Highlights Of Japan
11 Days Starting in Tokyo and ending in Osaka
Visiting: Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, Shizuoka, Nihondaira, Tea Farm, Miso Factory, Kusatsu, Iga, Nara, Himeji, Okayama, Hiroshima, Kurashiki, Osaka, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kyoto
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JE
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
- 100% Guaranteed Refunds
- Free Amendments/Cancellation
- Free Date Changes
- Balance due 45 days pre-departure
Tour Overview
Temples, skyscrapers, neon lights and ancient traditions. Few places in the world showcase the meeting of old and new better than Japan! Escape the ordinary on this Japan group tour. On this trip to Japan, travel from buzzing Tokyo to Hakone where the best views of Mount Fuji are found. Explore Hiroshima, Kyoto and more. Discover the best things to do in Japan. Visit incredible temples and castles. Sip on sake, watch sumo wrestlers in action, test out your ninja skills and see geishas adorned in colourful garments. These are the highlights of Japan expertly packed into 11 exciting days!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Of Tour In Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Tokyo! This Highlights of Japan group tour begins in the country’s dazzling capital city. Arrive at the hotel, check in from 15:00 onwards and receive an Expat Explore information pack containing all of the info for the first day’s activities. Meet up with your tour leader and the rest of your group this evening. Tonight, get to know the group over a welcome dinner. Sample your first taste of Japanese cuisine at a Japanese-style pub known as an Izakaya!
Welcome dinner at an Izakaya: Celebrate your first night on tour in Japan with a visit to an Izakaya. These pubs are uniquely Japanese and are popular spots for locals to grab a drink and meal with groups of friends or colleagues. You’ll usually find yakitori, edamame, grilled fish, french fries and more on the menu in an Izakaya. Tuck in and enjoy!
Day 2: Tokyo City Tour
Location: Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, Tokyo awaits! After breakfast, head out on a sightseeing tour of the city with an expert English-speaking local guide. Stroll around Tokyo and see how tradition meets modernity with historic temples and neon skyscrapers lining the streets. The tour includes highlights such as the Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji Fish Market and Takeshita Street - one of the brightest and busiest shopping areas in all of Tokyo! Spend the evening exploring more of this diverse city with free time tonight. Why not head out and find a local spot to enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine for dinner?
Tokyo city sightseeing tour: See the highlights of Tokyo on an exciting city sightseeing day tour! Travel through Tokyo by coach and on foot. Join an expert local guide who will lead a tour through the main attractions of this sprawling city. Visit the grand Meiji Shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken. Marvel at Tokyo’s oldest temple, the Buddhist Senso-ji Temple. Wander through the Nakamise Shopping Arcade and Takeshita Street. Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of Tsukiji Market where you will have free time for lunch - it's the best place to find fresh seafood and produce.
Day 3: Kamakura - Hakone - Shizuoka
Location: Kamakura, Hakone, Shizuoka
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, it’s time to travel to the next stop in Japan. Board the coach to travel towards Shizuoka. En route, embark on sightseeing tours of the seaside town of Kamakura, home to the Great Buddha, as well as Hakone where you can see amazing views of Mount Fuji! There will be free time for lunch during the sightseeing tour - the perfect time to refuel your energy to see the rest of the amazing sights! Arrive in Shizuoka in the early evening. Check in, freshen up and head out to see more of the city. The evening is free to spend as you choose. You could explore nearby Shun Castle Park or enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
City sightseeing tours of Kamakura and Hakone: Visit the city of Kamakura which is a laid-back seaside Japanese city that is home to numerous Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. See the city’s famous Great Buddha in the Kōtoku-in Temple as well as the Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shinto shrine - the city’s most important shrine. Next up is Hakone where you can admire Hakone Shrine - located in a beautiful spot on the edge of Lake Ashi.
Mount Fuji photo stop: Make a photo stop in Hakone where you will find excellent views of the famous Mount Fuji - Japan’s iconic volcano.
Day 4: Nihondaira - Tea Farm - Miso Factory - Kusatsu
Location: Nihondaira, Tea Farm, Miso Factory, Kusatsu
Meals Included: Breakfast
Another day filled with unique Japanese adventures awaits! Today’s first stop is Nihondaira which is famous for its views of Mount Fuji. Next up is a tea farm visit followed by a stop with free time for lunch en route. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to a miso factory before arriving in Kusatsu where the tour will be spending the night. Check into the hotel and then the evening is free to do some exploring! Why not enjoy a taste of one of Japan’s most famous dishes - Ōmibeef - on tonight’s mouthwatering optional excursion?
