Overall, amazing trip!
From the moment I rang up and spoke to lovely Mandy, I was impressed by Explore.
I was part of a group of 8 ranging from 30s-70s, by the end of the trip, we were like old friends. I hadn’t done a group trip before and you are spending a lot of time together so be prepared for that if you are also sharing a room.
Luckily we all got on really well and had a laugh together but you do have to carve out some solo time.
Itinerary - this trip is described as moderate but it’s quite full on. So many activities are squeezed in to the available time and a fair bit of travel in between, but this is broken up by stops on an off the bus for points of interest.
It meant we saw so much of Sri Lanka, we covered 2000km. Think, temples, wildlife, food, hiking, boat / train trip, beach, cities, and history and beautiful scenery.
Accommodation - some were lovely, some not so much, but all were clean / acceptable, some just a bit more basic than others.
Most had pretty good food as we eat at the hotel most nights due to often being off the beaten track.
You are accompanied for the whole trip by your tour guide and we were very lucky to have Sam.
Sam made the trip.
He has such and in depth knowledge of Sri Lanka and was so willing to tell us everything we wanted to know about the history and customs of the country that we really felt like we had gotten to know the country in depth. He had so many little extras ‘up his sleeve’ from stopping the bus to show us how to blow bubbles with a soap plant to arranging for us to go into the signal room at the train station.
I am sure all of the guides are brilliant, but know if you are lucky to be assigned Sam, he is something special.
The trip was fantastic, so many experiences packed into two weeks and friends I hope to stay in touch with. If you’re considering this trip, 10/10 recommend.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Book this 4-day, guided trip and get the chance to learn more about both the urban and rural life of Vietnam. Start with a guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City and see some of its most important landmarks. Along with Ho Chi Minh City, this trip will take you to 2 other places of interest: the unique floating market of Cai Be and the tunnels of Cu Chi, built by the Communist forces during the Vietnam War.
Our representative will receive you upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City and transfer you to your hotel. Go out on a sightseeing tour of the city and see some of its most important landmarks on the second day. This day also involves exploring the tunnels of Cu Chi and learning more about the Vietnam War.
Travel to the Mekong River Delta on the third day of the trip and visit the famous floating market of Cai Be. Enjoy a boat ride through the shady canals of the delta and soak up the rural ambience before driving back to the capital city. We will drive you to the airport according to your flight schedule on the fourth day.
The 'Charms of Burgundy and Alsace' tour invites you to uncover the essence of French wine country and fairy-tale villages over four leisurely days. Departing from and returning to Paris, this guided walking trip is thoughtfully designed for mature guests, offering comfortable accommodations, transportation, and meals. The easy activity level ensures everyone can enjoy the scenic views and historic landmarks at a relaxed pace. The USP of this tour is its focus on showcasing the timeless allure of Burgundy and Alsace, making it a delightful choice for travelers seeking a short, yet deeply immersive cultural journey.
Explore the modern capital city of Islamabad, marvel at its architecture and lush greenery. Discover ancient ruins in Taxila, uncovering tales of civilizations past. Dive into the bustling markets and savory street food of Rawalpindi. Venture into the rugged terrain of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, immerse yourself in its rich culture and hospitality. Journey to the picturesque valley of Chitral, surrounded by majestic mountains and serene rivers. Visit Swat, famed for its stunning landscapes and ancient Buddhist heritage. Each destination offers a unique and unforgettable experience, promising a glimpse into the diverse beauty of Pakistan.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Take your tastebuds on an 11-day culinary journey through Japan’s most delicious hotspots, relishing the flavours of the land of the rising sun. Uncover the secrets of sushi in Tokyo, pick local produce with an expert in Kanazawa, feast on plant-based monastic cuisine in Koya-san, meet local farmers in Uji and go on a food crawl in Osaka. Take part in cooking classes, cooking demonstrations and market visits, feasting on local delights along the way. From temples to tempura, shrines to sashimi, seafood markets to sake breweries, you’ll join a local leader on a food-focused adventure that has all the best Japanese ingredients.
Food tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Explore Beijing and discover the beautiful Zhangjiajie during this seven-day private tour. Start out by exploring the Chinese capital city of Beijing. See the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven. Also experience the local culture while enjoying a rickshaw ride through the capital's hutongs.
