Experience the world intimately with over 5,000 small group tours (max 16 travelers) across more than 125 countries. Enjoy personal attention, flexibility, and deeper cultural connections from Bhutan's monasteries to Patagonia's wilderness, rated by 26,300 small group travelers.
We had the best time with 15 and 19 year olds. Our guide was exceptional and the itinerary was varied and imaginative. Everything went smoothly with transport and accommodation was perfect. An absolutely fabulous trip for active family who want to see it all!
Active and outdoorExplorer
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
Our leader was Pablo Garcia. He was very knowledgeable, skilled and had lots of patience, excellent and timely information and always made sure our needs were met.
Some of the accommodation was basic, but that was okay. Breakfasts were very varied and tasty with plenty of choices. We had a great group of cyclists and Pablo kept the team spirit going. The recommendations for meals were great and we had a lot of local food/ specialty options, which was great.
The itinerary was good, riding through beautiful and vast landscapes with wild life such as flamingos and white horses, small medieval villages and beautiful canals, we would have expected and liked some more roads along the beautiful coast. There was a lot of riding through flat landscape with orchards and agriculture.
The equipment was good, but some of the bikes had some gear and shifting issues.
The support van driver Louis, made awesome picnic lunches with fresh local foods.
All in all a great trip!
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
A varied trip providing an excellent taster to Kyrgyzstan. Aisuluu our tour guide was passionate about their country and was keen to showcase the culture and scenery, all with a wonderful sense of humour.
The yurt camp experience was excellent and well worth bumping along the roads to get there. Food and beer were great too. A wonderful country that is worth a visit.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Very intensive trip but so well worth it. Our tour leader and his assistant were excellent and went the extra mile. Some the hotels were good and some were average
Active and outdoorWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
The tour operator was amazing. I fell in love with New Zealand. Simon was great guide and the small tour group made it even better as we all became close friends. I would highly recommend the tour operator to all my friends and Family. I loved every moment that I was in New Zealand. I would come back in a heart beat and travel with the operator again.
National parksCity sightseeing
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
Auckland, Christchurch, Franz Jo
Auckland, Christchurch, Franz Josef, Coromandel Peninsula, Raglan, Rotorua, Tongariro National Park, Wellington, Kaikoura, Ohau, Queenstown, Wanaka
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
