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 lifetime.
By Antony Barton, Family Programme Manager
When our first child was born the one bit of advice that we were given repeatedly was to cherish those family moments together because time goes so quickly. For parents of teenagers looking to move onto college or university next year, it can be hard to believe where the years have gone.
Our carefully planned family itineraries are put together by travel experts who have kids themselves and truly understand what makes the very most of your precious time together. From unique accommodation options ranging from house boats on the Okavango Delta in Botswana, or a traditional Bedouin tent in Wadi Rum, Jordan; our family adventure tours seek not only to give you the best holiday experiences ever but also to open young minds and stretch horizons.
If your children are of an age where this could be your last big family holiday together, make it one to remember.
Our top 10 suggestions
Ecuador and Galapagos Adventure, 14 days from £2,899
Top of the list has to be one of the world’s classic wildlife experiences. On this trip we combine a visit to the Enchanted Isles of the Galapagos with the main highlights of Ecuador. Explore the 'Avenue of the Volcanoes', ride on the 'Devil's Nose' railway, visit the colonial city of Quito and barter for goods at the colourful market in Otavalo. We search for wildlife not just in Amazonia but also the Galapagos, seeing animals and natural wonders not found anywhere else on the planet.
Land of the Orang Utan, Borneo, 11 days from £1,549
Exotic wildlife, traditional tribes and beautiful beaches are all part of this unique adventure through Borneo. We visit the world's largest orang-utan rehabilitation centre as well as one of the world's few Sun Bear conservation projects and explore the jungle along the Kinabatangan River. Enjoy an exhilarating canopy walk through the treetops and bathe in bubbling hot springs. An ideal trip for older teenagers, we also include the option to summit Mt Kinabalu on selected departure dates.
Mexico Adventure, 14 days from £1,745
The Yucatan Peninsula was once part of a great civilization of the world - The Maya. Even today, the people of the peninsula still speak their ancient language and practice age-old customs. Our adventure takes us to archaeological ruins, some of which are still largely covered in subtropical forests. We also visit charming colonial towns and cities with vibrant markets, as well as swim in amazing sink holes, learn how to make tortillas and kayak on a lake.
Saigon to Bangkok Explorer, 14 days from £999
This enthralling journey encompasses many of South East Asia’s great highlights. Travel through Vietnam and Cambodia into Thailand as we explore vibrant cities, tranquil rural villages and tropical beaches. Highlights include cruising along the Mekong River, zipping around the magnificent Angkor Wat temples by tuk-tuk and spending time on the palm-fringed beaches of the Thai island of Koh Chang. There truly is something for everyone on this classic journey.
South Africa, Kruger, Kwazulu and Coast, 14 days from £1,195
We have packed in so many highlights into this two-week adventure in South Africa, it’s hard to know where to start! It combines the game lands of Kruger and Tshukudu, dramatic scenery and the traditional warm hospitality of Swaziland and golden sand beaches stretching hundreds of miles along the South African Kwazulu Natal coastline.
Peru adventure & Inca Trail adventure, Peru, 11 & 14 days from £1,519
Explore offer a choice of two tours to Peru, one includes the famous four-day Inca trail where we retrace the steps of the Incas to Machu Picchu; and the other is a 11-day journey encompassing all the highlights of Cusco and the Sacred Valley including whitewater rafting on the Urubamba river, exploring ancient ruins high above Cusco and taking the train to visit Machu Picchu. Both trips offer the chance to extend your stay in the Amazon. Peru is an incredibly friendly country to travel to.
Sri Lanka & Maldives Adventure, 16 days from £1,869
This exciting journey across Sri Lanka and the Maldives offers a little bit of everything for all the family: we explore dense jungles, discover Buddhist relics and enjoy a fun-filled few days on a traditional dhoni cruise in the Maldives. Animal safaris, tractor tours and nature trails are all part of the adventure in this tropical paradise known as Buddha's Island.
Namibia Cheetah Safari, 13 days from £1,599
Namibia is a country of dramatic landscapes from canyons to towering sand dunes and magnificent wildlife parks. Throw in the chance to meet the San Bushman to learn about their culture and way of life and this trip has all the ingredients of an all- time-classic big family holiday. Staying in a range of lodges, chalets and guesthouses along the route, we track elephant, rhino and lion through the Etosha National Park. As well as visiting a cheetah conservation centre, we explore Swakopmund where we kayak along the Atlantic coast and cycle around the town.
Active Sicily, 8 days from £1,075
Sicily is an island that offers adventure with a rich historical backdrop. This trip blends a variety of activities with the cultural highlights of Palermo and Taormina. Included are: sea kayaking, snorkelling, cycling, a water park, climbing, archery, power fan (falling from a high platform attached to a safety harness), walking on Mt Etna and a pasta/pizza cookery lesson. Activities are graded easy and just require an enthusiasm for adventure. Each evening we return to the comfort of our hotel and even a tree tent!
Caique Cruise, 8 days from £559
For families looking at a gentler-paced trip we finish on our eight-day traditional Greece cruise around the quiet coves and harbours of Evia Island. Join our captain, Thanos, on board a Greek motorised sailing boat and explore the forts and ruins scattered along this historic coastline. On the way we drop anchor at tranquil fishing villages and visit the local taverna to sample the delicious Mediterranean cuisine. Explore offer dedicated teenage departures on 30th July and 13th August 2017.