Explore Worldwide Reviews
The 207 Explore Worldwide reviews listed below are from past clients of Global Journeys that have traveled with Explore Worldwide. Each review has been individually verified by our team.
I thought it was very varied and interesting, from castles to making mozzarella, and churches to bakeries. I very much enjoyed the coastal walk to the bauxite quarry which some previous reviewers had criticised. The restaurants organised for the group meals were also very good and varied, which was great at the current time of the virus.
A thoroughly enjoyable trip even though none of the group had originally planned to be in the Lakes. The group itself was excellent as a whole and when split in the smaller 'covid' groups - lots of fun, experience, laughter and shared experiences. A real treat, well done Explore for thinking on your feet and creating this trip when we couldn't go to where we'd all planned.
Great Short Break 1
Julia, United Kingdom, Sep 2020
Explore adjusted the trip shortly before departure to accommodate the rule of six. Our group of 15 was split into 3 groups of 5 plus a leader in each group. It meant Explore had to provide an additional two leaders but this ensured the trip ran as safely as possible. We saw the other groups out on the walks and there was cheerful banter between us although read more we never mixed. It was great to be out on the road with Explore again albeit in strange circumstances. They did everything possible for the trip to run smoothly and safely, while complying with all the current guidelines. The walks were really enjoyable. They were mostly undulating with varied scenery. Would recommend this trip as a good short break in the UK.
All in all a very good value for money trip, we saw lots of an interesting country and met with quite a few local people. We particularly liked the 2 meals we had in private houses. The food was excellent and the hosts extremely friendly. These were excellent choices. Also the night spent at the Erg Chebbi desert camp as part of the trip was an added read more bonus, as were the star lit sky and wonderful sunset and sunrise. The desert camel ride also an experience. I must say our group all got on well together and we have had contact since arriving home. An excellent trip.
Well planned trip 1
Neil, United Kingdom, Jan 2020
The notes posted each day by Haymar explaining wake up / breakfast / transport times and what we were going to be doing, needed to take / wear in support of the trip notes were excellent. Nice touch with added drawings. I took a photo each day and used it a few times. Brilliant added information nicely presented in own hand writing / drawing. Made me feel special.
This trip was amazing and definitely worth the cost. The variety of activities provided made it totally memorable. The only think I would possibly change would be to fly back down from Chiang Mai to Bangkok rather than taking the overnight train again.
An unforgettable adventure 1
Adventures in Patagonia with Iguazu Extension
Karen & Richard , NSW, Australia, Nov 2019
Group travel was a new thing for us and South America was a destination that we approached with trepidation but the lure of remote Patagonia provided the inspiration to overcome our fears. We met our fellow travellers in the city of Buenos Aires, the vibrant home of the tango with a history that enveloped us with both intrigue and admiration. It’s a read more city with a European heart and a modern skin whose soul comes from its inhabitants who love life, eat late and gather in the cafés to chat away the night. Our group of 18 were all of similar age with a spirit for adventure and a knack for loving life – a perfect fit. We spent the next 17 days in one of the most fascinating destinations on the planet and thanks to Global Journeys and Explore it ran like a finely tuned Swiss watch, never missing a beat. Our tour guide was a delight and made sure our every need was met and with an impeccable plan for every stop, soon gained our confidence that every recommendation would provide the best possible outcome.
The itinerary was amazing encompassing the most breathtaking scenery; Tierra del Fuego and the city of Ushuaia was the conduit to the Beagle Channel and the infamous Cape Horn. Across the border into Chile and Torres del Paine National Park with its snow covered peaks, soaring Condors and abundant wildlife was the perfect backdrop for many a trek. Further north and back into Argentina, the Perito Moreno Glacier was mesmerising as it creaked and groaned and shed its ice into the waters of Lago Agentino. El Chalten was a remote mecca for hikers and climbers and the track to Mt Fitz Roy provided a challenge for those who were brave or a more gentle surprise for those who were not. The Iguazu extension was a complete contrast to the south and we were plunged into tropical jungle and the river itself on one of the many boat tours that ferry you to the base of the falls. It was an unforgettable journey that will inspire us to explore more of this remarkable continent.
