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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,

Responsible Tourism

Explore's tours have always had sustainability at their heart - we want to ensure that our small groups have minimal footprint and maximum positive impact on the places we visit. That's why we choose small, locally owned and run businesses to support – from local partners and tour leaders, to ....more

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

Environmental Sustainability

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.

The goals define a common ....more

Cultural Preservation

We want wildlife to be wild, and nature to be natural
Explore will never knowingly compromise the welfare of any animal for the purpose of our trips. We want to protect animals, keep them wild and contribute towards the best welfare standards in the industry. We launched our policy in 2021, ....more

Images

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

Economic Impact

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.

Klimate
Water-to-Go
Wild Welfare
ecollective
Cool Earth
Ripple Effect
Derek Moore Foundation
Rewilding britain
Mahouts
Animondial
Toilet Twinning
Lone Buffalo
Ecologi

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

Social Responsibility

Explore has had sustainable travel in its DNA since its conception in 1981. Having a positive impact on the places we visit and the people we meet is at the heart of what we do. We are therefore so proud that Explore is a Certified B Corporation. As a Certified ....more

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

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

Filters (324 matches)

tourhub | Explore! | Active Turkey! | Tour Map
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tourhub | Explore! | Highlights of Andalucia | Tour Map
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tourhub | Explore! | Turkey in Depth | Tour Map
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tourhub | Explore! | Shogun Trail | Tour Map
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tourhub | Explore! | Spirit Of Laos | Tour Map
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tourhub | Explore! | Greek Cruise and Island Walking | Tour Map
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tourhub | Explore! | Adventures In Patagonia | Tour Map
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tourhub | Explore! | Japan Food Adventure | Tour Map
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Visiting: Kanazawa, Shirakawa, Osaka, Takayama, Japan, ...more

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tourhub | Explore! | Malta & Gozo Discovery + Sicily Discovery | Tour Map
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tourhub | Explore! | Family Tuscan Active Adventure | Tour Map
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tourhub | Explore! | Cycle the Dalmatian Coast | Tour Map
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tourhub | Explore! | Cycling in Georgia | Tour Map
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tourhub | Explore! | Canal Du Midi | Tour Map
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tourhub | Explore! | Jordan Discovery | Tour Map
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tourhub | Explore! | Central American Explorer | Tour Map
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tourhub | Explore! | Cycle Vietnam and Cambodia | Tour Map
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