Unforgettable
adventures
Classic Discovery
|
Wildlife
|
Walking
|
Cycling
We’re so incredibly grateful to our customers for sticking with us through these strange times, but now, as the world reopens, we’re raring and ready to go. We hope you are too! This brochure is bursting with new trips and best sellers, as well as a sprinkling of old favourites. If you don’t find THE ONE, there’s hundreds more on our website too.
Michael
Michael Edwards, Managing Director
2 01252 883 480
Unforgettable experiences From big wows to hidden gems, our tours leave you feeling that you’ve really explored. We’ll take you closer to the country, its culture and people, often in spontaneous, impossible-toreplicate ways. You’ll come home having seen and experienced the destination in a way that others might never have.
Expert local guides Chosen for their expertise and passion. Explore leaders use their insider knowledge to make the most of extraordinary and unexpected opportunities. They’re on-hand to make sure your trip goes smoothly and are trained by our team to ensure consistently high standards.
Small groups & private trips Group tours average just 12 people and various private trip options are available too. Group sizes are big enough to meet like-minded people but small enough to get to the heart of a destination. Groups are usually a mix of solos, couples, family and friends, united by an adventurous spirit and a sense of fun.
We do the right thing Our flexible booking policies and sustainable approach set us apart. We continued to offer refunds for trips suspended due to coronavirus, while many others didn’t. Now we’ve gone even further with a refund promise that means you can continue to book with confidence (see page 4). Our trips and flights are Gold Standard carbon offset and we work hard to ensure we impact positively on the communities we visit as part of a commitment to sustainability (see page 6).
Contents Welcome 2
Cycling 64
Classic Discovery
General information
Walking & Trekking
8 42
80
Why Explore? Explore
For 40 years we’ve been leading tours to extraordinary destinations all over the world. There’s a reason why 96% of customers say they’d book with us again.
explore.co.uk 3
Book and travel
4 01252 883 480
with confidence Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you’re protected before and during your travels with us. Read on to find out why you can still book and travel with confidence*.
Guaranteed refund option
Travel with confidence
Receive a refund if your trip is cancelled or you’re required to self-isolate due to Covid. For full details call us or visit our website.
Our safety and hygiene protocols are guided by the World Travel & Tourism Council, World Tourism Organisation, the European Commission and local government regulations. So you can travel in confidence, knowing that we’ve ensured the safest possible travelling environment.
10 day no-fee flexibility Transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure†.
Safety of a guide
Financial security While Explore feels like a small business, we’re actually part of a much bigger co-operative family.
All small group tours are accompanied by a local leader; they’re on hand to take the hassle out of your travel and keep you safe.
“ Explore has one of the very best flexible booking policies available. ” Which?, August 2021
* Please note, flexible terms apply to all trips apart from Polar Voyages which have different terms. †
Cancellation charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure. If you transfer to another trip date, rather than cancel, we can arrange that for you or issue a credit voucher for any monies paid, minus any irrecoverable costs. For full details see explore.co.uk/booking-conditions.
explore.co.uk 5
“ We want travel
to change us, and
not the world
“
A note from Prue... Putting together the introductory pages of our brochure each year allows a period of reflection – time to sit and really consider which of our initiatives we should talk about, which new policy or award to focus on. This year I wanted to start these pages on a more personal level; talking less about what we have done and more about our hope for the future. For me, sustainability is all about our future. A future much more resilient to global shocks; one that’s receptive to transformation and innovation. One of greater equality and inclusion, more balanced prosperity and opportunity. One of health - individually, in mind, body and community, as well as planetary. This completely holistic concept of sustainability is what excites (and daunts) me most. In many ways my job is easy. The holidays you take with Explore are inherently sustainable. All of our trips will always feature The Local, it’s who we are. We use local agents to help us organise the trips, who know their destination best. We love our local tour leaders, who take you to the heart of your destination. We use local transportation companies and drivers, local hotels and restaurants. We immerse you in the local wildlife, the local cultures and local communities. There are no glossy, whitewashed all-inclusive 5* hotels, and we don’t want there to be. We want travel to change us, and not the world. We want our footsteps to be light, and our communities to welcome us back. We want to be able to take you to these overwhelmingly beautiful places decade after decade. And to do so we also need to change. We all do. There is a climate crisis, and there is a biodiversity crisis. Two threats, inextricably linked, that underpin all elements of our sustainability strategies going forwards. We must reduce our carbon footprint and we must support and regenerate our natural world in partnership with local communities. After all, where would we be without clean water, nutritious food, reliable shelter and, crucially, each other? Please join us on this journey. We aren’t perfect and we’re always looking to learn from others and share our experiences. We have promised to be transparent, honest and collaborative in our efforts as we look to rebuild sustainably, and Explore Responsibly.
Prue Prue Stone, Group Head of Sustainability
For more information on our sustainability strategy, visit exploreworldwide.eu/sustainability If you have any suggestions or would like to speak with us about our sustainability policies and commitments, please drop us a line at sustainability@explore.co.uk
ANGKOR WAT | CAMBODIA | EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/VC
Introduction What to expect from a Classic Discovery trip 10–11 Choose your Classic Discovery trip
12–13
Europe Albania
21
Greece
22
Iceland
14
Italy
17–18
North Macedonia
20
Poland
42
Portugal
15
Slovakia
42
Spain
16
Turkey
23
Ukraine
19
Middle East Jordan
24
Lebanon
25
Africa Botswana
28
Morocco
26
Namibia
27
South Africa
29
Asia Armenia
30
Burma (Myanmar)
35
Georgia
30
India
32
Japan
37
Maldives
34
Sri Lanka
33
Uzbekistan
31
Vietnam
36
The Americas Belize
39
Costa Rica
41
Cuba
40
Mexico
38
Wildlife trips - look out for the paw print
Classic Discovery
Contents
What to expect from a
Classic Discovery holiday Expert local guides Tour leaders are the glue that holds everything together on a group trip, and we believe we’ve got the best in the business! Chosen for their travel experience, passion for their country and their ability to make a truly memorable experience, our leaders go out of their way to ensure you have the trip of a lifetime.
Choose what interests you most Explore Sicily’s ancient history with a specialist guide; experience the colourful Punakha Festival in Bhutan; kayak, walk and cycle on a multi-activity holiday to Turkey; go on safari in Botswana or discover the tastes of Mexico. With cultural, festival, multi-activity, wildlife, and food and drink tours available, we offer hundreds of Classic Discovery holidays to extraordinary destinations all over the world.
10 Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
Our Classic Discovery and Wildlife small group tours are our bestselling adventures. You’ll get up close and personal with the destinations and communities you travel through, seeing the cultural and historical highlights, natural wonders and wildlife, and local hidden gems.
A good night’s sleep We hand-pick accommodation that balances comfort with location, and support small, family-run hotels wherever we can. Where you stay will depend on what’s available in the places you visit – we choose each night’s stay to suit the itinerary, not the other way around. We try to include characterful gems too – from stilt houses in Vietnam to Bedouin-style camps in Jordan. Your accommodation will always be clean, comfortable, and well located for your journey.
Trip pace to suit you Everyone travels differently so we’ve graded our trips according to pace. Some like to squeeze everything they can out of each day, while others like to relax and enjoy the view. Our ‘Relaxed’ trips build in plenty of down time, with opportunity to immerse yourself in the local surroundings. ‘Moderate’ trips combine fuller days with some down time too, while ‘Full On’ trips have mostly busy days and some early starts, but all trips are full of amazing experiences.
Small groups of like-minded travellers All sorts of people travel on our small group trips. If you’d like to know the breakdown of the group travelling on a particular trip, we can share some of the detail with you – the number of couples vs solo travellers, for example, and the range of ages. Our average group size is just 12; big enough to meet like-minded people but small enough to get right to the heart of a destination.
exploreworldwide.eu 11
Choosing your Classic Discovery holiday
PETRA | JORDAN | EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/JD
We offer hundreds of Classic Discovery holidays to extraordinary destinations all over the world; from favourites like India and Italy to more unusual, less-visited destinations like Kazakhstan and Georgia.
Small group experiences
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AUSTRIA
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BELARUS
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BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA
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BULGARIA
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CROATIA
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CZECH REPUBLIC
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ESTONIA
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GREECE
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HUNGARY
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ICELAND
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ITALY
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KOSOVO
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LATVIA
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LITHUANIA
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MALTA
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MOLDOVA
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MONTENEGRO
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NORTH MACEDONIA
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POLAND
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PORTUGAL
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ROMANIA
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RUSSIA
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SERBIA
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SLOVAKIA
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SLOVENIA
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SPAIN
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TURKEY
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UK
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UKRAINE
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COUNTRY
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ARMENIA
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AZERBAIJAN
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BHUTAN
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BURMA (MYANMAR)
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CAMBODIA
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CHINA
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GEORGIA
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HONG KONG
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INDIA
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INDONESIA
Middle East and Africa
COUNTRY
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ETHIOPIA
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GHANA
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ISRAEL
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IVORY COAST
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JORDAN
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LEBANON
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MADAGASCAR
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MOROCCO
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NAMIBIA
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OMAN
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PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES
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SAUDI ARABIA
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SENEGAL
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SEYCHELLES
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SUDAN
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SWAZILAND
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TANZANIA
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THE GAMBIA
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TOGO
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UGANDA
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ZAMBIA
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ZIMBABWE
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ARGENTINA
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BELIZE
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BOLIVIA
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BRAZIL
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CANADA
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CHILE
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COLOMBIA
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COSTA RICA
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CUBA
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ECUADOR
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JAPAN
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EL SALVADOR
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KAZAKHSTAN
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GALAPAGOS
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KYRGYZSTAN
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GUATEMALA
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LAOS
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GUYANA
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MALDIVES
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HONDURAS
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MONGOLIA
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JAMAICA
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NEPAL
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MEXICO
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NEW ZEALAND
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NICARAGUA
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PAKISTAN
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PANAMA
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PHILIPPINES
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PERU
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SOUTH KOREA
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SURINAME
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SRI LANKA
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USA
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TAJIKISTAN
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THAILAND
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TURKMENISTAN
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UZBEKISTAN
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VIETNAM
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The Americas
Asia and the Pacific
Europe
Here’s a summary of all the Classic Discovery destinations we offer and where to find out more. We’ve included some of our favourite trips on the following pages, but you’ll find everything on our website too.
exploreworldwide.eu 13
CLASSIC DISCOVERY – EUROPE
Iceland Yurt Adventure TRIP CODE - IHY | ICELAND
On this short break you will stay in the heart of Iceland’s Golden Circle and have the opportunity to see the best of this incredible country. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Nattura Yurtel | Spend three nights sleeping in custom-made Mongolian yurts located on a working horse farm Dramatic scenery | Discover the thundering Seljalandsfoss waterfalls and the black basalt cliffs at Vik I Myrdal Golden Circle | Watch Strokkur Geysir erupt and discover Gullfoss Falls before the crowds arrive
PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
ITINERARY
€1228pp
DAY 1: Join trip at Keflavik Airport. Explore the city and visit the must-see Lutheran church that dominates the city skyline. Transfer to Nattura Yurtel, our home for the next three nights. On this trip we stay in custom-made yurts. Usually seen in Mongolia, these round felt tents are ideal for Iceland’s climate. Designed with comfort in mind each yurt has twin beds, a simple wash area and underfloor heating to keep things cosy in the winter!
trip only (4 days) AT A GLANCE TRIP PACE: Moderate ACCOMMODATION: 3 nights comfortable yurt Optional single rooms from €203
TRANSPORT: Bus MEALS:
DAY 2: Explore Iceland’s south shore and the waterfalls at Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss.
Breakfast: 3
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
DAY 3: Discover the highlights of the Golden Circle: Gullfoss falls, Strokkur Geysir and Thingvellir National Park. DAY 4: Trip ends at Reykjavik Airport.
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED?
Iceland Northern Lights Adventure Travel in winter and watch the incredible phenomena of the Aurora Borealis lighting up the night sky.
ICELAND
exploreworldwide.eu/INL Reykjavík
Keflavík airport
Geysir
NÁTTURÁ YURTEL
Thingvellir National Park
Seljalandsfoss
Skogafoss Vik I Myrdal
14 Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
exploreworldwide.eu/IHY
CLASSIC DISCOVERY – EUROPE
Highlights of Portugal TRIP CODE - HOP | PORTUGAL
In the traditional Explore style, this fastpaced trip uses a range of transport and most exploration is done on foot. Travel by boat and train down the Douro Valley and explore Coimbra’s meandering streets. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Lisbon | Try the local sour cherry liqueur, Ginjinha, and discover Alfama Hill on foot Porto | Stroll down the cobbled streets to Cais da Ribeira and along the characterful quayside Douro Valley | Enjoy wine tasting in Peso da Regua and explore the Baroque city of Lamego
PRODUCT RATING:
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ITINERARY
€1351pp trip only (8 days) AT A GLANCE
DAY 1:
Join trip in Lisbon. Chance to take a short evening stroll to get a first impression of this colourful city.
DAY 2:
Explore the viewpoints and atmosphere of Lisbon’s Bairro Alto neighbourhood on foot. Afternoon option to visit the palaces and gardens of Sintra by train.
DAY 3:
Walk through Lisbon’s western neighbourhoods to Belem Tower on the River Tagus. Explore wonderful Lisbon futher in free time. Opportunity to go to a Fado performance this evening.
DAY 4:
Visit the largest monastery in Portugal at Alcobaca with its impressive Gothic architecture. See the ornate unfinished chapels of Batalha Monastery. Arrive in Coimbra.
DAY 5:
Visit Lamego en route to Peso da Regua in the Douro Valley. Enjoy wine tasting. Chance to take a boat trip along the river.
DAY 6:
Train to Porto. Explore the city on foot and have a port tasting. Free afternoon. Opportunity to visit Matosinhos and sample barbecued fish on the seafront.
DAY 7:
Free day in Porto. Perhaps visit the Neoclassical Palacio da Bolsa or nearby Braga or Guimaraes.
DAY 8:
Trip ends in Porto.
TRIP PACE: Full On ACCOMMODATION: 7 nights comfortable hotel
WHY NOT WALK?
Optional single rooms from €346
Walks and Wine Tasting in Spain and Portugal
TRANSPORT: Bus | Public Bus | Taxi | Train MEALS:
Explore on foot instead with our easy grade walking holiday. exploreworldwide.eu/MWW
Breakfast: 7
Braga (optional)
PORTO
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
Port tasting
Lamego
PESO DA REGUA
Wine tasting, Douro River boat trip (optional)
COIMBRA
PORTUGAL Batalha Monastery Alcobaca
Sintra Optional visit
LISBON
Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
exploreworldwide.eu/HOP 15
CLASSIC DISCOVERY – EUROPE
Moorish Andalucia TRIP CODE - SP | SPAIN
Discover Andalucia’s fascinating history. Explore whitewashed villages, taste delicious tapas and see the beguiling Moorish architecture of Granada, Cordoba and Seville. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Cordoba | Discover the Moorish architecture from the golden era of Al-Andalus at the Mezquita Grazalema | Hike through dramatic limestone scenery from Puerto del Boyar to Benaocaz Seville | Explore this characterful city and the stunning UNESCO-listed Alcazar Palace
PRODUCT RATING:
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€1603pp trip only (10 days)
DAY 1:
Join trip in Malaga.
DAY 2:
Travel to Ronda. Explore on foot to see the iconic Puente Nuevo Bridge. Optional gorge walk.
DAY 3:
Full day hike through the limestone scenery of Grazalema National Park.
DAY 4:
Bus to Seville. Walk in the historic centre, visit the Alcazar Palace.
DAY 5:
Free day to explore Seville.
DAY 6:
Train to Cordoba. Visit the famed Mezquita Mosque and explore the Jewish Quarter.
DAY 7:
Travel to Granada. Walk through the old silk trading area and Moorish Quarter.
DAY 8:
Visit the Alhambra Palace including Nasrid Palace and the beautifully sculpted gardens.
DAY 9:
Free morning in Granada before travelling to Malaga.
AT A GLANCE TRIP PACE: Moderate ACCOMMODATION: 9 nights comfortable hotel Optional single rooms from €364
TRANSPORT: Public Bus | Train MEALS: Breakfast: 9
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
DAY 10: Trip ends in Malaga.
SPAIN CORDOBA
Mezquita & Juderia
SEVILLE
ANDALUCIA
Alcazar
GRANADA
Alhambra Palace Grazalema Benaocaz
RONDA
MALAGA MEDITERRANEAN SEA
16 Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
exploreworldwide.eu/SP
CLASSIC DISCOVERY – EUROPE
Highlights of Puglia TRIP CODE - PUL | ITALY
The ‘heel of Italy’ is more densely populated by olive trees than by people; it has a relaxed atmosphere, sunny climate and rolling countryside. This trip offers the perfect balance of culture, food and the Adriatic coastline. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Matera | In Basilicata discover the fascinating UNESCO-listed ancient troglodyte sassi quarter Alberobello | Stay in beehive-shaped trulli houses and sample local wines Delicious food | Taste homemade stone-baked bread, mozzarella and olive oil
PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
ITINERARY
€1721pp
WHY NOT CYCLE?
Cycle Puglia
trip only (8 days)
DAY 1:
Join trip in Bari. Transfer from Bari Airport to the city centre by train. Free on arrival to discover the old town.
DAY 2:
Try pane di Altamura, a unique stone-baked bread. Visit medieval Castel del Monte.
DAY 3:
Guided tour of Matera’s cave dwellings and rock-carved churches. Chance to go to Gravina and into its underground labyrinth.
DAY 4:
Taste mozzarella at an agriturismo and wine in Cantina Albea. Go for a walk in Alberobello and stay in a trulli round house.
DAY 5:
Free day in Alberobello. Option to take the train to visit Monopoli on the coast or the Castellana Caves.
DAY 6:
Visit a historic underground olive press for a tasting before going to Otranto for a coastal walk. Arrive in the Baroque city of Lecce.
DAY 7:
Guided walking tour of Lecce to see the Basilica di Santa Croce and the cathedral. Free afternoon to visit the Museo Faggiano to learn more about the city’s history.
DAY 8:
Trip ends in Lecce. Transfer by train to Bari Airport.
Explore on two wheels instead with our easy grade cycling holiday.
AT A GLANCE
exploreworldwide.eu/CIP
TRIP PACE: Moderate ACCOMMODATION: 7 nights comfortable hotel Optional single rooms from €297
TRANSPORT: Bus | Train MEALS: Breakfast: 7
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
Castel del Monte Castel del Monte
BARI BARI
Altamura Altamura
ITALY ITALY
MATERA MATERA
Putignano Putignano
ALBEROBELLO ALBEROBELLO
LECCE LECCE Otranto Otranto Optional coastal walk Optional coastal walk
Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
exploreworldwide.eu/PUL 17
CLASSIC DISCOVERY – EUROPE
Classical Sicily TRIP CODE - CS | ITALY
This all-encompassing one-week trip takes in the highlights of the largest Mediterranean island, Sicily. See its wealth of ancient historical sights, and have the chance to go up Mount Etna. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Agrigento | Visit Sicily’s most famous Classical remains in the Valley of the Temples Erice | Discover this walled medieval hilltop town with its maze of narrow winding streets Villa Romana del Casale | See some of the best-preserved Roman mosaics left in Europe
PRODUCT RATING:
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€1567pp trip only (8 days) AT A GLANCE TRIP PACE: Full On
ITINERARY
COMBINE YOUR TRIP
Malta and Gozo Discovery
DAY 1:
Join trip in Syracusa.
Combine with this trip to make a comprehensive holiday of these varied Mediterranean islands.
DAY 2:
Discover Syracusa’s Neapolis Archaeological Park with a local guide and the beautiful Ortygia Island. Drive to the small town of Piazza Armerina.
DAY 3:
See the colourful and intricately designed mosaic floors at Villa Romana del Casale and the towering columns at Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples. Arrive in Marsala.
DAY 4:
Take in the coastal views from the charming hilltop medieval town of Erice and see the Greek ruins at Segesta. Drive to Palermo, the island’s capital.
DAY 5:
Visit the Palatine Chapel and Monreale Cathedral with a local guide. Free afternoon in Palermo to visit the Botanical Gardens or the extensive catacombs.
DAY 6:
Explore the picturesque fishing village of Cefalu and see the coastal scenery en route to the seaside town of Giardini Naxos.
DAY 7:
Opportunity to go up Mount Etna by cable car and 4WD coach to see its craters and lava fields. Guided walking tour of Taormina including the Greek theatre.
DAY 8:
Trip ends in Giardini Naxos.
exploreworldwide.eu/MLAS
ACCOMMODATION: 7 nights comfortable hotel Optional single rooms from €241
TRANSPORT: Bus MEALS: Breakfast: 7
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
Messina Erice Mountain-top town
PALERMO
Monreale Segesta
MARSALA
Cefalu
SICILY
Agrigento Valley of the Temples
Taormina
Mt. Etna
GIARDINI NAXOS PIAZZA ARMERINA
Catania Airport
SYRACUSA Ortygia Island
18 Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
exploreworldwide.eu/CS
CLASSIC DISCOVERY – EUROPE
Discover Chernobyl TRIP CODE - KCY | UKRAINE
Spend a long weekend like no other exploring the incredible abandoned sites reclaimed by nature in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, which was created when Reactor 4 exploded back in 1986. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Chernobyl | Discover the ghost town of Pripyat, the Red Forest, and the New Safe Confinement structure around Reactor 4 Reactor visit | Certain departures also include a tour of Reactor 3’s control room Kiev | Experience the city’s highlights and see Mother Motherland and the Chernobyl Museum
PRODUCT RATING:
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ITINERARY
€858pp trip only (5 days)
DAY 1:
Join trip in Kiev, Ukraine’s capital.
DAY 2:
Explore Kiev on foot to see Mother Motherland and visit the Chernobyl Museum. Explore the extensive catacombs at the ornately decorated Lavra Monastic Complex.
DAY 3:
Explore the abandoned ruins of Pripyat including the fairground and football stadium. See the New Safe Confinement structure around the infamous Reactor 4. Stay overnight in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.
DAY 4:
Discover the secret Soviet Duga Radar and the military town, visit the children’s summer camp and meet those living in the Exclusion Zone. Return to Kiev.
DAY 5:
Trip ends in Kiev. Our time in Kiev is busy visiting the city’s many highlights, so there is little free time and you may wish to consider extending your stay.
AT A GLANCE TRIP PACE: Full On ACCOMMODATION: 3 nights comfortable hotel 1 night simple hotel Optional single rooms from €98 TRANSPORT: Bus MEALS: Breakfast: 4 | Lunch: 2 | Dinner: 1 BELARUS
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
CHERNOBYL
UKRAINE
NOTE: In order to enter the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone and travel on this trip you must be at least 18 years old.
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED?
Winter Chernobyl - Photography Short Break KIEV
Lavra Monastery Complex
Explore the Exclusion Zone in winter alongside our expert photographer David Short (ARPS). exploreworldwide.eu/KCB
Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
exploreworldwide.eu/KCY 19
CLASSIC DISCOVERY – EUROPE
Ancient Macedonia TRIP CODE - AM | BULGARIA, NORTH MACEDONIA, GREECE
Travel through Bulgaria, Greece and North Macedonia to uncover the stunning and varying scenery in the lost empire of Alexander the Great. This trip is ideal for those interested in ancient history and contrasting cultures. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Lake Ohrid | Explore the monasteries around the lake and the town of Ohrid Rila Monastery | See the distinctive architecture and brightly coloured frescoes Pella | Discover the birthplace of Alexander the Great, with its mythological mosaics
PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
ITINERARY
€1758pp trip only (15 days)
DAY 1:
Join trip in Sofia, Bulgaria.