Head for Zhangjiajie next. A place endowed with unparalleled beauty, Zhangjiajie is a mixture of craggy peaks, verdant forests, tumbling waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes. It is also the place where the Hollywood blockbuster “Avatar” was shot. Take the Bailong elevator to the Yuanjiajie scenic area. See Golden Whip Stream (Jinbian Stream) and the Ten-mile Gallery before it is time to head home.
We will drive you to the airport after the tour is over. For more details, please scroll down.
Romania surprised me in many good ways, sufficient infrastructures, kind people and beautiful landscapes, and what can be better than experiencing all these on two wheels! Speaking of the crew, Raz and Geo, what a dream team! They led us to the most enjoyable itinerary and kept everyone safe and sound. They had done an up and beyond job accommodating everyone’s needs, at all time, and that’s not a small thing given 11 of us with wide range of fitness and physical capability. Highly recommend people come to see Romania and do it on two wheels.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This 9-day tour of Greece will guide you through some of the most famous and fascinating islands in the Mediterranean. Begin your journey in Athens and discover the heady mix of ancient history and contemporary attractions. Bask in the beauty of the world-famous Acropolis, which is visible from nearly every part of the city! Dig deep into the layers of history through the magnificent monuments and museums or feel the creative energy of Athens with its fascinating street art. Make your way to Rhodes, a traditional yet modern destination and the sunniest place in Greece! Here you may explore the medieval Old Town and villages which have been popular since the Roman Ages. The Old Town boasts a history of 2400 years apparent through ancient statues, marble fountains, and magnificent palaces. Next, you will catch a ferry to Kos, one of the first Aegean islands to attract visitors. This is a handsome harbour community with its medieval castle boasting ancient ruins from the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine eras. Walk around the waterfront as you explore cafes and tavernas like a local before you travel to Athens where you will end your tour of the Greek Islands!
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
Discover the sights, sounds and smells of Andalucian country on this seven-day adventure in Spain’s south. Feast on a variety of region-specific tapas, visit historic hilltop villages and bask in the laidback atmosphere along the Mediterranean coast. Explore some of the best landmarks in Seville and Ronda with your local leader, take a flamenco class in Casa de la Memoria and journey through the Granada Geopark in a 4WD. Whether you’re after a scenic hiking opportunity or some time to sit back and relax with a coffee or glass of wine, Andalucia’s got you covered.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
The 15 day tour of Sicily was absolutely fantastic. The best tour guide ever, her name is Milena. A wonderful driver Alessandro. I felt that it was a pretty comprehensive tour of Sicily seeing all the highlights plus more. Fabulous food in restaurants where we ere taken by Milena. Verdict EXCELLENT.
Local culture
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Villa
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Catania, Taormina, Palermo, Cefa
Catania, Taormina, Palermo, Cefalu, Mount Etna, Syracuse, Sicily, Modica, Piazza Armerina, Trapani
This small-group tour aims to capture the essence of North and Southern India. Begin your trip in Delhi, the fascinating capital divided into two counterparts and the former home of Mughal Muslim Rulers between the 17th and 19th centuries. Continue your journey to Agra, where you will discover the Taj Mahal, commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, and travel to Ranthambore. Visit the National Park, home to the largest tiger population in India where you may come across Royal Bengal Tigers. Next, you will drive to Jaipur, the famous Pink City home to the city palace and the impressive Hawa Mahal. Catch a flight to Southern India from Jaipur to explore Alleppey, a tranquil town and the hub of Kerala’s backwaters. From there you will discover Cochin, an old colonial harbor city boasting breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea before you end your tour of North and Southern India.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
New Delhi, Rajasthan, Kochi, Che
New Delhi, Rajasthan, Kochi, Chennai, Kerala & Tamil Nadu, Agra, Alleppey, Ranthambore National Park, Jaipur
Visit and explore historical Hiroshima on the super-fast Shinkansen bullet train on this short but sweet 3-day tour that leaves from and returns to Osaka.
Walkthrough Hiroshima's Memorial Peace Park with its sprawling, reflective grounds; see the Atomic Bomb Dome, originally the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall; and visit the beautiful island of Miyajima to see the famous floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.
Accommodation, train transport, and full-day guided tour all included. Please see the itinerary and what's included sections for more information on this excellent tour!
