News and Features

Having cycled from the Dolomites to Lake Garda in northern Italy last year the vote from the whole family, three teenagers included, was to go back...

Our Customer Sales & Support Executive, Charlotte, recently experienced her first trip with Explore! Discover her trip from the beautiful...

Our Adventure Travel Consultant Ashley shares her reasons why Eastern Europe should be at the top of your bucket list... 

Explore is not only committed to sustainability on our trips, but also at home in our Farnborough HQ as well. On the 22 September we celebrated...

Portugal’s stunning scenery, attractive cities, blissful beaches and quiet coastal walks have been impressing travellers for centuries, so...

In the UK we don’t seem to get much of a winter anymore – save for a few frosty mornings and the occasional bitter flurry of snow that...

Summer might be drawing to a close in Europe, but elsewhere in the world the skies are sunny and temperatures perfect for a cycling holiday. Autumn...

A holiday to Costa Rica can only mean two things – adventure and wildlife. The unique geography of the country has created diverse ecosystems...

Thanks in part to TV shows like Planet Earth II and Escape to Costa Rica, the tiny country bordered by Nicaragua in the north and Panama in the...

Beautiful beaches, steamy cloud forests and a friendly population make Costa Rica an irresistible draw for many travellers; however its main...

As well as being passionate about adventure travel, we’re also militant about excellent service – it’s one of our five brand...

The Inca Trail is South America’s most iconic trek and thousands of walkers make the journey each year. However if you’ve never been to...

The Inca Trail is South America’s most iconic trek, following in the footsteps of the ancient civilisation that created Machu Picchu, from...

The world of women’s cycling is changing: since 2013, more than 723,000 women have got on a bike and started pedalling – and...

Our new Cycle Tanzania trip has recently seen its first departure, with a group of lucky travellers heading off to pedal through the Rift Valley...

Three avid cyclists from Explore’s Product team set off on our Coast to Coast trip in July, hoping for sunny skies, smooth ascents...

For first-time visitors, India’s chaotic cities, intoxicating monuments, exasperating traffic and sheer size may seem a little overwhelming...

There’s no getting away from it: India is enormous, and you’d never get to see the whole country on one trip. If you’ve already...

Summer may have only just arrived (or if the past week is anything to go by, never happened) but if you’re looking to spend your Christmas...

As summer draws to a close, the resorts of Europe breathe a sigh of relief as tourism wanes and the temperatures lessen to more bearable...

Digital Marketing Executive Holly Waghorn recently chose our Self-guided Walking the Cinque Terre trip as a personal holiday; we asked...

Adventure Travel Consultant Deborah Brown recently returned from her first training trip with Explore, exploring the Amalfi Coast on foot...

Worldwide Programme Manager Hannah travelled on a whistle-stop trip to Peru to meet with some of our partners where she found that the highlights...

So, you have 12 spare hours in South East Asia, what could you do with them? Take a look at some of our tips from our Asia Product Manager, Chris...

Adventure Travel Consultant and Polar Specialist Hannah embarked on an Arctic journey through the Norwegian Fjords and on to Svalbard and ...

Product Executive Caroline and Customer Sales Executive Mandy had the enviable task of travelling to the Seychelles to recce the islands and find...

Maximum flexibility – minimal fuss. On an Explore self-guided walking holiday you are the leader, discovering Europe’s stunning...

On an Explore self-guided holiday the world is your oyster: exploring on foot or on two wheels, your carefully planned route stretches out ahead so...

When travelling by coach you get to see the sights, but it’s the detail along the way that you might miss.

Head of Product Simon Grove shares his experience of exploring Sudan, Africa's third largest country. Experience Sudan for yourself on our...

Europe Product Manager Clare shares her favourite experiences from Chernobyl and Kiev, a trip she first put together as part of our Explore Beyond...

Travelling from Kyoto’s peaceful gardens to Tokyo’s soaring towers, our moderate grade Cycle Japan tour takes you on an immersive tour...

If every year you feel inspired by the Tour de France and the beautiful summer weather to get out on a bike, why not make 2017 the year you finally...

“Thoroughly enjoyable,” “hassle free;” “a real taste of Latin America.” This is just some of the excellent...

