Explore!
  • Number of tours

    324+

  • Number of reviews

    6

  • Rating

    5

  • Response Rate

    100%

  • Response time

    24 hours

About Explore!

We've been taking small groups on adventure holidays for almost 40 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 12; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the ....more

Reasons to tour with Explore!

Unforgettable experiences-from big wows to hidden gems, our tours leave you feeling that you've really explored.

Expert local guides-chosen for great knowledge of their country, and a passion to make your trip extraordinary.

Small group travel-group tours average just 12 people & various private trip options are available too.

We do the right thing-how we operate sets us apart; our flexible booking policy, loyalty scheme & sustainable approach.

Book and travel with confidence-our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us.

Simple, Comfortable and Premium grades of accommodation available,

Sustainability

Responsible tourism is one of the driving principles of Explore. We care deeply about travelling in a way that positively impacts the people and places we visit.

Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is ....more

Images

Bangkok to Saigon by Bike
Bangkok to Saigon by Bike
Madagascar Wilderness Trek
Madagascar Wilderness Trek
Treasures Of Jordan
Treasures Of Jordan
Bangkok to Saigon by Bike
Bangkok to Saigon by Bike
Madagascar Wilderness Trek
Madagascar Wilderness Trek
Treasures Of Jordan
Treasures Of Jordan

Travel with Confidence and be COVID safe with Explore!

At Explore, we do everything we can to ensure responsible travel.

Covid-19 refund promise
10 Days no-fee flexibility
Financially Secure
Full refund if the trip doesn't run


All travellers vaccinated or COVID-Negative
Detailed protocols for hygiene; Social Distancing and robust Safety Standards

What We Offer

On our trips you'll see a mix of famous sights and hidden gems that others miss, or don't even know about. As travellers, we want to experience a country, not merely observe it. We'll take you closer to the country, its culture and people, often in unscripted, spontaneous, impossible-to-replicate ways. ....more

Our Story

Since launching in 1981 with only six tours in a four-page brochure, Explore has grown to offer over 500 trips; from classic ‘discovery’ group tours, solo traveller holidays and active family adventures, to walking holidays and cycling trips. Choose from over 120 countries and explore cultures, landscapes, wildlife and communities ....more

Accreditations

Which? Recommended Provider 2021
Which? Recommended Provider 2021
ATOL No. 2595
ATOL No. 2595
ABTOT No. 5207
ABTOT No. 5207
Which? Recommended Provider 2021
Which? Recommended Provider 2021
ATOL No. 2595
ATOL No. 2595
ABTOT No. 5207
ABTOT No. 5207

Awards

We've been named a Which? Recommended Provider of escorted tours in July 2022.

Explore! Reviews

Feefo Rated Customer

Cycle Hadrian's Wall - Coast to Coast

  • | 02-Nov-2021

' Excellent trip with a mixture of easy riding days, mixed with great scenary ' The trip was excellently organised by the group leader. The accommodation was very good throughout the trip. The bikes were ideal for this trip.

Gemma Jackson

Peru Encompassed - spectacular trip

  • | 02-Jan-2023

I booked for my husband and I to go on the Peru Encompassed trip with the 3 day Amazon extension trip tagged on the end, we also booked to go to Lima few days early to get over the jetlag and see something of Lima before setting off on the group trip. Everything was booked for us by Explore! with seamless ease and without any hitches. This was the first time I had booked onto an organised trip so I was a bit concerned it might not be for us. How wrong I was. We were a group of 9, ranging from 30s to 60s, and a mixture of couples and singles and different nationalities. As a group we gelled really well and chose to spend most of our free time together which made the trip great fun. As for the trip itself, it surpassed all expectations. The Peru Encompassed trip was superb. I don't think any other country offers so much culture, wildlife, specular scenery and amazing food, all of which we experienced in abundance on the trip. We had a local tour guide for the whole trip who was fantastic and then expert guides joined us on different legs of the journey. We learned so much as a result. The highlights for me were visiting the local market in Arequipa with our guide and sampling lots of different fruit and street foods, the day on Lake Titicaca and of course Machu Picchu itself. We booked an additional trip to go back ourselves the second morning which was great as we could do a different route around the ruins and get different views from the afternoon before. Our final highlight was the additional 3 day trip to the Amazon staying at the Hacienda Conception. The lodges were immersed in the jungle which was wonderful if noisy! the food was fab and the daily trips provided were excellent. It was a great relaxing way to end the trip although it did rain quite a bit. Both my husband and I said our trip to Peru was one of the best trips we have ever done.