DAY 2:
Explore Sofia on foot. Travel to North Macedonia. Stay in Saint Joakim Osogovski Monastery.
DAY 3:
Visit Kratovo in the crater of an extinct volcano. In Skopje, see Kale Fortress.
DAY 4:
Discover the towering sides of the dramatic Matka Gorge. Chance for a boat trip above the dam.
DAY 5:
Scenic drive to Ohrid via Mavrovo National Park. See the carvings at Saint Jovan Bigorski Monastery.
DAYS 6–7:
Walking tour of Ohrid. Take in the view from the Church of Saint John at Kaneo. Free time to relax.
DAY 8:
Boat trip to the Springs of Lake Ohrid. Visit Saint Naum and Heraclea.
DAY 9:
Visit the birthplace of Alexander the Great at Pella and Vergina. Arrive in Thessaloniki, Greece.
AT A GLANCE TRIP PACE: Moderate ACCOMMODATION: 13 nights comfortable hotel 1 night comfortable monastery Optional single rooms from €309 TRANSPORT: Bus | Boat | Ferry MEALS: Breakfast: 14 | Dinner: 1
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
SERBIA
SOFIA
St Joakim Osogovski Monastery MONTENEGRO KRIVA
PALANKA
SKOPJE
BULGARIA Rila Monastery
Kratovo
BANSKO
Matka Gorge
NORTH MACEDONIA
Mavrovo NP
LAKE OHRID PELISTER NP St Naum Monastery
DAYS 11–12:
Keramoti Philippi
KAVALA
Heraclea
GREECE
DAY 10: Discover Thessaloniki on foot. Free afternoon to visit the Archaeological Museum.
Pella Vergina
THESSALONIKI Rotunda Kastro
Thassos Ouranopoli Mount Athos
20 Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
Scenic drive on the Halkidiki Peninsula. Boat trip to see Mount Athos. Ferry to Thassos Island.
DAY 13: Explore historical Philippi. Drive on to Bansko in the Pirin Mountains of Bulgaria. DAYS 14–15:
Visit Rila Monastery. Return to Sofia where the trip ends.
exploreworldwide.eu/AM
CLASSIC DISCOVERY – EUROPE
Highlights of Albania TRIP CODE - AB | ALBANIA
Still emerging from isolation, Albania’s wealth of historic sites, charming rural villages and the colourful capital, Tirana, are all waiting to be discovered. Along the way explore the Adriatic Coast, the White Mountains and the peaceful shores of Lake Ohrid. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Butrint | Discover one of the greatest archaeological sites in the Balkans Llogara National Park | Explore the pristine forests and admire the fantastic views Gjirokastra | Stroll along the cobbled streets and visit its hilltop castle PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
ITINERARY
€1129pp trip only (11 days)
DAY 1:
Join trip in Tirana, Albania’s capital.
DAY 2:
Visit Petrela Fortress and Bektashi World Centre. Explore Tirana including the old bazaar.
DAY 3:
Go to Elbasan Fortress. Stop in the fishing village of Lin en route to Pogradec on Lake Ohrid.
DAY 4:
Drive via Voskopoja to Korca. Explore the old town and visit the cathedral and Medieval Museum.
DAY 5:
Drive on one of the most scenic routes in Albania, the Barmash Pass. Countryside walk in Benja.
DAY 6:
Walk to Leusa Church. Drive to UNESCO-listed Gjirokastra. Visit the castle and Ethnographic Museum.
DAY 7:
See the karstic spring, ‘the Blue Eye’, and explore Butrint, one of the great archaeological sites.
DAY 8:
Visit Ali Pasha Fortress en route to Llogara National Park. Afternoon hike and stay in the park.
DAY 9:
See Flag Square and the Muradi Mosque in Vlora. Visit the ancient Roman site of Apollonia.
AT A GLANCE TRIP PACE: Full On ACCOMMODATION: 10 nights comfortable hotel Optional single rooms from €210
TRANSPORT: Bus MEALS: Breakfast: 10 | Lunch: 1
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
KRUJA
Durresi Roman Amphitheatre
NORTH MACEDONIA
TIRANA Petrela Fortress Elbasan Fortress
Walking Albania Explore on foot instead with our moderate grade walking holiday. exploreworldwide.eu/ALW
Lake Ohrid
ALBANIA
WHY NOT WALK?
Gur-i-Topit 2,120m Red Mosque, Fortress
Apollonia
Vlora
POGRADEC
BERAT
KORCA
WHITE MOUNTAINS LLOGARA NP Walks
PERMETI Walks
Barmash Pass 1,757m
GJIROKASTRA Fortress
ADRIATIC SEA SARANDA
GREECE
DAY 10: Discover the fortress and Red Mosque in Berat. Visit the Roman amphitheatre in Durresi. DAY 11: Trip ends in Kruja.
Butrint
Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
exploreworldwide.eu/AB 21
CLASSIC DISCOVERY – EUROPE
Greek Island Wanderer TRIP CODE - GW | GREECE
Our island hopping trip begins in Greece’s capital, Athens, before exploring the gleaming waterfront harbours, rocky coves and long sandy beaches of the Cyclades. Visit the islands of Syros, Paros, Santorini and Naxos by ferry. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Santorini | Discover its volcanic scenery and whitewashed churches with blue-domed roofs Syros | Opportunity to take coastal walks and sample cuisine in authentic seafront tavernas Paros | Chance to walk along an ancient Byzantine road and go snorkelling PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
ITINERARY
€1726pp
DAY 1:
Join trip in Athens.
DAY 2:
Walking tour of Athens. Chance to visit the Acropolis.
DAYS 3–4:
Ferry to Syros. Opportunity for an easy walk from Galissas to Kini and to join an island tour and sample the sweet, Loukoumi.
DAY 5:
Free time, with the chance to take a number of coastal walks. Evening ferry to Paros.
DAYS 6–7:
Free time on Paros to perhaps walk along the Byzantine road and take a caique boat cruise.
exploreworldwide.eu/WAT
DAY 8:
Ferry to Santorini, with the chance for wine tasting at Avantis Estate in Messaria.
Fe
DAY 9:
Opportunity to walk from Fira to Oia. The walk offers great sea views from the lip of a caldera.
trip only (15 days) AT A GLANCE TRIP PACE: Moderate ACCOMMODATION: 14 nights comfortable hotel Optional single rooms from €549
TRANSPORT: Bus | Ferry | Taxi MEALS: Breakfast: 14
WHY NOT WALK?
Greek Islands Walking - Andros and Tinos Explore on foot instead with our moderate grade walking holiday.
MONTHS OF TRAVEL: rry
fro
m/
to
Ath
AEGEAN SEA
en
MYKONOS
s
SYROS GALISSAS
Option of coastal walks
DELOS PAROS
Optional boat trip to Mykonos and Delos
NAXOS TOWN
Paros town
NAXOS
Optional village walk
DRIOS
CYCLADIC Beaches, optional ISLANDS caique trip (GREECE)
DAY 10: Chance to take a boat trip to see an active volcano, swim in warm springs and cruise to Thirassia Island. DAY 11: Opportunity to visit the Minoan ruins at Akrotiri before taking the ferry to Naxos. DAY 12: Free day in Naxos, with the chance to go on a full day boat trip to ancient Delos and Mykonos.
SANTORINI
Fira
KARTERADOS
Optional coastal walks and volcano boat trip
DAY 13: Option to walk from the white village of Kynidaros to Eggares and visit the Olive Press Museum. DAYS 14–15:
22 Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
Ferry back to Athens where the trip ends.
exploreworldwide.eu/GW
CLASSIC DISCOVERY – EUROPE
Active Turkey TRIP CODE - MAT | TURKEY
Spend a week discovering Turkey’s beautiful Turquoise Coast. This active trip is a wonderful way to explore the Mediterranean coastline, its charming villages and impressive mountains. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Kekova Bay | Sea kayak to the sunken city of Kekova and the village of Simena Xanthos | Visit the ancient capital of Lycia and canoe down the river to Patara Beach Taurus Mountains | Cycle and walk among the tree-covered foothills
PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
€611pp trip only (8 days) AT A GLANCE
ITINERARY
WHY NOT CYCLE?
Cycle Turkey Explore on two wheels instead with our moderate grade cycling holiday. exploreworldwide.eu/CTT
DAY 1:
Join trip in Kas. Free time to relax by the harbour.
DAY 2:
Trek in the ruggedly beautiful foothills of the Taurus Mountains with a picnic lunch along the way. Take in the views from Bozkava summit.
DAY 3:
Visit ancient Xanthos before canoeing on the river. Stop for a riverside barbecue lunch and swim at Patara Beach.
DAY 4:
Free day to go scuba diving, horse riding or there’s the chance to visit the Greek island of Meis. Alternatively, relax in Kas or beside the hotel pool.
DAY 5:
Early morning sea kayaking in Kekova Bay to view the ruins of the sunken city. Visit to Simena Castle to admire the view over the bay.
DAY 6:
Cycle through the forest-covered foothills of the Taurus Mountains. Stop for a picnic lunch and to cool off at Kaputas Beach.
DAY 7:
Gulet boat trip, with lunch included, around the bays surrounding Kas, with the opportunity to snorkel and swim.
DAY 8:
Trip ends in Kas.
TRIP PACE: Moderate ACCOMMODATION: 7 nights comfortable hotel Optional single rooms from €197
TRANSPORT: Bus | Boat | Bike MEALS: Breakfast: 7 | Lunch: 4
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
TURKEY
From/to Dalaman Airport
TAURUS MOUNTAINS
TURKEY
From/to Dalaman Airport
Taurus foothills walk Kuruova
TAURUS MOUNTAINS
Xanthos Oluklar Yaylasi Taurus foothills walk Taurus foothills cycling Kuruova Canoe to Patara Beach
Xanthos
MEDITERRANEAN SEA Canoe to Patara Beach
Oluklar Yaylasi
Taurus foothills Simena KAS Castle Boat tripcycling Snorkeling Ucagiz
Meis Island Sea kayaking Simena to KAS (optional) Castle Kekova Island
MEDITERRANEAN Boat trip Snorkeling SEA
Meis Island (optional)
Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
Ucagiz Sea kayaking to Kekova Island
exploreworldwide.eu/MAT 23
CLASSIC DISCOVERY – MIDDLE EAST
Jordan Discovery TRIP CODE - JD | JORDAN
Discover the rugged beauty, delicious food and rich heritage of Jordan. Explore Petra in depth, sleep like a Bedouin in Wadi Rum and float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Mount Nebo | Learn about Jordan’s biblical heritage as we travel in the footsteps of Moses Petra | Spend two full days discovering the historic and remarkable ‘Rose Red City’ Wadi Rum | Eat a traditional Bedouin barbecue, sit around the camp fire and sleep under a blanket of stars
PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
€1109pp trip only (9 days) AT A GLANCE
ITINERARY
WHY NOT WALK?
Walking Jordan’s Spice Trails
DAY 1:
Join trip in Amman.
Discover on foot instead with our moderate grade walking holiday.
DAY 2:
exploreworldwide.eu/TP
Visit Jerash, a wonderfully preserved Roman town, before a guided tour of Amman’s ancient citadel.
TRIP PACE: Full On ACCOMMODATION:
DAY 3:
Explore Mount Nebo and the mosaics at Madaba before travelling to Petra. Take a chance to see Petra at night, lit by hundreds of candles.
DAY 4:
Take a guided tour of ancient Petra, a city carved into rock by the Nabataeans, including the famous facade of the Treasury.
DAY 5:
Free time to discover Petra. Trek to the Monastery or High Place of Sacrifice for views over the Negev Desert.
DAY 6:
Travel through Wadi Rum in a 4WD. Spend the night in a Bedouin camp in the desert.
DAY 7:
Travel to Aqaba for a relaxing day. Opportunities to snorkel, swim and take a boat trip on the Red Sea.
DAY 8:
Leave Aqaba and descend to the lowest point on earth for time to float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea.
DAY 9:
Trip ends in Amman.
7 nights comfortable hotel 1 night simple tented camp Optional single rooms from €259 TRANSPORT: Bus | 4WD MEALS: Breakfast: 8 | Lunch: 1 | Dinner: 2 SYRIA
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
SYRIA Jerash Ancient Roman city Jerash Ancient Roman city
AMMAN
Dead Sea Dead Sea
ISRAEL ISRAEL
MtAMMAN Nebo Madaba Mt Nebo Madaba
Kerak Crusader castle Kerak Crusader castle
JORDAN JORDAN
PETRA Rock-carved city PETRA Rock-carved city
WADI RUM Desert camp WADI RUM Desert camp
AQABA AQABA
24 Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
exploreworldwide.eu/JD
CLASSIC DISCOVERY – MIDDLE EAST
Highlights of Lebanon TRIP CODE - LL | LEBANON
Uncover Lebanon’s fascinating history on this one-week holiday. Stand in front of the vast Roman ruins at Baalbek, discover Crusader castles and walk along Beirut’s Green Line on a guided city tour. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Cedars of God | See the 1000-year-old Lebanon Cedars set high above the Qadisha Valley Coastal cities | Uncover the rich heritage and maritime histories of Byblos and Batroun on the Mediterranean coast Lebanese cuisine | Taste red wine in the Bekaa Valley and feast on fresh hummus, labneh and falafel in the narrow streets of the souk PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
ITINERARY
€1592pp trip only (8 days) AT A GLANCE
DAY 1:
Join trip in Beirut, Lebanon's cosmopolitan capital city.
DAY 2:
Explore Beirut, follow the city’s symbolic Green Line and join locals for a stroll along the corniche.
TRIP PACE: Moderate
DAY 3:
Visit Sidon's Phoenician sea castle, explore the narrow souks and drive into the Chouf Mountains.
DAY 4:
Discover Beiteddine Palace. Have lunch at Tawlet Ammiq community project and sample some Bekaa Valley wine in the afternoon.
DAY 5:
Morning visit to the vast Roman ruins at Baalbek. Drive up into the Qadisha Valley, walk among ancient Cedar trees and sleep in a working monastery.
DAY 6:
Opportunity to attend morning prayers and walk in the scenic valley before driving down to the Mediterranean Coast.
ACCOMMODATION: 6 nights comfortable hotel 1 night simple monastery Optional single rooms from €333 TRANSPORT: Bus MEALS: Breakfast: 7 | Lunch: 1 | Dinner: 2
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
QOZHAYA QADISHA VALLEY
Batroun
Cedars Forest
DAY 7:
BYBLOS
Batroun
Jeitta Caves
BEIRUT
QOZHAYA QADISHA VALLEY LEBANON Cedars Forest
Baalbek
DAY 8:
Relax by the sea in Byblos before an afternoon visit to Jeitta Caves. Traditional mezze dinner in Beirut. Trips ends in Beirut.
BYBLOS BAALBEK
Jeitta Caves
BEIRUT
DEIR EL QAMAR LEBANON Sidon
DEIR EL QAMAR Beiteddine Palace
Sidon
Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
exploreworldwide.eu/LL 25
CLASSIC DISCOVERY – AFRICA
Best of Morocco TRIP CODE - MR | MOROCCO
Enter the world of ancient Morocco on this journey through the country’s imperial cities: Rabat, Meknes, Fes and Marrakech. Travel through the mountainous land of Berbers to the edge of Africa where we relax in the tranquil port town of Essaouira. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Atmospheric medinas | Get lost in the colourful alleyways of the cities’ old towns Todra Gorge | Walk in Morocco’s Grand Canyon through spectacular rock formations Essaouira | Relax in the traditional and charming port town on the Atlantic coast PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
€1233pp trip only (15 days) AT A GLANCE TRIP PACE: Moderate
ITINERARY
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED?
Grand Tour of Morocco
DAY 1:
Join trip in Casablanca.
Take more time to explore the culture and scenery of Morocco on our 20-day trip.
DAY 2:
Visit the extraordinary Hassan II Mosque. Take a city tour of Rabat and continue to Meknes.
exploreworldwide.eu/MGT
DAY 3:
Discover the imperial city of Meknes and visit the ancient Roman site of Volubilis, Morocco’s former capital.
DAY 4:
Explore Fes, the artisan capital of Morocco with its maze of narrow streets and vibrant markets.
DAY 5:
Drive over the Middle Atlas Mountain range and discover rich Berber culture and heritage.
DAY 6:
Travel into the desert by 4WD and sleep under the stars in a Berber camp.
DAYS 7–8:
Watch sunrise over the dunes and experience a camel ride. Explore the magnificent Todra Gorge on foot.
DAY 9:
Visit the UNESCO fortified Berber settlement of Ait Ben Haddou and the Valley of 1,000 Kasbahs.
ACCOMMODATION: 12 nights comfortable hotel 1 night premium hotel 1 night simple camp Optional single rooms from €210
TRANSPORT: Bus | 4WD MEALS: Breakfast: 14 | Dinner: 1
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
ATLANTIC OCEAN
Volubilis Rabat
CASABLANCA
FES
MEKNES
HIGH ATLAS
Midelt
MOROCCO
ESSAOUIRA MARRAKECH OUIRGANE
TODRA GORGE
AIT BEN HADDOU
ERFOUD
Valley of 1000 Kasbahs
SAHARA DESERT
DAY 10: Cross the highest pass in Morocco through the Atlas Mountains. Join a family for mint tea. DAYS 11–12:
Stroll around the 15th century coastal town of Essaouira, or relax on the beach.
DAYS 13–14:
Discover the incredible city of Marrakech. Explore markets, souks and mosques.
ERG CHEBBI
Desert Experience
ALGERIA
DAY 15: Trip ends in Marrakech.
26 Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
exploreworldwide.eu/MR
CLASSIC DISCOVERY – AFRICA
Namibia Lodge Safari TRIP CODE - NL | NAMIBIA
Take the journey across Namibia’s contrasting landscapes, including dramatic canyons, towering sand dunes and magnificent national parks in search of wildlife, and by night enjoy a sundowner in lodges located perfectly for exploring. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Sossusvlei | The world’s highest sand dunes in the world’s oldest desert Damaraland | See ancient Bushmen rock art and meet the Himba people National parks | Home to the Big Five and the largest population of cheetah in Africa PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
ITINERARY
€3023pp
DAY 1:
trip only (12 days)
Join trip in Windhoek.
DAY 2: Travel to Sesriem via the Namib Desert, the oldest on the planet.
AT A GLANCE
DAY 3:
Explore the Sesriem Canyon. See the magnificent sand dunes of Sossusvlei.
DAY 4:
Drive to Swakopmund, stopping at Walvis Bay to look for flamingo and pelican.
DAY 5:
Free day to explore the colonial town of Swakopmund. Learn about Namibia’s intriguing history.
DAY 6:
Drive via Cape Cross Seal Reserve to Damaraland. Discover rock art of the San Bushmen.
DAY 7:
Visit the indigenous Himba village. Make our way to the salt pans of Etosha National Park.
DAY 8:
Game drives in Etosha. Stay up to spot a rhino having a late night drink at the watering hole.
DAY 9:
Search for lion, cheetah, elephant, leopard, springbok, hyena and giraffe in Etosha.
TRIP PACE: Full On ACCOMMODATION: 2 nights comfortable hotel 7 nights comfortable lodge 1 night simple lodge 1 night premium lodge Optional single rooms from €266 TRANSPORT: Truck | 4WD MEALS:
ETOSHA NP Game drives
Breakfast: 11 | Lunch: 9 | Dinner: 4
Lake Otjikoto
ETOSHA NP
TOSHARI
Game drives
Lake Otjikoto
Twyfelfontein Rock art
WATERBERG TOSHARI PLATEAU NP
Twyfelfontein Brandberg UIS 2573m Rock art
WATERBERG PLATEAU NP KALAHARI DESERT
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
Brandberg 2573m Cape Cross Seal Reserve Cape Cross Seal Reserve Walvis Bay Lagoon Walvis Bay
ATLANTIC Lagoon OCEAN
NAMIBIA UIS
KALAHARI DESERT SWAKOPMUND NAMIBIA WINDHOEK Capital city
Kuiseb
SWAKOPMUND Canyon WINDHOEK Capital city
Kuiseb
NAMIB Canyon DESERT
Highest dunes on NAMIB Earth
ATLANTIC OCEAN
DESERT Sossusvlei
Highest dunes on Earth Sossusvlei
SESRIEM CANYON SESRIEM CANYON
Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
DAY 10: Visit the Cheetah Conservation Foundation. Drive to the Waterberg Plateau. DAY 11: Free morning to explore on foot or take an extra game drive. Visit a local craft market, before returning to Windhoek. DAY 12: Trip ends in Windhoek.
exploreworldwide.eu/NL 27
CLASSIC DISCOVERY – AFRICA
Botswana Wildlife Safari TRIP CODE - BW | BOTSWANA, ZAMBIA, NAMIBIA
A trip through Botswana’s remote wilderness to track Africa’s greatest animals. Stay on a houseboat on the delta, sleep under canvas in the bush and visit the Smoke that Thunders Victoria Falls. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Game viewing | Explore Botswana’s finest game reserves during seven days of safari Okavango Delta Panhandle | Search for waterdwelling wildlife and exotic birds Chobe National Park | A remarkable wildlife sanctuary, world famous for its huge elephant population PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
ITINERARY
€2992pp
DAYS 1–2:
trip only (15 days) AT A GLANCE
Join trip in Maun. Scenic journey to private houseboat in the Okavango Delta Panhandle region.
DAY 3: Take boat trips around the Okavango Delta Panhandle, for fantastic bird and hippo sightings.
TRIP PACE: Full On ACCOMMODATION:
DAY 4: Discover San Bushman art in Tsodilo Hills, viewing 24,000 year-old paintings at a UNESCO Site.
3 nights comfortable boat 7 nights simple camping 2 nights comfortable hotel
DAY 5: Journey from Botswana to Zambia, via Namibia, in one day through the Caprivi Strip.
2 nights comfortable lodge Optional single rooms from €204
DAY 6: Explore Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural Wonders of the World.
TRANSPORT: 4WD | Boat MEALS:
DAYS 7–8:
Breakfast: 14 | Lunch: 11 | Dinner: 10
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
ZAMBIA ANGOLA
NAMIBIA
DAY 9: Safari through the wetlands of Savuti Marsh, a region known for large lion prides. LIVINGSTONE
Zambezi River crossing
Game drives
OKAVANGO HOUSEBOAT XAKANAXA Game drives
Moremi Game Reserve
MAUN
CHOBE NP SAVUTI
Game drives
KHWAI RIVER
Victoria Falls ZIMBABWE
Tsodilo Hills rock paintings
CHOBE RIVER AREAS
Take game drives in Chobe National Park, famous for its huge numbers of elephant.
BOTSWANA Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
DAYS Explore the pans, floodplains, 10–11: lagoons and deep mopane forest of Moremi Game Reserve. DAY 12: Venture deeper into the delta to Xakanaxa hoping to see the herds of lechwe and big cats. DAY 13: Full day safari. The area is home to many different birds including fish eagle and bee-eater. DAY 14: Return to Maun. Afternoon opportunity to take a flight over the Okavango Delta. DAY 15: Trip ends in Maun.
28 Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
exploreworldwide.eu/BW
CLASSIC DISCOVERY – AFRICA
South Africa’s Garden Route TRIP CODE - SGR | SOUTH AFRICA
Discover South Africa’s most iconic road trip, The Garden Route. Vibrant Cape Town, African penguin colonies, worldrenowned wine-tasting and spotting herds of elephant are just some of the highlights. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Stellenbosch | Taste wines among rolling vineyards in the Cape Winelands National parks | Explore Tsitsikamma National Park and safari in Addo Elephant National Park Hermanus | Spot the migrating mammals in the whale watching capital of the world (July - November) PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
€1789pp
ITINERARY
WHY NOT CYCLE?
trip only (12 days) AT A GLANCE
Cycle South Africa
DAY 1: Join trip in Cape Town.
