We just got back from the Best of Europe (22 day tour) and it was an amazing experience, but group travel is not for everyone. If you want to meet new people to explore Europe with & can handle being on a schedule - then group travel is for you. If you want to isolate yourself, have trouble with compromise, and are looking to complain about your fellow travelers and the tour guide - then group travel is not for you.
Emma (tour guide) was amazing and reminded professional throughout the tour. She was always willing to answer questions and give a quick history & language lesson about the different cities in Europe. She made the entire trip enjoyable and manageable as she is an excellent communicator.
As for the tour itself, there are a lot of cities and, at times, it's hard to keep them straight - but that's not necessarily a bad thing. This tour gives you a good sense of what Europe is like and where one may want to visit again. The local tour guides were very good for the most part
City sightseeingAdventure
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
10-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Budapest, Paris, Rome, London, V
Budapest, Paris, Rome, London, Venice, Berlin, Vienna, Amsterdam, Prague, Pisa, Zagreb, Lucerne, Innsbruck, Heidelberg, Siena
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
Set out on a remarkable journey from Madrid to Prague with the "A European Journey from Madrid to Prague" tour, a 19-day city sightseeing trip designed for travelers eager to immerse themselves in the heart of Europe’s most iconic destinations. This group tour delivers a comprehensive adventure across six countries, complete with accommodations, transport, meals, and expertly guided excursions.
Begin in Madrid, where the vibrant pulse of Spain’s capital comes alive as you stroll down Paseo del Prado and marvel at historic squares like Plaza Mayor. Venture onward to Barcelona, stopping at the medieval Monastery of Poblet, and discover the bustling Las Ramblas. Your route weaves through the scenic region of Provence and the delightful town of Chamberry before reaching Switzerland. Here, the serene lakes and towering peaks surrounding Zurich offer a breathtaking Alpine interlude.
Cross into Italy for an in-depth exploration of Rome, including the Trastevere district, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the awe-inspiring Coliseum. In Venice, take a boat ride across the Grand Canal to St. Mark’s Square and witness the artistry of Murano glassmakers. Austria’s Alpine grandeur awaits in Kitzbuhel, where a cable car ride provides panoramic mountain views. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Traunsee Lake in Traunkirchen and admire historic castles.
Vienna’s imperial avenues, palaces, and vibrant city center set the stage for a visit to the Schonbrunn Palace and its exquisite gardens. In Hungary, Budapest’s dramatic skyline and a Danube River boat tour create lasting impressions. Finally, the fairy-tale city of Prague welcomes you with its majestic castle and an enchanting cruise on the Vltava River.
The unique selling point of this tour is its masterful blend of bucket-list cities and off-the-beaten-path treasures, all within a relaxed and thoughtfully paced itinerary. For those who appreciate a diverse, culturally rich European trip, this package seamlessly weaves together history, architecture, and scenic wonders for an unforgettable exploration.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Madrid, Prague, Zurich, Innsbruc
Madrid, Prague, Zurich, Innsbruck, Rome, Florence, Venice, Salzburg, Vienna, Budapest, Barcelona, Girona, Chambery, Leysin , Milan
Dive deep into the region’s culture, natural wonders, traditions and historical significance in a one-of-a-kind experience along the Rhine. Delve into the region’s world-renowned museums. Along the way, indulge in Central Europe’s delicious cuisine.
Oh, and did we mention the scenery? Standing on the top deck of your ship, watching the ever-changing landscape turn increasingly dramatic, you’ll understand why people have been raving about the Rhine River Valley for centuries—and there’s definitely no cause to stop.
Jewish Heritage Program (select sailings): Our Jewish Heritage Program is the only one of its kind on the rivers and allows you to dive into Central Europe's enduring Jewish legacy with visits to museums, memorials, synagogues and more. Due to capacity restrictions, we recommend Jewish Heritage excursions be reserved in advance. Please note: Tours that fall on Saturdays will not operate due to Shabbat, and some sites may be closed for inside viewing during the High Holidays, Passover, and other significant events.
