This was a holiday of a life time, and was beyond all our expectations. The whole expedition was superbly organised and all the expedition staff were so enthusiastic, knowledgable and helpful, making sure that everyone had the best experience possible.
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.
Wild nature, self-drive adventure, stunning landscapes! Namibia is a wonderful destination for everyone looking for a real African venture. Choose this 5-day self-drive tour and explore the uniqueness of the country at your own pace. Windhoek, Okahandja and Otjiwarongo are only a few of the truly Namibian towns you will pass through and thrilling game drives in the Etosha National Park will make you feel like a real African explorer. Namibia’s beautiful and varying landscapes and fascinating wildlife will definitely fulfil your expectations of a holiday in nature.
Amboseli National Park provides the classic Hollywood image of Africa. Set in rolling savannah scenery it is dwarfed by the presence of the pink-tinged, snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro which, at 5,896 meters, is the highest free-standing mountain in the world and topped by one fifth of all the ice in Africa. Against this magnificent backdrop roam vast herds of elephant accompanied by a kaleidoscope of other fabulous beasts - lion, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, baboon, gazelle hippo and wildebeest to name but a few.
There are also over 400 species of birds, all manner of reptilian, flora and fauna and some of the most soul-searing views in Africa.
Please refer to the itinerary for more details.
The tour and the guide provided by the team were amazing. Their knowledge of the region and the Perito Moreno Glacier was invaluable, and I felt well-informed about what to expect during my visit. Great job.
Journey between two of California's finest cities, from San Francisco to Los Angeles on this 4-day group tour. Enjoy a San Francisco Bay cruise and see the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. If travelling in summer, enjoy a hike in Yosemite National Park, whilst in winter discover the coastal city of Monterey. Tour the Las Vegas Strip and spend a free night in the city to visit the casinos, and stop at the Hoover Dam before arriving in LA.
If you are interested in ancient civilizations, then this tour is perfect for you. In this eight-day 'Ethiopia: Africa’s Hidden Treasure' tour you will be exploring some of Ethiopia's popular spots for being home to ancient civilizations. This includes a visit to Aksum and Lalibela, among many other locations.
You will also get to visit some of Ethiopia's natural wonders such as the Simien Mountains, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site. You will get the most out of this tour visiting natural sites and learning about Ethiopia's ancient culture and heritage.
Come explore Ethiopia's hidden treasure with us. We guarantee you will take home wonderful memories.
Malta may be one of the world’s smallest countries, but it’s big on ancient history, natural beauty and vibrant culture. Uncover the highlights and hidden treasures of Malta and Gozo on this seven-day adventure with an expert leader to help you see the country through the eyes of a local. Discover what makes Valletta so special during an in-depth walking tour, go back in time at the ancient site of Hagar Qim and learn about a local trade at the Xwejni Salt Pans. Ferry across to neighbouring Gozo and hike along the coastline, then kayak across the water to Comino Island. One thing’s for sure – big things come in small packages.
This eight-day private tour of Jordan involves discovering the important historical as well as mythical sights of the country. Starting from Amman, the capital of the country, this trip will take you to Madaba, Mount Nebo, Jordan River and Dead Sea before coming to an end in the capital.
The major highlight of this trip is the Christian heritage of Jordan. Travel with us to see the place from where Prophet Moses gazed at the promised land before he died. Visit Bethany, a village that comes up five times in the New Testament, and drive south via the Kings’ Highway to visit the Moses Springs.
Also included is a trip to the legendary lost city of Petra. For more details, please scroll down.
We were very happy and impressed with the experience we received on this trek. When we arrived in Kathmandu there was heavy rains and flooding that disrupted normal travel to the Everest region. Yet, this tour operator did an amazing job at organizing everything for us so that we didn’t miss anything and started on time. Our guide Pasang Tamang was amazing and friendly, and he did a fantastic job communicating with us and keeping us safe. Very highly recommend, and I hope to go on another trip with Pasang again.
Welcome to beautiful Namibia! Home to vibrant cities and rich cultural history. The Namib sand dunes, some of which are 300 metres high and span 32 kilometres (20 mi) long, are the second largest in the world. Explore the Kalahari Desert, a lively wilderness where you can often see antelopes and other animals in the dry valleys. Discover Sossusvlei, which during a good rainy season, the Tsauchab River flows into the pan and creates a haven for birds. Even during the dry season, Oryx, Springbok and Ostrich can be seen feeding off the sparse vegetation along the watercourse. Don’t miss the Sesriem Canyon, where centuries of erosion have incised a narrow gorge about 1 km in length. Wonder in Swakopmund at leisure, much loved by Namibians as a welcome respite from the inland heat. It is also popular amongst visitors for its old-world charm and relaxed atmosphere.
