Sri Lanka in Depth + Maldive Dhoni Cruise
Sri Lanka in Depth + Maldive Dhoni Cruise
Sri Lanka in Depth + Maldive Dhoni Cruise
22 Days Starting in Negombo and ending in Male
Visiting: Negombo, Wilpattu National Park, Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Girithale, Minneriya National Park, Kandy, Nallathanniya, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Udawalawe National Park Safari, Galle, Unawatuna, Colombo, Malé, Vaavu Atoll, Meemu Atoll, Dhiggaru, Felidhoo, Fulidhoo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SLM
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 18
Age range:
16-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Combine two of our favourite trips on a journey through enchanting Sri Lanka and the pristine Maldives. Our first two weeks are spent touring the cultural highlights of the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean' before cruising through paradise in the Maldives.
Wildlife in Sri Lanka - Search for leopards, elephants and sambar deer on game drives in the country's national parks
Culture in Sri Lanka - Wander through ancient capitals, painted cave temples and climb the dramatic 'Sky Fortress'
Maldives Dhoni experience - Spend a week cruising, snorkelling and relaxing amongst crystal clear waters
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Join Trip In Negombo
Location: Negombo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel J
Our tour starts today in Negombo, a coastal town that's famous for its fishing industry and golden sands. The perfect introduction to Sri Lankan life, Negombo is a busy coastal town with a lively fish market and traditional ketti-maran (catamaran) fishing boats scudding across the waters - the capital, Colombo, is a short distance away, too. Head down to the water to catch the sunset and spot locals bringing in the day's catch.
For those arriving in time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Negombo at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to arrive into Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), which is a 30-minute drive from our hotel. If you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.
If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to head to the beach or make use of the hotel facilities which include a swimming pool overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Day 2: Game Drive In Wilpattu National Park; Drive To Anuradhapura
Location: Wilpattu National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Lakeside at Nuwarawewa
Meals Included: Breakfast
A three-hour drive north today takes us to Wilpattu National Park. En route, we'll visit a nearby fishing village which uses traditional-style outrigger canoes, known as 'oruvas'. Depending on the season, we might spot 'toddy tappers' climbing coconut trees to collect sap from the flowers along the way, too. The sap they collect is used to make Arak - a local whisky-type spirit.
Despite its location in Sri Lanka's dry zone, Wilpattu National Park boasts nearly 60 lakes and is renowned for being home to leopards, elephants, and sambar deer. We'll head out on a jeep safari in the hope of spotting the elusive leopard. We choose to visit this park, rather than the more touristy Yala National Park further south because we believe it offers our customers a better experience. You can spot the same animals here as in Yala, however it's less crowded, making our visit more enjoyable and responsible.
Leaving the park, we'll drive onwards to nearby Anuradhapura, where we'll spend the next two nights.
Day 3: Full Day To Walk Up Mihintale Mount And Explore Anuradhapura Ancient Citadel
Location: Anuradhapura
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Lakeside at Nuwarawewa
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we'll travel 12 kilometres/8 miles to the mountain peak of Mihintale. It's believed that this was the site of a momentous meeting between the monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa, introducing Buddhism to the country. Exploring Mihintale involves climbing a flight of shallow stone steps, and a short final section with uneven steps carved into the bedrock and a handrail leading to the summit. There are excellent panoramic views from the top across the entire surrounding landscape.
In the afternoon, we'll explore the ancient capital of Anuradhapura - a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its well-preserved ancient ruins and considered to be Sri Lanka's first capital. One of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, it was founded around 500 BC. Its golden age began around 260 BC when the King and his people converted to Buddhism. The city became vast, spreading over many miles. There were hospitals for the sick, hostels for travellers and artificial reservoirs to ensure a good water supply. Of great interest are the 2,200-year-old Sacred Bodhi-Tree; the Brazen Palace, once a nine-storey residence for monks; the 4th-century Samadhi Buddha masterpiece and the Ruvanvalisaya Dagoba - a 90-metre/295-foot-high dome-shaped stupa towering over the surrounding countryside.