Explore on two wheels instead with our moderate grade cycling holiday.
DAY 2: Visit Cape Peninsular National Park, including a chance to visit Seal Island by boat.
exploreworldwide.eu/CTC
TRIP PACE: Moderate
DAY 3: Free day to ascend Table Mountain, visit Robben Island or explore the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.
ACCOMMODATION: 3 nights comfortable cabin
DAY 4: Meet the producers of some of South Africa’s famous wines in the world renowned vineyards of Stellenbosch.
6 nights comfortable hotel 2 nights comfortable lodge Optional single rooms from €463
DAY 5: Scenic drive to Hermanus, via Stony Point to see the African penguin colony.
TRANSPORT: Bus | 4WD MEALS:
DAY 6: Visit Cape Agulhas, Africa’s southernmost tip. Spend the night in a bush camp on the banks of the Breede River.
Breakfast: 11 | Dinner: 2
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
DAY 7: Relax in the rural setting or try rafting on the Breede River. Drive through the Little Karoo to Oudtshoorn. DAY 8: Walk inside the Cango Caves, an underground wonderland. Take in the views at Knysna Heads.
SOUTH AFRICA ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK
OUDTSHOORN Cango Caves
TSITSIKAMMA NATIONAL PARK
CAPE TOWN STELLENBOSCH
Game drive
SWELLENDAM PLETTENBERG BAY
HERMANUS
Seasonal Whale watching Cape Agulhas
INDIAN OCEAN
ATLANTIC OCEAN
Port Elizabeth
DAY 9: Explore the walking trails of Robberg Nature Reserve. Free time in Plettenberg Bay. DAY 10: Discover Tsitsikamma National Park, with an opportunity to explore the canopy walkways and zip wires. DAY 11: Game drives in search of elephant, lion, zebra and buffalo at Addo Elephant National Park. DAY 12: Optional sunrise safari. Trip ends in Addo Elephant Park.
Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
exploreworldwide.eu/SGR 29
CLASSIC DISCOVERY – ASIA
The Best of Georgia and Armenia TRIP CODE - GF | ARMENIA, GEORGIA
Travel through the Caucasus region and discover the diversity of a land straddling two continents. Explore lively cities, discover ancient cultures, walk through spectacular mountain scenery and indulge in hearty local cuisine on this journey through the ages. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Yerevan | Wander through ancient monasteries and stay in the shadow of Mount Ararat Tbilisi | Explore the narrow medieval streets of the Old Town where East meets West Gudauri | Walk in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus and visit Gergeti Trinity Church PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
€2277pp
EXTEND YOUR TRIP The Best of Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan
trip only (16 days)
Spend three days exploring Azerbaijan, a fascinating contrast to Georgia and Armenia.
AT A GLANCE TRIP PACE: Full On
exploreworldwide.eu/GFA
ITINERARY DAY 1:
Join trip in Yerevan.
DAY 2:
Explore Yerevan, lying in the shadow of Mount Ararat. Visit the Holy City of Echmiadzin.
DAY 3:
Discover the Hellenistic temple at Garni before continuing to the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery.
DAYS 4–5:
Marvel at the imposing Amberd Fortress and sample some Armenian wine in the village of Areni.
DAY 6:
Explore the dramatic monastery of Haghpat, then cross into Georgia and continue onto its medieval capital, Tbilisi.
DAYS 7–8:
Drive onto Kutaisi to explore this ancient city. Take a day trip to the Black Sea coastal town of Batumi.
DAY 9:
Visit the UNESCO-listed monastery at Gelati and discover some of the area’s underground caves.
ACCOMMODATION: 3 nights simple guesthouse 12 nights comfortable hotel Optional single rooms from €456 TRANSPORT: Bus MEALS: Breakfast: 15 | Lunch: 5 | Dinner: 6
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
Mt Kazbeg 5033m
GUDAURI
Gelati & Motsameta Monasteries
Ananuri
Uplistsikhe cave town Gori Stalin museum
KUTAISI
GEORGIA
Gremi Fort
RUSSIA
TELAVI
Mtskheta
Wine factory and wine tasting
TBILISI AKHALTSIKHE
Batumi Black Sea Coast
DAY 10: Walk through the tunnels and stairways of the remarkable cave town of Vardzia. DAYS 11–12:
Stop off at the birthplace of Stalin before taking a gentle walk in the Kazbegi Mountains.
DAYS 13–14:
Explore the atmospheric city of Tbilisi with its narrow streets, churches, synagogues and mosques.
Vardzia Cave town Haghpat Monastery
ARMENIA
Dilijan
AZERBAIJAN
LAKE SEVAN TURKEY
YEREVAN Amberd Fortress Echmiadzin Holy City
Garni and Geghard
Khor Virap Monastery Mt Ararat 5137
Lake Sevan Selim Caravanserai The Silk Road Noravank Monastery
30 Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
DAY 15: Stroll around the farmers’ market in Telavi and gain an insight into local wine production. DAY 16: Trip ends in Tbilisi.
exploreworldwide.eu/GF
CLASSIC DISCOVERY – ASIA
The Silk Road of Uzbekistan TRIP CODE - UZ | UZBEKISTAN
Travel along the Silk Road past caravanserais and across the remote Central Asian landscape on this trip that takes in the highlights of Uzbekistan. Marvel at incredible Islamic architecture and learn about a history that crosses cultures and spans millennia. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Khiva | Step back in time as you walk the streets of this ‘open air museum’ Yurt stay | Sample nomadic life when sleeping in a traditional felt tent Samarkand | Discover the ornate turquoise mosaics of Registan Square PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
€1845pp trip only (11 days) AT A GLANCE TRIP PACE: Full On
ITINERARY
COMBINE YOUR TRIP The Silk Road of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan
DAY 1:
Join trip in Tashkent. Explore the city and its eccentric metro stations.
Contrast Uzbek deserts with Kyrgyzstan’s lush meadows on our three-week combination trip.
DAY 2:
Fly to Urgench in western Uzbekistan. Drive to ancient Khiva.
DAY 3:
Step back in time discovering the ancient and well-preserved city of Khiva.
DAY 4:
Travel along the old Silk Road and take in the wide open scenery on the drive to Bokhara.
DAY 5:
Learn about the rich and extensive history of the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bokhara.
DAY 6:
A free day in Bokhara to allow for further discovery of this beautiful city.
DAY 7:
Take a camel ride across the desert and stay overnight in a traditional yurt.
DAY 8:
Drive onto the fabled city of Samarkand and view the madrassahs of Registan Square.
DAY 9:
Follow in the footsteps of Genghis Khan and Alexander the Great discovering Samarkand.
exploreworldwide.eu/KRU
ACCOMMODATION: 7 nights comfortable hotel 2 nights simple hotel 1 night simple yurt Optional single rooms from €407
TRANSPORT: Bus | Flight | Train MEALS: Breakfast: 10 | Lunch: 1 | Dinner: 1
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
UZBEKISTAN Urgench
KAZAKHSTAN
Yurt stay and Camel riding
KYZYLKUM DESERT DESERT TASHKENT KHIVA CAMP Chorsu Ancient Yangikasgan walled city
Karmana
BOKHARA Ark Citadel Emir’s Palace
TURKMENISTAN
Aydarkul Lake
Bazaar
SAMARKAND
Ulugh Beg Observatory TAJIKISTAN Registan Square
DAY 10: Free time to explore before catching the high-speed train to Tashkent. DAY 11: Trip ends in Tashkent.
ZERAFSHAN MOUNTAINS
Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
exploreworldwide.eu/UZ 31
CLASSIC DISCOVERY – ASIA
The Golden Triangle TRIP CODE - GTI | INDIA
Explore the cultural heart of Northern India on this week-long circuit of the Golden Triangle. Wind through Old Delhi's narrow lanes in a rickshaw and test Jaipur's intricate sun dials for accuracy. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Agra | See the Taj Mahal up close and watch as the sun rises over the iconic building Karauli | Visit the imposing royal palace and sleep like a Maharajah in heritage accommodation Jaipur | Explore the historical Amber Fort, the Observatory and the Palace of the Winds
PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
€734pp trip only (8 days) AT A GLANCE TRIP PACE: Full On
ITINERARY
EXTEND YOUR TRIP Ranthambore Wildlife Extension Take three Jeep safaris in Ranthambore National Park searching for the Bengal tiger. exploreworldwide.eu/RTE
DAY 1:
Join trip in Delhi and explore Old Delhi's narrow lanes by metro and rickshaw.
DAY 2:
See a different side to the capital in New Delhi, including Qutub Minar and India Gate. Drive to Agra.
DAY 3:
Watch the sun rise over the Taj Mahal. Visit Agra Fort and Itimad-ud-Daulah, known as the baby Taj. Chance to join a cooking class at a local, family home this evening.
DAY 4:
Explore the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri and drive to Karauli. In the evening, visit the aarti ceremony at the local Hindu temple, a ceremony in which devotees give offerings to the gods.
DAY 5:
Visit Chand Baori stepwell and drive to Jaipur to see the phenomenal Observatory and the City Palace.
DAY 6:
Discover Jaipur's Palace of the Winds and Amber Fort, a hill-top palace complex with intricate Mughal architecture and carvings inside its beautiful courtyards.
DAY 7:
Drive back to Delhi via India's Heritage Transport Museum.
DAY 8:
Tour ends in Delhi.
ACCOMMODATION: 2 nights premium hotel 5 nights comfortable hotel Optional single rooms from €247 TRANSPORT: Bus | Rickshaw MEALS: Breakfast: 7 | Lunch: 1 | Dinner: 1
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
DELHI
Chandni Chowk Qutub Minar Heritage Transport Museum
INDIA JAIPUR
Chand Baori Stepwell
Amber Fort Palace of the Winds Observatory
AGRA
Fort & Taj Mahal Fatehpur Sikri
KARAULI
Rural Life & Old Palace stay
32 Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
exploreworldwide.eu/GTI
CLASSIC DISCOVERY – ASIA
Sri Lanka in Depth TRIP CODE - SL | SRI LANKA
Uncover the highlights of the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’. This exploration of spiritual Sri Lanka features a mix of ancient cities, gilded Buddhist temples and wildlife-filled national parks. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Wildlife | Search for leopard, elephant, sambar deer and sloth bear by Jeep Ancient capitals and temples | Wander through Sri Lanka's first kingdoms, hillside Buddhist temples and climb the dramatic Sigiriya Rock Fortress Hill country | Explore the Temple of the Tooth and the lush tea plantations in cooler climates PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
€2067pp trip only (15 days) AT A GLANCE
ITINERARY
COMBINE YOUR TRIP Maldive Dhoni Cruise
DAY 1:
Join trip in Negombo.
This trip can be combined to end your break with a relaxing cruise.
DAY 2:
Take a Jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park.
DAY 3:
Explore the UNESCO Site of Anuradhapura and the sacred peak at Mihintale.
DAY 4:
See the giant Standing Buddha at Aukana and explore Dambulla’s painted cave temples.
DAY 5:
Discover the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and drive to Sigiriya.
DAY 6:
Climb the dramatic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Lion's Rock.
DAY 7:
Explore the sacred Temple of the Tooth and the colourful Peradeniya Botanical Gardens in Kandy.
DAYS 8–9:
Join pilgrims for an ascent of Adam's Peak. Drive to Nuwara Eliya via a tea plantation.
exploreworldwide.eu/SLM
TRIP PACE: Moderate ACCOMMODATION:
WHY NOT CYCLE?
1 night simple guesthouse
Cycle Sri Lanka
12 nights comfortable hotel 1 night comfortable tented camp
Explore on two wheels instead with our moderate grade cycling holiday.
Optional single rooms from €734
exploreworldwide.eu/CSL
TRANSPORT: Bus | 4WD MEALS: Breakfast: 14 | Lunch: 1 | Dinner: 2
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
ANURADHAPURA
Wilpattu National Park game drive
Bodhi Tree Aukana Buddha Dambulla
NEGOMBO Fishing Port
COLOMBO
Bay of Bengal
SRI LANKA Adam’s Peak
INDIAN OCEAN Galle Old Dutch port
UNAWATUNA Relaxing beach
GIRITALE
Polonnaruwa Ancient capital
SIGIRIYA
Lion's Rock
KANDY DALHOUSIE ELLA
NUWARA ELIYA
Buduruvagala Rockface carvings
UDAWALAWE
Elephant transit home and National Park
Mirissa Optional whale watching (Dec/Apr)
DAY 10: Travel through picturesque mountain scenery to Ella. DAY 11: Visit Ella Falls and drive to Udawalawe for a safari in the national park. DAYS 12–13:
Drive to Unawatuna, discover the fascinating churches and old houses of Galle Fort and relax on the beach.
DAY 14: Drive to Colombo for a city tour of the capital. DAY 15: Trip ends in Colombo. NOTE: Departures from July to December will visit Horton Plains instead of climbing Adam's Peak.
Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
exploreworldwide.eu/SL 33
CLASSIC DISCOVERY – ASIA
Maldive Dhoni Cruise TRIP CODE - MC | MALDIVES
Board a traditional Maldivian dhoni and sail through the clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Passing small atolls and islands, we stop at remote fishing communities, admire beautiful coral reefs and snorkel in crystal-clear waters. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Unspoilt Maldives | Visit small idyllic islands, far away from the tourist resorts Snorkelling and swimming | Swim in warm, clear water and snorkel for opportunities to spot manta ray, turtle and a variety of tropical fish Traditional fishing villages | Spend time with the local people and learn about their way of life PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
€1475pp trip only (8 days) AT A GLANCE
COMBINE YOUR TRIP Sri Lanka in Depth This trip can be combined with our two-week exploration of Sri Lanka. exploreworldwide.eu/SLM
ITINERARY DAY 1:
Join trip in Male. Take an afternoon walk around the town.
DAY 2:
Board the dhoni and cruise to the South Male Atoll. Explore idyllic Kuda Anbaraa Island.
TRIP PACE: Relaxed ACCOMMODATION:
DAY 3:
Relax on board or snorkel in the clear waters of the Meemu Atoll seeking out the colourful sea life.
DAY 4:
Cruise to Dhiggaru Island for a display of Bodu Beru – the indigenous drum music of the islands.
DAY 5:
Discover how the islanders live at the traditional village of Felidhoo.
DAY 6:
Witness the exotic underwater life of Hulhidhoo reef before sailing back to Fulidhoo.
DAY 7:
Sail back to Male, stopping en route to snorkel at Emboodhoo Reef.
DAY 8:
Trip ends in Male.
6 nights simple boat 1 night comfortable hotel Optional single rooms from €852 TRANSPORT: Boat MEALS: Breakfast: 7 | Lunch: 7 | Dinner: 7
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
NORTH MALE ATOLL NORTH MALE MALE ATOLL MALE SOUTH MALE SOUTH ATOLL MALE ATOLL
MALDIVES MALDIVES FELIDHOO ATOLL FELIDHOO ATOLL
KUDA ANBARAA KUDA
Emboodhoo Lagoon Emboodhoo Lagoon
GURAIDHOO GURAIDHOO FULIDHOO INDIAN FULIDHOO OCEAN INDIAN FELIDHOO OCEAN FELIDHOO
Uninhabitated ANBARAA Island Uninhabitated Island
FENBOA FINOLHU FENBOA FINOLHU MEEMU ATOLL MEEMU ATOLL
DHIGGARU Fishing village DHIGGARU Bodu Beru Fishing village performance Bodu Beru performance
34 Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
exploreworldwide.eu/MC
CLASSIC DISCOVERY – ASIA
Burma Highlights TRIP CODE - BUH | BURMA (MYANMAR)
With its plethora of glittering temples and towering stupas, it’s no wonder this mystical country has been dubbed the ‘Golden Land’. On this two-week trip we explore Burma’s stand-out highlights, along with some of its lesser-visited gems. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Inle Lake | Discover floating gardens, stilted villages and leg-rowing fishermen Mandalay | Cruise on the Irrawaddy River and visit nearby U-Bein Bridge Bagan | Explore this vast plain studded with thousands of ancient temples PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
€1906pp trip only (14 days) AT A GLANCE
ITINERARY
EXTEND YOUR TRIP Burma Highlights and Ngapali Beach
DAY 1:
Join trip in Rangoon (Yangon).
Spend three days relaxing on the tropical sands of Ngapali Beach.
DAY 2:
exploreworldwide.eu/BUHB
Discover the sights and temples of Rangoon before flying north to Inle Lake.
TRIP PACE: Moderate ACCOMMODATION:
Cruise Inle Lake by longtail boat and witness the unique rowing style of the local fisherman.
DAY 4:
Explore the sprawling complex of over 1,000 stupas that lie outside the village of Indein.
DAY 5:
Ride a local train through the Shan Highlands and drive to the hill station of Kalaw.
DAY 6:
Explore the tribal Shan Highlands on foot and discover the Buddha images in Myinmathi Cave.
DAY 7:
Take a scenic drive down from the mountains as we continue to Kipling’s Mandalay.
DAYS 8–9:
Uncover the ancient cities of Inwa and Amarapura. Watch the sunset over U-Bein Bridge.
WHY NOT CYCLE?
13 nights comfortable hotel
Cycle Burma
Optional single rooms from €401
Explore on two wheels instead with our moderate grade cycling holiday.
TRANSPORT: Bus | Boat | Flight | Train
DAY 3:
exploreworldwide.eu/CBUR
MEALS: Breakfast: 13 | Lunch: 4 Traditional handicrafts
Mingun
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
Vast plains with 3000 temples
BAGAN
MANDALAY
Amarapura Fly Inwa U-Bein bridge (MaySept)
SHAN PLATEAU
Heho Nyaung Shwe
KALAW
Hill station trekking
INLE LAKE
Leg rowing fisherman, stilted villages
ARAKAN RANGE
DAY 10: Witness river life on a gentle cruise down the Irrawaddy River to Bagan.
PEGU RANGE
BURMA
(MYANMAR)
RANGOON (YANGON)
Shwedagon Pagoda Colonial architecture
Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
THAILAND
DAYS 11–12:
Visit the iconic temples of Bagan and watch the sunset over the pagodas.
DAY 13: Return to Rangoon for a last visit to the markets and temples of this unique Asian city. DAY 14: Trip ends in Rangoon (Yangon).
exploreworldwide.eu/BUH 35
CLASSIC DISCOVERY – ASIA
Simply Vietnam TRIP CODE - QVN | VIETNAM
This short break encompasses the best of Vietnam in just 10 days. Using local transport and staying in simple hotels, we experience lush landscapes, discover harrowing history and sample incredible fresh food. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Hanoi | Wander through the bustling narrow streets of the Old Quarter Hoi An | Take a cookery course or try out traditional lantern making Mekong Delta | Meander along palm-lined canals and barter for exotic fruit
PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
€1043pp trip only (10 days) AT A GLANCE TRIP PACE: Moderate ACCOMMODATION: 7 nights comfortable hotel 1 night simple hotel 1 night simple overnight train
ITINERARY
COMBINE YOUR TRIP Simply Bangkok to Hanoi For those with more time, add on a journey through Thailand and Cambodia. exploreworldwide.eu/QBV
DAY 1:
Join trip in Ho Chi Minh City.
DAY 2:
Crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about Vietnam’s history at the War Remnants Museum.
DAY 3:
Fly up to Hoi An and discover Chinese temples and wooden houses in this old trading port.
DAY 4:
A free day in Hoi An with the option for a cookery class, fishing lesson or more time to explore.
DAY 5:
Embark on a scenic drive along the coast on the stunning Hai Van Pass to Hue.
DAY 6:
Explore the Imperial Citadel of Hue and cruise along the Perfume River. Take an overnight train north to Hanoi.
DAY 7:
Travel through the towering limestone cliffs of Halong Bay by traditional wooden junk boat.
DAY 8:
Uncover the charm of Hanoi’s Old Quarter on a tour of its narrow streets.
DAY 9:
A free day in Hanoi with the option to explore the French Quarter by bicycle.
CHINA CHINA
HALONG BAY Junk BAY HALONG
HANOI Old Quarter HANOI
Cruise Junk Limestone cliffs Cruise Limestone cliffs
Chi Minh’s OldHoi Quarter mausoleum Hoi Chi Minh’s mausoleum
Optional single rooms from €185
TRANSPORT: Bus | Boat | Flight | Train | Taxi
Gulf of GulfTonkin of Tonkin
MEALS: Breakfast: 8 | Lunch: 1 Perfume River Imperial Perfume RiverCity Imperial City HUE
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
HUE
LAOS LAOS
Danang Danang HOI AN Old merchants HOI AN houses Old merchants Bike rides houses Tailors shops Bike rides Tailors shops
CAMBODIA
CAMBODIA Cu Chi Tunnels Cu Chi Tunnels
VIETNAM VIETNAM
DAY 10: Trip ends in Hanoi.
HO CHI MINH CITY Old Saigon walking tour HO CHI MINH CITY Optional My Thotour Old Saigon walking SOUTH Mekong Delta Optional My Tho boat trip CHINA SEA SOUTH Mekong Delta boat trip CHINA SEA
36 Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
exploreworldwide.eu/QVN
CLASSIC DISCOVERY – ASIA
Simply Japan TRIP CODE - QJS | JAPAN
Travel from super-modern Tokyo to villages, castles and temples unchanged from the times of the Shogun and Samurai. Stay in a Buddhist temple and a family-run ryokan, meet snow monkey and tame deer, and experience modern and ancient Japan. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Tokyo | Explore ultra-modern Tokyo, with the option to visit nearby Mount Fuji Kyoto | Experience traditional Japan with temples, Zen gardens and geishas Kanazawa | Discover the Samurai district and the secrets of the Ninja Temple PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
ITINERARY
€4134pp trip only (14 days) AT A GLANCE TRIP PACE: Moderate
DAY 1:
Join trip in Tokyo.
DAYS 2–3:
Explore Tokyo with the option to visit Hakone National Park for views of Mount Fuji.
DAY 4:
Travel by train to Matsumoto and discover the impressive Crow Castle.
DAY 5:
Meet the snow monkey of Jigokudani and spend the night in a temple.
DAY 6:
Join the monks for morning prayers and explore the Samurai district of Kanazawa.
DAY 7:
Free time in Kanazawa to try sushi at the Omichi Fish Market or discover the ‘Ninja Temple’.
DAY 8:
Try Sake in the old town of Takayama and stay in a familyrun ryokan.
DAY 9:
Travel by train to Hiroshima and experience the poignant Peace Park and Peace Museum.
ACCOMMODATION: 11 nights comfortable hotel 1 night simple temple 1 night simple ryokan Optional single rooms from €308
TRANSPORT: Train | Bus | Boat MEALS: Breakfast: 13
MONTHS OF TRAVEL: NAGANO
KANAZAWA
Temple stay
Kenrokuen gardens, samurai district
JIGOKUDANI Snow monkeys
KANAZAWA
TAKAYAMA
Kenrokuen gardens, samurai district
NAGANO Temple stay
Ryokan stay
MATSUMOTO Matsumoto Castle
TOKYO JIGOKUDANI City tour Snow monkeys
TAKAYAMA Ryokan stay
JAPAN
KYOTO
HIROSHIMA
MATSUMOTO Matsumoto Castle
Imperial capital,
Peace Park
JAPAN SEA ND
INLA
OSAKA Temples and Zen gardens
Osaka airport
MIYAJIMA HIROSHIMA
KYOTO
Imperial capital,
OSAKA Temples and
PeaceFloating Park gate
ND
INLA
SEA
Zen gardens
Osaka airport
MIYAJIMA Floating gate
Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
TOKYO City tour
DAY 10: Take the ferry to Miyajima Island, meet the tame deer and see the floating torii gate. DAYS 11–12:
Take the bullet train to Kyoto. Free time to explore the Zen gardens, temples and geisha district.