The last remaining monarchy in Africa, Swazlinad offers it's visitors a unique opportunity to spot black and white rhino in quieter Game...

High on many people’s ‘must visit’ lists is at least one experience of Africa: from viewing the Great Migration in Tanzania, to...

With so many different types of accommodation available on safari, how do you decide which is the best for you?

South Africa’s incredible diversity lends itself perfectly to a tailor-made holiday, which is why we’re excited to be adding it to our...

Do you all have a taste for adventure, a passion for travel and a desire to explore the world? Yes to all three?

Summer might only just be making an appearance, but if you want to secure your spot on a family holiday to remember this autumn then it’s...

When you add in the cost of lift passes, transfers, ski hire and tuition, the annual family winter skiing trip is growing ever more expensive. 

After much deliberation and voting by the staff here at Explore, we’re really excited to announce that for 2017 we will be supporting the...

Adventure Travel Consultant Abigail travelled on our Contrasts of Mexico trip and here she shares her highlights.

"What are you going there for?" Was the question asked by everyone when I told them I was travelling to Romania.

With its ancient ruins, hidden cities, wild desert and untouched coral reefs, Jordan is the perfect family playground.

Jordan has been romancing its visitors for centuries, with its compelling blend of ancient sites, desert vistas, mouth-watering cuisine and...

Trekking in the Nepalese Himalaya is to discover a spiritual world of glittering mountain peaks, holy sites, soul-stirring views and special...

Can’t wait to get walking? Here are our top recommendations for fantastic trips this summer.

If you take a quick scan through the independent online reviews for our best-selling Amalfi Coast Walking holiday, you’ll soon see that the...

Every year, Explore asks its local agents based all around the world to suggest a project or charity to receive funding for its annual Responsible...

Having travelled to north India previously, Head of Customer Sales & Support Tanya was excited to discover Kerala, the laid back southern part...

Customer Support Executive Belinda put her worries of overland travel to one side and headed off on our Indochina Encounter trip across Thailand...

What makes a Beyond trip? In true Explore spirit they’re always adventurous, pioneering and responsible. Taking you truly off the tourist...

Alongside a cash prize for themselves and the opportunity to visit the UK, the winners and runners-up of our Tour Leader Awards all receive a...

Explore family adventures are designed to fit around school holiday dates, but just because school’s out it doesn’t mean our trips are...

Pioneering experiences to unforgettable destinations

Mike Tyler, a former director at Explore, and his wife recently enjoyed our ‘Cycle Sri Lanka’ trip. Here’s his report on why it...

Explore Product Managers Carmel Hendry and Hannah Methven are currently training for the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 and our Coast to Coast...

We’ve been working on a new range of tours specifically designed for families with older teenagers, looking to embark on an adventure of a...

Explore’s range of centre-based activity holidays are ideal for multi-generational family holidays, offering complete flexibility; although...

Turquoise sparkling seas, children diving off the boat, adults enjoying a glass of wine, relaxing in the sunshine; welcome to our range of family...

All aboard the MS Expedition! Ever wondered what it feels like to be on board an expedition ship on one of our polar adventures? 

What better way to round offa trip to Cuba than by relaxing for 2 days on the beach? We’ve added a beach extension onto our 3 shortest (8 day...

Media Production Executive Nick - the man in charge of creating our videos recently embarked on his first group trip, travelling on our Buddha...

Welcome aboard! Kevin Morgan, a vastly experienced Expedition Leader who leads many of our voyages in the Polar regions, is a marine naturalist, a...

If you’ve heard of the Balkan countries but that’s about it, take an exciting trip to see for yourself why an increasing number of...

After recently returning from our Blue Nile and Lalibela Ethiopia trip find out more about Product Executive Caroline’s experience...

Last week we welcomed Explore Leaders from around the world to Explore HQ for some world class training. We were also joined by Gusti (R), Lhoucine...

PR Executive, Olivia recently travelled to Cuba with her step mum for a week of easy walking on our Cuba Highlights on Foot trip. How did...

How many steps do you think Hannah took to the summit and back of Mount Toubkal?

