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
Madagascar Wilderness Trek
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
ATOL No. 2595
ABTOT No. 5207
Awards
We've been named a Which? Recommended Provider of escorted tours in July 2022.
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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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 60 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 60 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 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit At 59 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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