Take in the views from Nihondaira: Admire the panoramic vistas from Nihondaira. This ancient plateau offers incredible views of Mount Fuji, the Pacific Ocean as well as the beautiful tea plantations in the area.
Visit a tea farm: Shizuoka is known as the green tea capital of Japan! Enjoy a visit to a working tea farm to see how this widely loved drink is produced. You can even try out a bit of tea picking for yourself!
Tour a miso factory: Take a tour around a miso factory to see how this popular Japanese ingredient is produced. Miso is a paste made from fermented soybeans, which is widely used in Japanese cooking - it gives dishes the distinct, salty ‘umami’ flavour.
Day 5: Iga - Nara - Himeji
Location: Iga, Nara, Himeji
Meals Included: Breakfast
Look forward to experiencing a sightseeing tour of Iga and Nara today! Visit the Iga Ninja Museum and the Kehaya Sumo Museum. Afterwards, enjoy free time for lunch in Nara. Next, enjoy a visit to the Todai Temple which houses the world’s largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana (known in Japanese as Daibutsu) followed by time to explore Nara Park and see the free-roaming herds of deer. Arrive in Himeji and enjoy a free evening. Why not visit Otokoyama Hill for amazing views of the city or Egret Himeji, which is a great spot for shopping or grabbing a bite to eat? It also has a rooftop which offers views of Himeji Castle and is open for free to the public.
Learn about the history of the ninja: Enjoy a guided tour around the Iga Ninja Museum which is dedicated to celebrating the history of the ninja! Ninjas were warriors during Japan’s feudal ages known for their unconventional warfare and stealth.
Experience the world of Sumo: Visit the Kehaya Sumo Museum in Nara for insight into all things sumo! Sumo originated in Japan and is a full-contact form of wrestling. Learn all about the history and traditions during the visit - the museum even has its own Sumo arena!
Todai Temple and Deer Park in Nara: Enjoy a visit to Tokai Temple in Nara - this temple is famous for housing the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha Vairocana. Afterwards, enjoy time to wander around Nara Park and encounter the resident, free-roaming deer! Deer are symbols of Nara and while in the park, you can buy crackers to feed the beautiful animals.
Day 6: Himeji - Okayama - Hiroshima
Location: Himeji, Okayama, Hiroshima
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Experience a full day of sightseeing in Himeji and Okayama. Travel by coach and on foot to discover more about these intriguing destinations. Visit the magnificent Himeji Castle to see a great example of Japanese architecture, wander through the stunning Korakuen Garden in Okayama and enjoy free time for lunch during the sightseeing tour. After a day filled with beautiful Japanese sights, it's time to head to Hiroshima. Arrive and check in at the hotel where the tour will be based for the next three nights. Enjoy an included Okonomiyaki dinner with the group tonight!
Visit the Himeji Castle: Enjoy a visit to one of the finest surviving examples of Japan’s castle architecture. Himeji Castle’s construction dates back to the 1300s and it survived extensive bombings in the area during WW2. The brilliant white walls and unique shape were created to resemble a bird taking flight. Himeji is Japan’s most visited castle and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a truly impressive sight to behold!
Wander through the Korakuen Garden: A visit to Korakuen Garden in Okayama is sure to be memorable! Korakuen is located next to Okayama Castle and is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Take a stroll through the grounds and admire the incredible landscapes.
Okonomiyaki dinner: Tuck into a classic Japanese dish during tonight’s included Okonomiyaki dinner. Okonomiyaki is a Japanese Teppanyaki (a style of cooking which uses an iron griddle to cook food) and is a savoury pancake. Popular toppings include pork belly, seafood, cabbage and Okonomiyaki sauce!
Day 7: Hiroshima
Location: Hiroshima
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore the highlights of Hiroshima on a city sightseeing tour after breakfast. Hiroshima’s history stretches back centuries. Today, it is widely remembered for being the target of an atomic bomb attack during WW2. Learn all about the city’s history and the impact of the war during the guided city tour. Embark by coach and travel on foot to see some of the city’s highlights including the impressive Kintaikyo Bridge, Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island as well as the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Tonight is free to spend as you wish. Nagarekawa is a hub for food and entertainment. Why not visit Okonomimura? This food hall in Hiroshima is famous for its Okonomiyaki!
Visit the Kintaikyo Bridge: Take a walk across this impressive, curved wooden bridge which is a distinguished landmark in Yamaguchi.