We’ve got three FABULOUS new self-guided walking trips in the French Riviera and Madeira, which are a must if you love panoramic mountain and...

Walking Programme Manager Caroline Phillips and Self-Guided Product Manager Ali Butler set out for the Riviera on a recce from a stormy Farnborough...

To celebrate our Balkans & Greece offer we've found out the most interesting facts about the region - did you know any of these?

If you're always looking for ways to get the most out of your annual leave then we have a quick win for you. If you book your time off from...

Adventure family holidays don’t have to cost the earth. If you’re looking for an alternative to a fly-and-flop holiday, check out our...

Graphic Designer Jamie embarked on a journey of firsts to Thailand and Burma – first group trip, first solo adventure and first...

Going on a family adventure holiday doesn’t have to mean roughing it or missing out on some well-needed rest and relaxation time. Nearly all...

We ask our new Family Programme Manager, Antony Barton, for his favourite holiday tips and treats. 

Customer Relations Executive Jasmine took a step out of our comfort zone and headed on a cultural trip of Moscow and St Petersburg. How did it...

Keen photographer and Specialist Travel Consultant Andy Jackson travelled on our Oman Arabian Sands trip where he enjoyed a technology...

Samantha Manning, our Tailormade Regional Specialist for Asia, travelled through India and was overwhelmed by the choice of dishes and incredible...

Have you got a question about India? Here are the top six most frequently asked at Explore – contact us on 01252 883184 if what you want to...

At Explore, we’re naturally passionate travellers. We love to pop our ‘out-of-office’ messages on, get on the road and go in...

Hannah Methven, an Explore Worldwide Programme Manager, recently travelled to Hampi in India’s central region and discovered peaceful, rural...

You CAN find the perfect cycling holiday for under £1000 – we have many great trips to choose from in Europe, the Middle East, Africa...

As Explore celebrates its 20th anniversary of offering high-quality cycling trips, James Adkin, Programme Manager, cycling adventures...

Claire McCrum, Specialised Travel Consultant recently travelled with her family on a group trip to India, after her husband and kids headed back...

Have you been tuning into Levison Wood's 'Walking the America's'? We have and we've been inspired to share our own stories of...

For many, the sound of sleeping in an ice hotel surrounded by snow seems like a strange way to spend the night. But as Product Executive Michelle...

Asia Product Manager Glyn tells us more about the contrasts of China from his recent recce trip.

On the 21st August 2017, millions of people across the US will be witnessing the astronomical phenomenon of a total solar eclipse – here...

#explorethemoment with our Product and Operations team; here they describe their top 10 cities based on their favourite moments.

Titilaka, one of the Peruvian hotels recommended by Explore Tailormade, has been awarded a place on Conde Nast Traveller magazine’s...

Here's our walking calendar for 2017 filled with both easy and more challenging walks and treks to see you through 2017.

Here's what we think will be big in the world of walking in 2017

If your new year’s resolutions include getting into shape, taking up a fresh interest or having different experiences, our wide range of...

We have some great walking and trekking trips for under £1000 in a diverse and exciting range of countries. So you will find something to...

Peru has more ancient archaeological sites than any other country in South America. The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are a ‘must do’ but...

Peru has been nominated the World’s Leading Culinary Destination for the past five years by the World Travel Awards, an accolade they take...

Explore's Americas Product Executive, Rachel Britton, recently travelled to Peru for the second time, 12 years later. Here’s why she...

Share your best Explore moment for your chance to win!

Stuck for where to go in 2017? We’ve predicted the key travel trends, which include visiting countries which are celebrating their...

Self-Guided and Cycling Specialist Ali is getting ahead with her New Year's resolution - here she talks about her cycling plans for 2017.

Our Tailormade Product Executives, Hannah Cuss and Rachel Britton, travelled to Peru’s Sacred Valley and stayed at the recently opened...

Experience real Cuba staying with local families in traditional ‘casas particulares’ 

On her first trip to South East Asia Sales Supervisor Jayne discovered the highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia, including Ha Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh...

Explore customer Dale Fehringer, recently travelled on our Cycle the Baltic States, he enjoyed it so much, that he felt compelled to write about it...