DAY 13: Continue to explore Kyoto before travelling to Osaka for a final night among neon lights. DAY 14: Trip ends in Osaka.
exploreworldwide.eu/QJS 37
CLASSIC DISCOVERY – THE AMERICAS
Contrasts of Mexico TRIP CODE - MX | MEXICO, GUATEMALA, BELIZE
A diverse journey through the ancient Maya and Aztec heartland. Travel by boat up jungle-clad rivers and listen for the call of howler monkeys, sample traditional food in Oaxaca, cool off in refreshing waterfalls and discover magnificent ancient sites. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Palenque | Uncover Maya history at these mysterious ruins, shrouded in dense jungle Oaxaca | Wander the streets and markets of this delightful UNESCO World Heritage City Day of the Dead | Experience this iconic festival, with special departures available PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
€1970pp
ITINERARY
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
Contrasts of Mexico and Yucatan Peninsula Extension
trip only (15 days)
DAY 1:
Join trip in Mexico City.
DAYS 2–3:
See the city’s highlights including the Anthropological Museum. Visit the Teotihuacan Pyramids.
exploreworldwide.eu/MXY
DAYS 4–5:
Walking tour of the colonial city of Oaxaca, and the ancient complex of pyramids at Monte Alban.
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED?
DAY 6:
Visit the Zapotec site, Mitla, and the 2,000 year old Tule tree en route to the isthmus of Tehuantepec.
DAY 7:
Take a boat trip through the vast Sumidero Canyon. Continue to the highland town of San Cristobal.
DAY 8:
Discover the indigenous village of San Juan Chamula on foot. Explore the colourful markets.
DAYS 9–10:
Travel to the important Maya site of Palenque, covered in rainforest, and bathe in waterfalls.
Spend two nights on idyllic Caye Caulker, Belize, and visit Chichen Itza on the Yucatan Peninsula.
AT A GLANCE TRIP PACE: Full On ACCOMMODATION: 13 nights comfortable hotel 1 night simple lodge Optional single rooms from €401
Tastes of Mexico Try homemade tamales and mezcal on this foodie tour of Mexico’s highlights.
TRANSPORT: Bus | Boat
exploreworldwide.eu/MXF
MEALS: Breakfast: 7 | Dinner: 1
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
DAY 11: Explore Bonampak and Yaxchilan ruins. Discover the well-preserved Maya murals and carvings.
‘Place of the Gods’ Teotihuacan
DAY 12: Continue by bus and boat to the Guatemalan rainforest. Optional boat trip on Lake Peten Itza.
GULF OF MEXICO
MEXICO CITY
Anthropology Museum
MEXICO OAXACA
Mixtec & Zapotec site Mitla
Maya Ruins
PALENQUE
SAN IGNACIO Belize City
Sumidero Canyon
Monte Alban
TEHUANTEPEC PACIFIC OCEAN
Tikal
SAN CRISTOBAL
Bonampak & Yaxchilan
FLORES
BELIZE
GUATEMALA
38 Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
DAY 13: Discover the magnificent Maya metropolis of Tikal with its 20 storey high temples and pyramids. DAY 14: Cross the Belize border to San Ignacio and explore the Xunantunich ruins. DAY 15: Drive to Belize City Airport where the trip ends.
exploreworldwide.eu/MX
CLASSIC DISCOVERY – THE AMERICAS
Discover Belize TRIP CODE - BL | BELIZE, GUATEMALA
Rich in exotic wildlife, tropical forests, white-sand beaches and lost civilisations, Belize is a diverse pocket of overlooked beauty. Food lovers, wildlife spotters, jungle hikers and beach junkies alike will all find something to love here. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Maya sites | Visit the lesser-known ruins of Xunantunich and Lamanai, and explore the temples of Tikal Belize Barrier Reef | Snorkel in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea Wildlife | Find monkey, toucan, crocodile and many more in diverse natural habitats PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
ITINERARY
€2590pp trip only (13 days) AT A GLANCE
DAY 1:
Join trip in Belize City.
DAY 2:
Visit the Maya site of Altun Ha and drive to Crooked Tree wetlands for a sunset bird watching cruise.
TRIP PACE: Moderate
DAY 3:
Boat journey along the river to explore the remote jungle ruins of Lamanai, bird watching en route.
DAYS 4–5:
Visit a baboon sanctuary before continuing to Placencia. Free time to snorkel off tropical islands.
DAY 6:
Walk the trails of the Cockscomb Jaguar Sanctuary then drive to San Ignacio. Swim at the Blue Hole.
DAY 7:
Explore the Xunantunich archaeological site including the massive pyramid of El Castillo.
DAY 8:
Free day. Visit the impressive botanical gardens, go canoeing or explore the Cahal Pech ruins.
DAYS 9–10:
Discover the great Maya temples of Tikal, Guatemala, that pierce the dense jungle canopy.
ACCOMMODATION: 8 nights comfortable hotel 4 nights comfortable lodge Optional single rooms from €611 TRANSPORT: Bus | Boat MEALS: Breakfast: 10 | Lunch: 1 | Dinner: 2
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
MEXICO
Lamanai Boat to Maya Jungle site
Altun Ha Temple of the Sun
CAYE CAULKER
CROOKED TREE
Coral reef
Wildlife Sanctuary
Maya city
TIKAL
Community Baboon Sanctuary
SAN IGNACIO
bird watching Xunantunich ‘El Castillo’
GUATEMALA Caracol
BELIZE CITY
Blue Hole
Hu m Higmingb hw ird ay Cockscomb Jaguar Reserve Forest trails
BELIZE
Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
DAY 11: Return to Belize City. Take a short boat ride to the idyllic Caribbean island of Caye Caulker. DAY 12: Relax on the island. Spot manatee at Goff’s Caye, or take a trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, one of the best snorkelling spots in Belize. DAY 13: Trip ends on Caye Caulker.
PLACENCIA
Beach
exploreworldwide.eu/BL 39
CLASSIC DISCOVERY – THE AMERICAS
Cuba Libre! TRIP CODE - CL | CUBA
In timeless Cuba, fifties-style American cadillacs roll through faded colonial streets, while in the music halls rum flows freely. Beyond the island’s cities, find wild landscapes as well as the endless blue of the Caribbean Sea. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Trinidad | Music bursts from every corner of this colonial town; explore it from a homestay Escambray Mountains | Swim in fresh water pools and camp out under the stars Revolutionary history | Visit Castro’s mountain hideout and the Bay of Pigs museum
PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
€1944pp
ITINERARY
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED?
The Best of Western Cuba
trip only (15 days)
If you’re short on time, this eight-day trip covers the highlights of Havana, Trinidad and the coast.
AT A GLANCE
DAYS 1–2:
Join trip in Havana and experience the faded colonial splendour of Cuba’s capital.
DAY 3:
Drive to Vinales and explore the dramatic limestone landscape and tobacco fields on foot.
DAY 4:
Visit the paradise orchid gardens at Soroa and continue to Santa Clara via the Che Memorial.
DAY 5:
Travel to Camaguey via Che Guevara’s Mausoleum.
DAY 6:
Free time to explore Camaguey before driving to the picturesque Sierra Maestra Mountains.
DAY 7:
Trek through the jungle to the site of Castro’s rebel headquarters, Comandancia de la Plata.
DAYS 8–9:
Explore Santiago de Cuba on foot and drive to Trinidad via the beach at Santa Lucia.
exploreworldwide.eu/CN
TRIP PACE: Full On ACCOMMODATION: 10 nights comfortable hotel 2 nights comfortable casa particular 2 nights simple camping Optional single rooms from €456
TRANSPORT: Bus MEALS: Breakfast: 14 | Lunch: 3 | Dinner: 2
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
HAVANA City tour
VINALES
Caves, walks & tobacco farms
ATLANTIC OCEAN SANTA CLARA
Soroa
CUBA
Visit Che’s Mausoleum
Cueva de los Peces
Hikes in the Guamuhaya Massif Bay of Pigs
TRINIDAD TOPES DE Colonial COLLANTES architecture
SANTA LUCIA
Golden sand beaches
CAMAGUEY
Lively colonial town
CARIBBEAN SEA
Holguin Santo Domingo Comandancia de la Plata Castro’s & Che’s refuge
SANTIAGO DE CUBA City tour
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DAY 10: Walking tour through the narrow streets and twisting alleyways of colonial Trinidad. DAY 11: Drive to the Escambray Mountains and walk to waterfalls, stopping for a dip. Camp out in haciendas. DAY 12: Walk to La Batata and El Altar caves, spotting bird en route. Overnight camp. DAY 13: Visit the museum dedicated to the Bay of Pigs and swim in a cenote (limestone cave). DAYS 14–15:
Free day to explore Havana where the trip ends.
exploreworldwide.eu/CL
CLASSIC DISCOVERY – THE AMERICAS
Costa Rica Wildlife Tour TRIP CODE - CC | COSTA RICA
For a tiny country, Costa Rica packs a huge wildlife punch. Spot sloth lounging in the forest and take a beach walk on the lookout for turtles. Taste local food at a finca, tour a chocolate plantation, and peer into the Poas Volcano. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Tortuguero | Cruise the jungle waterways and explore the rainforest of this ‘mini Amazon’ Rafting | Whitewater raft through rainforest on the Pacuare River Manuel Antonio | Share the white-sand beaches with capuchin monkey and iguana
PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
€2590pp trip only (15 days) AT A GLANCE TRIP PACE: Moderate
ITINERARY
WHY NOT CYCLE?
Cycle Costa Rica
DAY 1: Join trip in San Jose.
Explore on two wheels instead with our easy to moderate grade cycling holiday.
DAY 2: Walk to the volcanic crater of Poas and try out traditional oxcart painting.
exploreworldwide.eu/CCR
DAYS 3–4:
Discover the Savegre Cloud Forest and spend time searching for the famous quetzal on the forest trails.
DAYS 5–6:
Drive to Turrialba. Eat at a traditional finca and whitewater raft on the forest-covered Pacuare River.
ACCOMMODATION: 6 nights comfortable lodge 5 nights comfortable hotel 3 nights premium hotel Optional single rooms from €839
DAY 7: Journey by bus and boat to Tortuguero National Park wetlands, often described as a ‘mini Amazon’.
TRANSPORT: Bus | Boat MEALS: Breakfast: 14 | Lunch: 4 | Dinner: 3 CARIBBEAN SEA
NICARAGUA
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
TORTUGUERO NP
LA FORTUNA
SARAPIQUI
Sea turtles
Rainforest and night walk
Arenal 1633m
NICARAGUA COSTA RICA
TORTUGUERO NP
Poás
2707m LA FORTUNA Arenal 1633m
CARIBBEAN SEA
SARAPIQUI
SAN JOSÉ
COSTA RICA
Sea turtles
Rainforest and night walk TURRIALBA
Poás 2707m
MANUEL ANTONIO NP
Sandy SAN beaches JOSÉ
PACIFIC OCEAN
MANUEL ANTONIO NP Sandy beaches
PACIFIC OCEAN
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DAY 8: Cruise the jungle waterways searching for wildlife including monkey and toucan. DAY 9: Return by boat to Cano Blanco and drive to Sarapiqui. Take a night walk through the forest. DAY 10: Take a nature walk in the Selva Verde Rainforest Reserve. Drive to Arenal. DAY 11: Free day to explore Arenal’s National Park. Discover waterfalls and wildlife in the shadow of Arenal’s conical volcano.
Cloud forest and quetzal spotting
DAY 12: Walk the beautiful trails of the Carara Biological Reserve and drive to Manuel Antonio.
SAN GERARDO DE DOTA
DAYS Relax on the white-sand beaches 13–14: of Manuel Antonio National Park, snorkel or look for sloth in the park.
SAN GERARDO DE DOTA TURRIALBA
Cloud forest and quetzal spotting
DAY 15: Drive back to San Jose International Airport where the trip ends.
exploreworldwide.eu/CC 41
WADI SHAB | OMAN | EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WOM
42 Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
Contents Introduction What to expect from a Walking holiday
44–45
Choose your Walking grade and trip
46–47
Croatia
56
Cyprus
58
Italy
54
Malta
53
Northern Cyprus
57
Poland
55
Portugal 48–50 Spain 51–52 Turkey
59
Africa Morocco
60
Tanzania 61
Asia Azerbaijan
62–63
Walking
Europe
exploreworldwide.eu 43
What to expect from a
Walking Nothing gets you closer to a country than walking through it, and we’ve got trips to suit walkers of all levels and interests.
How fit do I need to be? All our Walking holidays are graded from ‘Easy’ through to ‘Challenging to Tough’. On our online trip pages you’ll find a chart showing the daily walk distances, timings and information on the route including the terrain, ascents and descents. Generally, no specific training is needed but you might feel more comfortable if you’ve got out walking a few times in the lead-up to your trip. For more information on walking grades, see page 46.
What will the group be like? As with all our trips, every group is different but the ‘average’ group consists of roughly half couples and half solo travellers - all sharing a passion for exploring the world on foot. You’ll always have someone to keep you company along the route, but you don’t always have to walk together. Wherever possible your Explore leader will allow everyone to walk at their own pace, regrouping regularly along the route.
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holiday Will I need to walk every day? Typically, we select the very best walks in a country or region, include any must-see sights along the way and also build in some free time. Some of our most popular European trips are Centre-Based. This relaxed style of holiday involves staying in one place and getting to know the area in greater depth. It’s very flexible and you can choose to do as many (or few) of the walks as you like. We also have Point-toPoint trips where almost the entire journey is on foot and you’ll need to take part in all the walks.
What about the logistics? On nearly all our Walking trips, your main luggage will be transported for you, so you’re free to walk with a light rucksack. We recommend you carry water, snacks, a camera, a small first aid kit and any extra clothing or sun protection. On more remote or challenging treks, additional guides are there to assist the leader and provide support to the group.
exploreworldwide.eu 45
Choosing your
Walking holiday Our walks and treks are all graded by difficulty taking into consideration the daily distances covered, the terrain, ascents and descents, climate and altitude. The Trip Notes on our website contain detailed information about what to expect to help you choose a trip which suits your fitness and experience level.
Walking grades 1
2
5
4
3
6
EASY
EASY TO MODERATE
MODERATE
MODERATE TO CHALLENGING
CHALLENGING
CHALLENGING TO TOUGH
Good paths, low altitude and undemanding terrain, with plenty of non-walking time in the itinerary. Ideal for those in good health who can walk three to five hours in a day. Previous walking experience is not necessary.
Expect a mix of easy and moderate walks on fairly good paths at low altitude, with some more demanding ascents and descents to spice it up just a little.
With generally good paths at low altitude (mainly below 2,500m), this is best for fit and active people who can walk three to seven hours a day with some demanding ascents and descents.
Combining moderate walks with some challenging hikes and demanding treks on difficult terrain or at higher altitudes, this is perfect for fit walkers who want to challenge themselves.
Trekking days are generally between six to eight hours, with some long, steep ascents and descents, sometimes at high altitude and on difficult terrain. A good fitness level and previous trekking experience is recommended.
Difficult terrain often at high altitudes and long trekking days (sometimes over nine hours). Requires a high level of fitness and you should be a confident, experienced trekker.
Small group experiences Here’s a summary of all the Walking trips we offer and where to find out more. We’ve included some of our favourites on the following pages, but you’ll find our full programme on our website. COUNTRIES
TRIP NAME
POINT-TOPOINT
CENTREBASED
DAYS
FIND OUT MORE
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/SCU
EASY CUBA
WALKING IN CUBA
8
ESTONIA - LATVIA - LITHUANIA
WALK ESTONIA, LATVIA AND LITHUANIA
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/ELL
INDONESIA
WALK INDONESIA - JAVA AND BALI
14
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WJB
ITALY
A TASTE OF ITALY - WALKING IN EMILIA ROMAGNA
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/TOER
ITALY
A TASTE OF ITALY - WALKING IN PUGLIA
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/TOP
MOROCCO
WALKING IN MOROCCO - ATLAS TO ATLANTIC
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/MAA
NEW ZEALAND
WALKING IN NEW ZEALAND
19
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WZN
PORTUGAL
BEST SELLER WALKING IN PORTUGAL - EASTERN ALGARVE
SPAIN - PORTUGAL
WALKS AND WINE TASTING IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL
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8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WIA
12
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/MWW
PAGE
COUNTRIES
TRIP NAME
POINT-TOPOINT
CENTREBASED
DAYS
FIND OUT MORE
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WAM
PAGE
EASY TO MODERATE ARMENIA
WALKING IN ARMENIA
9
AZERBAIJAN
AZERBAIJAN CAUCASUS WALKING
9
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WAZ
GREECE
GREEK CRUISE AND ISLAND WALKING
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/GCW
INDIA
WALKING IN RAJASTHAN
14
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/RVT
ITALY
LAKE COMO WALKING
ITALY
SOUTHERN TUSCANY WALKING AND WINE
ITALY
BEST SELLER AMALFI COAST WALKING
ITALY
WALKING IN SICILY
MONTENEGRO - CROATIA
WALKING MONTENEGRO AND THE CROATIAN ISLANDS
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WCM
NEPAL - BHUTAN
WALKING IN BHUTAN
11
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WBHU
NORTH CYPRUS
BEST SELLER WALKING IN NORTHERN CYPRUS
PORTUGAL (AZORES)
BEST SELLER WALKING IN THE AZORES
PORTUGAL
BEST SELLER WALKING IN PORTUGAL - REMOTE COASTAL TRAILS
SLOVENIA
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/LC
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/LTY
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/NAW
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/SIT
63
54
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/LNC
57
14
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/AZ
48
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/POR
50
WALKING IN SLOVENIA
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WSO
SPAIN (CANARY ISLANDS)
CANARY ISLANDS WALKING - LANZAROTE
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/LZT
TURKEY
WALKING TURKEY’S TURQUOISE COAST
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WTC
VIETNAM
WALKING IN VIETNAM
14
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WVN
UNITED KINGDOM
WALK NORTHUMBERLAND
6
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WNU
UNITED KINGDOM
WALKING SCOTLAND’S ORKNEY ISLANDS
7
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/ORK
MODERATE ALBANIA
WALKING ALBANIA
ANDORRA
WALKING IN THE ANDORRAN PYRENEES
CANADA CHINA
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/ALW
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/PAW
WALKING IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
13
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WRK
BEST SELLER WALK THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA
10
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WG
COSTA RICA - NICARAGUA
HIKING IN COSTA RICA AND NICARAGUA
15
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/NCR
CROATIA
WALKS AND COASTAL TOWNS OF CROATIA
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CO
56
CYPRUS
NEW WALKING IN CYPRUS
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CY
58
GEORGIA
BEST SELLER HIKING IN THE GEORGIAN CAUCASUS
9
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WGEO
62
GREECE
WALKING IN CRETE
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CR
GREECE
GREEK ISLANDS WALKING - ANDROS AND TINOS
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WAT
GREECE
WALKING THE CORFU TRAIL (SOUTH)
INDIA
WALKING IN KERALA
ITALY
WALKING LAKE GARDA AND THE PROSECCO HILLS
ITALY
HIKING IN THE DOLOMITES
ITALY
WALKING TRAILS OF HIDDEN TUSCANY
ITALY
WALKING IN SARDINIA
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/SAR
JAPAN
WALK JAPAN - KUMANO KODO TRAIL
12
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WJP
JORDAN
BEST SELLER WALKING JORDAN’S SPICE TRAILS
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/TP
KYRGYZSTAN
WALKING IN KYRGYZSTAN
9
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WKYZ
MADAGASCAR
MADAGASCAR WILDERNESS TREK
MALTA
NEW MALTA AND GOZO WALKING
NEPAL
WALKING THE ANNAPURNA FOOTHILLS
NEPAL
ANNAPURNA LUXURY LODGE TREK
POLAND
BEST SELLER HIKING IN THE POLISH CARPATHIANS
PORTUGAL (MADEIRA)
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CF
11
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WIK
TWIN-CENTRE
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/LGP
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/DW
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WTY
TWIN-CENTRE
15
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/MF
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WML
13
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/RT
12
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/LAN
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WPS
55
BEST SELLER WALKING IN MADEIRA
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/TM
49
SOUTH AFRICA
WALKING AND WILDLIFE IN SOUTH AFRICA
9
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WSA
SPAIN
WALKING THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
12
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CDS
SPAIN
WALKING IN SPAIN - ALICANTE MOUNTAINS
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WWA
SPAIN
TREKKING IN SPAIN - PICOS DE EUROPA
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/PC
SPAIN
WALKING IN SPAIN - WHITE VILLAGES OF ANDALUCIA
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/SJ
SPAIN (CANARY ISLANDS)
CANARY ISLANDS WALKING - LA GOMERA AND TENERIFE
TWIN-CENTRE
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/OC
SPAIN (CANARY ISLANDS)
BEST SELLER CANARY ISLANDS WALKING - GRAN CANARIA
TWIN-CENTRE
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/LOC
SPAIN (CANARY ISLANDS)
CANARY ISLANDS WALKING - LA PALMA
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/LPM
SPAIN (MALLORCA)
WALKING IN MALLORCA
TWIN-CENTRE
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/MAL
SRI LANKA
WALKING IN SRI LANKA
14
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WSL
TURKEY
BEST SELLER HIKING TURKEY’S LYCIAN WAY
USA
WALKING THE WESTERN US NATIONAL PARKS
UNITED KINGDOM
PEMBROKESHIRE COAST WALKING
UNITED KINGDOM
WALK THE LAKE DISTRICT
UNITED KINGDOM
WALK THE NORTH WEST HIGHLANDS AND SKYE
UNITED KINGDOM
WALK THE SOUTH DOWNS SHORT BREAK
TWIN-CENTRE
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/LW
10
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WUS
6
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WPM
7
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WLD
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WHS
4
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WSD
14
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/TPF
53
52
51
59
MODERATE TO CHALLENGING ARGENTINA - CHILE
TREK PATAGONIA - FITZ ROY AND TORRES DEL PAINE
GREECE
WALKING THE CORFU TRAIL (NORTH)
ITALY
SICILIAN VOLCANO HIKE WITH LUCA COSMA
MOROCCO
BEST SELLER TOUBKAL CLIMB
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/MJ
OMAN
NEW OMAN TREKKING
10
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WOM
PERU
BEST SELLER INCA TRAIL TREK
9
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/PQ
PERU
WALK PERU’S INCA TRAIL AND PALCCOYO RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
14
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/PM
PERU
PERU IN DEPTH AND THE INCA TRAIL
19
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/PE
ROMANIA
WALKING ROMANIA - TRANSYLVANIAN ALPS TREK
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/TTA
UNITED KINGDOM
SNOWDONIA WALKING SHORT BREAK
5
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/WSW
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/FA
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/SV 60
CHALLENGING FRANCE - SWITZERLAND - ITALY
TOUR DU MOUNT BLANC TREK
11
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/MBT
MOROCCO
TOUBKAL CLIMB - LONG WEEKEND
5
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/ATA
NEPAL
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK
20
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/AN
NEPAL
BEST SELLER ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY TREK
15
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/AS
BEST SELLER KILIMANJARO - LEMOSHO TREK
10
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/KC
CHALLENGING TO TOUGH TANZANIA
61
exploreworldwide.eu 47
WALKING – EUROPE
Walking in the Azores
2
TRIP CODE - AZ | PORTUGAL (AZORES)
Discover the best of five unspoilt Azores islands; Sao Miguel, Terceira, Sao Jorge, Flores and Faial. This gentle walking holiday explores the beautiful and varied landscapes; crater lakes, extinct volcanoes, vineyards, thermal springs and craggy coastlines. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Sete Cidades | Crater walk with stunning views of the twin blue and green lakes Whale watching | Opportunity to take a boat trip alongside whales and dolphins Faja dos Cubres | Follow a hydrangea lined path down to this unique lagoon PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
DAILY DISTANCES
€2443pp
Day 2
trip only (14 days)
8km
2.5hrs
6.5km
2.5hrs
Day 3 Day 4
AT A GLANCE
Day 5 Day 6
WALKING GRADE:
ITINERARY
13km
5hrs
Day 8
12.5km
4hrs
Day 9
7.5km
Day 10
12km
Day 11
12.5km
3.5hrs
Day 12
3.5km
1.5hrs
Day 13
5.5km
2.5hrs
Day 7
Easy to Moderate ACCOMMODATION: 9 nights comfortable hotel 2 nights premium hotel 2 nights simple hotel Optional single rooms from €667 MEALS: Breakfast: 13 | Lunch: 1
2.5hrs 4hrs
Optional Walks
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
DAY 1: Join trip in Ponta Delgada. DAY 2: Walk around Sete Cidades colourful crater lakes. DAY 3: Visit the natural ovens, hot springs and botanical garden of Furnas. DAY 4: Free day to explore more of the island on and off shore. Optional whale watching. DAY 5: Fly to Santa Cruz, Flores Island. DAY 6: Full day walk from Lajedo to Fajo Gorge. DAY 7: Fly to Terceira Island. Visit the old town of Angra do Heroismo. Option to visit Algar do Carvao caves. DAY 8: Walk to Biscoitos. Chance to swim in lava rock pools and visit the wine museum. DAY 9: Fly to Sao Jorge Island. Explore the small harbour town of Velas.
