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Number of tours
344+
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Number of reviews
5
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Rating
5
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Response Rate
100%
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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
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 heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track.
You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travellers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline; self-guided journeys small group trips or Private Tours; there is something for every kind of traveller with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.
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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
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 hotels and restaurants. It's why our groups always meet and interact with locals on their holidays. It's why we support charities and initiatives all over the world, and why we set up the Explore Foundation to bring our customers and the destinations and communities that we visit even closer. ....less
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
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 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 framework of action and language to address the world’s most urgent challenges, and whilst all of the goals interweave to underpin sustainable development, we have chosen five where we can have the biggest impact.
Our primary focus will be on climate change. We have a comprehensive carbon strategy and have detailed more about our commitments below. This will be supported by continuing and elevating our attention on education and training, without which long term change would not be possible. We aim to be single use plastic free across all trips by 2021, we have a new robust animal welfare policy and crucially we will be transparent, honest and collaborative in our efforts to lead our industry in responsible travel.
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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
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 framework of action and language to address the world’s most urgent challenges, and whilst all of the goals interweave to underpin sustainable development, we have chosen five where we can have the biggest impact.
Our primary focus will be on climate change. We have a comprehensive carbon strategy and have detailed more about our commitments below. This will be supported by continuing and elevating our attention on education and training, without which long term change would not be possible. We have a new robust animal welfare policy and crucially we will be transparent, honest and collaborative in our efforts to lead our industry in our approach responsible travel.
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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
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, and have reviewed it annually to ensure we are continually improving and monitoring our impacts.
In short, we operate a no contact policy and have implemented a traffic light system which categorises every interaction we have with animals, which itself is independently audited each year. We also know that the change and evolution that we need is not possible without education, learning and understanding, ourselves very much included. So we are working with experts to build training modules, to learn with our suppliers about what is and isn’t possible and ultimately bring everyone on the journey with us and make continual improvements along the way. Collective change is crucial for long term sustainability.
The world around us is absolutely fundamental to our wellbeing and happiness; from the air we breathe and water we drink - to the landscapes we visit. We wouldn’t be able to EXPLORE without healthy ecosystems. We continue to work very closely with experts ANIMONDIAL and Wild Welfare, plus our partners Rewilding Britain, Cool Earth, and ecollective, so that eventually we can guarantee that a holiday with us is positive for the wonderful world in which we live.
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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
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
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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
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
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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
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 B Corp in the travel industry, we're counted among businesses that are leading a global movement for an inclusive, equitable and regenerative economy.
B Corp, or B Corporation, certification recognises companies that meet a high standard of social and environmental performance. The B stands for Benefit for all. This is a movement to change our economic system so that it positively impacts all stakeholders - workers, communities, customers, and our planet. It focuses on making all businesses, in all industries, a force for good.
Certified B Corporations are leaders in the global movement for an inclusive, equitable and regenerative economy. Having B Corp status identifies a company as meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices.
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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
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. You'll come home having seen and experienced the country in a way that other travellers might never have.
If you book a guided trip, like one of our small group tours, your guide (or tour leader) will use their expert insider knowledge and local connections to make the most of unexpected opportunities. You might be invited to watch the sunrise from a lighthouse or to join family Diwali celebrations. They'll be on hand to make sure your trip goes smoothly, taking care of logistics. Our tour leaders are all hand-picked and trained by our experienced team to ensure consistently high standards.
Our average group size is just 12; big enough to meet like-minded people but small enough to get to the heart of a destination. All sorts of people travel on our trips; groups are usually a mix of solos, couples and friends united by an adventurous spirit and a sense of fun. You can call us to learn more about the group already booked on a particular trip (age range, solos vs couples etc).
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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
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 from Asia to Africa, the Arctic to the Americas.
Our Manifesto -
You TRAVEL to your aunt’s house for Easter.
Some people TRAVEL to work.
Are you travelling for business? they ask.
Now EXPLORING. That’s what quickens the pulse.
That’s what Mark Twain did. And Alice in Wonderland.
If travel is the route from A to B, exploring is the meandering road.
It’s the unmarked side street, or the curious turn off.
When you explore, you don’t just focus on getting somewhere,
your eyes are wide open, your senses are alert.
It would be easy to follow the crowds to the famous sights and check them off a list.
But we’ll never just do that.
We prefer going a little deeper, in smaller groups.
Making friends, treading lightly, and being mindful of local communities.
If travel is asking for directions, exploring is taking the time to sit down with a stranger.
If travel lets you see the world, exploring makes you feel it.
Don’t just travel, Explore!
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Accreditations
ABTOT (5207), ATOL (2595) & IATA, Certified B Corp
ABTOT (5207), ATOL (2595) & IATA, Certified B Corp ....less
Which? Recommended Provider 2021
ATOL No. 2595
ABTOT No. 5207
Awards
We've been named a Which? Recommended Provider of escorted tours in July 2022. Feefo's Premium Trusted Service Award
We've been named a Which? Recommended Provider of escorted tours in July 2022. Feefo's Premium Trusted Service Award ....less
Explore! Reviews
Cycle Hadrian's Wall - Coast to Coast
' 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.
Peru Encompassed - spectacular trip
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.
Excellent company
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
Azores Island Hopping
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.
Iceland Northern Lights Adventure
' 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.
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Book With Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel your tour, tourhub doesn't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of Explore! charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of tour cost At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of tour cost At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of tour cost At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of tour cost -
Secure payments
All payments are deposited into an externally regulated Trust account.
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Visiting: Madrid, Pocinho, Porto, Vila Real, Lamego, ...more
Visiting: Madrid, Pocinho, Porto, Vila Real, Lamego, Arribes del Duero Natural Park, Guadarrama, Peñafiel, Spain, Manzanares el Real, Southern Europe, Miranda do Douro Municipality, Segovia, Spain, Zamora, Portugal, Peñafiel ...less View Tour
View TourVisiting: Honduras, El Salvador, Sololá, Puerto Viejo de ...more
Visiting: Honduras, El Salvador, Sololá, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Antigua Guatemala, Granada, Guatemala City, Central America, León, San Juan del Sur, Masaya Volcano National Park, Nicaragua, San José Province, Central America, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Suchitoto, Chichicastenango, Copan Ruinas ...less View Tour
View TourVisiting: Central America, Chiapa de Corzo, Palenque, ...more
Visiting: Central America, Chiapa de Corzo, Palenque, Mexico, Uxmal, Mexico City, Chamula, Puebla, San Juan Teotihuacán, San Cristobal de las Casas, Campeche, Izamal, Central America, Mérida, Monte Albán, Oaxaca ...less View Tour
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