Visit the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island: Take a trip to Miyajima and see the iconic “floating” gate or torii, which the shrine is famous for. This Shinto Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and many of the buildings and significant items within have been declared national treasures by the Japanese government.
Explore the Peace Memorial Park and Museum: Visit one of the most prominent sites in Hiroshima. The Peace Memorial Park and Museum were built to remember the dropping of the atomic bomb in 1945 and honour the hundreds of thousands of victims of the attack. Explore the museums on-site, see the A-bomb dome and visit the numerous monuments throughout the park.
Day 8: Hiroshima: Free Day
Location: Hiroshima
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a free day to explore more of Hiroshima. Choose to see a whole new side to the city on the Hidden Hiroshima optional excursion which includes a visit to the historic Mitaki Temple, a visit to a local oyster farm where the group will enjoy lunch, and time to explore the serene Shukkeien Garden. The optional excursion finishes up mid-afternoon and the rest of the day is free to spend as you wish. There are a number of exciting things to see and do around the city. You could pay a visit to the Hiroshima Castle or wander through Hijiyama Park, which offers beautiful views and is home to the Hiroshima MOCA.
Day 9: Hiroshima - Okayama - Kurashiki - Osaka
Location: Hiroshima, Okayama, Kurashiki, Osaka
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel onwards to Osaka and explore a little more of what Okayama has to offer today. Board the coach after breakfast for more sightseeing adventures! Enjoy city tours of Okayama and Kurashiki where you will have free time to enjoy lunch. Once the group has fueled up on some delicious Japanese food, it’s time to continue onwards and enjoy an included sake tasting and museum tour! Later, arrive in Osaka and check into the hotel where the group will spend the next two nights. Tonight you have the option to explore Osaka on a sightseeing tour which includes a visit to the vibrant Dotonbori area!
Sightseeing tour of Okayama: See the highlights of the city which boasts some of the best weather in Japan! It is home to the Okayama Castle (also known as “Crow Castle” thanks to the black exterior) and the beautiful Korakuen formal garden.
Enjoy a city tour of Kurashiki: Get to know more about this charming old merchant town. See the canals and traditional Japanese houses surrounded by beautiful willow trees.
Sip on sake in Nada: The Nada region is Japan’s foremost sake-producing region. Visit the Sake Museum to learn all about this Japanese rice wine that is enjoyed throughout the country and the world!
Day 10: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest - Kyoto - Osaka
Location: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kyoto, Osaka
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Escape into nature this morning on a visit to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before travelling to the forest which is one of Kyoto’s top attractions. Next up, spend time wandering through Kinkakuji (also known as the Golden Pavilion) before visiting the Kiyomizu Temple for some exploring and free time to have lunch. This afternoon, visit Gion - Kyoto’s historic geisha district and browse the many shops. Keep an eye out for geishas strolling through the streets! It’s the last night of this incredible tour and the group will be celebrating with an included farewell dinner. Toast to your favourite memories over a delicious meal tonight!
Wander through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest: Visiting this majestic bamboo grove feels like an otherworldly experience! Take a stroll along the path that runs through the towering green stalks. This is one of Kyoto’s most photographed spots!
Visit Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavilion: Pay a visit to this beautiful building which is one of Japan’s most popular! Kinkakuji is a Zen temple and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Interestingly, this temple uses a different style of Japanese architecture on each floor.
Explore the Kiyomizu Temple: This picturesque Buddhist temple is one of Japan’s most celebrated temples. Kiyomizu, which means Pure Water Temple, was named after the nearby Otowa Waterfall. Admire the views of the surroundings from the large wooden deck.
Greet geishas in the Gion district: Visit Gion to see geishas adorned in colourful garments. Along with these Japanese hostesses, Gion is home to streets filled with shops, a great number of Japanese teahouses and excellent restaurants.
Farewell dinner in Osaka: Celebrate the last night on an incredible tour with a group farewell dinner this evening.
Day 11: End Of Tour In Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast
After ten experience-filled days, the Highlights of Japan tour comes to an end today. Enjoy a final breakfast with the group before travelling back to Tokyo. The transfer will be by coach and will last approximately 10 hours, with Tokyo Station being the final stop. Alternatively, choose to end the tour in Osaka and transfer to Kansai Int ’l Airport by airport shuttle bus or transfer to Shin-Osaka and take a bullet train to Tokyo at an additional cost. Arrive in Tokyo where the tour ends. Reminisce about your time on this Japan trip. Swap memories and contact details with your newly made travel friends before saying goodbye and heading home.