FLORES ISLAND
DAY 10: Walk down Caldeira de Cima Gorge and follow the coastline to Faja dos Cubres.
ATLANTIC OCEAN
Quatro Ribeiras
Biscoitos
Caldeira 1043m Optional Walk
VELAS FAIAL
SAO JORGE
AZORES
DAY 11: Free day to explore the island.
PRAIA DA VITORIA
Caves
DAY 12: Take the ferry to Faial Island.
Angra
DAY 13: Walk at the caldeira of Capelinhos volcano.
TERCEIRA
(Portugal)
HORTA
DAY 14: Trip ends in Horta, Faial Island. SAO MIGUEL Sete Cidades Crater lakes
Furnas Lake
PONTA DELGADA
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exploreworldwide.eu/AZ
WALKING – EUROPE
Walking in Madeira
3
TRIP CODE - TM | PORTUGAL (MADEIRA)
Following Madeira’s unique network of levadas and ancient footpaths, this trip discovers the many different sides to this beautiful volcanic island. Walk through laurel forest, along cliff tops to the Ponta de São Lourenço and past alluring waterfalls. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Levada paths | Variety of picturesque walks along irrigation channels Spectacular mountain views | Walking the path between the peaks of Arieiro and Ruivo Funchal | Absorb the delights of the laid-back capital PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
ITINERARY
€956pp
DAY 1: J oin trip in Funchal, Madeira’s capital on the island’s south coast.
trip only (8 days)
DAY 2: E xplore the spectacular volcanic cliff paths along São Lourenço Peninsula.
AT A GLANCE
DAY 3: W alk through UNESCO-protected forest along a levada to Caldeira Verde waterfall. Descend to Ilha. Overnight at Porto Moniz on the north coast.
WALKING GRADE: Moderate ACCOMMODATION: 7 nights comfortable hotel Optional single rooms from €229
MEALS: Breakfast: 7
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
DAILY DISTANCES Day 2
8km
0.5km
3hrs/20min
Day 3
12.5km
5hrs
Day 4
12km
5hrs
Day 5
10km
4.5hrs
11km
5.5hrs
Day 6 Day 7
PORTO MONIZ Faja da Ovelha
MADEIRA Optional Walks (Portugal)
SANTANA
Baia d’Abra
MADEIRA Ilha
Machico (Portugal) PORTO MONIZQueimadas PAUL Achada do DO Rabaçal Baia Teixeira Faja da SANTANA MAR d’Abra 1542m Ovelha Ariero São Ilha Pico Ruivo Prazeres 1818m Lourenço Machico 1862m Boca PAUL Queimadas Peninsula Achada do Corrida DO Rabaçal Teixeira Airport MARATLANTIC 1542m Ariero São FUNCHAL Pico Ruivo Prazeres 1818m OCEAN Lourenço
Boca Corrida
ATLANTIC OCEAN
1862m
DAY 4: F ollow Levada do Alecrim from Rabaçal to Risco Waterfall. DAY 5: E njoy stunning coastal views on a walk along Calheta Levada and descend on historic path to Paul do Mar. DAY 6: O rientation tour of Funchal. Opportunity to go whale and dolphin spotting, wine tasting or relax and explore the old town further. DAY 7: W alk from Pico Arieiro via part of the Balcony Walk to the summit of Pico Ruivo (1,862m). DAY 8: Trip ends in Funchal.
Peninsula
Airport
FUNCHAL
Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
exploreworldwide.eu/TM 49
WALKING – EUROPE
Walking in Portugal - Remote Coastal Trails
2
TRIP CODE - POR | PORTUGAL
Based in the small town of Sagres, this holiday explores an unspoilt corner of Portugal. Follow coastal paths to discover impressive cliff tops and quiet sandy beaches. Sample delicious seafood and crisp wines in the evening. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Cabo Sao Vicente | Walk the long distance Rota Vicentina path Ponta de Piedade | Dramatic rocky coastline, rock arch and turquoise seas Seven Hanging Valleys trail | Explore hidden beaches, coves and limestone stacks on this coastal walk PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
ITINERARY
€1024pp
DAY 1: Join trip in Sagres, a small historic coastal town in southwest Portugal.
trip only (8 days)
DAY 2: Hike from Carrapateira along the coast and inland through the hills to pretty Bordeira.
AT A GLANCE WALKING GRADE:
DAY 3: Walk along the coast path from Marinha to Carvoeiro beach. Take a dip in the sea to cool off after the walk.
Easy to Moderate ACCOMMODATION: 7 nights comfortable hotel Optional single rooms from €148 MEALS:
DAILY DISTANCES Day 2
13km
4hrs
Day 3
12km
3.5hrs
Centre-Based
Day 4
14km
4.5hrs
Day 5
9km
3.5hrs
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
Day 6
16km
4.5hrs
Day 7
10km
3hrs
Breakfast: 7
Optional Walks
DAY 4: Follow the last section of Rota Vicentina to Cabo de Sao Vicente, Europe’s most southwesterly point. DAY 5: Free day. Opportunity to go dolphin watching, explore further on foot or relax on a local beach. DAY 6: Coastal walk from Burgau to Lagos via the interesting rock formations at Ponta da Piedade. DAY 7: Walk along the coast to the beautiful and quiet beach of Praia do Zavial. DAY 8: Trip ends in Sagres.
Carrapateira
Praia Castelejo Cabo de Sao Vicente
SAGRES
Bordeira
PORTUGAL Vila do Bispo
Praia da Ingrina
Seven Hanging Valley’s walk To/From Faro Airport
Lagos Burgau
Farol da Ponta da Piedade
50 Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
Seven Hanging Valley’s walk
exploreworldwide.eu/POR
WALKING – EUROPE
Canary Islands Walking - La Gomera & Tenerife
3
TRIP CODE - OC | SPAIN (CANARY ISLANDS)
This twin-island walking trip in the Canaries explores lesser-known La Gomera and Tenerife’s volcano, Mount Teide. Walk through varied and dramatic scenery including beautiful steep-sided valleys, quiet villages, black sand beaches and verdant cloud forests. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Garajonay National Park | Explore La Gomera’s lush landscape of dense laurel forest Mount Teide | Admire this iconic cone volcano Agulo | Ascend to this charming town perched on a jagged cliff with undisrupted views PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
ITINERARY
€1299pp
DAY 1: J oin trip in Los Cristianos and take the ferry to the verdant island of La Gomera.
trip only (8 days) AT A GLANCE
DAY 2: Drive to Vallehermoso. Walk through palm groves, past the magnificent Roque Cano to Agulo.
WALKING GRADE: Moderate ACCOMMODATION:
DAY 3: A scend Alto de Garajonay (1,484m). Hike through the cloud forest of Garajonay National Park.
7 nights comfortable hotel Optional single rooms from €222
DAILY DISTANCES
MEALS: Breakfast: 7 | Dinner: 1
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
Day 2
15km
4.5hrs
Day 3
15km
4.5hrs
Day 4
12km
3.5hrs
Day 5 Day 6
11km
5hrs
Day 7
11km
3.5hrs
DAY 4: W alk to Chejelipes via La Laja village. Views to Los Roques. Free afternoon in San Sebastian. DAY 5: Free day to relax, explore San Sebastian or enjoy an optional walk to Cabrito Beach. DAY 6: W alk from Hermigua to the black volcanic sand beach of Playa Caleta. DAY 7: Ferry back to Tenerife. Scenic hike on Mount Teide around the Roques de Garcia. Drive to coastal hotel.
ATLANTIC OCEAN
DAY 8: Trip ends in San Miguel de Abona. TENERIFE
WESTERN CANARY ISLANDS Roque Cano
Agulo
Playa Caleta
Pico de Teide 3,718m Roques de Garcia
LA GOMERA
Mount Guajara 2,726m Vilaflor
Vallehermosa
Hermigua Alto de SAN SEBASTIAN Garajonay 1,484m El Cedro La Laja Collada Chejelipes de Peraza
El Teide National Park
Los Cristianos
Tenerife South Airport
SAN MIGUEL DE ABONA
Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
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WALKING – EUROPE
Walking the Camino de Santiago
3
TRIP CODE - CDS | SPAIN
Follow in the footsteps of countless pilgrims, walking the legendary Camino Frances (French Way) from Leon to Santiago de Compostela. Walk through beautiful scenery and historic towns along the best parts of the route to claim a pilgrim’s certificate. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Cruz de Ferro | The famous Iron Cross at the highest point of the Camino O Cebreiro | Charming mountain village with cobbled streets and valley views Santiago De Compostela | Mix with other pilgrims in this lively historic town PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
ITINERARY
€1721pp
DAY 1: Join trip in Madrid.
trip only (12 days)
DAY 2: D rive to the historic city of Leon and collect pilgrim’s passports.
AT A GLANCE
DAY 3: W alk the first section of the trail from Hospital de Orbigo to Astorga.
WALKING GRADE: Moderate
DAY 4: Following scallop shell waymarkings, climb to Iron Cross (1,482m), the highest point of the trail.
ACCOMMODATION: 11 nights comfortable hotel Optional single rooms from €383
DAY 5: Walk through the Galician Mountains to the historic village of O Cebreiro.
MEALS: Breakfast: 11
DAILY DISTANCES
Point-to-Point
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
PORTUGAL Vila Real �isit Mateus �alace �optional�
PORTO
Miranda do Douro
Cape Finisterre Optional excursion
ATLANTIC OCEAN
4hrs
19km
5hrs
Day 5
9km
3hrs
Day 6
El Toro 22km
Day 7
22km
Medieval Town �ine �asting
17.5km SPAIN
EL AMENAL
Sepulveda Duraton River Natural Park
6hrs 7.5hrs 5hrs
MADRID
Samos O Cebreiro Monastery
SARRIA
Ruitelan
VILLAFRANCA DEL BIERZO Iron Cross
Molinaseca Foncebadon
ASTORGA
LEON From Madrid Hospital de Orbigo
DAY 7: Cross the last high pass (722m) and descend to Palas de Rei, an important pilgrim town. DAY 8: Continue through rural Galicia. Stop for lunch in Melide, famous for delicious seafood. DAY 9: Cross the River Iso to Arzua, where the Camino Frances is joined by another camino, the Primitivo. DAY 10: Get your first view of Santiago Cathedral from Monte Gozo. Walk into the city and claim your pilgrim certificate.
SPAIN
PORTOMARIN PALAS DE REI
6hrs
PEÑAFIEL
Zamora
�ine �asting Arribes del Duero Day 10 Natural Park
Historic �illage
CASTANEDA
5.5hrs
�ine �asting
Day 8 22.5km FERMOSELLE Day 9 27.5km
LAMEGO
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
16km
Day 4
Fornillos
�ine �asting Peso da R�gua
Day 3
DAY 6: Continue through the verdant Galician hills, passing the famous 100km marker.
DAY 11: Guided tour of cathedral. Free time to explore the city’s magnificent architecture. DAY 12: Trip ends in Santiago de Compostela.
Cathedral
52 Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
exploreworldwide.eu/CDS
WALKING – EUROPE
Malta and Gozo Walking
3
TRIP CODE - WML | MALTA
A walking holiday on the welcoming islands of Malta and Gozo. Never far from the sea, we hike through a rugged scrub landscape beside dramatic cliffs, past idyllic bays, and along rural inland paths. Discover Malta’s fascinating heritage including medieval Mdina, Roman catacombs and salt pans. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Gozo | Explore the rural beauty and stunning coastline of Malta’s unspoilt sister island Valletta | Admire impressive fortifications, imposing churches and the bustling harbour Megalithic temple | Visit the remarkable bronze-age, UNESCO-listed Hagar Qim temple
PRICES FROM
ITINERARY
€1104pp
DAY 1: J oin trip at Malta Airport before travelling by bus and ferry to the island of Gozo.
trip only (8 days) AT A GLANCE
DAY 2: Visit the island’s tiny capital Victoria with its ancient citadel. Coastal walk from Gharb to Marsalforn along limestone cliffs, past pebble-strewn beaches and salt pans.
WALKING GRADE: Moderate ACCOMMODATION: 7 nights comfortable hotel Optional single rooms from €148
DAY 3: H ike from the seaside village of Xlendi to Mgarr passing ancient sites en route. Ferry back to Malta.
MEALS: Breakfast: 7
DAILY DISTANCES MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
Day 2
15km
5-6hrs
Day 3
14km
5hrs
Day 4
10km
4hrs
Day 6
16km
6hrs
Day 7
16km
6hrs
Day 5
DAY 4: Visit the walled city of Mdina and Roman catacombs at Rabat. Coastal walk ending at the incredible Hagar Qim Megalithic temple complex. DAY 5: Explore UNESCO-listed Valletta and the Three Cities on foot and cruise by traditional Dghajsa boat in the Grand Harbour. DAY 6: W alk from Mgarr to Selmun. Tower among endemic flora in the garrigue habitat of Majjistral Nature Park. DAY 7: H ike through seaside villages from Marsaskala to Birzebbuga with the chance to stop off for a refreshing swim along the way.
MARSALFORN
GOZO
Victoria
Mgarr Harbour
Cirkewwa
MEDITERRANEAN SEA
MALTA
SLIEMA Mdina
Valletta
DAY 8: T rip ends in the coastal resort of Sliema.
Walled Cities of Vittoriosa Cospicua & Senglea
Hagar Qim Temple
Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
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WALKING – EUROPE
Amalfi Coast Walking
2
TRIP CODE - NAW | ITALY
A relaxed walking holiday along spectacular Amalfi Coast trails from clifftop hikes to woodland walks. There’s time to discover Amalfi, Positano and the island of Capri. Stay on a peaceful farm overlooking the Mediterranean and enjoy tasty home-cooked meals. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Coastal trails | Five walks including the spectacular ‘Walk of the Gods’ Food and drink | Chance to make your own pizza and sample homemade organic wine Optional trips | Visit Pompeii and climb Mount Vesuvius PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
ITINERARY
€1233pp
DAY 1: Join trip at Naples Airport before driving to our family-run agriturismo.
trip only (8 days) AT A GLANCE
DAY 2: Hike along a ridge above the Agerola Plateau, enjoy views of Vesuvius and the Amalfi Coast.
WALKING GRADE: Easy to Moderate
DAY 3: Descend on ancient steps through vineyards and lemon groves to the historic port of Amalfi.
ACCOMMODATION: 7 nights comfortable agriturismo Optional single rooms from €339
DAY 4: Take a ferry to enchanting Capri, walk to a viewpoint and explore the town’s narrow streets.
MEALS: Breakfast: 7 | Lunch: 3 | Dinner: 5
Centre-Based
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
DAILY DISTANCES Day 2
11km
6hrs
Day 3
6km
2.5hrs
Day 4
10km
4hrs
Day 5
13km
6hrs
11km
5hrs
Day 6 Day 7
ITALY
Naples Airport
From Naples airport Optional visit to Vesuvius & Pompeii Amalfi Coast
‘Walk of the Gods’ Gulf of Naples Positano
SORRENTO PENINSULA
Capri
ITALY
Ferriere Valley National Reserve Pogerola
AGEROLA PLATEAU Bomerano
SAN LAZZARO
TYRRHENIAN SEA
54 Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
DAY 5: Walk through the Ferriere Natural Park passing waterfalls, rivers and unusual plantlife. DAY 6: A free day, with the chance to visit the ancient site of Pompeii and climb Mount Vesuvius. DAY 7: Hike along the ‘Walk of the Gods’, to the colourful cliffside village of Positano. DAY 8: Trip ends at Naples Airport.
Amalfi
ACCOMMODATION Family-run agriturismo Luna d’Agerola is an intimate farm-stay run by three generations of the Acampora family. Located on the cliffs above the Amalfi Coast, it has beautiful en suite rooms with sea views from either a balcony, terrace or window. There’s a lovely terrace where you can relax after a day out on the trail.
exploreworldwide.eu/NAW
WALKING – EUROPE
Hiking in the Polish Carpathians
3
TRIP CODE - WPS | POLAND
This walking holiday visits both the Tatra Mountain range in Poland’s south and the outer Carpathian Mountains in Babia Gora National Park. Explore the dramatic peaks and valleys, turquoise lakes and highlander folk culture of this stunning country. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Krakow | Home to Europe’s largest medieval market square, explore on foot Tatra Mountains | Hike in the stunning Valley of the Five Polish Lakes UNESCO Dunajec Gorge | Walk the Pieniny Way, a spectacular cliff-cut path PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
ITINERARY
€1012pp
DAY 1: J oin trip in the medieval city of Krakow.
trip only (8 days)
DAY 2: Walking tour of Krakow. Head to Zawoja in the UNESCO-listed Babia Gora National Park. Optional afternoon walk.
AT A GLANCE WALKING GRADE: Moderate ACCOMMODATION:
DAY 3: Trek through spruce and pine forests to the summit of Babia Gora ‘witches’ mountain’ (1,725m).
6 nights comfortable hotel 1 night comfortable chalet Optional single rooms from €278 MEALS: Breakfast: 7
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
DAILY DISTANCES Day 2
2km
1hr
Day 3
14km
Day 4
15km
Day 5
18km
Day 6
14km
3.5hrs
Day 7
15km
5.5hrs
6.5hrs 7.5hrs 4km
Optional Walks
KRAKOW
(Guided walking tour)
Return to
KRAKOW
Babia Gora 1,725m
DAY 5: Walk to Wielki Staw, a natural glacial lake. Option to continue to Kozi Wierch (2,291m) with a mountain guide. DAY 6: Drive to UNESCO-listed Dunajec Gorge. Hike the Pieniny Way through the gorge. Option to travel the route by traditional wooden raft.
From
ZAWOJA
6/3hrs
DAY 4: D rive to Zverovka in Slovakia, trek though pretty villages and valleys of the Tatra Mountains, crossing back into Poland. Travel on to Zakopane.
POLAND
SZCZAWNICA Kroscienko Three Crowns viewpoint
DAY 7: Walk to Trzy Korony – the Three Crowns (982m), with stunning views of Dunajec Gorge. Drive to Krakow. DAY 8: Trip ends in Krakow.
Dunajec Gorge
Zverovka
Bobrovecka Pass
ZAKOPANE Palenica Bialczanska
SLOVAKIA
Wielki Staw Lake Kozi Wierch 2,291m
Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
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WALKING – EUROPE
Walks and Coastal Towns of Croatia
3
TRIP CODE - CO | CROATIA
Explore Croatia’s national parks on foot; the jagged peaks of Dalmatia, plunging gorges in Paklenica and spectacular waterfalls in Plitvice. Stay in the capital Zagreb and coastal Spilt, wander the maze of cobbled streets past ancient sites. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Plitvice National Park | UNESCO World Heritage Site with breathtaking aquamarine lakes Paklenica National Park | Spectacular coastal and mountain walking Trogir | One of the oldest cities in Croatia, discover its diverse architecture PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
€1228pp trip only (8 days) AT A GLANCE WALKING GRADE:
DAILY DISTANCES
ITINERARY
Day 3
14km
5hrs
Day 4
16km
5.5hrs
Day 5
10km
Day 6
18km
5/2hrs
8km
7hrs
Optional Walks
DAY 2: W alking tour of Zagreb. Drive to the beautiful Plitvice National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. DAY 3: E njoy walking around breathtaking lakes and waterfalls in Plitvice. Experience the rich variety of flora in this region.
Moderate ACCOMMODATION: 7 nights comfortable hotel Optional single rooms from €271
DAY 1: Join trip in the capital Zagreb.
ZAGREB City tour
DAY 4: D rive to Zavizan and walk the Premuziceva Trail, a hiker’s highlight accessing the most hidden and beautiful parts of Velebit.
MEALS: Breakfast: 7
DAY 5: E xplore Paklenica National Park on foot with a stunning coastal walk. Option to extend the walk into the foothills of the Velebit Mountains.
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
CROATIA PLITVICE NATIONAL PARK Lakes and waterfalls walk
Zavizan Premuziceva Trail
BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA
VELIKA PLANA Gorge walk
PAKLENICA NATIONAL PARK Coastal walk
DAY 6: A full-day hike in the dramatic Paklenica Gorge. Lunch at a traditional mountain hut. DAY 7: V isit Trogir, one of the oldest cities in Croatia. Drive to Split, discover the Roman Palace concealed within its modern streets. DAY 8: Trip ends in Split.
Trogir
SPLIT
City tour
56 Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
exploreworldwide.eu/CO
WALKING – EUROPE
Walking in Northern Cyprus
2
TRIP CODE - LNC | NORTH CYPRUS
Explore one of the most unspoilt regions of the Mediterranean on this walking trip through North Cyprus’ beautiful Besparmak Mountains. Follow quiet, flower-rich mountain trails and discover imposing ruined castles, with stunning cobalt sea backdrops. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Bellapais | Explore the famous 12th century Crusader abbey Mediterranean food | Enjoy the fresh flavours of mezes at local restaurants Buffavento | Spectacular views from this less visited castle PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
ITINERARY
€734pp
DAY 1: Join trip in Bellapais, near Kyrenia.
trip only (8 days)
DAY 2: V isit Incirli Cave and the Crusader Castle of Kantara. Descend to the coast and Kaplica Beach.
AT A GLANCE
DAY 3: W alk through the Besparmak Mountains to the ruins of Bellapais Abbey. Opportunity to explore Kyrenia town.
WALKING GRADE: Easy to Moderate ACCOMMODATION: 7 nights comfortable hotel Optional single rooms from €154
DAY 4: V isit St. Hilarion Castle. Walk through the western Besparmak Mountains to the village of Lapta.
