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.
Explore some of Europe’s highlights in Spain and France, without the hassle of airport queues or long driving days, with this rail-only eight-day trip from Paris to Madrid. Only using public transport, you’ll get a unique insight into Paris, Nimes, Barcelona and Madrid, with a local leader who knows all the best hidden spots. You’ll taste croissants, tapas and churros, wander through hidden walkways for excellent panoramic views only locals get to see and witness the interesting past of human creative genius with stops at popular landmarks like Sagrada Familia, and Puerta del Sol. Choose to extend your journey and start in the UK, with the optional Eurostar transfer from London to Paris (it only takes 2.5 hours!).
Want an epic rail journey that takes you to some of the world’s most remote regions? This 11-day adventure is for you. Experience riding a section of the Trans-Mongolian Railway as you make your way from China to Mongolia. Start with the bright lights of Beijing, then take a bullet train to Inner Mongolia. Then, it’s on to the vast steppes of Khustai National Park, the dunes of the Gobi Desert, the spiritual wonders of Sainshand and more. Spend time staying in a traditional ger campsite, join a family of camel herders for lunch and return home with truly unique travel stories to tell!
Get a snapshot of some of the best bits of northern Spain and eastern France. Wander the streets of Barcelona and see the incredible architecture of Gaudi throughout the city before being transported back in time to the medieval walls of Girona. Learn the history of gladiators and bullfighters in the Roman amphitheatre of Nimes and watch the mammoth mountains and crystal coasts streak past on your way to Avignon. Join a mustard making workshop in Dijon and round it all out in the iconic City of Lights – Paris!
From capital to capital, this 15-day adventure through India will take you from the energetic hub of Delhi to the spiritual centre of Kathmandu. Start your journey with the big-ticket sites of the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Old Delhi, then slow down as you move through rural India for a starry night on the bank of the River Ganges. Visit the birthplace of Buddha, enjoy the hospitality of a Thar community homestay, look for the rare Indian rhino at Chitwan National Park and learn recipes from a family in Orchha – this trip is a true look at life in northern South Asia.
Lynn made our Shanghai tour so comfortable and exciting!! It was a new place for us we were nervous and she was so down to earth and made us so comfortable. She even bought us fried shrimp dumplings!! She made us laugh and made the whole experience worthwhile!!
Discover Delhi from a local perspective on this unique tour of the city using bicycles, tuk-tuks, rickshaws, and the metro system. Cycle with your guide through the India Gate to visit the stunning monuments, palaces, and parks that make Delhi so special. Learn how to navigate the metro and wave down motorized rickshaws to visit bustling markets and the breathtaking Jama Mosque.
Discover the allure of Japan's winter as you zip across the country on a bullet train. You'll witness the grandeur of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Kanazawa, home to the revered Meiji Shrine, the mystical Fushimi Inari Taisha, and the tranquil Kenrokuen Garden. In Nagano, meet the snow monkeys, who bask in the warmth of natural hot springs, a delightful sight in the frosty air. And stroll through the fairytale village of Shirakawago, Indulge in the serenity of an onsen ryokan, where you can soak in the rejuvenating hot springs, savor regional delicacies, and experience the quintessence of Japan's winter tranquility.
A very good trip.
Apart from an almost 2 hour wait at the airport on arrival (for someone who’d missed their flight connection) it was all very good indeed.
Explore should’ve provided an additional driver rather than keep me waiting for so long after a very long journey.
I understood the quandary the driver was in as he didn’t want to leave without the other passenger but this should’ve been an eventuality that would already be known. Eventually, we did leave which was just as well because the missing passenger didn’t arrive for another 4 hours or so!
Everything else was great.
On this 15-day adventure traversing Europe from Paris to Istanbul, use local trains to follow the historic routes once used by the Orient Express’ carriages in the 19th century. Travel by train all the way from Paris to Budapest, with stops to explore the historic quarters and modern offerings of Strasbourg, Munich and Vienna. Then change lines and follow another historic route from Belgrade to Istanbul, riding local trains to experience Nis, Sofia and Plovdiv as you go. With plenty of free time to explore at each stop, and a passionate local leader on hand to point you in the right direction, there isn’t a moment you’ll want to miss on this rail adventure.
Want an epic rail journey that takes you to some of the world’s most iconic and remote regions? This 18-day adventure might just be for you! Traverse northern China from Shanghai to Beijing on the bullet train, connecting the most iconic highlights in the country, riding a section of the Trans-Mongolian Railway as you make your way from China to Mongolia. This trip combines neon cities, ancient capitals, world wonders, Mongolian steppes and the Gobi Desert into one punchy rail journey. Watch an epic sunset up the Great Wall, spend time staying in a traditional ger campsite, join a family of camel herders for lunch and return home with truly unique travel stories to tell!
The interactive preparation was quite fun. Being able to learn while making added so much. The Hiroshima visit was heartfelt as we heard a firsthand experience story.
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of the Incas with this unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu. Begin your adventure in Cusco, travel through the scenic Sacred Valley, and arrive at the awe-inspiring Inca Citadel. With expert local guides, explore the ancient marvel, indulge in a gourmet lunch, and return with memories etched in time.
This enchanting Swiss adventure seamlessly weaves scenic train rides with captivating destinations. The adventure begins in Zurich, where you board the train to Interlaken offering breathtaking vistas en route to the heart of Switzerland, Interlaken. The following days unfold like a dream with highlights including the celebrated GoldenPass Line to Montreux, a leisurely stay in the traffic-free village of Zermatt beneath the iconic Matterhorn and a mesmerizing journey on The Glacier Express to the elegant resort of St. Moritz. Then Bernina Express will take you through the picturesque Engadine Valley to Lugano, where you explore the vibrant city before a scenic transfer to Lucerne via the Gotthard Panorama Express. The next day, the adventure continues with the Voralpen-Express to St. Gallen, unveiling the rugged beauty of northeastern Switzerland. Your extraordinary Swiss sojourn concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of diverse landscapes and iconic landmarks
A magical day to tick off the bucket list! Get stuck into a full day of stunning scenery, Nessie spotting as we drive around Loch Ness, and then check out the glorious West Coast – famous for seafood, beautiful beaches, and the Jacobite Steam Train, aka the Hogwarts Express. Channel your inner Harry or Hermione and jump on board to experience it for yourself.