Ms D Brown

Excellent company

  • | 07-Dec-2022

Excellent company, there are so many trips, you really get looked after. Everything is dealt with by your Tour Leader, all logistics are taken care of and usually things go smoothly, I only use explore because I know what to expect each time, that makes me happy, with a stress free holiday

Stephen

Azores Island Hopping

  • | 08-Nov-2021

Very well organised tour. Brilliant Tour Leader who went out of her way to make sure everyone was happy and enjoyed the trip. The Azores are an incredible location with amazing scenery and good food.

Barbara in Beckenham

Iceland Northern Lights Adventure

  • | 05-Nov-2021

' Steina was a great guide - full of information made the trip so interesting ' Everything was just perfect - just as I had hoped - except the Northern lights were a no show!

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?

It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.

Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.

Should I get travel insurance?

Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us

How long has the tour company been trading?

At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.

Can I join the tour once it has departed?

Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.

Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips, and they come from all walks of life.

Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners

What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.

What is the accommodation like?

We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.

What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

What policies are in place for Covid-19?

Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.

Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at

Do I need to be very fit to book with you?

All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.

What documents will I receive before I travel?

Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.

Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o

Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel

It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.

What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel - these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.

Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.

Videos

7 Nights

Malta and Gozo Discovery

A highlights tour of Malta and Gozo exploring the wealth of historic attractions on these Mediterranean islands.

Starts:Malta International airport
Ends:Sliema
Group Size:4- 18
Difficulty:Moderate
Operator:Explore!

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£1215pp excluding flights £174 per night
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15 Nights

Spirit Of Laos

An exciting adventure that moves through the length and breadth of the most charming country in South East Asia.

Starts:Vientiane
Ends:Bangkok
Group Size:4- 16
Difficulty:Full On
Operator:Explore!

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£2447pp excluding flights £163 per night
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8 Nights

Jordan Discovery

Discover the rugged beauty, delicious food and rich heritage of Jordan.

Starts:Amman
Ends:Amman
Group Size:4- 18
Difficulty:Full On
Operator:Explore!

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£1195
£995pp excluding flights £124 per night
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14 Nights

Botswana Wildlife Safari

Visit Botswana's remote wilderness to track Africa's greatest animals, stay on a houseboat, sleep under canvas in the bush and visit Victoria Falls.

Starts:Maun
Ends:Maun
Group Size:4- 12
Difficulty:Full On
Operator:Explore!

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£3515
£3215pp excluding flights £230 per night
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7 Nights

Maldive Dhoni Cruise

On this holiday, board a traditional Maldivian dhoni cruise and sail through idyllic turquoise waters and palm-finged beaches.

Starts:Male
Ends:Dhoni
Group Size:4- 16
Difficulty:Relaxed
Operator:Explore!

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£1599pp excluding flights £228 per night
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14 Nights

Canadian Rockies and Pacific Coast

This remarkable journey across the Rockies combines spectacular mountain scenery with the beautiful Vancouver Island.

Starts:Vancouver, BC, Canada
Ends:Calgary, AB, Canada
Group Size:4- 12
Difficulty:Moderate
Operator:Explore!

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£4350pp excluding flights £311 per night
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12 Nights

Cycle Vietnam and Cambodia

Join us on this classic cycle journey through the cities and rural landscapes of Vietnam and Cambodia.

Starts:Ho Chi Minh City
Ends:Siem Reap
Group Size:4- 16
Difficulty:Easy
Operator:Explore!

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£2195pp excluding flights £183 per night
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7 Nights

Cycle Portugal - Lisbon to Algarve

We cycle south through wild coastal landscapes, past fishing villages, pristine coves and superb beaches, to the remote south-westerly corner of Europe.