MEALS: Breakfast: 7 | Lunch: 5
DAILY DISTANCES
Centre-Based
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
Day 2
7.5km
2hrs
Day 3
12.5km
4hrs
Day 4
10km
4hrs
Day 6
13.5km
4hrs
Day 7
13km
4hrs
MORFU BAY
Day 5
Guzelyurt
Kaplica Beach
MEDITERRANEAN SEA
DAY 5: F ree day. Optional trip to Famagusta including Othello’s Tower and the historical site of Salamis. DAY 6: W alk on historic trails from Kalkanli village through ancient olive groves to the remote west coast. DAY 7: A scend to Buffavento Castle with spectacular views of the island. Walk through the Besparmak Mountain range past ‘The Five Fingered Mountain’. DAY 8: Trip ends in Bellapais.
Gecitkoy
Kyrenia Lapta Kozan Kyparissovouno BELLAPAIS Abbey 1024m St Hilarion Buffavento Castle Kalkanli Castle
954m
Panayia Plataniotissa
Olympus 740m
Kantara Castle
Incirli Cave
BESPARMAK MOUNTAIN RANGE
CYPRUS
Airport
CYPRUS (NORTH)
Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
Salamis Optional visit Famagusta Optional visit
exploreworldwide.eu/LNC 57
WALKING – EUROPE
Walking in Cyprus
3
TRIP CODE - CY | CYPRUS
Cyprus is a beautiful island to visit year round. Discover its varied landscapes, rich cultural heritage and colourful wild flowers while hiking in the Troodos Mountains and on the remote coastal Akamas Peninsula. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Troodos Mountains | Traditional mountain villages and pine scented forests Wildlife | Over 300 species of bird have been recorded in Cyprus Archaeological sites | Discover 12th century Byzantine churches and explore the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos
PRICES FROM
ITINERARY
€924pp
DAY 1: J oin trip in Larnaka, a busy seafront town with a palm-fringed promenade.
trip only (8 days) AT A GLANCE
DAY 2: Explore the walled city of Lefkosia (Nicosia) before heading into the Troodos Mountains for a forest walk.
WALKING GRADE: Moderate ACCOMMODATION: 6 nights comfortable hotel
DAY 3: H ike to Pedoulas village in the heart of the Troodos with great views of mountain villages.
1 night simple hotel Optional single rooms from €161
DAILY DISTANCES
MEALS: Breakfast: 7 | Lunch: 2
Point-to-Point
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
Day 2
5km
1.5hrs
Day 3
20km
6.5hrs
Day 4
14km
Day 5
12km
4hrs
Day 6
18km
6hrs
4hrs
DAY 4: Walk to Milikouri via the Platy Valley. Visit Kykkos Monastery and a mouflon breeding enclosure. DAY 5: Walk through the protected wilderness of the unspoilt Akamas Peninsula and follow a nature trail around the Baths of Aphrodite. DAY 6: H ike quiet tracks on the Laona Plateau to the rugged west coast, stopping at Avagas Gorge en route.
MEDITERRANEAN SEA
Lefkosia (Nicosia) Visit Old Town
BATHS OF APHRODITE Asinou
AGIOS GEORGIOS TIS PEGEIAS
PEDOULAS Kathikas
Tombs of the Kings Pafos House of Dionysos
Milikouri Mt Olympus 1951m
DAY 8: Trip ends in Larnaka.
Agios Theodoros
TROODOS
CYPRUS Aphrodite’s birthplace
DAY 7: V isit the ancient necropolis of Nea Pafos, Roman mosaics at the House of Dionysis and ancient Kourion before heading back to Larnaka.
LARNAKA
Kourion
58 Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
exploreworldwide.eu/CY
WALKING – EUROPE
Hiking Turkey’s Lycian Way
3
TRIP CODE - LW | TURKEY
This trip follows Turkey’s spectacular Lycian Way, walking along scenic coastal trails between little-visited ancient ruins and time-forgotten villages. Experience traditional hospitality and home-cooked meals staying in rural village guesthouses. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Butterfly Valley | Stay in a village house overlooking the lush canyon and pristine beach Patara | Explore Roman ruins and the stunning golden sand beach Turquoise Coast | Take a boat trip over sunken ruins and swim in secluded bays
PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
ITINERARY
€611pp
DAY 1: J oin trip in Kayakoy, site of the deserted Greek village.
trip only (8 days)
DAY 2: H ike through forests and remote villages to Faralya. Stay in a village guesthouse overlooking Butterfly Valley with views to Oludeniz Beach.
AT A GLANCE WALKING GRADE: Moderate ACCOMMODATION: 5 nights comfortable hotel
DAY 3: T rek through pine forests, farmland and hill villages to Gey. Stunning coastal views.
1 night simple guesthouse 1 night simple village house
DAILY DISTANCES
Optional single rooms from €136
MEALS: Breakfast: 7 | Lunch: 3 | Dinner: 3
Point-to-Point
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
Day 2
13km
5hrs
Day 3
18km
7hrs
Day 4
12km
5hrs
Day 5
8km
Day 6
16km
6hrs
Day 7
10km
3hrs
3.5hrs
From/To Dalaman Airport Fethiye
GEY
Baba Dagi
TURKEY
FARALYA Butterfly Valley
Patara Beach
PATARA
Patara ruins
DAY 5: H ike to Patara Beach, an ancient Roman stronghold and birthplace of Saint Nicholas. DAY 6: F ollow the trail through the Taurus foothills to Mount Felen ridge. Overnight in Kas. DAY 7: T rek to the ancient port of Aperlae. Explore the sunken city of Kekova by boat with BBQ lunch and visit Simena’s medieval castle.
KAYAKOY Oludeniz
DAY 4: W alk to the ancient city of Sidyma. Join the locals for a glass of tea.
DAY 8: Trip ends at Dalaman Airport.
Sidyma Kalkan
Aqueduct
MEDITERRANEAN SEA
Felen
Simena hilltop castle
KAS Aperlae Ancient port
Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
Kekova Island Sunken city
exploreworldwide.eu/LW 59
WALKING – AFRICA
Toubkal Climb
4
TRIP CODE - MJ | MOROCCO
This week-long trekking trip in Morocco culminates in an ascent of North Africa’s highest peak, Jebel Toubkal (4,167m). Trek through the valley of Imlil, past Berber villages and over beautiful passes surrounded by panoramic views of the High Atlas Mountains. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Atlas Mountains | Get away from it all trekking through untouched landscapes Berber villages | Stay in village houses, learning about the culture of these friendly people Marrakech | Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Djemma el-Fna Square PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
ITINERARY
€673pp
DAY 1: J oin trip in Marrakech, a lively city famous for its souks.
trip only (8 days)
DAY 2: Walk from the Berber village of Aguersioual (1,600m) through the Azaden Valley to Tizi Oussem (1,850m).
AT A GLANCE WALKING GRADE: Moderate to Challenging
DAILY DISTANCES
ACCOMMODATION:
2 nights comfortable hotel 2 nights simple mountain refuge
Day 2
8.5km
6hrs
Day 3
7km
5hrs
3 nights simple village house Optional single rooms from €49
Day 4
9.5km
5hrs
Day 5
4.5km
6hrs
MEALS:
Day 6
7km
Breakfast: 7 | Lunch: 5 | Dinner: 5
Day 7
1.5km
Point-to-Point
4/3/6.5hrs
6.5/8.5km
45mins
From/To
MARRAKECH Optional city tour
Aguersioual Tizi n‘Oudite 2200m Id Aissa
TIZI OUSSEM
1850m
DAY 4: Walk through the High Atlas past the holy site Sidi Chamharouch to the base of Toubkal at Neltner (3,207m). DAY 5: Early morning Jebel Toubkal (4,167m) summit trek. Views over the High Atlas Mountains. Descend back to refuge.
Optional Walks
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
DAY 3: Ascend steadily to Tizi Mzik Pass (2,489m) then descend to the mountain village of Aremd (1,900m).
Imlil
AREMD
Tizi Mzik Pass 2489m Sidi Chamharouch
DAY 6: In the morning, option to climb Ouanoukrim (4,089m) or Ouanoums (3,650m). Walk back to Aremd for the final night in the mountains. DAY 7: Walk from Aremd to the village of Imlil. Return to explore the souks and medinas of Marrakech. DAY 8: Trip ends in Marrakech.
HIGH ATLAS RANGE NELTNER REFUGE
MOROCCO
3207m
Jebel Toubkal 4167m Tizi Ouanoums 3650m (optional summit) Ouanoukrim to 4089m (optional summit) Lake Ifni
60 Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
exploreworldwide.eu/MJ
WALKING – AFRICA
Kilimanjaro - Lemosho Trek
6
TRIP CODE - KC | TANZANIA
Challenge yourself on this iconic trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m), the highest mountain in Africa. Following the less-used and scenic Lemosho Route, pass through varied climatic regions, admiring changing plant and animal life. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
7-day ascent | Climb slowly and acclimatise to maximise your chance of summit success Wild camps | Enjoy wild camping in magnificent, scenic locations Trek crew | Climb with some of the best and most experienced guides on the mountain PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
€3202pp trip only (10 days) AT A GLANCE WALKING GRADE: Challenging to Tough ACCOMMODATION: 7 nights simple camping 2 nights comfortable lodge Optional single rooms from €117
DAILY DISTANCES
ITINERARY
Day 2
7km
3.5hrs
Day 3
8.5km
4.5hrs
Day 4
8km
Day 5
10km
7.5hrs
Day 6
6km
4.5hrs
Day 7
6km
4.5hrs
Day 8
19.5km
Day 9
12km
4.5/2hrs
3.5km
14hrs 5.5hrs
Point-to-Point
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
Lemosho Glades 2100m
SHIRA ONE
3500m
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
KENYA
2780m
SHIRA TWO
BARRANCO
Uhuru Peak 5895m
3960m
KILIMANJARO KARANGA NP 4035m
TANZANIA
Safari Extension
BARAFU 4640m
MILLENIUM CAMP
Mweka Gate 1630m
exploreworldwide.eu/ZI
DAY 6: C limb the Barranco Wall before reaching our camp in the Karanga Valley (4,035m). DAY 7: H ike across a barren lunar-like landscape to our camp at Barafu (4,640m).
BIG TREE CAMP
3900m
Zanzibar Island Extension
Spend three days on safari in some of Tanzania’s finest national parks - Tarangire, Lake Manyara and the stunning Ngorongoro Crater.
DAY 3: H ike across wild heath to the camp at Shira One (3,500m) enjoying views of Mount Meru.
DAY 5: C ross volcanic landscapes to the Lava Tower before the descent to Barranco Valley (3,960m).
Breakfast: 9 | Lunch: 8 | Dinner: 9
Relax after your trek with four days on the exotic island of Zanzibar spending time at the beach and in fascinating Stone Town.
DAY 2: A scend on a trail through beautiful rainforest from Lemosho Glades to Big Tree Camp (2,780m).
DAY 4: T rek below the ice fields of Kibo to our campsite at Shira Two (3,900m).
Optional Walks
MEALS:
DAY 1: J oin trip in Moshi, a country town with great views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
3790m
MOSHI
DAY 8: T rek to the summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895m) before the long descent to Millenium Camp (3,790m). DAY 9: R eturn to verdant forest where the trek ends at Mweka Gate (1,630m) before driving back to Moshi. DAY 10: O pportunity to take an optional game drive in the morning before the trip ends in Moshi.
Kilimanjaro Airport
exploreworldwide.eu/KCS
Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
exploreworldwide.eu/KC 61
WALKING – ASIA
Hiking in the Georgian Caucasus
3
TRIP CODE - WGEO | GEORGIA
Trek in Georgia’s Svaneti, a region with a unique history and culture lying among the craggy snow-capped peaks and deep gorges of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Stay in remote villages with distinctive medieval defensive stone towers. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Caucasus hikes | Trek to the foot of Mount Ushba, Mount Guro and the Shkhara Glacier Ushguli | Travel back in time at this remote village where oxen still plough the fields Food and drink | Enjoy hearty home-cooked local dishes and Georgian wines PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
ITINERARY
€1215pp
DAY 1: J oin trip in Batumi, a lively port city on the shores of the Caspian Sea.
trip only (9 days)
DAY 2: D rive to the village of Becho in the Greater Caucasus Mountains.
AT A GLANCE
DAY 3: H ike through forest to the waterfall at the base of Mount Ushba. Option to trek to the top of the falls. Drive to Mestia.
WALKING GRADE: Moderate ACCOMMODATION: 3 nights simple guesthouse 3 nights simple hotel 2 nights comfortable hotel
DAY 4: H ike from Jvari to the beautiful mountain lakes of Koruldi.
DAILY DISTANCES
Optional single rooms from €198
Day 3
11km
6hrs
MEALS:
Day 4
8km
3hrs
Breakfast: 8 | Lunch: 5 | Dinner: 6
Day 5
10km
6hrs
Day 6
18km
6hrs
Day 7
14km
4.5hrs
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
Koruldi Mt Ushba Lakes MESTIA Mulakhi
BECHO USHGULI
Zugdidi
Mt Shkhara Mt Guro
GEORGIA
DAY 5: D rive to the dramatically sited village of Ushguli. Climb Mount Guro for incredible views. DAY 6: H ike to the glacier at the base of Mount Shkhara with fantastic views of this snow-covered peak (5,068m). DAY 7: D rive part-way back to Mestia, completing the journey on foot, hiking from the village of Mulakhi into the Mestia Valley. DAY 8: L eaving the mountains behind, drive back to Batumi with time to explore the city in the late afternoon. DAY 9: Trip ends in Batumi.
BATUMI TURKEY
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WALKING – ASIA
Azerbaijan Caucasus Walking
2
TRIP CODE - WAZ | AZERBAIJAN
A walking holiday that discovers the wild landscapes, history and contemporary culture of little-known Azerbaijan. On the easternmost fringes of Europe, flanked by the Caucasus Mountains and Caspian Sea, it’s a fascinating place to visit. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Xinaliq | Azerbaijan’s highest inhabited village, spectacularly sited at 2,350m Caucasus hikes | Enjoy nature and observe rural life up close Baku | Cosmopolitan capital with a rich architectural heritage
PRICES FROM
ITINERARY
€1290pp
DAY 1: J oin trip in Baku, Azerbaijan’s cosmopolitan capital on the shores of the Caspian Sea.
trip only (9 days) AT A GLANCE
DAY 2: Walking tour in Baku’s Old City before driving to the mountain village of Lahic, famous for its coppersmiths.
WALKING GRADE: Easy to Moderate ACCOMMODATION: 5 nights comfortable hotel 3 nights simple hotel
DAILY DISTANCES
Optional single rooms from €394
MEALS: Breakfast: 8 | Lunch: 1 | Dinner: 3
Day 3
4km
Day 4
7km
Day 5
6.5km
1.5hrs 3hrs 2.5hrs
Day 6
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
Day 7
9km
3hrs
Day 8
9km
3hrs
Lekit Ilisu valley
SHEKI
Quba Qala Xudat
Khan’s Palace
DAY 4: Hike through Kish via its ancient Church to the ruined fortress of Gelersen Goresen. DAY 5: Walk from Lekit to the ruins of Yeddi Kilsa Monastery and follow a bubbling river to Mamirli Waterfall. DAY 6: Drive through mountain and desert landscapes to Quba region in northern Azerbaijan.
RUSSIA
Kish
DAY 3: Enjoy a walk around Lahic before travelling along the southern flanks of the Caucasus to Sheki where we explore the Khan’s Palace and city sights on foot.
CA
CASPIAN SEA
QIRIZDENE
UC
Xinaliq
AS
US
LAHIC
(Coppersmiths village)
DAY 8: Hike in the Shahdag National Park to the Atesgah natural gas flame. Return to Baku.
Shamakha Mosque
AZERBAIJAN
DAY 7: Spectacular drive through Cloudcatcher Canyon to Xinaliq (2,350m), Azerbaijan’s highest permanently inhabited village. Enjoy lunch with a local family before hiking to Qala Xudat.
DAY 9: Trips ends in Baku. BAKU
Walking tour
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exploreworldwide.eu/WAZ 63
WADI RUM | JORDAN | EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CJP
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Contents Introduction What to expect from a Cycling holiday
66–67
Choose your Cycling grade and holiday
68–69
Europe Croatia
74
France 70 Italy
73
Portugal
71
Spain 72
Jordan 75
Africa Morocco
76
Asia Georgia 77 India 78 Vietnam 79
Cycling
Middle East
exploreworldwide.eu 65
What to expect from a
Cycling Our Cycling trips are a great way to see more of a country. We’ve got holidays to suit all levels of ability; from occasional weekend riders to keen regular cyclists.
How fit do I need to be? It depends on the trip and cycle grade you choose. Although an active holiday, our trips are not a race! We regularly stop and regroup along the ride with planned rest breaks. If in any doubt, choose a grade within your comfort zone. We advise doing some training rides leading up to the holiday. On most trips a support vehicle will be nearby to provide back-up if needed.
What will the group be like? As with all our trips, every group is different but the ‘average’ group consists of roughly half couples and half solo travellers. Don’t worry too much about keeping up with the group; wherever possible your Explore leader will allow everyone to cycle at their own pace, regrouping along the route.
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holiday What kind of bike is included? Every one of our Cycling trips includes the cost of bike hire; we choose good-quality hybrid touring bikes or mountain bikes – whichever is best-suited to the terrain – and we have experienced bike mechanics on hand to resolve any problems. If you’d prefer a bit of extra power, on most trips you can choose to hire an electric bike (e-bike) for an additional fee at the time of booking.
Cycle grade, route and terrain All our Cycling holidays are graded, from ‘Easy’ (with flatter, shorter rides and plenty of reststops) to ‘Challenging’ (more time in the saddle and more hill-climbs). Our cycle routes are designed to follow quieter back roads or cycle paths wherever possible, with some off-road sections on fine gravel or dirt tracks. You’ll find the grade and a daily distance chart included on all trip pages and there is detailed information about the route and terrain online.
exploreworldwide.eu 67
Choosing your
Cycling holiday Our Cycling trips are all graded by difficulty, taking into consideration the daily distances covered, the terrain, ascents and descents and climate. The Trip Notes on our website contain detailed information about what to expect, to help you choose a trip that suits your fitness and experience level.
Cycling grades 1
EASY Relatively short rides on flat or gently undulating terrain, our Easy grade is ideal if you want to explore, but at a relaxed pace. Approximately 2-4 hours in the saddle for each day of cycling.
4
3
2
EASY TO MODERATE A mix of Easy and Moderate rides cycling through flat or gently undulating terrain with the occasional energetic ascent.
MODERATE Perfect for cyclists used to undulating routes with occasional energetic climbs, and those who have a reasonable level of fitness. Approximately 4-6 hours in the saddle for each day of cycling.
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5
MODERATE TO CHALLENGING Combining Moderate rides with Challenging ones, this grade is perfect for reasonably fit cyclists who want to challenge themselves.
CHALLENGING This grade is for longer, more demanding trips, suiting cyclists who enjoy hilly terrain and challenging ascents, and who have a good fitness level. Approximately 6+ hours in the saddle for each day of cycling.
Small group experiences Here’s a summary of all the Cycling trips we offer and where to find out more. We’ve included some of our favourites on the following pages, but you’ll find our full programme on our website. COUNTRIES
TRIP NAME
POINT-TO-POINT*
E-BIKE OPTION**
DAYS
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CCZ
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CCM
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/LV
FIND OUT MORE
PAGE
EASY CZECH REPUBLIC - GERMANY
CYCLE CZECH REPUBLIC AND GERMANY
FRANCE
CYCLE CANAL DU MIDI
FRANCE
LOIRE VALLEY CYCLING
INDIA
BEST SELLER CYCLE KERALA
13
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CKB
ITALY
CYCLE DOLOMITES, LAKE GARDA AND VENICE
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CDV
ITALY
CYCLE PUGLIA
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CIP
LITHUANIA - LATVIA - ESTONIA
BEST SELLER CYCLING THE BALTIC STATES
9
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CBS
MEXICO
BEST SELLER CYCLE MEXICO - THE YUCATÁN PENINSULA
9
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CMX
VIETNAM
CYCLE VIETNAM
14
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CVN
VIETNAM - CAMBODIA
BEST SELLER CYCLE VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA
13
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CVE
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CCR
70
78
73
EASY TO MODERATE COSTA RICA
CYCLE COSTA RICA
14
CUBA
HIGHLIGHTS OF CUBA BY BICYCLE
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CSC
NORTH CYPRUS
CYCLING NORTH CYPRUS
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CNC
POLAND
NEW CYCLE POLAND - GDANSK AND THE BALTIC COAST
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CPB
BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA MONTENEGRO
NEW CYCLE BOSNIA AND MONTENEGRO
BURMA (MYANMAR)
CYCLE BURMA
CROATIA
BEST SELLER CYCLE THE DALMATIAN COAST
CUBA
BEST SELLER CYCLE CUBA!
FRANCE
CYCLE PROVENCE
FRANCE - SPAIN
CYCLE MARSEILLE TO BARCELONA
GEORGIA
MODERATE 8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CBM
14
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CBUR
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CCD
15
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CCC
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CVP
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CFS
BEST SELLER CYCLING IN GEORGIA
10
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CGE
INDIA
CYCLE INDIA - THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE
10
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CIR
ITALY
CYCLING IN ITALY - CILENTO TO THE AMALFI COAST
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CAC
JAPAN
CYCLE JAPAN
13
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CJA
JORDAN
BEST SELLER CYCLE JORDAN
9
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CJP
MOROCCO
CYCLE MOROCCO - ATLAS TO THE SAHARA
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CSO
PORTUGAL
CYCLING PORTUGAL - PORTO TO LISBON
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CPL
PORTUGAL
CYCLE PORTUGAL - LISBON TO ALGARVE
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CAL
ROMANIA
CYCLE ROMANIA
9
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CRT
SOUTH AFRICA
CYCLE SOUTH AFRICA
10
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CTC
SPAIN
NEW CYCLE ANDALUCIA - CADIZ TO JEREZ
7
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CCJ
SPAIN
BEST SELLER CYCLE SOUTHERN SPAIN - MURCIA
7
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CMU
SRI LANKA
CYCLE SRI LANKA
14
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CSL
THAILAND - CAMBODIA - VIETNAM
BEST SELLER BANGKOK TO SAIGON BY BIKE
14
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CTV
TURKEY
CYCLE TURKEY
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CTT
VIETNAM
BEST SELLER CYCLE SAIGON TO HANOI
UNITED KINGDOM
CYCLE HADRIAN’S WALL - COAST TO COAST
14
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CVIE
5
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CHW
74
77
75
71
72
134
79
MODERATE TO CHALLENGING ALBANIA
CYCLE ALBANIA
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CAB
NICARAGUA - COSTA RICA - PANAMA
CYCLE NICARAGUA TO THE PANAMA CANAL
14
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CNCP
SPAIN - PORTUGAL
CYCLE SEVILLE TO PORTO
8
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/CEX
CYCLING COAST TO COAST
4
EXPLOREWORLDWIDE.EU/C2C
CHALLENGING UNITED KINGDOM
*POINT-TO-POINT: On a point-to-point cycling holiday, your entire journey is made by pedal power so you won’t be using any other methods of transportation. **E-BIKE: If you’re interested in using an electric bike on these trips, just enquire at the time of booking and we can let you know the cost and availability.
exploreworldwide.eu 69
CYCLING – EUROPE
Cycle Canal du Midi
1
TRIP CODE - CCM | FRANCE
A cycling holiday along France’s historic Canal du Midi and surrounding countryside. Explore medieval walled towns, Cathar Castles, local markets and refuel on delicious French cuisine en route. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS Canal du Midi | One of the greatest works of civil engineering of the 17th century Discover rich histories | Béziers and the walled fortress town of Carcassonne Carcassonne | Discover this fascinating and impressively preserved walled fortress
PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
ITINERARY
€1166pp
1
trip only (8 days)
DAY 1: Join trip at Montpellier Airport then drive to historic Béziers. DAY 2: Optional ride to Valras Plage. Circular route back to Béziers.