Travelling on our bestselling Highlights of Iran trip, Customer Sales Manager Melissa Garland was excited at the opportunity to explore such a...

We’re always on the lookout for new ideas, opportunities and openings to enable us to bring you the very best a destination has to offer

Fresh from her adventures on our Highlights of Central America trip, Product Manager Carmel Hendry talks to us about how it feels to traverse 5...

Explore will be at the following shows throughout January and February 2017. Come along and meet the team, enter our competition and find out more...

Digital Marketing Executive Holly recently travelled on her first group holiday and first Explore trip to Jordan. With a hint of trepidation after...

Americas Product Manager Carmel recently recced the Backwaters of Guyana Expedition trip and here she talks about her exciting experiences

Introduced as an Explore Beyond trip, Sao Tome with Kathleen Becker is a unique insight into a largely undiscovered island. So, apart from the...

It's a hard life, but someone at Explore had to have their training trip to the Maldives! Our Customer Relations Supervisor, Sam, was the lucky...

Why not spend this Christmas in the tropical rainforests of Costa Rica? Or how about exploring the temple plains of Bagan, Burma? We've got a...

If you want to get completely away from it all, you can ‘go off the beaten track’ with beaches too! Here are our top picks for the best...

If you’d like to be in with a chance of seeing your own photography in our 2018 calendar, simply choose your favourite high resolution...

Our Product Manager, Carmel, shares her top South American moments spent on this magical continent contrasts.

We have partnered with Reevoo, who independently collect and verify our customer's reviews once they return from their trip. Each customer is...

With Explore you can find the holiday to suit you for under £1000 this summer. Our Cultural trips include visits to iconic sites and let you...

The Balkans Peninsula is located in the south-east of Europe stretching down from Romania to the tip of Greece and is one of the few relatively...

Explore's Julie Holloway recently visited India for the first time and the experience she had was the opposite of what she expected...

Explore are delighted to announce that we have recently made an agreement with a new small jungle lodge run by an indigenous community in Tambopata...

We recently removed all elephant riding from our trips, a decision taken after much deliberation and discussion with a range of experts, including...

Morocco...a country of contrasts - from the hustle and bustle of Djemaa el-Fna Square, to the desert surrounding the High Atlas Moutains and the...

Explore's Head of Finance, Eileen, travelled to the beautiful coastline of Croatia to discover the ancient towns of the Dalmatian Coast. Find...

The rugged and rainforested Central American country of Costa Rica has both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines and is known around the...

Walking Programme Manager Caroline Phillips shares how she put together our 'taste of...' trips in Italy.

Have you ever wondered what the rest of the world does to welcome in the New Year?

Andy Stenning usually spends his days as part of the Explore I.T. team, but recently he swapped this for almost three weeks exploring Armenia,...

We visit the world's biggest festival - the Kumbh Mela - on our new Explore Beyond trip Kumbh Mela with David Short. These five facts will give you...

We asked our resident cycling expert James Adkin where he would go if he was off on a cycling holiday over the Easter period. Here are his top five...

Nick Langridge was the September winner of our blog competition with his article about his experiences on our Belarus Explorer trip.

Customer Sales Manager Melissa Garland took advantage of some time out of the office and visited Italy with her son this summer. They joined our In...

South Africa is an extraordinary country, home to a huge scope of landscapes, people and activities. From the vast nature reserves to the...

For those looking for somewhere different and memorable to spend Christmas this year, now is the time to start planning your festive Antarctica...

Tour leader Ania Grebosz leads our new Tuscany - Wine and Walking holiday. Here she shares stories from the first departure of the trip.

Meet Andrew Perryman, a Tour Leader who leads several of our walking and trekking holidays.

Explore's Head of Customer Relations and Governance Margaret McEwan recently had the chance to fulfil a lifelong dream to visit Japan. Here she...

When it comes to festivals in China and Japan, we have a selection for you to choose from. There's the Harbin Ice Festival which Explore...

Explore Operations Manager Naomi Jackson shares her thoughts on a recent visit to Romania.

Are you a budding David Bailey? Do your children get very snap happy when on holiday?