Day 4: Visit Dambulla's Cave Temples En Route To Giritale
Location: Dambulla, Girithale
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Giritale Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Travelling towards Giritale today, we'll stop to view the magnificent Standing Buddha of Aukana, which reaches 12 metres/39 feet high. Sculpted in the 5th century by a master craftsman, it's still relatively isolated in its jungle setting.
Our next stop is Dambulla, where a series of caves have been turned into temples dating from the 1st century BC. This UNESCO World Heritage Site still attracts scores of worshippers. After climbing the hill we'll visit five separate caves, which contain a large number of Buddha images, as well as sculptures of Hindu Gods.
After enjoying a traditional Sri Lankan lunch of curry and rice, we'll drive on to the small town of Giritale - our base from which we'll explore Polonnaruwa. Our hotel for tonight is beautifully situated, overlooking the 7th-century, man-made lake.
Our total journey time today is approximately 3.5 hours.
Day 5: Visit The Ancient City Of Polonnaruwa And Drive To Sigiriya
Location: Minneriya National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sigiriya Jungles
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we'll explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's second capital city which reached its height of glory in the 12th century, when it was a thriving commercial and religious centre. The city has maintained many of its spectacular buildings and monuments, with arguably the most impressive being the Quadrangle. This sacred precinct originally housed the tooth relic. It contains a superbly decorated circular shrine which is one of the most ornate buildings in the country. The neighbouring audience hall and bathing pool are also worth a visit. Close by, the curious round structure of the Circular Relic House has a beautifully preserved moonstone carved at the foot of a flight of steps. Another famous feature of this deserted city is the group of carved images of the Buddha, known as Galvihara. These four colossal figures are all hewn out of solid granite and the Reclining Buddha alone is no less than 14 metres/46 feet long.
After our visit, we'll continue driving towards our accommodation.
In the early afternoon, we'll have the option to take a jeep safari in either Minneriya or Kadaula National Park, in search of herds of wild elephants. Your tour leader will be able to advise you of the likelihood of elephant sightings on the day. The parks are also home to a large array of birdlife, including painted storks
Day 6: Climb Lion Rock At Sunrise; Drive To Kandy
Location: Kandy
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Casamara Kandy
Meals Included: Breakfast
We'll have an early start this morning as we plan to climb Sigiriya ahead of the crowds and while it's still relatively cool. Rising dramatically from the central plains, the UNESCO-protected ruins of this 5th-century 'Sky Fortress' are one of Sri Lanka's major attractions and an impressive feat of engineering skill. The fortress was built in just seven years as a fortified palace atop the granite peak, to protect the reign of merciless King Kassapa who had assassinated his father and deposed his brother.
Before our final ascent to the summit, we'll pass between a set of enormous lion paws carved out of the rock - all that remains of an ancient gateway that gave Sigiriya, the 'Lion Rock', its name. From here a series of switchback steel stairways ascend to the top. Once at the 200-metre/656-foot summit, we can take in the magnificent views of the surrounding jungle and countryside. We return to our hotel in time for a late breakfast.
After a chance to have breakfast and freshen up, we leave the hotel at around 11am. The drive to Kandy should take around four hours including stops for lunch, to see a woodcarving centre at Naula and a spice garden.
Day 7: Explore Kandy. Discover The Temple Of The Tooth And Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
Location: Kandy
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Casamara Kandy
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sitting on a plateau 500 metres/1640 feet above sea level and 112 kilometres/69 miles northeast of Colombo, Kandy is, in climatic and cultural terms, a world apart from Colombo. Serving as the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom until falling to the British in 1815, it's a place of cultural and spiritual importance. Buddhists from all over the world come here specifically to visit the Temple of the Tooth, the Dalada Maligawa. The costly jewelled shrine of the Holy Tooth, said to be Buddha's left canine, is kept on the upper floor of the original building. This relic was brought from India 1,500 years ago and every year, at the time of the August full moon, it is paraded around the town with great celebration in the Perahera Festival. This morning's sightseeing includes attending the Temple of the Tooth Ceremony and a visit to the serene Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya.
The afternoon is free to continue exploring the busy highland town at your own pace.
In the evening, for those interested there is the option to watch a performance by the famous Kandyan dancers, complete with impressive costumes and graceful dances, accompanied by a thundering drumbeat.