AT A GLANCE
DAY 3: Cycle south along waterways and country lanes. Ride to Narbonne.
CYCLE GRADE: Easy ACCOMMODATION:
DAY 4: V isit Narbonne or take a circular cycle route via Gruissan back to Narbonne.
7 nights comfortable hotel Optional single rooms from €376 MEALS: Breakfast: 7
BIKE:
21 gear RTE 520 hybrid bike with front suspension
DAY 5: V isit Narbonne’s 100 year old market. Circular ride though vineyards to Bages.
DAILY DISTANCES
Point-to-Point
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
Day 2
45km
Day 3
35km
Day 4
30/46km
Day 5
37km
Day 6
55km
Day 7
35/70km
DAY 6: Cycle the vineyards, farms and towpaths. Ride to Carcassonne. DAY 7: View the walled fortress of Carcassonne; cycle locally. DAY 8: Trip ends at Montpellier Airport.
Optional Rides
To Montpellier Airport
FRANCE Villepinte Optional rides
BÉZIERS
Château de Lastours
Bram
CARCASSONNE
Oppidium d’Ensérun
Ecluse de L’Aiguille
Canal du Midi
LEZIGNANCORBIÈRES
Étang de Thau 9 Locks of Fonserannes
Valras Plage
NARBONNE
Narbonne Plage Optional rides Mediterranean Étang de Sea Peyriac Bages
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exploreworldwide.eu/CCM
CYCLING – EUROPE
Cycle Portugal - Lisbon to Algarve
3
TRIP CODE - CAL | PORTUGAL
From the cobbled streets of Lisbon we cycle south through wild coastal landscapes, past fishing villages, pristine coves and superb beaches, to the remote south-westerly corner of Europe. Discover the Costa Vicentina - Europe’s largest coastal natural park. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS Lisbon | Explore Portugal’s charming capital Costa Vicentina Natural Park | Cycle the entire length of this wild and unspoilt corner of Europe Food and drink | Try great local cuisine and Alentejo wines PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
€1294pp trip only (8 days) AT A GLANCE CYCLE GRADE: Moderate
ITINERARY
GO SELF-GUIDED?
DAY 1: Join trip in Lisbon.
Choose to explore this itinerary at your own pace with a Self-Guided option.
DAY 2: E xplore Lisbon. Afternoon optional visit to Sintra by train.
Visit exploreworldwide.eu/CSPO for more details.
DAY 3: Ferry across the Tagus and follow the Caparica coast on our ride to Cape Espichel.
ACCOMMODATION: 7 nights comfortable hotel Optional single rooms from €260 MEALS: Breakfast: 7
BIKE:
27 gear Stevens Galant or similar hybrid bike
DAILY DISTANCES Day 3
59km
Day 4
35km
Day 5
27km
Day 6
66km
Day 7
54km
E-Bike available LISBON
Trafaria Trafaria Lagoa Lagoa de de Albufeira Albufeira Cape Cape Espichel Espichel Lighthouse Lighthouse
DAY 5: Drive south into the Alentejo region for our cycle to Vila Nova de Milfontes. DAY 6: Continue cycling south through the Costa Vicentina Natural Park to historic Aljezur village. DAY 7: C ycle past great wild beaches to end ride in Sagres. Drive to Faro.
Sintra Sintra (optional) (optional)
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
DAY 4: Cycle through the rolling hills, beaches and bays of Arrabida Natural Park to Setúbal.
SETÚBAL
DAY 8: Trip ends in Faro.
Arrabida Arrabida Natural Natural Park Park
SESIMBRA
PORTUGAL
Sines Sines
ATLANTIC OCEAN
VILA NOVA DE MILFONTES
Costa Costa Vicentina Vicentina Natural Natural Park Park
ALJEZUR
Sagres Sagres
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FARO
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CYCLING – EUROPE
Cycle Southern Spain - Murcia
3
TRIP CODE - CMU | SPAIN
On this cycling adventure in southern Spain we discover Murcia’s whitewashed villages and Moorish towers, endless orchards, ancient irrigation channels and layers of history. Murcia enjoys mild winters, a semi-arid climate and averages more than 320 days of sun per year. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS Peaceful cycling | Ride on scenic and quiet backroads and cycle paths Whitewashed villages | Typical Spanish villages with Moorish roots Tapas y Vino | Reward yourself and refuel on delicious Spanish food and wine PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
ITINERARY
€924pp
DAY 1: Join trip in Murcia. Optional loop ride to Fuensanta Sanctuary.
trip only (7 days)
DAY 2: Follow ‘via verde’ cycle path to Caravaca de la Cruz, one of the Vatican’s five Holy cities.
AT A GLANCE CYCLE GRADE: Moderate
DAY 3: A circular bike route from Caravaca past historic irrigation channels, elm groves and tiny villages.
ACCOMMODATION: 6 nights comfortable hotel Optional single rooms from €203
DAILY DISTANCES
MEALS: Breakfast: 6
BIKE:
27 gear Bergamont Horizon hybrid bike with front suspension
Point-to-Point
E-Bike available
Day 1
18km
Day 2
39km
Day 3
45km
Day 4
44km
Day 5
33/46km
Day 6
57km
SPAIN
Optional Rides
MURCIA
DAY 4: Cycle on ‘via verde’ cycle path to Calasparra via the 15th century fortress in Moratalla. DAY 5: Ride along peaceful country roads, past almond and apricot orchards, to the lively town of Cieza. DAY 6: Complete our circuit with a cycle through the deep and scenic Ricote Valley back into Murcia. DAY 7: Trip ends in Murcia.
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
CALASPARRA Moratalla
SPAIN
CIEZA
MURCIA CARAVACA DE LA CRUZ
Archivel
Bullas
CALASPARRA
Moratalla
GO SELF-GUIDED? Choose to explore this itinerary at your own pace with a Self-Guided option.
CIEZA
CARAVACA DE LA CRUZ Archivel
Bullas
MURCIA
SPAIN MURCIA
Visit exploreworldwide.eu/CSSM for more details.
SPAIN
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CYCLING – EUROPE
Cycle Puglia
1
TRIP CODE - CIP | ITALY
Discover the ‘heel’ of Italy on easy cycle rides through the sun-drenched region of Puglia. Along the way we sample the superb Pugliese cuisine with cheeses from a local ‘caseificio’, a visit to a family-run bakery and wine tasting. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS Alberobello and Monopoli | Whitewashed towns with the fairytale-like ‘trulli’ dwellings Matera | Ancient city ‘sassi’ cave dwellings, one of Europe’s oldest settlements Monopoli | Bustling historic fishing town on the Adriatic coast PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
ITINERARY
€1603pp
DAY 1: Join trip in Altamura.
trip only (8 days)
DAY 2: Ride across wide open vistas under blue skies to the unique troglodyte settlement of Matera.
AT A GLANCE
DAY 3: D iscover wonderful Matera. Optional ride to San Giuliano Lake.
CYCLE GRADE: Easy ACCOMMODATION:
DAY 4: Cycle past olive groves to the distinctive dry stone conical trulli buildings of Alberobello.
7 nights comfortable hotel Optional single rooms from €241 MEALS:
DAILY DISTANCES
Breakfast: 7
BIKE:
27 gear Velo de Ville L200 hybrid bike
E-Bike available
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
Day 2
30km
Day 3
0/50km
Day 4
35/45km
Day 5
44km
Day 6
35km
Day 7
45km
Optional Rides
DAY 5: A circular ride that explores beautiful villages. Enjoy a local wine tasting. DAY 6: Cycle past ochre fields and the Adriatic coast to Monopoli. Sample local cheeses. DAY 7: A coastal ride past inviting clear waters to the bronze age site of Egnazia. DAY 8: Trip ends in Monopoli.
ADRIATIC SEA
Bari Airport
MONOPOLI ALTAMURA
local bakery visit
ALBEROBELLO
ITALY GO SELF-GUIDED? Choose to explore this itinerary at your own pace with a Self-Guided option.
San Giuliano Lake
Trulli town, Caseificio
MATERA cheese tasting Troglodyte Town
Egnazia Bronze-age site
Cisternino Locorotondo Vineyard visit
Visit exploreworldwide.eu/CSIP for more details.
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CYCLING – EUROPE
Cycle the Dalmatian Coast
3
TRIP CODE - CCD | CROATIA
Explore the beautiful Dalmatian Coast by bike from Split to Dubrovnik. Visit medieval towns, fishing villages and plenty of vineyards while island hopping along Croatia’s coast. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS Dubrovnik and Split | Spend time in the historic hearts of the region’s oldest cities Hvar Island | Cycle through the beautiful countryside of one of Croatia’s scenic gems Korcula Island | Explore the villages and vineyards of this historic island
PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
ITINERARY
€1228pp
DAY 1: Join trip in the coastal town of Kastel Kambelovac.
trip only (8 days)
DAY 2: Morning sightseeing in Split. Ferry to Hvar Island and explore by bike.
AT A GLANCE
DAY 3: Cycle the old streets and abandoned villages on the beautiful island of Hvar.
CYCLE GRADE: Moderate ACCOMMODATION: 4 nights simple hotel 3 nights comfortable hotel Optional single rooms from €240
MEALS: Breakfast: 7
BIKE:
21 gear Polar or Mirage hybrid bike
E-Bike available
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
DAY 4: Ferry to Korcula. Ride around the red terracotta roofed villages and limestone streets.
DAILY DISTANCES Day 2
32km
Day 3
32km
Day 4
12km
Day 5
62km
Day 6
30km
Day 7
35km
Optional Rides
DAY 5: Full day’s cycling on Korcula. Experience the rural elegance of the island. DAY 6: Morning ferry to Orebić. Cycle to Zuljana, then drive to Dubrovnik. DAY 7: Opportunity to cycle through the villages of the Dalmatian Coast or explore Dubrovnik. DAY 8: Trip ends Dubrovnik.
KASTEL KAMBELOVAC Sightseeing Split
CROATIA
Stari Grad Hvar
JESLA
BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA
KORCULA
DUBROVNIK
Cavtat
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exploreworldwide.eu/CCD
CYCLING – MIDDLE EAST
Cycle Jordan
3
TRIP CODE - CJP | JORDAN
Cycle through some of the most spectacular scenery and sites of Jordan. Float in the Dead Sea at the lowest place on earth and camp in Wadi Rum desert under a blanket of stars. Visit the ancient city of Petra - a World Heritage Site. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS Madaba and Mount Nebo | Discover Jordan’s biblical heritage Wadi Rum desert camp | A night under the stars in our Bedouin camp in a secluded spot Red Sea | Relax on the beaches and swim among the coral and fish PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
ITINERARY
€1438pp
DAY 1: Join trip in Madaba.
trip only (9 days)
DAY 2: Visit Madaba and cycle to Mount Nebo. Descend to the Dead Sea for a dip.
AT A GLANCE
DAY 3: Cycle from Shobak crusader castle to Petra.
CYCLE GRADE: Moderate ACCOMMODATION: 7 nights comfortable hotel 1 night simple tented camp
DAY 4: Explore Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Optional Bedouin cookery demonstration and meal.
DAILY DISTANCES
Optional single rooms from €296
MEALS:
Day 2
36km
Breakfast: 8 | Lunch: 4 | Dinner: 1
Day 3
42km
BIKE:
Day 4
0km
Day 5
20km
21 gear Trek 7.1 FX or Trek 7.2 FX hybrid bike
Day 6
58km SYRIA
Day 7
MONTHS OF TRAVEL: AMMAN MADABA
35km
DAY 5: Free time in Petra. Cycle to Little Petra and Al Beidha. DAY 6: Cycle to Wadi Rum and overnight under the stars in a desert camp. DAY 7: Cycle from Wadi Rum and continue on to Aqaba by bus. DAY 8: Free day to relax by the Red Sea in Aqaba. Return to Amman in the evening. DAY 9: Trip ends at Amman airport.
PETRA
AQABA
g’s H ighw a
Shobak Crusader castle Little Petra
JORDAN
Kin
ISRAEL
y
Dead Sea
ASH SHOBAK
WADI RUM Desert Camp
Red Sea port
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CYCLING – AFRICA
Cycle Morocco - Atlas to the Sahara
3
TRIP CODE - CSO | MOROCCO
Discover the kasbahs, tribal villages and cool oases of the Draa Valley on this cycling holiday in Morocco. Cycle through the remote hamada desert of the Sahara and enjoy an exhilarating High Atlas descent through the Berber heartland. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS Overnight Sahara camp | Ride camels through Saharan sand dunes Thrilling descent | Scenic descent from the stunning High Atlas mountain pass of Tizi N’Fedrhate Marrakech | Discover the atmospheric medina and lively Djemaa el-Fna Square PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
ITINERARY
€986pp
DAY 1: Join trip in Marrakech. Take in the sunset from the lively Djemaa el-Fna Square.
trip only (8 days) AT A GLANCE
DAY 2: Drive into the High Atlas. Cycle down to spectacular fortified city of Ait Ben Haddou.
CYCLE GRADE: Moderate ACCOMMODATION:
DAY 3: Cycle in the Draa Valley. Drive to Alnif.
6 nights comfortable hotel 1 night simple camping
DAY 4: Cycle the foothills of Jebel Sahro. Camel trek to Sahara camp.
Optional single rooms from €123
MEALS:
DAY 5: Enjoy the sunrise in the sand dunes then pedal to Erfoud.
Breakfast: 7 | Dinner: 1
BIKE:
DAY 6: Bike through local villages en route to El Kalaat M’Gouna.
DAILY DISTANCES
27 gear Cannondale Off Road or Trail mountain bike with front suspension (or similar)
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
Day 2
38km
Day 3
42km
Day 4
37km
Day 5
54km
Day 6 Day 7
Demnate
Tizi n’Outfi 2,180m Ighil M’Goun MARRAKECH Demnate 4,071m Toufrine Tizi n’Tichka 2,260m EL KALAAT Tizi 2,180m Jebel Tizin’Outfi n’Fedrhate ’ Ighil M’Goun MARRAKECH Toubkal 2,180m Toufrine M’GOUNA HS 4,071m Tizi n’Tichka BA 4,167m s AS 2,260m Assermo ade K D 0 HIGH ATLAS EL KALAA 00 Jebel Tizi n’Fedrhate Skoura F 1 JEBEL SARHRO M’GOUNA S’ Taourirt Kasbah Toubkal 2,180m YO AH E L 4,167m SB L Assermo es A A d a K ‘V D OUARZAZATE Skoura 0 HIGH ATLAS 00 Tazzarine Agdz F 1 JEBEL SARHRO Anmiter O Tinififte PassLEY Telouet Kasbah L 1,660m ‘VA Tansikht AIT BEN HADDOU Agdz Dr DRAA aa Tinififte Pass VALLEY 1,660m DRAA VALLEY
Dr
aa
DAY 7: Ride down through the Atlas Mountains and return to Marrakech. DAY 8: Trip ends in Marrakech.
43km
MOROCCO
34km
Walk in Todra Gorge
MOROCCO
Tinerhir
Optional visit Maadid
Rhettaras
ERFOUD
Todra Gorge Rissani
Tinerhir
Oasis
Tawrirt n’ghil
ALNIF ALNIF
SAHARA
SAHARA
ERFOUD ERG CHEBBI SAND DUNESOasis Rissani Camel ride
Merzouga
ERG CHEBBI SAND DUNES ALGERIA Camel ride and overnight camp ALGERIA
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exploreworldwide.eu/CSO
CYCLING – ASIA
Cycling in Georgia
3
TRIP CODE - CGE | GEORGIA
A cycling adventure in the Caucasus a beautiful land steeped in history that straddles two continents. Travelling by bus and bike, we explore ancient Silk Road cave towns and the wine producing region of Kakheti to visit local farms, vineyards and try the delicious cuisine. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS Cycle Georgia | Discover beautiful landscapes and countryside from the saddle Tbilisi | Discover the picturesque Old Town of Georgia’s capital Georgian food and wine | Superb food and the birthplace of wine PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
ITINERARY
€1839pp
DAY 1: Join trip in Tbilisi.
trip only (10 days)
DAY 2: Explore Old Tbilisi on foot. Afternoon cable car ride to Narika Fort and the sulphur baths.
AT A GLANCE
DAY 3: Visit the ancient capital Mtskheta. Cycle to the great Silk Road cave town of Uplistsikhe.
CYCLE GRADE: Moderate ACCOMMODATION: 6 nights comfortable hotel 3 nights comfortable guesthouse
DAILY DISTANCES
Optional single rooms from €271
MEALS:
Day 3
61km
Breakfast: 9 | Lunch: 6 | Dinner: 3
Day 4
65km
Day 5
46km
BIKE:
21 gear Ghost mountain bike
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
Day 6
74km
Day 7
39km
Day 8
45km
Day 9
31km Mt Kazbeg 5033m
GEORGIA
TELAVI
Food market
Uplistsikhe Cave Town
Gremi fort
KVARELI
Wine tasting
Mtskheta ancient capital
TBILISI
AKHALTSIKHE Rabati Castle
Gavazi walnut sweet making
Gombori Pass
Velistsikhe wine tasting
Tsalka
AKHALKALAKI VARDZIA
AZERBAIJAN
Cave town
DAY 4: Stunning ride from Akhaltsikhe to the ancient cave town of Vardzia which is cut into the side of the mountain. DAY 5: Scenic cycle amid mountain foothills and via Khertvisi fortress then up the valley to Akhalkalaki. DAY 6: Pedal past Lake Paravani and across Georgian ‘Siberia’. Continue by bus back to Tbilisi. DAY 7: A nice challenging cycle up over Gombori Pass, then a great descent into the Kakheti wine region – rich with history and culture. DAY 8: D iscover the birthplace of wine on a ride alongside vineyards. Sample local wines, learn about the Qvevri technique and try Chacha grape spirit firewater! DAY 9: C ycle past more vineyards with a backdrop of the Caucasus Mountains. Visit a family farm for typical Georgian sweet making. Delicious family hosted lunch. DAY 10: Trip ends in Tbilisi. GEORGIA
ARMENIA
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CYCLING – ASIA
Cycle Kerala
1
TRIP CODE - CKB | INDIA
This cycling holiday in southern India travels along Kerala’s backroads through a landscape of tropical forests, spice, tea and rubber plantations. Discover village life, search for wildlife in Periyar National Park and relax on Indian Ocean beaches. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS Varied cycling | Pedal along beautiful coastlines, through plantations and tropical forests Kochi | Explore this fascinating colonial coastal town Kovalam | Relax on the stunning beaches of the Malabar Coast PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
DAILY DISTANCES
ITINERARY
€2153pp
Day 2
10/32km
trip only (13 days)
Day 3
37km
Day 4
36km
Day 5
39km
Day 6
35km
AT A GLANCE CYCLE GRADE: Easy ACCOMMODATION: 10 nights comfortable hotel 2 nights simple homestay Optional single rooms from €481
MEALS:
Day 7
33km
Day 8
9/32km
Day 9
36km
Day 10
0km
Day 11
30km
Day 12
10km
Breakfast: 12 | Lunch: 3 | Dinner: 2
BIKE:
THEKKADY
KOCHI
Idukki Reservoir
Sunset cruise
PLANTER’S HOMESTAY Tea & spice plantations
Alleppey
MANCOMBU
Cruise backwaters Canoe trip
Ashtamudi Lake
KOLLAM
Diwali Festival A special Diwali Festival departure is available for this trip. See date and prices on our website.
INDIAN OCEAN
DAY 3: Drive to Veli Lagoon. Visit Anjengo Fort and cycle to Varkala. DAY 4: Cycle through traditional Keralan villages to Kollam. DAY 5: Boat trip along backwaters. Cycle to Mancombu. DAY 6: Full day cycling through backwater villages. Afternoon canoe trip.
DAY 8: Free to explore Vagamon on foot. Optional cycle rides available. DAY 9: Drive and cycle to Thekkady. Visit plantations and a tea factory. DAY 10: Walk Periyar National Park forest in search of wildlife. Explore the spice gardens of Thekkady.
INDIA
DAY 11: Drive to Kuttikkanam. Cycle to Malayattoor. Drive to Kochi.
CARDAMOM HILLS
DAY 12: Tour of Kochi by bike. Evening boat cruise. DAY 13: Trip ends in Kochi.
VARKALA
FESTIVAL DEPARTURES
DAY 2: Morning cycle ride. Afternoon free to relax on the Malabar Coast.
DAY 7: Drive and cycle to Vagamon. Stay at Planter’s Homestay.
Optional Rides
21 or 24 gear Trek or Merida mountain bike with lockable front suspension
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
DAY 1: Join trip in Kovalam.
Veli Trivandrum
KOVALAM
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exploreworldwide.eu/CKB
CYCLING – ASIA
Cycle Saigon to Hanoi
3
TRIP CODE - CVIE | VIETNAM
On this adventurous and active trip we experience Vietnam on two wheels. Along the way we discover Saigon, Hoi An, Hué, Hanoi and the majestic beauty of Halong Bay on an overnight cruise. What better way to fuel your ride than with the delicious Vietnamese cuisine. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS Cycle the Central Highlands | Explore the hill country and cycle over Hon Giao Pass Saigon | Cycle out to the Cu Chi Tunnels and explore the Mekong Delta Hoi An | Visit the beautiful World Heritage town PRODUCT RATING:
PRICES FROM
€1726pp trip only (14 days) AT A GLANCE CYCLE GRADE: Moderate ACCOMMODATION: 11 nights comfortable hotel 1 night comfortable junk boat 1 night simple overnight train Optional single rooms from €377
MEALS: Breakfast: 13 | Lunch: 2 | Dinner: 1
DAILY DISTANCES Day 2
50km
Day 3
51km
Day 4
30km
Day 5
80km
Day 6
0km
Day 7
60km
Day 8
59km
Day 9
0km
Day 10
80km
Day 11
20km
HALONG BAY
HANOI
Cruise through clear waters, caves & Kayaking
24 gear Giant or ATX mountain bike with front suspension
E-Bike available HUÉ
L TRA DS CENHLAN HIG
DAYS Cycle and drive to Hué via the 10–11: Hai Van Pass. Cycle around Hué then overnight train to Hanoi. Quy Nhon
CAMBODIA Khanh Vinh Colonial hill station
DALAT
Cu Chi Tunnels Can Duoc
Mekong Delta
DAY 4: Explore Vietnam’s Central Highlands. Stay in the old French city of Dalat.
DAY 9: Morning walking tour of Hoi An’s traditional wooden houses and Chinese temples. Free afternoon.
Hai Van Pass
HOI AN
CAI BE
DAY 3: Drive to Mekong Delta. Cycle the backroads to Cai Be.
DAY 8: Pedal over the Thi Nai sea bridge. Drive to historic Hoi An.
Perfume River Royal tombs Cycle the citadel & Tu Doc Mausoleum LAOS
DAY 2: Cycle to Cu Chi Tunnels. Late afternoon free to explore Old Saigon.
DAY 7: Cycle and drive from Nha Trang to Quy Nhon.
GULF OF TONKIN
MONTHS OF TRAVEL:
DAY 1: Join trip in Ho Chi Minh City with an afternoon orientation tour of Old Saigon.
DAYS Cycle over Hon Giao Pass to Nha 5–6: Trang. Rest day from the bikes. To relax, take a boat trip to tropical islands.
CHINA
VIETNAM
BIKE:
ITINERARY
NHA TRANG Offshore islands day trip
HO CHI MINH CITY Old Saigon Mekong Delta cruise Explore waterways
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DAY 12: Arrive in Hanoi. Drive to Halong Bay for overnight cruise amid stunning karst scenery. DAY 13: Morning cruise of the bay. Drive to Hanoi for a tour of the city. DAY 14: Trip ends in Hanoi.