Recently Product Manager Clare Collins travelled to Sicily on a roundtrip of the island taking in all the sights that can be discovered on our...

Cycling Programme Manager James Adkin recently had the chance to cycle the route of our Cycle Russia - Moscow to St. Petersburg holiday...

Overflowing with beautiful, rare and endangered species and home to some of the richest and most diverse natural reserves on earth, Botswana...

For wildlife lovers, the Galapagos Islands are a must visit.

Explore's John Farrugia recently headed out on an adventure to Vietnam and here he shares his most memorable moments.

After being off limits for so many years, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office relaxed restrictions on travel to Kashmir in November 2012. While...

As a winner of our Tour Leader Awards, UK-based Explore Tour Leader Sue Guthrie had the chance to travel on any Explore trip of her choice. With...

With over 4,000km of coastline, 1,246 islands and islets and more than 2,715 hours of sunshine a year, Croatia is arguably one of Europe...

Although technically one country, India is a nation that is divided culturally, linguistically, religiously and historically between it’s...

We know our tours are the best out there, so it's great when travel industry professionals agree with us!

There are no words to describe the feeling you get as you set foot in an ancient ‘lost city’ for the first time. Knowing that amongst...

Despite a lot of negative media coverage about Ebola in West Africa we have never stopped operating tours to these three captivating and incredible...

A family adventure is all about the amazing experiences you have together. Whether you choose to adventure close to home or in a far-flung location...

From Canada's Rockies to the heights of the Peruvian Andes and everything in between - the Americas are packed full of unforgettable...

Barry is an International Mountain Leader who leads for Explore mostly in the Alps. We asked him a few questions about life as an Explore Tour Leader.

We are a team of trekkers here at Explore; we love getting out and exploring the world on two feet. We asked members of the Explore team about...

What is top of the experts’ bucket list? We asked the well-travelled team here at Explore what wildlife experiences they’d love to have.

New to our range of adventures for 2015 is a selection ofself-guided tours in some of Europe's most beautiful places. These trips are simple...

Gill Stafford is the November 2014 winner of our. She tells of her experiences on our Golden Triangle tour and gives some useful hints and tips to...

Boasting thousands of years of history, a rich culture and some of the most iconic sights in the world, Peru is no stranger to tourism. Adventurous...

Explore Product Manager and amateur photographer Polly Rusyn recently came back from a trip to Papua New Guinea. She was struck by the beauty...

India’s diversity is staggering - a true visual treat, alive with colour, charm and culture. Where modern high-rise buildings tower over low...

Doug Goodman travelled on our Brown Bear Weekend adventure earlier this year.

After working for Explore for nearly 18 months I one day found myself on the eve of my first trip. I was about to join our Eastern Turkey tour and...

With its spectacular highlands, bustling cities and ancient culture, Ethiopia is a destination like no other. It offers a unique and unforgettable...

Want an autumn walking holiday but not sure where to start? For those based in the UK you don't need to look too far afield. Cooler...

Escape the British winter and choose an adventure to one of our top six picks for a winter cycling holiday.

Explore's Hannah Green had long dreamed of visiting Italy's picturesque Amalfi Coast.

Whether it's an ancient pilgrimage route or a trail specially designed for trekkers, there are many long-distance walks across the world. Some...

With tumultuous, exciting and sometimes turbulent histories, rich cultures, delicious food and locations on the very fringes of Europe, at first...

Helen Lloyd Jones is the winner of our blog competition for January. Helen spent some time exploring the Highlights of Andalucia in Spain...

There's nothing like finding out more about our holidays from the people who have actually travelled on them.

In October 2013, Explore’s Cat Morrissey travelled to India on our Moghul Highlights tour to fulfil her dream of seeing the Taj Mahal. But...

The small town of Pushkar is a place of huge religious importance to Hindus and has one of only three existing Brahman temples in India.

Those who are able to avoid the peak travel months can often enjoy lower prices and smaller numbers of visitors at the most popular sites. This has...

To Hannah Methven, our Product Manager for Asia, one week in Tokyo sounded fantastic.  'I had a picture of what I expected from the city...

We've all been glued to our screens watching David Attenborough's latest documentary. Daniela Pontis, Product Manager for Africa and our...