The itinerary was amazing encompassing the most breathtaking scenery; Tierra del Fuego and the city of Ushuaia was the conduit to the Beagle Channel and the infamous Cape Horn. Across the border into Chile and Torres del Paine National Park with its snow covered peaks, soaring Condors and abundant wildlife was the perfect backdrop for many a trek. Further north and back into Argentina, the Perito Moreno Glacier was mesmerising as it creaked and groaned and shed its ice into the waters of Lago Agentino. El Chalten was a remote mecca for hikers and climbers and the track to Mt Fitz Roy provided a challenge for those who were brave or a more gentle surprise for those who were not. The Iguazu extension was a complete contrast to the south and we were plunged into tropical jungle and the river itself on one of the many boat tours that ferry you to the base of the falls. It was an unforgettable journey that will inspire us to explore more of this remarkable continent.
Love the Greek Islands 1
John & Rosalyn, NSW, Australia, Sep 2019
The Real Greece is not in Athens. It's here in Islands such as Tinos and Naxos. Clearest waters ever. Crooked alleyways and perfect coffee shops. There is no crime. Hike the Greek landscape and look back over towards the dazzling coastline.
This was the most expensive (by far) holiday I've ever taken and it exceeded expectations. We were fortunate that the group of 7 + guide all got along very well together. There's a comment on your website from a previous trip that there wasn't enough walking, and this was a concern for me in advance, but looking back I think it was just right for me. read more The members of the group had different walking capacities, and our guide ensured we were each able to achieve our respective goals.
It was an amazing trip. The experience of the wild life and the rain forest was magical and the work going on to stop deforestation and educate young people was good to see.
We saw and became a part of life in Madagascar as it really is. The visit to the missionary centre was challenging but was a really thought provoking experience - as was the visit to the school.
We saw and became a part of life in Madagascar as it really is. The visit to the missionary centre was challenging but was a really thought provoking experience - as was the visit to the school.
Great rail journey through Japan. 2
Japan In Depth - Footsteps of the Shogun
Jonathan, Australia, Apr 2019
Japan was not as expensive as I thought it would be. Great rail service and I'd recommend this to trip to others considering travelling to Japan for a couple of weeks. Highly recommend Explore!
Overall we very much enjoyed the trip. 1
Family Marrakech, Atlas & Essaouira Adventure
Jonathan, Australia, Apr 2019
Overall we very much enjoyed the trip - we had a good group, and the country is amazing. The only thing that let it down was the standards of maintenance in the accommodation - which were basic issues that should have been easy and inexpensive to fix - and a bit of a lack of leadership from the guide. Better information of availability of card payments read more in the hotels would also have been useful.
One of my personal highlights of the tour was being taken into a spice shop in Madaba by one of the other tour members. Given that this tour is specifically called the Spice Trails of Petra an organised option around spices or cooking would have been a wonderful addition.
I don't remember the trip notes being separate to the final confirmation details on previous trips, so nearly missed that. The trip notes are very useful for budgeting and knowing what kit to bring. (Due to accommodation quality at Wadi Rum though, didn't actually need some if recommended kit!)
Saigon to Bangkok Explorer 1
Family Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand Journey
Anders, Australia, Mar 2019
The Phnom Penh - Siem Reap trip could be replaced with a flight. Loved the food but would have appreciated a couple of more upmarket recommended options to try out modern local cuisine too. Binh, our guide in Vietnam and Cambodia, was exceptionally good.
It was an amazing trip with a great leader. 3
Classic Egypt with Nile Cruise
Adam, Australia, Mar 2019
It was an amazing trip with a great leader, and fully lived up to expectations. It was expensive, but we knew that in advance and it was worth it. I would disagree with a couple of points that others might criticise: 1. The number of early starts: Mohammed was very clear on these from the start, and fully explained the reason for them (to beat the crowds read more and the heat of the day). They were worth it. 2. The number of excursions not included. I do think that Abu Simbel should be added to the itinerary, as everyone seems to want to do it and there's otherwise nothing included in Aswan. However in terms of the overall number of options not included the itinerary was very clear, as were the optional excursion costs, so everyone should have gone on the tour realising this.
