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
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
ABTOT (5207), ATOL (2595) & IATA, Certified B Corp
Awards
We've been named a Which? Recommended Provider of escorted tours in July 2022. Feefo's Premium Trusted Service Award
Explore! Reviews
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.
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337 Explore! Tours
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Visiting: Azrou, Rissani, Fes el Jadid, Foum Zguid, ...more
Visiting: Azrou, Rissani, Fes el Jadid, Foum Zguid, Goulemin, Anti-Atlas, Draa Valley, Merzouga, Taroudant, Fes, Marrakech, Casablanca, El Kelaa des M'Gouna, Tata, Rif Mountains, Erfoud, Essaouira, Mhamid, Morocco, Tinerhir, Valley of 1000 Kasbahs, Chefchaouen, Fes el-Bali, Mirleft, Dades Valley, Rabat, Taghjijt Valley, Er Rachidia ...less
View Tour RecommendedVisiting: Alájar, Castaño del Robledo, Cordoba, Córdoba, ...more
Visiting: Alájar, Castaño del Robledo, Cordoba, Córdoba, Galaroza, Southern Europe, Granada, Spain, Malaga, Aracena, Seville ...less
View Tour RecommendedVisiting: Jebel Sahro, Marrakech, Morocco, Dades Valley, ...more
Visiting: Jebel Sahro, Marrakech, Morocco, Dades Valley, Merzouga, Atlas Mountains, Nkob, Erfoud, Rissani, Tinerhir, High Atlas, El Kelaa des Mgouna ...less
View Tour RecommendedVisiting: Chamonix, Col du Voza, Le Prarion, Charamillon, ...more
Visiting: Chamonix, Col du Voza, Le Prarion, Charamillon, Les Houches, Le Tour, Les Praz, Montroc, Le Buet, Chalet de la Flegere, Chamonix Valley, France, Les Granges, Les Autannes ...less
View TourVisiting: Kastel Kambelovac, Zuljana, Southern Europe, ...more
Visiting: Kastel Kambelovac, Zuljana, Southern Europe, Hvar, Hvar Island, Eastern Europe, Peljesac Peninsula, Croatia, Korcula, Cavtat, Split, Trogir, Dubrovnik ...less
View TourVisiting: Nova Gorica, Slovenia, Bohinjska Bistrica, Izola, ...more
Visiting: Nova Gorica, Slovenia, Bohinjska Bistrica, Izola, Eastern Europe, Ukanc, Ljubljana, Southern Europe ...less
View TourVisiting: Llaqtapata, Cusco, Pisac, Wayllabamba, ...more
Visiting: Llaqtapata, Cusco, Pisac, Wayllabamba, Llulluchapampa, Phuyupatamarca, Peru, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo ...less
View TourVisiting: Battambang, Thailand, Bangkok, Vietnam, Cambodia, ...more
Visiting: Battambang, Thailand, Bangkok, Vietnam, Cambodia, Ho Chi Minh City, Indochina, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap ...less
View TourVisiting: Bucegi Mountains, Bucharest, Sinaia, Zărnești, ...more
Visiting: Bucegi Mountains, Bucharest, Sinaia, Zărnești, Bran Valley, Romania, Eastern Europe, Piatra Craiului Mountains, Bran, Moeciu ...less
View TourVisiting: Arenal Volcano National Park, Central America, ...more
Visiting: Arenal Volcano National Park, Central America, Costa Rica, Rio Tarcoles Bridge, Ballena National Park, Sarchi, Corcovado National Park, Doka Coffee Estate, Manuel Antonio National Park, Cano Island, Arenal, Dominical, Central America, Gulf and Peninsula of Nicoya, San Jose, Carara Biological Reserve, Grecia, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio ...less
View TourVisiting: Borjomi, Garni, Stepantsminda, Kakheti, Telavi, ...more
Visiting: Borjomi, Garni, Stepantsminda, Kakheti, Telavi, Kaspi, Gremi, Khertvisi Fortress, Zvartnots, Ananuri, Armenia, Amberd Fortress, Kutaisi, Lake Sevan, Areni, Haghpat, Khor Virap Monastery, Selim Pass, Akhaltsikhe, Geghard, Gelati, Mtskheta, Alaverdi, Batumi, Dilijan, Gori, Vardzia, Central Asia, Georgia, Gudauri, Tbilisi, Yerevan, Central Asia, Oshakan, Echmiadzin, Noravank Monastery ...less
View TourVisiting: Southern Europe, Jameos del Agua, Spain, La ...more
Visiting: Southern Europe, Jameos del Agua, Spain, La Geria, Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote, Costa Teguise, La Graciosa ...less
View TourVisiting: Bulgaria, Halkidiki Peninsula, Bansko, Galicica ...more