We've all been glued to our screens watching David Attenborough's latest documentary. Daniela Pontis, Product Manager for Africa and our...

For most people who enjoy walking and trekking, there are places that hold a special place in their hearts and on their maps. And there's...

We've all been glued to our screens watching David Attenborough's latest documentary. Daniela Pontis, Product Manager for Africa and our...

We've all been glued to our screens watching David Attenborough's latest documentary. Daniela Pontis, Product Manager for Africa and our...

We've all been glued to our screens watching David Attenborough's latest documentary. Daniela Pontis, Product Manager for Africa and our...

As much history as India. More Buddhism than Nepal. As many beaches as Malaysia. Cheaper Prices than Thailand. Bangladesh...Why go anywhere else?

November 2012 marked the 100th anniversary of independence in Albania from Turkish rule. Since Independence, the country has developed into a...

Check out our choice of easy cycling holidays for first timers keen to experience the world from the saddle.

Three Countries. Two wheels. One week.

Antarctica may be remote, nationless and with no permanent human settlements but it does have the occasional imprint from human activity. In the...

Norway is a country bathed in myths and legends. From the battle-hungry Norse gods and Vikings to the trolls and ‘hidden people’ that...

There are certain names that conjure a sense of inexplicable exoticism. Faraway lands, from Timbuktu to Zanzibar, which beckon wonder and mystery.

Whether you’re trekking in the Himalayas, exploring the bazaars and temples of Kathmandu or hiking through the vast amphitheatre of the...

Daniela Pontis is our Africa Product Manager. Here she relives the moment she met a family of gorillas and gives us ten reasons why you should...

In a utopian world all on its own, Peru is awash with once-in-a-lifetime experiences that really take some beating.

What does it take to become a 'Wonder of the World'?

The sight of this ancient citadel, unfolding beside soaring mountains and low-hung cloud at the end of the four-day Inca Trail trek, is as...

The towering statue of Christ, peacefully stretching his arms across Rio de Janeiro, is as iconic to this Brazilian hub as football and Copacabana...

James Kelly, a Flights Support Specialist here at Explore, visited Sri Lanka and enjoyed it so much, he got married there. Here he gives us his...

Ali Butler, our product manager for Middle East & Egypt, gives us her inspiring account of her time spent on the live aboard cruise to the...

Nestling in the warm waters of the Mediterranean, a mere 10 miles apart, the islands of Corsica and Sardinia are blessed with beautiful beaches...

One of our favourite animals and we never tire of seeing new pictures of them. Here we list ten things you probably didn't know about the world...

Explore Managing Director joined the inaugural departure of our Cycling Coast to Coast tour, where he spent a weekend cycling across northern England.

Egypt, Cuba and Burma are among some of our most popular destinations; they’re those places that everyone knows we visit. But there are also...

Discovering a destination from the saddle can be truly rewarding, whether tackling gentle pathways or arduous ascents. So take on your own two...

Yvonne Ramsey works in Explore's Operations team and recently travelled on our Cuba Solo Adventure.

Travel journalist and photographer, Amar Grover - who writes for the Financial Times, Independent on Sunday and Geographical Magazine, to name but...

Explore Product Manager Jude Berry has travelled extensively in Turkey; here she describes her top ten places to see

They call it 'the gateway to the roof of the world'. And the view of the world's highest mountain over base camp is as exhilarating as...

Climbing, kayaking, cycling and walking can all be enjoyed on multi activity holidays in Bulgaria

Doug Pridham helps organise our tours in Venezuela and also works as a tour leader on many of them. Explore's Emma Dixon had a chance to chat...

Adventure holidays in Sri Lanka should take in the Sri Dalada Maligawa

Explore’s Teresa Mozley travelled to Africa on our Namibia Lodge Safari tour.

Explore's James Adkin has trekked the Inca Trail over 20 times and in this blog, he shares his experiences and love of Peru.

In the 'Which? Holiday' Tour Operator Survey, Explore has been voted Best Specialist Long Haul Operator, and one of the top three...

Have you already seen a lot of the world? Perhaps you are an Explore addict and you are looking for something a bit more challenging or...