Day 8: Drive To Dalhousie For A Night Ascent Of Adam's Peak
Location: Nallathanniya
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Accommodation Name: Punsisi Rest Guest House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After a free morning, we'll drive three and a half hours to Dalhousie in the foothills of Adam's Peak. Here, we'll have the opportunity to ascend this sacred mountain, known locally as Sri Pada. A depression at the top of the peak is said to be Buddha's footprint and, each year, thousands of locals climb to the top for sunrise.
Setting off at around 2am, we'll join pilgrims for our ascent. There is a stone staircase which we'll follow right to the top. It can be tough on the legs, and some may find it physically challenging, but you can go at your own pace, take your time and savour the experience shared with pilgrims. We plan to reach the top in time for sunrise and take time to soak up the spectacular views that surround us. The ascent involves around 900 metres/2952 feet of ascent and descent, with many flights of steps (some of which are steep) and is about 5 kilometres/3 miles in each direction. On busy days, we'll set out a bit earlier, shortly after midnight. Please note that on rare occasions the sheer volume of local pilgrims is so great that the final stages of the ascent may be extremely busy, and it may not be possible to reach the summit.
For anyone not wanting to climb the peak, there will be free time to explore the small town of Dalhousie or to relax at our guesthouse and you will have a night of sleep while the others are sharing the trek with local pilgrims
In Dalhousie, we'll stay at the Punsisi Resthouse. While it's a little basic, it is the best the town has to offer, and rooms are clean and spacious with ensuite bathrooms. Staying here enables us easy access to Adam's Peak and the pilgrims add to the atmosphere in town. A number of the rooms are located in another more recent building some way up the hill behind the main building, accessed on foot by a series of steps. Porters will be able to help with your main luggage. There are some simpler rooms located in the main building and if you prefer to be allocated one of these room then please speak to the Tour Leader before check in. Please note any change of room is dependent on availability.
Day 9: Scenic Drive To Nuwara Eliya. Visit A Tea Estate
Location: Nuwara Eliya
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Blackpool Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Returning from the peak this morning, we'll enjoy a well-earned late breakfast and some time for a shower before setting off on a three-hour, scenic drive to Nuwara Eliya. This part of Sri Lanka is an important tea-growing area and plantations stretch over rolling hills for as far as the eye can see, interspersed with the occasional tea-making factory. We plan a visit to a tea estate close to Nuwara Eliya to learn about the process of picking the leaves and creating the perfect cuppa.
Known as 'Little England', Nuwara Eliya is reminiscent of Britain with its red telephone boxes, Victorian colonial architecture and pretty rose gardens - relics from its era as a hill country retreat for any homesick Brits. The cool climate provided a sanctuary in which they could immerse themselves in familiar pastimes, such as polo, golf and cricket.
Day 10: Take The Train To Demodara, Crossing The Nine Arch Bridge
Location: Ella
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a relaxed breakfast this morning, we'll drive the short distance to Nanu Oyu to board our train for the scenic journey to Demodara. The train winds through tea plantations and we'll take the chance to soak in the dramatic views of the valley below as we cross the Nine Arch Bridge (also known as the Bridge in the Sky). The train ride takes approximately four hours, and we'll then have another short drive to Ella, our stop for tonight.
Train tickets are in very high demand and the process of securing tickets is affected by corruption. We always try our best to get our reservation confirmed, but on the rare occasion that this is not possible, you will continue the journey in our private vehicle.
Day 11: Drive To Udawalawe, Explore The National Park By Jeep And Visit The Elephant Transit Home
Location: Udawalawe National Park Safari
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Accommodation Name: Athgira River Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, we'll visit the nearby Ravana Ella Falls, one of the widest waterfalls on the island, before continuing south descending from the hill country until we reach the southern plains. We'll make a stop and walk a short distance to see a 15-metre/51-foot image of the Buddha carved into the rockface, known as Colossi of Buduruvagala, rising majestically above us along with other Mahayana statues. Our journey continues with a two-hour drive to Udawalawe.
Designated as a national park in 1972, Udawalawe covers 31,800 hectares and is surrounded by mountains, a mix of rolling grasslands, teak plantations, rainforest, and scrub. Renowned for its large herd of elephants, the park is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see them and is also home to deer, wild boar, buffalo, jackal, and leopard. The resident bird population is also second to none, including a magnificent collection of birds of prey, chief among them the impressive, white-bellied sea eagle.