Visiting: Bulgaria, Halkidiki Peninsula, Bansko, Galicica National Park, Ohrid, Skopje, Eastern Europe, Mavrovo National Park, Philippi, Northern Europe, Saint Joakim Osogovski Monastery, Kratovo, Lake Ohrid, Heraclea, Rila Monastery, Southern Europe, Thassos Island, Vergina, Kavala, Pelister National Park, Pella, Thessaloniki, Sofia, Matka Gorge, Lake Prespa, Mount Athos, Greece ...less
View TourVisiting: Kabak, Faralya, Kas, Bel, Patara, Dalaman, Gey, ...more
Visiting: Kabak, Faralya, Kas, Bel, Patara, Dalaman, Gey, Paspatur, Alinca, Delikkemer, Fethiye, Turkey, Ovacik ...less
View TourVisiting: Cano Blanco, Turrialba, Tortuguero National Park, ...more
Visiting: Cano Blanco, Turrialba, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal, Santa Cruz, Cartago, Pacific Coast, Santa Elena Reserve, La Fortuna, Central America, Osa Peninsula, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Central America, Irazu Volcano, San José, Dominical, Monteverde, Arenal Volcano, Carara Biological Reserve, Costa Rica ...less
View TourVisiting: Playa de la Caleta, Spain, Tenerife, ...more
Visiting: Playa de la Caleta, Spain, Tenerife, Vallehermoso, Garajonay National Park, San Miguel de Abona, Valle Gran Rey, Arure, San Sebastian, Los Cristianos, Mount Teide, Agulo, Hermigua, San Sebastián de La Gomera, Southern Europe, La Gomera, Canary Islands ...less
View TourVisiting: Ella, Horton Plains National Park, Sigiriya, ...more
Visiting: Ella, Horton Plains National Park, Sigiriya, Galle, Negombo, Peradeniya, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, Demodara, Kataragama, Ambalangoda, Beruwala, Yala National Park, Kandy, Dambulla, Bentota, Nuwara Eliya, Colombo ...less
View TourVisiting: Guayadeque Canyon, Canary Islands, Roque Nublo, ...more
Visiting: Guayadeque Canyon, Canary Islands, Roque Nublo, Canary Islands, Tejeda, Canary Islands, Gáldar, Rosiana, La Aldea, Canary Islands, Pico de las Nieves, Canary Islands, Veneguera, Aguimes, San Bartolome, Canary Islands, Acusa Seca, Canary Islands, Aguimes, Canary Islands, Santa Lucia, Barranco de Mogan, Southern Europe, La Aldea de San Nicolás, Spain ...less
View TourVisiting: Svaneti, Georgia, Mestia, Jvari, Ushguli, Mazeri, ...more
Visiting: Svaneti, Georgia, Mestia, Jvari, Ushguli, Mazeri, Zugdidi, Central Asia, Mount Ushba, Batumi, Central Asia, Koruldi Lakes ...less
View TourVisiting: Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, Indochina, Halong Bay, ...more
Visiting: Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, Indochina, Halong Bay, My Son, Cu Chi Tunnels, Hue, Da Nang, Mekong Delta, Hoi An, Cai Be, Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Hanoi ...less
View TourVisiting: Central America, Central America, Merida, Mérida, ...more
Visiting: Central America, Central America, Merida, Mérida, Teotitlan del Valle, Chiapa de Corzo, Campeche, Puebla, Mexico, Mexico City, Coyoacan, San Cristobal de las Casas, Oaxaca ...less
View TourVisiting: Lajes do Pico, Silveira, Praia do Norte, Horta, ...more
Visiting: Lajes do Pico, Silveira, Praia do Norte, Horta, Faial Island, Azores, Porto do Calhau, Southern Europe, Faial Island, Azores, Horta, Azores, Portugal, Sao Jorge, Azores, Horta, Sao Joao, Madalena, Misterios do Sul do Pico, Pico Island, Sao Jorge Island, São Miguel, Velas, Ponta Delgada ...less
View TourVisiting: Puerto Natales, Buenos Aires, Torres del Paine, ...more
Visiting: Puerto Natales, Buenos Aires, Torres del Paine, Torres del Paine National Park, El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier, Tierra del Fuego National Park, Argentina, El Chaltén, Chile, Punta Arenas, Ushuaia ...less
View TourVisiting: Monteverde, Rincon de la Vieja National Park, ...more
Visiting: Monteverde, Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Guatemala City, Mombacho Volcano, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Costa Rica, Central America, Chichicastenango, Chiriqui Province, El Salvador, Arenal, Central America, Panama City, Iximche, San Salvador, Guatemala, Puerto Viejo, Tikal, La Union, León, Bocas del Toro, Honduras, Potosí, Arenal Volcano, Nicaragua, Ometepe, Joya de Cerén, Copan Ruinas, Lake Atitlan, Panama, Suchitoto, Antigua, Conchagua, Copan, Granada ...less
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