SOUTH CHINA SEA
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Essential information about our Classic Discovery, Walking, Cycling, Family and Self-Guided Tours Please carefully read through the following information about booking an Explore trip. When you book (whether by phone, travel agent or online), you will be asked to confirm that you have read and understood these pages, as well as our Trip Notes and Booking Conditions (www.exploreworldwide.eu/booking-conditions). The combination of travel services offered to you is a package within the meaning of the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations. Therefore, you will benefit from all rights applying to packages. Explore will be fully responsible for the proper performance of the package as a whole. Additionally, as required by UK law for bookings made in the UK and Europe, Explore has protection in place to refund your payments and, where transport is included in the package, to ensure your repatriation in the event that it becomes/they become insolvent. More information on your key rights under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 can be found here: www.exploreworldwide.eu/travel-regulations.
Guaranteed departures
We guarantee that the advertised trip-only itinerary will not be cancelled or significantly changed once the first booking is confirmed unless we are forced to do so by a “force majeure” (as defined in our Booking Conditions). There is no minimum group size. This guarantee does not apply to international or UK domestic flights, which may be subject to change or cancellation in accordance with our Booking Conditions.
Itineraries
From time to time, some elements of our trips may change from those that have been published. This could be the result of inclement weather, a change in the local political situation or in flight or train schedules or other circumstances beyond our control. We will keep you as well informed as possible about these changes. Significant changes to your holiday will be notified as soon as we feasibly can. Minor amendments to your trip will be detailed on your final trip documentation, although our website will be regularly updated should you wish to check the information at any time. You will be provided with a provisional list of your accommodation shortly after booking. Whilst we expect to stay at the accommodation stated, please note that this is subject to change to an equivalent or higher standard at any time.
Group size
The size of the group on group trips ranges from between 6 to 18 people; the average group size is usually 12 people, depending on the type of trip, the transport and accommodation used, and activities included. Whilst every group make up is different, we occasionally have groups that are smaller than six people.
Eligibility for Family adventures
For our purposes, a family is defined as having a minimum of two people, with at least one adult over the age of 18 and one person 18 years or younger.
Age limits
The minimum age on most group trips featured in this brochure is 14. Our minimum age limit for trips travelling at high altitude is 16 years old. Because of the active nature of our Family Adventures, we provide guidelines regarding the minimum age that we feel is most suitable for each Family trip. This starts at 7 years of age, at the time of travel depending on the level of activity involved and overall suitability. On
certain trips there may be some flexibility to accept children from the age of 5. Please speak to our Sales team for details. Trips to certain destinations (for example, Chernobyl) have a higher age limit. Please refer to individual Trip Notes and our website for further information where applicable. A parent or guardian must book for and accompany anyone under the age of 18. Fitness and stamina are more important than age and we often find that some of our older travellers are the fittest in the group. Whilst we do not have a maximum age, we do recognise that at some point during our customers’ journey with us they will reach an age where we will have to review the fitness and ability to participate in the trips they’ve chosen to book. Should you be 80 years old or older at the time of travel, we will discuss the itinerary with you before booking you on the trip and may ask you additional questions about your health and fitness.
Fitness and trip participation
All our trips require some level of active participation. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip. With this in mind, please be aware that (as detailed in our Booking Conditions) if it is felt that any customer is not able to participate in a trip without endangering the health or safety of themselves or any other person (including other group members), or that the presence of the customer on the trip means we will be unable to provide the trip, in whole or part, to other members of the group as advertised and contracted, the Explore Leader has the right to require them to leave the trip at any stage. To ensure that this is never necessary, please make sure that you have fully understood the level of fitness and ability required to complete the trip on which you are booking. It is your responsibility to let us know if you have any concerns related to this subject. If you have any medical condition or disability which may affect your trip arrangements in any way, you must provide us with full details at the time of booking. In certain circumstances, usually on more strenuous trips, we may require you to provide proof of medical fitness before travelling. On some of our trips, there will be waterbased activities, boat excursions or swimming opportunities. For your own personal safety and enjoyment, an ability to swim is therefore strongly recommended. Several trips reach elevations of 2,500 metres or more. We allow time for acclimatisation and usually the body acclimatises well to spending extended periods of time above this altitude. It is difficult to predict who is at risk from altitude sickness but if you have a heart or respiratory problem we advise you not to risk extended travel or trekking at high altitudes.
Trip prices
The prices shown for group tours in this brochure are for guidance only. For family trips, the guide price shown already includes any applicable reduction of the Air Passenger Duty (APD) for children. Self-guided prices are based on two people travelling. Prices represent the basic per person cost of the trip at the time of publication of this brochure. The price at the time of booking
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may be different. The latest guide prices for each trip departure can be found on our website: www. explore.co.uk.
NO SURCHARGE PRICE GUARANTEE
Once we have confirmed your booking we guarantee the price of your confirmed services won’t change: we will not pass on surcharges of any kind. Unlike most other tour operators we will not pass on unexpected additional costs like fuel surcharges and tax increases.
What is included?
Transport, meals and accommodation: all details are outlined in the individual Trip Notes. Explore Leader (not applicable to self-guided trips): the services of an Explore Leader are included on nearly all group trips. In most cases they will accompany you for the full duration of the trip. On some group trips a local representative may be provided instead (this will be outlined in the individual Trip Notes). Local crew: as well as drivers and local guides, interpreters, cooks, helpers and porters may be provided on some trips (details will be outlined in the individual Trip Notes). Bike hire is included on all cycling trips. Your included bike will be the correct frame size for your height. All bikes have a maximum rider’s weight limit which varies but is usually around 120kg. Should you exceed this weight you must mention this to us at the time of booking to enable us to try to source a suitable alternative. E-Bikes can be hired locally (subject to availability) on some trips for an additional charge. See Trip Notes for details. Activities, equipment, sightseeing and visits: please see individual Trip Notes for details.
INCLUDED TRANSFERS
We are pleased to be able to include airport transfers for customers booking a flight inclusive or land only trip where the flight arrives on the same day the trip starts and departs on the day the trip ends. Where trips join and end at the designated overseas airport or train station, one arrival and one departure transfer will be provided for the whole group. In order to be included in this transfer please ensure that you arrive at the designated airport or train station for the joining time and book flights departing after the given ending time. Please refer to your Trip Notes or joining information for further details and visit www.explore.co.uk/transfers. You are responsible for telling us your flight details and keeping us updated with any changes.
Responsibility for your children and parental consent on our Family Adventures
Please note that Explore Leaders are not expected to be child-minders. Parents and guardians booking on Explore Family Adventures agree to take full responsibility for any children travelling with them at all times. Any child under the age of 16 wishing to participate in the activities can do so only with the full consent of their parent or guardian.
What’s not included?
The price of the trip does not include: visa fees, vaccination charges, passport costs, international departure taxes, insurance premiums, excess baggage charges, optional trips and excursions, hotel porters or meals (other than those we list as included). We also do not include items of a personal nature such as laundry, room service charges, drinks or phone calls. Tips for personal service are not included and are usually expected. If you book on a land only basis we do not include flights or trains from the UK or departure taxes.
Single rooms Accommodation grades We know that finding the right place to stay is just as important as the destination and activities. All our accommodation is carefully chosen for location and character. Countries have varying standards and on some holidays a range of grades are used.
Simple These are often small, family run establishments or campsites which provide a no-frills experience with adequate amenities and service standards. Sleeping arrangements are simple, sometimes with en suite facilities.
Comfortable Our comfortable, mid-range accommodation offers a good level of service, often with other amenities such as a restaurant, bar, garden or swimming pool. Generally rooms will have en suite facilities and heating or air-conditioning.
Premium Our premium accommodation is handpicked for its character, location or local importance. These properties have excellent facilities and a higher level of comfort and service.
Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. On rare occasions mixed sex rooms may be necessary. If applicable, this will be stated on the relevant Trip Notes. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room. On some of these trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided on some nights, but for logistical reasons not all. Individual Trip Notes clarify this. Please note that on rare occasions it may be necessary for customers in single rooms to share bathroom facilities. Please note that due to the nature of the accommodation we use, the single room supplement will guarantee you sole occupancy of the room, however single rooms may differ in configuration and may be smaller than a standard twin/double room.
Accommodation and rooming arrangements on Family Adventures
We will room your family in the most appropriate way using a mixture of twin, triple, double and single rooms as necessary. Please note that sometimes a triple room may be a twin room with an additional bed added. We will leave it to you to decide who shares with whom in your family group. We will do our very best to give you rooms next to each other but we can’t promise this. In exceptional cases, where accommodation is limited, for example on boat-based trips, one or more of you may need to share with members of another family.
Preparing for your holiday
Travelling to far-flung corners of the earth involves adapting to living conditions that are often very different from your own. Please be prepared for unusual situations, local differences and unpredictable events. The very nature of adventure holidays means your most enjoyable moments are likely to come from the unexpected. You need to be sure you are happy to swap luxury for experience when joining an Explore trip. If you are someone who prefers things to go as planned and enjoys some pampering along the way, then maybe think twice about an adventure holiday. You should also be aware that some countries around the world have security problems. Unsavoury characters are likely to be active in big cities and street markets and certain areas may be considered ‘out-of-bounds’ for tourists. However, most crime is opportunistic. Using your common sense will reduce the risks. Unfortunately, no destination can be guaranteed to be safe from terrorism. We constantly monitor the political situation in the regions we visit and will re-route or cancel a trip if we feel it is necessary. Whilst we endeavour to provide as much information as possible in our brochure and individual Trip Notes regarding the areas our trips travel to, we would always recommend that you undertake some background research about the places you will be visiting and the type of climate and local conditions you can expect in order to get the most from your holiday.
this written confirmation with you on the trip, in addition to the insurance policy itself. If you don’t, you may not have appropriate cover. We reserve the right to cancel your booking at any point if you do not fully insure your pre-existing medical condition. Please also tell us about any preexisting medical conditions at the time of booking.
Foreign Office travel advice
At the time of going to press, we are awaiting guidance from the UK Government as to whether this piece of EU legislation will be adopted by the UK following our exit from the EU. In accordance with EU Directive (EC) No 2111/2005 Article 9, we are required to bring to your attention the existence of a “Community List” which contains details of air carriers which are subject to an operating ban within the EU. The Community List is available for inspection at https://ec.europa.eu/ transport/modes/air/safety/air-ban/search_en. In accordance with EU Regulations we are required to advise you of the actual carrier(s) (or, if the actual carrier(s) is not known, the likely carrier(s)) that will operate your international flight(s) to and from an EU airport at the time of booking. Where we are only able to inform you of the likely carrier(s) at the time of booking, we shall inform you of the identity of the actual carrier(s) as soon as we become aware of this. Any change to the operating carrier(s) after your booking has been confirmed will be notified to you as soon as possible. If the carrier with whom you have a confirmed reservation becomes subject to an operating ban and, as a result, we or the carrier are unable to offer you a suitable alternative, the provisions of our Booking Conditions “If we change or cancel your trip” will apply. Please note that we will not book our customers onto banned airlines whose flights may be available for general sale and accessible to the public.
Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice Unit – www.gov.uk/foreigntravel-advice – provides detailed information about your destination including current entry requirements. We strongly recommend that you read their comments about the country you are planning to visit, both when you book and again just before you leave, and that you sign up to the government travel alert service. For the UK, the FCDO alert service can be found here: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/email-signup. We monitor FCDO travel warnings and advice, and based on them, may cancel trips before departure, or re-route or make other changes to trips operating in or throughout the country concerned. Any decision we take about whether to operate or cancel a trip or make other changes will always be in the interests of your safety and security. We will make these decisions at least four weeks before departure, unless we believe that local conditions will improve before the start of the trip.
Travel insurance and pre-existing medical conditions
You must have valid travel insurance. You will need to confirm to your Explore Leader that you are covered by a travel insurance policy at the start of the trip. Please ensure that your documentation shows you as the named policyholder and that the cover is valid for the entire period of travel. It must also indicate that you have cover for (at least) Medical Expenses and Emergency Repatriation in the event of illness or injury. Please ensure that a 24 hour contact telephone number for your Insurance Company is written on your documentation in case of an emergency. If you are unable to provide this information at the start of the trip you will not be able to continue with us unless you purchase a suitable insurance policy. If you, your travelling companions, or anyone upon whom your travel depends (such as a friend or family member) have a pre-existing medical condition, you must disclose this to your travel insurer’s medical screening helpline when you purchase your insurance policy. Failure to do so may result in your claim being declined. Please ensure that you receive written confirmation from them that the condition is covered. You must take
Changes to flight information
When you book a flight-inclusive trip with Explore, your holiday confirmation will contain provisional flight details. The timings, flight numbers or route could change several times before departure. We will confirm final timings with your final documents. We will notify you immediately of any significant airline schedule change which occurs after your tickets have been issued. We recommend that you defer booking any connecting travel to the airport or arrangements such as car parking or overnight hotels until you have received your final documents, with confirmed travel times. Where Explore is arranging domestic regional flights, these will be automatically rebooked to connect with your international flights. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible, non-refundable connecting rail, air or bus tickets, as they usually incur cancellation or penalty charges in the event of a change to the departure time or date.
EU banned airlines
Aircraft weight restrictions
For the purposes of flight safety, it is essential that you adhere to the luggage weight restrictions imposed by the airline you are flying with, particularly when flying on internal flights on smaller aircraft.
Land only packages
Our land only packages start and finish at the designated overseas joining and ending point. Land only packages do not include any connecting flights to or from the joining or ending point. If you are planning to book a land only package on one of our trips, then we strongly recommend that you only purchase flights/train/bus tickets that are totally flexible and refundable. This is because by their very nature, adventure holiday itineraries can change and it’s important that you’re able to amend your connecting travel arrangements should the need arise. In the event
exploreworldwide.eu 81
of a trip being cancelled, it is important that you are able to get a refund if you no longer wish to use the associated flight, bus or train. We regret that we cannot accept liability for any connecting travel arrangements that you make (including any cancellation or amendment charges) in the event of any change to, or cancellation of, our trip; or for any other reason that makes you unable to use your booked travel arrangements.
Consumer peace of mind Explore is proud to be the first tour operator to be approved by Trading Standards. Explore is a fully bonded Tour Operator licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and by ABTOT. We hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 2595). All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays* in this brochure or on our website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay, you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to 2595 ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection
and the ATOL Certificate go to www.atol.org.uk/ ATOLCertificate. *The flights and flight-inclusive holidays we arrange are ATOL protected providing they are made available in the UK. The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Explore Worldwide Ltd, and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for the following: non-flight packages. You can access The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 here: https:// www.legislation.gov.uk/ ukdsi/2018/9780111168479/ Member 5207 contents.
is believed correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of printing or publication. However, errors may occasionally occur and information may subsequently change. You must therefore ensure you check all details of your chosen trip (including the price) with us or your travel agent at the time of booking. Explore Worldwide Ltd. Registered Office: Nelson House, 55 Victoria Road, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 7PA, UK. VAT No. 358 7552 13.
ABTOT cover provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled or repatriation if you are abroad. In the unlikely event that you require assistance whilst abroad due to our financial failure, please call ABTOT on 020 7065 5311 (during office hours Mon – Fri) or alternatively call their 24/7 helpline on 01702 811397 and advise you are a customer of an ABTOT protected travel company.
Brochure / Website / Advertising material accuracy
The information contained in our brochure, on our website and in our other advertising material
The Association of Independent Tour Operators AITO is the Association for independent and specialist holiday companies. Its member companies, usually owner-managed, strive to create overseas holidays with high levels of professionalism and a shared concern for quality and personal service. The Association encourages the highest standards in all aspects of tour operating.
Professional Service and Continual Improvements
Exclusive Membership
Monitoring Standards
AITO sets criteria regarding ownership, finance and quality which must be satisfied before new companies are admitted to membership. All members are required to adhere to a Code of Business Practice which encourages high operational standards and conduct.
Financial Security
An AITO member is required to arrange financial protection for all holidays and other arrangements (including accommodation only) booked by customers with the member under the AITO logo. This financial protection applies to customers who are resident in the UK at the time of booking and to most overseas customers who have booked directly with the member. In doing so, the member must comply with UK Government regulations. Members are required to submit details of their financial protection arrangements to AITO on a regular basis.
Accurate Brochures / Websites
All members do their utmost to ensure that all their brochures and other publications, print or electronic, clearly and accurately describe the holidays and services offered.
All members are committed to high standards of service and believe in regular and thorough training of employees. Members continually seek to review and improve their holidays. They listen to their customers and always welcome suggestions for improving standards. AITO endeavours to monitor quality standards regularly. All customers should receive a post-holiday questionnaire, the results of which are scrutinised by the Association.
Sustainable Tourism
All members acknowledge the importance of AITO’s Sustainable Tourism guidelines, which recognise the social, economic and environmental responsibilities of tour operating.
Customer Relations
All members endeavour to deal swiftly and fairly with any issues their customers may raise. In the unlikely event that a dispute between an AITO member and a customer cannot be settled amicably, AITO’s low-cost Independent Dispute Settlement Service may be called upon by either side to bring the matter to a speedy and acceptable conclusion. Explore is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. To contact the association visit www.aito.com.
Passport, Visa and Entry Requirements Passport information
Please note it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct, current information in good time before departure and that you act on it. Please ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity and appropriate number of blank pages for your chosen destination. You must also have all visas and vaccination certificates that are necessary to enter or pass through any countries involved in the journey or trip.
Visas
Many countries require a visa to be obtained before travel or on arrival. A summary of requirements for British passport holders can be found on the individual Trip Notes but please note that visa and passport information is subject to change at any time. If required, visas can be obtained through a Visa Service or the relevant Embassy or Consular Office.
General Note
Some countries refuse admission to travellers not meeting their accepted standards of dress or
82 Ireland 0818 021 041 | Rest of Europe +44 (0)1252 883 492
appearance (even if they hold a visa). Entry may also be refused to some countries if your passport bears stamps or visas (valid or expired) from certain countries. Please bear this in mind when booking/travelling to these destinations as it can negatively affect your future travel plans. Further information can be found on our Trip Notes where applicable.
Travcour
We have partnered with Travcour; a company who specialise in visa processing. Please visit their website to download visa application forms, follow
links to important embassy websites or make general enquiries about their visa service.
for your destination and home country, to ensure your travel plans run smoothly.
Please call 020 8543 1846 for more information or visit www.travcour.com.
Vaccinations
Entry Requirements
correct vaccinations required for all countries that you will visit on your trip. Explore Trip Notes detail the recommended vaccinations for each trip but you must consult with your doctor or a travel health clinic to ensure you have the most up to date advice. Please note that some inoculation programmes require two injections, administered four weeks apart. You should leave plenty of time for this. As a general rule, please note that health
Covid 19 has led to many countries revising their entry requirements, often at short notice. Requirements can include the need to have received a full course of Covid 19 vaccine or proof of a negative test recognised by your destination country. We strongly recommend reviewing entry requirements frequently, both
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the
requirements and recommendations may change and you must check the current requirements in good time before departure. Further information can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk. For country-specific advice http://nathnac.net is an excellent source of information on health risks.
Under 18 immigration guidance
Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.
Your Privacy Explore takes your privacy extremely seriously. We are committed to doing everything we can to protect any personal information provided to us when you enquire about or book a holiday or another travel service with us, when you visit our website, or when you engage with us by other means. This equally applies if someone else makes arrangements on your behalf. For full details of what, why and how we collect and use your personal information, how we protect it and how you can contact us, see our online Privacy Centre at www.explore.co.uk/privacy-policy or call us on 01252 379438 so that we can send the details to you. If you handle the arrangements for other travellers, please ensure they are aware of the information contained within our Privacy Centre and they consent to you acting on their behalf in your dealings with us. To enable us to make holiday arrangements for you, we may ask you to provide information such as: • y our name, gender, date of birth, contact details; • your preferred rooming arrangements and other special requests (including special categories of personal data such as dietary requirements, which may disclose health matters or your religious or philosophical beliefs, and information about any disability or medical condition which may affect the chosen holiday arrangements.); • the name and telephone number of an emergency contact person (whom we will only contact in urgent circumstances while you are away); • your passport and travel insurance details; • details of your payment card or your bank account (this information is processed using a third party payment services provider and is not stored by us). When you call us or correspond with us about your booking, we may record the call for training and quality control purposes and/or keep information on why you contacted us, and the advice we gave you. On your return from holiday we email or post a satisfaction questionnaire to you. This gives us specific feedback on any issue you may have experienced, and statistical data we can amalgamate in order to monitor the quality of our holidays. We may share your holiday feedback with third party review companies. We will need to share your data with third party service providers, used in the delivery of your purchased holiday arrangements, some of which may be based outside the EEA. These providers include accommodation, restaurants
and transport providers; local ground partners and agents, where we use them; equipment hire operators, including our cycling partners and guides, tutors and local attractions where booked on your behalf. We keep the information related to your booking for a period which enables us to handle or respond to any complaints or queries and to fulfil our obligations to our third party suppliers who provided your holiday arrangements. The information may also be retained so that we can continue to improve your experience with us while you engage with and purchase from us. By law we have to keep basic information about our customers for legal and tax purposes for up to 7 years after they cease being customers.
If you fail to provide personal information
Should you fail to provide data required either by law, or necessary to provide your chosen travel arrangements, we will not be able to provide the services you have booked or are attempting to book. This may result in Explore being unable to process your booking and being forced to cancel the booking. In this case, we will treat this as a ‘cancellation by you’ in accordance with the relevant Booking Terms & Conditions and notify you accordingly.
Marketing communications
We may use your information to provide you with brochures, newsletters and other communications if you have provided your prior consent or we are permitted under an identified and assessed legitimate interest. We sell our holidays directly to customers and so sending out brochures and other marketing communications by post from time-to-time is very important to the way we do business. We use data we have collected from bookings, brochure requests and other forms of engagement to decide what marketing information our customers may like to receive, and we have identified this as in our legitimate interest. We do provide an opportunity to opt-out of this direct marketing during the booking or enquiry process and in subsequent communications, or you may contact us at any time to do so.
From time-to-time, our staff, customers and suppliers may take photographs and video footage of trips in progress, including photos and video footage of our customers. You will be invited to sign a model release form to consent to this. These images may be used in future marketing materials and stored physically and digitally. If you do not wish to be filmed or for your pictures to be taken or used in this manner, please advise your Explore Leader and/or the photographer at the start of your trip.
Website use
In order for us to provide you with the optimum service, we use ‘Cookies’ on our website. Cookies are small text files sent to your computer when you access our site. Cookies used on our site are anonymous and contain no personal information, but do identify your computer so that you can navigate our site more easily and our website can remember your preferences. For more information about what cookies we use and how to manage them please refer to our Cookie Policy at www.explore.co.uk/privacy/cookies.
Contact us
It is important that the personal data we hold about you is accurate and current. Please keep us informed if any of the details you provide to us should change during the course of your relationship with us. If you need further assistance, would like to make a comment or update your marketing preferences, you can contact us: • By telephone on 0818 021 041 from Ireland, or +44 (0)1252 883 492 from the rest of Europe • By email: Dataprivacy@explore.co.uk • By mail to Data Privacy Manager, Explore, Nelson House, 55 Victoria Road, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 7PA, UK. You also have the right to make a complaint at any time to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). You can contact them on 0303 123 1113 or go online to www.ico.org.uk/concerns.
We have found over the years that the majority of people welcome these communications and, those who do not are happy to let us know so we can ensure no more are sent. If you ask us to stop sending marketing information, you may continue to receive communications for up to 4 weeks after your requested change while our systems are fully updated.
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