Three things we would pick up on 1. Veggie food: on the train the veggie option was 'leave the meat' (which was in a separate pack, but this isn't the point: it meant not getting the protein and having less to eat); whilst the cruise food was great but the one area it lacked was veggie options. I am veggie and went pescatarian (ate fish) for the cruise. If I hadn't it would have limited me. 2. Access: my travelling companion sometimes uses a stick (if it's rough ground / long walking) and sections of the trip were a challenge: without me to assist she'd have really struggled. The trip notes only really cover the need to carry your own bag, which she can easily do as she has a wheeled case and short-medium distances are no issue.I would like Explore to add 'access notes' to trips and excursions which summarise points like the evenness of ground, whether there tend to be handrails, whether there are lots of steep curbs/steps, the sort of distances to be walked etc. Access to boats should also be covered (as there's a big difference between walking a railed gangplank, and stepping across/down a biggish gap or a plank without a rail). This would be very helpful to people planning a trip who are mobile but with some access challenges. 3: Paying for excursions. It should have been made 100% clear before the trip that excursions had to be paid for in cash, not with cards. This made for a lot of ATM visits (and associated charges). We could have brought more foreign currency had this been clearer.
Three things we would pick up on 1. Veggie food: on the train the veggie option was 'leave the meat' (which was in a separate pack, but this isn't the point: it meant not getting the protein and having less to eat); whilst the cruise food was great but the one area it lacked was veggie options. I am veggie and went pescatarian (ate fish) for the cruise. If I hadn't it would have limited me. 2. Access: my travelling companion sometimes uses a stick (if it's rough ground / long walking) and sections of the trip were a challenge: without me to assist she'd have really struggled. The trip notes only really cover the need to carry your own bag, which she can easily do as she has a wheeled case and short-medium distances are no issue.I would like Explore to add 'access notes' to trips and excursions which summarise points like the evenness of ground, whether there tend to be handrails, whether there are lots of steep curbs/steps, the sort of distances to be walked etc. Access to boats should also be covered (as there's a big difference between walking a railed gangplank, and stepping across/down a biggish gap or a plank without a rail). This would be very helpful to people planning a trip who are mobile but with some access challenges. 3: Paying for excursions. It should have been made 100% clear before the trip that excursions had to be paid for in cash, not with cards. This made for a lot of ATM visits (and associated charges). We could have brought more foreign currency had this been clearer.
You can tell this trip has many years of experience behind it as it all works to plan to see as much as possible in the time available with all the usual contrasts: different styles of accommodation, transport, types of sights etc etc. The addition of Kamphaengphet to replace the rice barge is good, but I suspect it's virtues are a little lost amidst read more so many historical temples/ruins over the surrounding days. I'm glad it was on the itinerary, though, as getting to the hotel earlier would not have been so appealing.
The group size was just right, not too big or too small. The places we went to for dinner as a group were very nice. I especially enjoyed the food at the garage in Selcuk, the fish restaurant by the beach near Olympios, the Tat restaurant in Selcuk and our last meal in Istanbul overlooking the river! It was nice getting some evenings free to arrange read more our own food when we weren't feeling too hungry. The arrival flight on the first day (about 3am on the day the tour started) was too late. Though I know that had changed because of the new airport, so there wasn't much else could have been done about that! Also the tourist attractions at Pergamum and Patara should have had toilets. Patara had no toilets at all (they were all closed). We waited 25 mins in Pergamum for the toilet queue & still didn't get to use the toilets- 2 toilets there was not enough!
The trip was an enormous success on every level and was hugely enjoyable, the memories of which will always stay with me. I loved every second of the journey, and Explore were very efficient in organising a replacement flight home for me after the problems with Jet airways, including booking me into a lounge at Doha airport for an 8 hour layover. Many thanks for that courtesy.
We felt this was an excellent itinerary with a brilliant guide. The wildlife, the culture and history were wonderful with the added bonus of arriving in Antigua at Easter time, in time for the religious ceremonies. The catholic processions were amazing. It would be good to flag these up on the tours that go at Easter.
