Explore’s Most Popular Trips of 2019

From active breaks in Turkey and the Balkan states to immersive cultural odysseys around the Far East, Explore's most popular small group holidays for 2019 are a diverse mix. Here we round up the top 10 trips for the last 12 months, to provide inspiration for adventures at any time of the year.

Desert wonders

Jordan

With warm temperatures all year round, Jordan is a destination that offers fascinating history, mouth-watering cuisine and impressive natural beauty. It’s little wonder this relatively under-the-radar country is top of many travel bucket lists. On Explore's Jordan Discovery holiday, the itinerary includes the biblical icon of Mount Nebo, two days exploring the awe-inspiring ‘rose city’ of Petra and the desert scenery of Wadi Rum.

Family Morocco

While an inhospitable climate for the Bedouin who choose to live there, the desert regions needn’t be off limits to family travel. In fact, the Sahara area of Morocco is a particularly fabulous destination for family travel, with mountains and dunes to explore. Consider the Family Atlas Adventure and enjoy riding mules in the High Atlas, sleeping in traditional Berber tents and travelling through the desert by camel.

Active escapes

Amalfi Coast

Italy’s staggeringly beautiful Amalfi Coast may be best known for its chi-chi resort towns clinging to its plunging cliffs, but it’s a surprisingly excellent walking destination too. On a relaxed Amalfi Coast Walking trip the routes include the spectacular Walk of the Gods and the historical Ancient Republic’s Path, with stops to refuel on pizza, home made organic wine and limoncello.

Walking in Turkey

Hiking Turkey’s Lycian Way takes in scenic coastal trails, unspoilt villages and historical ruins – it’s a spectacular part of the country and perhaps best seen on foot, when the detail is brought into focus. At the end of each day, dine on home-cooked meals and swim in secluded bays -the ideal way to relax.

Balkans Cycling

Cycling from Split to Dubrovnik affords the best way to see the gorgeous Dalmatian coastline in all its glory – from red-roofed medieval towns to whitewashed fishing villages, serried lines of vineyards and idyllic offshore islands anchored in sparkling azure waters. Explore's Cycle the Dalmatian Coast holiday also uncovers ancient cities and the islands of Hvar and Korcula.

Cultural discoveries

Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of Africa’s least explored countries, but it’s one that’s packed with history and wonder. Witness a host of ancient sites and fascinating landscapes on a two-week Blue Nile and Lalibela tour. From the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, to the Gelada monkeys of the Simien Mountains, the walled city of Harar and the capital of Addis Ababa, Ethiopa will amaze and inspire.

Uzbekistan

It’s one of the least-visited destinations in the world, but Central Asia is gaining popularity for travellers hoping to get off the beaten track. Discover this unique region on the Silk Road of Uzbekistan trip. Travel the fabled Silk Road, following in the hoofprints of ancient caravans, crossing the plateau to take in colourful Islamic architecture, sleeping in a traditional yurt and walking the stunning mosaicked squares of Samarkand.

Japan

A visit to Japan promises wow-factor experiences. Take in the popular sights of modern neon-bright Tokyo, soaring Mount Fuji, the Zen gardens and geisha districts of Kyoto and the Samurai area of Kanazawa on the the 14-day Simply Japan holiday .

Botswana

While all safaris are magical for their chance of animal sightings, Botswana also offers the chance to explore its varied scenery and ancient rock paintings. Highlights of the Botswana Wildlife Safari include game viewing in magnificent game reserves where you can search for exotic birds in the Okavango Delta and track elephants in Chobe National Park.