What's Included
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Accommodation
10 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability) -
Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats
Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days) -
Meals
10 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
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Experiences
Welcome Dinner at a Japanese-style pub, known as an Izakaya
Stroll through Tokyo’s vibrant neighbourhoods on a city sightseeing tour
Visit the Meiji Shrine
Explore the Tsukiji Fish Market
Visit the Great Buddha in Kamakura
See the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shinto shrine
Visit Hakone Shrine on the shores of Lake Ashi
Snap pictures of the impressive Mount Fuji during a photo stop
Take in the views from Nihondaira
Visit a tea farm
Tour a miso factory
Learn about the history of the ninja at the Iga Ninja Museum
Experience the world of Sumo at the Kehaya Sumo Museum in Nara
Visit Todai Temple and Deer Park in Nara
Visit the beautiful Himeji Castle
Wander through the Korakuen Garden
Enjoy an Okonomiyaki dinner
Visit the Kintaikyo Bridge
Visit Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island
Explore the Peace Memorial Park and Museum
Sightseeing tour of Okayama
Enjoy a city tour of Kurashiki
Sip on sake at the Sake Museum in Nada
Meander through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Visit Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavilion
Explore the Kiyomizu Temple
Greet geishas in the Gion district
Farewell dinner in Osaka
What's Not Included
International flights
Travel to the start point and from the endpoint is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.
Travel insurance
For a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with the peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.
All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance. Click here for more information.
Mode of Transport
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats
- Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
Accommodation
- 10 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
- Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
Traveller Comfort - *COACH* tours
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
For more information regarding traveller fitness please see our Terms and Conditions.
Check out our Q&As
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Due to weight and space limitations, you are allowed to bring one main piece of luggage weighing no more than 20kg, and one small soft bag for hand luggage weighing a maximum of 7kg. On all tours, you will have to carry your own luggage. Please bear this in mind when you are deciding what to pack.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Single travelers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
It depends on how many other people book! There could be up to 51 other passengers, so you will have the opportunity to make lots of friends!
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
All travellers are required to carry their own bags, get on and off the coach and use public transport. Our city walking tours can last up to 3 hours and certain places involve walking up and down lots of steps. We want you to enjoy your tour, so read through the itinerary thoroughly and make your own conclusions as to whether you feel that you are fit and healthy enough.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No. Japan visa requirements vary from country to country.
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Our tour leaders come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and interests. They are all confident and well-travelled with an in-depth knowledge of the destinations they are working in, and a passion for helping you make the most out of your Expat Explore tour.
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What is the tipping policy?
Whilst we fully understand that some nationalities are not accustomed to tipping, this is a normal part of the culture in many of the countries we visit. Tipping has become an increasingly accepted practice in all areas of the service industry, but particularly in restaurants, bars and taxis worldwide. Expat Explore crew members
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting destination for the first day of your tour. Make sure you keep departure times and possible delays in mind when booking flights.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Our tours are not suitable for children under the age of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email for consideration. Expat Explore reserves the absolute right to accept or decline a booking at our discretion.
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
We have searched and invested in excellent accommodation options, either located in cities or well placed with public transport connections. Clean linen, towels is always included. Toiletries (shampoo, shower gel etc) and hair dryers are not always included, so you may wish to bring these with you. Accommodation is provided in twin share en-suite rooms. We use a mix of mostly 2, 3 & 4-star hotels.
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Are flights included in this tour?
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting destination for the first day of your tour. Make sure you keep departure times and possible delays in mind when booking flights.
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Our travelers come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and interests.
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What currencies are required for this tour?
Credit cards are widely accepted in Japan - Visa, MasterCard and American Express cards - and ATMs are readily available in all major cities. Travellers should keep in mind that Japan is still very much a cash culture, especially in smaller shops and regional areas, so it is always a good idea to keep cash on you. Travelers Cheques are also an option, although it is wise to have these available in
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.
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Children on tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Dates & Availability
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Monday - Thursday
Jul 15, 2024 - Jul 25, 2024Monday - Thursday
Sep 02, 2024 - Sep 12, 2024Monday - Thursday
Sep 16, 2024 - Sep 26, 2024Monday - Thursday
Oct 21, 2024 - Oct 31, 2024Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Expat Explore Travel allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 76 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Expat Explore Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of expat explore travel charges.
Up to 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Secure payments
All payments are deposited into an externally regulated Trust account.
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