Travel Partner :: Adventure Direct

Explore hit the road in 1981 thanks to three travelling companions who had breathed travel, eaten travel and slept travel for as long as they could remember. Their blend of idealism and practical skills, and an unquenchable thirst for discovery soon translated into a very simple and successful formula:

Small group of like-minded people
Expert tour leaders
Comfortable accommodation (minus frills)
Explore deeper
Think and buy local
Respect your guest + respect their environment
Plan thoroughly but be adaptable

Join a small group adventure holiday. Be inspired by tours that get you closer to the people, the landscapes and wildlife that make our world an amazing place. Don't just have a holiday - have an adventure!

Styles of Travel:

Graded tours - each trip has a description, a ‘Fact File' and a ‘Key to Activities'. These give you a good idea of what is involved and if this is suitable for you.

Small groups - allows easy access to out of the way places, travelling off the beaten tourist track. Most trips average 15 or 16 people, a few have a maximum of 25.

Centre Based Tours - Explore have slowed down the pace focusing on one or perhaps two locations. Guests spend quality time while exploring the surrounding areas, either on their own or with the scheduled group activities. Whether you take day walks, explore by local transport, or combine a range of fun pursuits, you will return to your familiar accommodation to be looked after by friendly hosts. Enjoy the best local specialities and fine wines; meet the locals; and no unpacking and packing quite so often.

Explore in Style - trips designed around distinctive, and often heritage, accommodation in Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, India, Thailand, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Peru and Chile. These tours are designed with two very sensible purposes in mind: to offer, as part of the cultural experience, accommodation that is synonymous with local heritage; and to cater for customers who simply prefer higher levels of comfort than Explores original adventures. 'In Style' adventures allow you to pamper yourself a little and sample the regional history first hand.

Expedition Voyages - Experience the adventure of shipboard travel and a voyage of discovery through the Polar regions, the South Seas or the Amazon for a journey of a lifetime. Board our expedition ship on a journey through the Chilean Fjords, Antarctica, Scotland, and the Norwegian Fjords. Enjoy timeless exploration aboard tall ship Soren Larsen, as she gently voyages through the South Seas, from New Zealand to Easter Island.

Walking & Trekking - Discover some of the world's greatest landscapes and remote cultures on foot. Whether you want a challenging high altitudes trek or enjoy hiking along gentle Apline trails there are over 90 tours to choose from across the globe. Each tour is graded to suit all levels of walking abilities: Grade A (easy), walks are short rambles at low altitudes; Grade B (moderate) some longer walks at generally low altitudes; Grade C (strenuous), for the more serious hillwalker with about 6-8 hrs per day walking and some days of higher altitudes; Grade D (tough), requires you to be very fit as more trekking at higher altitudes.

Cycling - Use this guide to help you decide which cycling trip is right for you. More specific comments regarding grading/terrain are included in the tour Fact File. Grade A (Easy) cycling on flat and/or occasionally hilly terrain for anybody with reasonable fitness; Grade A/B (Easy/Moderate); Grade B (Moderate) cycling on flat and in hilly terrain with occasional steeper ascents and descents, suitable for the more frequent cyclist; Grade C (Strenuous) some cycling on flat but generally it's hilly terrain with occasional steeper ascents and descents, may also include more challenging sections and ideal for cyclists with a good fitness level.

How do we get around?

A variety of transport is used on every Explore tour: private coaches or small buses, trains, expedition vehicles, pick-up trucks, boats, light planes, camels, donkeys and of course on foot!

Explore Tour Leaders

Virtually every trip is led by an experienced Tour Leader. The tours are led either by UK-Based Tour Leaders or local English-speaking leaders. All are highly trained and are there to ensure the smooth running of trips.

Where do we stay?

Explore use at a variety accommodation around the world; from hotels, inns, pensions, chalets and jungle lodges to village houses, monasteries, castles and huts. They always use conveniently located, comfortable, clean and friendly places.

What about Food?

Breakfast is usually included, leaving clients free to sample the local cuisine for other meals. When camping, all equipment and food is provided, and some participation is required by the group

What does the price include?

Transport on tour, all accommodation, meals as specified, most sightseeing arrangements, the services of an Explore tour leader, with local guides and porters where applicable.

Who is the Explore traveller?

People who enjoy good health, are reasonably active and have an urge to explore lesser known areas. Individuals, couples and small group of friends are all welcomed. The age range is very open, most are 20-60's - with an average age of 42.