In the afternoon, we'll head out to explore the park by jeep as well as paying a visit to the Elephant Transit Home where orphaned elephants are cared for until they're old enough to be released back into the wild.
Tonight, we'll sleep in a fixed-tented camp close to the banks of the Rakwana River. The camp is comfortable with twin beds, simple ensuite bathrooms and mosquito nets, and waking up next to the river is ideal for a spot of early morning bird watching.
Day 12: Drive To Koggala Beach Via The Portuguese Fort At Galle
Location: Galle
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Koggala Beach Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continuing southwards this morning, we'll descend through a huge region of rice paddies before reaching the coast. In the afternoon, we'll visit the pretty coastal town of Galle and en route we might be lucky enough to see the famous stilt fisherman balancing precariously above the ocean.
An important trading centre since ancient times, the fortifications that can be seen in Galle today were built by the Portuguese and then the Dutch between the 16th and 17th centuries. The fort ramparts of this UNESCO World Heritage Site protect the harbour and a myriad of fascinating old houses, churches, and warehouses. Today, the town has a strong arts vibe, with foreign and local artists, writers, photographers, designers, and poets drawing inspiration from their surroundings. Boutique shops and cafes around the town showcase their work.
There's a lot to explore in the town and simply wandering its streets is a great way to see the sites while soaking up the unique atmosphere. If you feel like you haven't spent enough time here after the tour, don't worry, you'll have the opportunity to come back tomorrow.
Day 13: Free Time To Relax On Koggala's Quiet Beaches
Location: Unawatuna
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Koggala Beach Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is free to relax on the beaches of Koggala or to head back to Galle and explore some more. For those seeking pure relaxation, local Ayurvedic massages with natural, aromatic herbal oils are highly recommended. Alternatively, between December and April, you might prefer to go on a whale-watching trip in the hope of spotting humpback and blue whales.
Day 14: Early Morning To Relax On The Beach Before Driving To Colombo
Location: Colombo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Fairway Colombo
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, you'll have the opportunity to spend a few more hours on the beach before we journey to Colombo in the late morning for our last night (a journey time of two hours).
We'll spend the afternoon exploring Sri Lanka's capital city. We'll wander around the historical 'fort' area, now the business district, whose buildings are like a slice through Colombo's colonial history, and visit the Pettah neighbourhood, famous for its bustling open-air bazaars and markets. We'll also visit the most important Buddhist temple in the capital, Gangaramaya, which is an oasis of calm in an otherwise frenetic city. Finally, we'll end our trip by the Galle Face Green, an urban park along the seafront where locals gather to play cricket.
Day 15: Fly To The Maldives And Join Trip In Male
Location: Malé
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mookai Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, we'll fly to Male and after meeting up with our representative we'll transfer to our hotel. After checking in, we'll go on a walking tour of the town, taking in the Mosque, the fish market and strolling along the water's edge to watch the ferries coming and going.
Please note, not all group members will join the Maldives extension trip and we'll be saying goodbye to some in Colombo.
Day 16: Sail To Vavuu Atoll And Explore Kuda Anbaraa Island
Location: Vaavu Atoll
Accommodation: Boat
Accommodation Name: Aboard Dhoni
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, we'll walk to the waterfront to meet our moored Dhoni and crew. We'll have breakfast as the boat begins cruising south, passing through the Vaadhoo Canal to the South Male Atoll - a smaller and quieter neighbour compared to the more developed North Male Atoll. Here, many of the islands are uninhabited, simply vegetation and white sand, surrounded by clear turquoise water and reefs.
Heading further south, we'll cruise to the Vavuu Atoll, where we'll spend time exploring the uninhabited and picturesque islands of Kudiboli and Kuda Anbaraa. When exploring this and other islands in the itinerary, it isn't necessary to bring special footwear. Most people manage well in flip-flops, and these have the obvious advantage of being quick to get on and off - ideal for walking through sand.