Starts:Lisbon
Ends:Faro Airport
Group Size:4- 16
Difficulty:Moderate
Operator:Explore!

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£1350
£1250pp excluding flights £179 per night
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8 Nights

Hiking in the Georgian Caucasus

The trips offers the chance to trek in a fascinating, off-beat region that's just being discovered by tourism.

Starts:Batumi
Ends:Batumi
Group Size:4- 16
Difficulty:None
Operator:Explore!

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£1219pp excluding flights £152 per night
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12 Nights

Discover Belize

Exotic wildlife, jungle rivers, tropical forests and lost civilisations are all part of this trip to Belize.

Starts:Belize City
Ends:Belize City Harbour
Group Size:4- 16
Difficulty:Full On
Operator:Explore!

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£2715pp excluding flights £226 per night
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14 Nights

Costa Rica Wildlife Tour

Costa Rica forests teem with life, from toucans to sloths. With adventure and beautiful beaches to boot, this two-week trip won't disappoint.

Starts:San Jose
Ends:San Jose
Group Size:11- 16
Difficulty:Moderate
Operator:Explore!

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£2449pp excluding flights £175 per night
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7 Nights

Cycle Dolomites, Lake Garda and Venice

A cycle journey we ride down South Tyrol, past the jagged backdrop of the Dolomites to Lake Garda.

Starts:Venice
Ends:Venice
Group Size:4- 16
Difficulty:Easy
Operator:Explore!

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£1520pp excluding flights £217 per night
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14 Nights

Grand Tour of Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria

In two-weeks experience the highlights of Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria.

Starts:Bucharest
Ends:Bucharest
Group Size:4- 16
Difficulty:FullOn
Operator:Explore!

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£1995
£1895pp excluding flights £135 per night
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7 Nights

Amalfi Coast Walking - Agriturismo

A relaxed walking holiday exploring the spectacular Amalfi Coast.

Starts:Naples Airport
Ends:Naples Airport
Group Size:10- 16
Difficulty:2: Leisurely & Moderate
Operator:Explore!

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£1465
£1170pp excluding flights £167 per night
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7 Nights

Family Tuscan Active Adventure

This energetic family trip explores one of Tuscany's hidden gems, the stunning Garfagnana Valley.

Starts:Lucca
Ends:Pisa Airport
Group Size:4- 16
Difficulty:Moderate
Operator:Explore!

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£1599
£1479pp excluding flights £211 per night
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9 Nights

Cycling in Georgia

A cycling adventure in the Caucasus - a beautiful land steeped in history that straddles two continents.

Starts:Tbilisi
Ends:Tbilisi
Group Size:4- 16
Difficulty:Moderate
Operator:Explore!

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£1619pp excluding flights £180 per night
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7 Nights

Canal Du Midi

A cycling holiday along France's historic Canal du Midi and surrounding countryside.

Starts:Carcassonne Airport
Ends:Carcassonne
Group Size:4- 16
Difficulty:Easy
Operator:Explore!

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£1199pp excluding flights £171 per night
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7 Nights

Cycle the Dalmatian Coast

Explore the beautiful Dalmatian coast by bike from Split to Dubrovnik.

Starts:Split
Ends:Dubrovnik
Group Size:4- 16
Difficulty:Moderate
Operator:Explore!

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£1395pp excluding flights £199 per night
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13 Nights

Azores Island Hopping

A series of easy walks exploring five islands: San Miguel, Terceira, Sao Jorge, Pico and Faial discovering lakes, thermal springs, deep gorges and coastlines.

Starts:Ponta Delgada
Ends:Horta
Group Size:10- 16
Difficulty:2: Leisurely and Moderate
Operator:Explore!

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£2215pp excluding flights £170 per night
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14 Nights

Turkey in Depth

This all-encompassing trip takes-in Istanbul, impressive ancient sites, the unusual terraces of Pamukkale, and visits the World War I battlefields of Gallipoli.

Starts:Istanbul
Ends:Istanbul
Group Size:4- 18
Difficulty:Full On
Operator:Explore!

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£1499
£1349pp excluding flights £96 per night
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