall trip.
Active and outdoorWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Tent
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Arusha, Lake Manyara National Pa
Arusha, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, Kilimanjaro International Airport, Kilimanjaro
22% OFF TODAY
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Guiliano was absolutely amazing. I couldn't have asked for anything more from the trip! There is some long drives as stated but the views and the stops you make are unreal!
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Yet another excellent trip with Explore. Each day was a new, diverse cycle ride providing a real insight to Vietnam - off the beaten track. Our guide Bình was so kind, full of knowledge and enthusiasm which he was so willing to share with the group.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, My Son
Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, My Son Sanctuary, Dong Ho, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Hue, Hoi An
22% OFF TODAY
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32% OFF TODAYThis deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Excellent family adventure. So much fun and excellent guide. Kids will talk about it for a long time. We had 3 families with 6 teenagers who were all impressed.
Active and outdoorWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort, Home-stay, Bungalow
Age Range
7-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Bangkok, Koh Phangan, Koh Man, K
Bangkok, Koh Phangan, Koh Man, Koh Samui, Kanchanaburi, Erawan Falls, Surat Thani, Klong Noi, Khao Sok National Park, Cheow Lan Lake
22% OFF TODAY
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This holiday was a fantastic mix of ancient sites (castles, forts, ruined mud brick villages) and natural wonders - The Grand Canyon of Arabia (Jebel Shams), the endless sand dunes of Wahiba Sands, swimming in wadis etc.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers