Why should we travel with Explore Worldwide?
We asked Explore Worldwide why you should travel with them, here's what they said...
Explore has been taking small groups on adventure holidays all over the world for over 45 years. The expert team, at home and overseas, works together to create itineraries that leave you feeling that you’ve really explored a destination rather than just visited. You’ll see the highlights, the must-sees, of course. But you’ll also get away from the beaten track, and get a different perspective on your destination. You’ll get closer to a place, its people and cultures.
Our small groups are typically 11 people – small enough to get right into read more the heart of your destination, but big enough to find like-minded people to share your experiences with. And the glue that holds these groups together is our local tour leaders, who are uniquely placed to add individual and spontaneous moments to each trips – moments that stay with you long after you return home. All sorts of people travel with Explore – our groups are usually a mix of solos, couples and friends. What unites them is their adventurous spirit and thirst for real travel experiences.
We provide authentic small-group travel, designed by experts and led by experts, with sustainability at its heart and a common desire for unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re on a cultural tour of Sri Lanka, cycling in Croatia, walking in Italy or exploring Costa Rica with your family, when you’re travelling with Explore you know that you’re in good hands.
Explore snapshot
Total No. Tours
114
Departures
879
Average tour length
12 days
Average price per day
$447
Our thoughts...
The low down on Explore from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Explore Worldwide is a UK adventure travel company that has been around since 1981. They run over 300 small group tours in more than 100 countries around the world with an average of 12 guests. Accommodation is often family run lodgings and guides are passionate locals. Itineraries are a mix of must-sees and who-knews, and guests can choose from different trip styles to suit their interests.
Explore recognises that adventure is different for everyone, and their trips range from classic discovery group tours to active adventures such as hiking and cycling. They also have dedicated family trips, themed journeys such as those that focus on wildlife read more or their Upgraded Tours collection which adds premium accommodation for extra comfort. Explore have an impressive track record with 96% of past travellers saying they would travel with them again.
Who travels with Explore?
A broad mix of travellers, with around half typically travelling solo and the remainder made up of couples, friends and families. Guests span a wide age range and come from markets including the UK, North America, Australia, New Zealand and Europe.
What's the age range on a Explore tour?
Most travellers are around 40 to 60, although groups commonly include adults from their 20s through to their 70s.
How many people will we be travelling with?
Explore's small groups average around 11 travellers, with most trips carrying a maximum of 16. Some specialist or family itineraries can have different limits.
I'm a solo-traveller, will your tours suit me?
Yes. Solo travellers are a major part of Explore's small groups, so travelling alone is common and you will usually be joined by other solo guests.
What percentage of people travel solo with you?
50%
Do you offer single rooms?
Yes. Single rooms can be requested on most trips for a supplement, although availability and the nights offered vary by itinerary.
Do you offer room-sharing with other solo travellers?
Yes. Solo travellers can normally share a twin room with another traveller of the same sex.
How would you describe the accommodation on your trips?
Accommodation varies by itinerary, ranging from simple local stays, homestays, lodges and camping to comfortable hotels. Upgraded trips feature more premium accommodation.
Are there any extras to pay on top of the tour price shown?
Optional activities and excursions and meals not included in the itinerary.
Do you have the same guide throughout the trip?
Generally yes. An Explore Tour Leader usually accompanies the group throughout the trip, although local representatives or specialist guides may join for particular sections or visits.
Do you use local guides?
Yes. Local guides, specialists and representatives are used where appropriate, alongside the Explore Tour Leader.
How much free time will we have on a Explore trip?
Trips combine organised activities with free time and optional experiences. The amount varies by itinerary, with flexibility built in so travellers can sometimes explore or dine independently.
How fit do we need to be?
Fitness requirements depend on the itinerary. Explore grades trip pace and activity levels, with some cultural trips requiring only general mobility while walking, trekking and cycling trips can require a good level of fitness.
Recent Explore reviews
Fantastic guide 0
Judy and Jamie, QLD, Australia, Sep 2026
Clare was a fantastic guide and nothing was too much trouble. Scenery was amazing, as was the weather. Hiking was easy.
Bike Trip from Marseille, France to Barcelona, Spain 0
Barbara and Rob, Canada, Sep 2026
This trip was a dream come true. It was beyond my expectations. Ethan took over from Isabelle half way through our planning and handled the balance of our questions well. Explore was a great pick for Global Journeys to choose. Explore's pick on the bikes was great, they were very good quality and very comfortable. Thank you Nature Bike. Our guide, read more Pablo and his side kick David were great and could be rated 20 out of 10. They were the best we could have asked for. They were over the top friendly, professional, and lovely people. They made the trip so pleasant. Always caring about each rider and stressed safety and was detailed about the itinerary. The lunches were extremely good and it was such a highlight to see David ready for us. He was so very helpful with our bikes and our luggage.
The route was amazing, so diverse and had a lot of variety. Paths were perfect. The challenge was perfect. The cozy hotels and towns we stopped in were lovely, just perfect. The people in our group were a perfect match for us. When you see advertisements for this trip, they are so true, it is even better than the ads. Thank you Explore for the amazing guide, Pablo and our driver and lunch maker David. We were the luckiest to have them both. The scenery and views along the Mediterranean sea was spectacular. We loved the towns that were chosen to stay at and the coffee stops were so cool. The beaches were beautiful but we wish we could have had a little more time at them. I would definitely recommend Explore.
Explore - Pablo and David are the best 0
Lorraine and Larry, AB, Canada, Sep 2026
Pablo and David were the best! Pablo was our biking guide. He took us to all the great places. Stopped at small village for coffee and overnight. Pable kept us safe. He explained our route, and any safety measures we needed. He was very patient, kind, and tons of fun. We were able to swim at the best beaches. He knew what he was doing. The read more pace was good. He was a hoot! and the best guide! David carried our gear and made the most wonderful picnic lunches ever! Great salads and wonderful, fancy, delicous food. David was so fun and upbeat and played music for us when we arrived. He fed us so well and the wine was great too. So fun. Pablo and David are the best and, if ever we could do this again, we would want the two of them again. Their friendship with each other was amazing. Such a great trip!
Bike Trip Marseille to Barcelona 0
Gloria and Rodger, MB, Canada, Sep 2026
Guided bike tour booked through Ethan at Global Journeys whom organised our trip with Explore. 5 star service from Ethan. We had many questions and here answered them easily. Booking and links were very user friendly. Explore App was also excellent describing our trip. Now the best part Pablo our bike leader was the best you are going to get. He was read more knowledgeable. He kept us safe. And he guided us through amazing towns from Marseille to Barcelona. If you want a top nut litre ask for Pablo. David was our driver who seamlessly carried our luggage and our bikes when needed and set up amazing picnic lunches with wine every day. These two guys made our trip fantastic and we have amazing memories. This is a bike trip that is a must. Thank you for all involved who made our trip seamless and stress-free.
Beautiful countries 0
Kathy, NSW, Australia, Sep 2026
This walking holiday was amazing. Estonia was beautiful. I arrived 3 days early and spent time in the old town, Baltimore jaam and the coastal areas. Bogging in Latvia was fun, hiking through the wetlands in Lithuania was beautiful and the old towns in all 3 countries was amazing to see.
Explore's most popular trips this month...
Why should we travel with Intrepid Travel?
We asked Intrepid Travel why you should travel with them, here's what they said...
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers off the beaten track to discover the world's most amazing places for 30 years. Every trip is designed to truly experience local culture - to meet local people, try local food, take local transport and stay in local accommodation. Led by a local leader, our small group tours offer a sustainable way to travel off the beaten track, while giving back to the places and people that travellers visit.
Intrepid snapshot
Total No. Tours
937
Departures
58,524
Average tour length
13 days
Average price per day
$398
Our thoughts...
The low down on Intrepid from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Intrepid specialise in small group adventure tours, and feature trips around the globe. With over 700 tours and 50,000 departures, Intrepid's itineraries are designed for the budget conscious adventurer, families and even adventures for those that prefer a bit of comfort at the end of each day. Like G Adventures, Intrepid also have a myriad of trips through South and Central America & Asia and operate dynamic pricing so prices can change daily - upwards if the trip is filling up, and down if they need to fill some spaces.
Recommending the best Operator for small group adventures is a tough one. It's very subjective and we think a lot depends read more on the region, the itinerary and the trip leader you get. This will have a huge sway on whether your trip is good, great or average. Our advice is to choose the Operator which has the itinerary and departures dates that suit you best. Look at things like inclusions, group size and other details to help make your decision.
Who travels with Intrepid?
A diverse international mix of friendly, open-minded and curious travellers, including couples, friends and a high proportion of solo travellers.
What's the age range on a Intrepid tour?
A broad age mix, with travellers commonly ranging from 18 to 70.
How many people will we be travelling with?
Most trips have a maximum of 16 travellers and average around 10. Some overland trips operate with larger groups of up to 24.
I'm a solo-traveller, will your tours suit me?
Over 50% of Intrepid travellers travel solo, and the small-group format is designed to make it easy to meet like-minded travellers.
What percentage of people travel solo with you?
50%
Do you offer single rooms?
Yes. Most trips offer an individual room for an additional single supplement, although some shared accommodation such as homestays, overnight trains or camps may be excluded.
Do you offer room-sharing with other solo travellers?
Yes. Solo travellers are normally paired with another solo traveller of the same gender, based on the gender marker on their passport, on a twin-share basis.
How would you describe the accommodation on your trips?
Accommodation varies by trip style and can include budget and standard hotels, locally owned guesthouses, homestays, campsites, comfortable hotels and handpicked Premium Feature Stays.
Are there any extras to pay on top of the tour price shown?
Meals and optional activities not specified as included, some airport transfers and tips.
Do you have the same guide throughout the trip?
A locally based Intrepid leader normally accompanies the group, although longer or multi-country journeys may change leaders during the journey.
Do you use local guides?
Yes. Intrepid works exclusively with locally based leaders, and additional specialist local guides may also be used for particular sightseeing and activities.
How much free time will we have on a Intrepid trip?
There is a deliberate mix of organised activities and independent time. Basic trips generally offer the most free time, while Comfort and Premium trips include more organised experiences.
How fit do we need to be?
Most trips suit travellers with an average level of fitness, but requirements vary considerably. Every trip has a physical rating, and more active trekking or adventure itineraries may require additional preparation.
Recent Intrepid reviews
Thailand trip 0
John, NSW, Australia, Oct 2026
We had a very good guide Tuk, for our tour of Northern Thailand, only 8 tourists, attractions were excellent and hotels very good. My only complaint was there was no museum tour for the Death Railway, which was really needed to explain what happened there. Tuk was also very good at explaining all the different Thai foods. I extended my stay to visit read more Chiang Rai which was the highlight of the trip.
Iconic Iceland - Stunning scenery at every turn 0
Jenny and Peter, NSW, Australia, Sep 2026
Intrepid Discover Iceland (original) tour was fabulous. The guide, Villy, was very knowledgeable and made sure everyone on this small group tour was learning about Iceland and enjoying their experiences. The itinerary, of circumnavigation of the island, really covers all aspects of what Iceland has to offer from its geothermal areas, glaciers, waterfalls, read more mountains, harbours of ice, rivers, rugged terrain and beautiful farmland. Of course you have to be prepared for huge variations in the weather because that is Iceland. Seeing the amazing Northern lights was a bucket list item now ticked. Make sure you put aside time to visit the Blue Lagoon either before or after the tour, yes expensive but very worth the unique experience. Thoroughly enjoyable trip.
Blown away 0
Anon, NSW, Australia, Sep 2026
Blown away by all the three stans. Have a mix of everything from history to scenery. Would definitely travel there again.
Intrepid Morocco Highlights 3
Katie, ON, Canada, Sep 2026
This was my first time traveling on a group tour, and was a great introduction to group travel! Intrepid truly checked all the boxes and put together an incredible itinerary that really encompassed Moroccan culture. Our local guide, Lahcen, was incredible. He showed us the local culture, shared his stories and experiences, and even arranged some exclusive read more experiences including a private after hours tour of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca and henna tattoos for the whole group, done by local Berber woman in their home. He truly took this tour to the next level and made the trip such a memorable experience.
This itinerary is fast paced, with only one night at most accommodations, but this allowed us to see so many of the country’s highlights in just 10 days. Each hotel we stayed at was clean and comfortable, offering air conditioning and complimentary breakfast. While the breakfasts were simple, there was enough variety to leave us all satisfied. Some of the hotels also featured a swimming pool, which was a nice touch in the Moroccan heat.
We had an excellent group of 13 people on the tour, with a combination of solo travelers, and pairs. The whole group got along really well and this helped to enhance the experience. While optional, the whole group chose to eat all of our meals together, spend free time together, and even indulge in some carpool karaoke! While I was traveling in a pair for this trip, it did leave me with confidence that I would enjoy traveling solo with Intrepid in the future.
The itinerary also allowed us to experience a variety of transit options including a ride on a local train from Marrakech to Casablanca, local taxis, and a private vehicle and driver. Our driver throughout the trip was excellent and helped to make the experience. The van was spacious and comfortably accommodated our group of 13. We made frequent stops along the way which made the long drives feel shorter and more exciting. Some of the ‘comfort’ stops included cooperatives for argan oil, rose oil, and dates, panoramic viewpoints, and of course, plenty of food stops.
The highlight of the trip for most was a sunset camel ride on the sand dunes of the Sahara, followed by an evening in a desert camp filled with drumming, singing, dancing, stargazing, and a bonfire. It was unforgettable and definitely one of the moments that will stick with me most from the trip.
I am a vegetarian, and my travel partner is gluten free, so we were both a little nervous prior to the trip about what our food options would be like. However, our guide did an excellent job at ensuring we were both taken care of at every meal, and we never ran into any problems. Each restaurant and hotel was incredibly accommodating of our dietary restrictions and were prepared for our arrival with appropriate alternatives for us both. The food consisted of mostly tagines, couscous, and pastillas, all of which we enjoyed.
At the start of the tour, our guide discussed doing a group tipping kitty, which is something many Intrepid tours utilize. The tipping kitty was optional, although everyone in our group chose to participate. We each paid 500 MAD to our guide on the first day of the tour, which then covered our tips to local guides, cost of local taxis, luggage porters at the hotels, and bottled water throughout the tour. At the end of the trip, the money that had not been spent was returned to everyone. This made things much easier day to day and if given the choice on future trips, I would certainly participate in the tipping kitty again.
Overall, this was incredible intro to group travel. This itinerary allowed us to see as much of the culture, food, hospitality, and landscapes that we could fit into 10 days. Each day brought new excitement and highlights.
Magical Morocco 0
Steve and Tracey, NSW, Australia, Sep 2026
Intrepid Travel's itinerary for their 18 day Premium Tour is a mixture of - Intriguing cultural sights and activities, tremendous vistas, amazing varied accommodation and unexpected culinary delights all overseen by our very capable and organised Tour guide, Kahlid. Although we experienced unusually high temps due to a heat wave over Morocco (up to read more 47 degrees C ) we thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Lifelong memories were created when Camel riding into the Sahara Desert. Highly recommended!
Intrepid's most popular trips this month...
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