Our afternoon will be spent snorkelling or relaxing on board. Over the course of the week, underwater fauna we are likely to see includes green turtles, reef sharks and gigantic manta rays, as well as smaller sting rays and eagle rays. At each stop, we'll also swim among a rainbow of small, colourful fish, including the famous Clown Fish. Our knowledgeable representative will be able to help identify many of the underwater species that we come across. Every meal is included on the Dhoni. Menus are likely to include freshly caught fish each day, as well as curries and pasta. Drinking water, tea and coffee are readily available, with alcoholic and soft drinks available for purchase on-board. You can pay your bill for drinks at the end of your cruise in US dollars or by Credit Card.
Our cabins are compact but with plenty of room for two people and luggage. However, many people choose to enjoy the tranquillity of sleeping under the stars on deck for at least some of the nights.
Day 17: Snorkel In The Clear Waters Of The Meemu Atoll
Location: Meemu Atoll
Accommodation: Boat
Accommodation Name: Aboard Dhoni
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, we'll sail south for a further two to three hours, crossing to Meemu Atoll - home to one of the longest stretches of reef in the Maldives. On this or other crossings, we might be lucky enough to be chased by spinner dolphins, who like jumping in our wake. We're also likely to see flying fish, sometimes leaping right over the deck of our Dhoni. Meemu Atoll is made up of 34 islands, of which 25 are uninhabited. Some of the inhabited ones grow yams, and all of them are largely dependent on fishing. Here more than anywhere, we're likely to experience the true Maldivian way of life.
Shortly after entering the atoll, we'll arrive at Fenboa Finolhu - another beautiful uninhabited island where we'll aim to base ourselves for the night. We'll have plenty of time to enjoy the white-sand beach and to snorkel on the reef. This evening, we can look forward to a barbeque beach banquet in an idyllic spot on the island, laid on by the Dhoni crew.
Day 18: Cruise To Dhiggaru Island For A Bodu Beru Display
Location: Dhiggaru
Accommodation: Boat
Accommodation Name: Aboard Dhoni
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a relaxed start this morning, we'll head east to the inhabited island of Dhiggaru. Here, we'll drop anchor by a particularly good snorkelling reef. Later in the afternoon, when it has cooled down a bit, we plan to go ashore to meet the island's inhabitants. You might be struck by the traditional, yet relaxed, way of life in the island's lively village. Very few tourist groups visit and it's important to remember to dress and act respectfully, removing our shoes when visiting a house or a mosque.
In the evening, we hope to be invited to a performance of Bodu Beru (Big Drum) - the traditional folk music of the country.
Day 19: Visit The Traditional Village Of Felidhoo
Location: Felidhoo
Accommodation: Boat
Accommodation Name: Aboard Dhoni
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, we'll head back to Felidhoo Atoll and its administrative centre, Felidhoo. With a population of about 400, this is the least populated of all the country's administrative centres. Again, we'll take time to visit the village and have the opportunity to enjoy another Bodu Beru performance.
Day 20: Discover Hulhidhoo Reef Before Sailing To Fulidhoo
Location: Fulidhoo
Accommodation: Boat
Accommodation Name: Aboard Dhoni
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
By now, we're likely to have hit a relaxed rhythm, as our routine of reading, sunbathing, and napping between island stops and snorkelling spots becomes second nature. With a subtly different name to our previous day's stop-off, we'll break today's journey with a visit to Fulidhoo Island. Once again, we'll meet the locals and gain more of an appreciation of their life in this tropical paradise. After a further visit to the island of Hulhidhoo, we'll anchor by a large reef, where we can spend time snorkelling.
Day 21: Sail To Male Stopping To Snorkel At Embudhoo Reef
Location: Malé
Accommodation: Boat
Accommodation Name: Aboard Dhoni
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our last day on the boat sees us cruising back towards Male. We'll take the opportunity to dive into the water for a last dip or snorkel before enjoying a farewell meal with our boat crew.
Day 22: Trip Ends In Male
Location: Malé
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip ends after breakfast on our Dhoni in Male.
There are no activities planned today, so you\ re free to depart from Male at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at the airport for a cost of approximately $6 per item. If you\ d like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Male International Airport (MLE).
What's Included
-
Fully Guided
-
All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
-
Accommodation
6 nights simple boat
14 nights comfortable hotel
1 nights comfortable tented camp -
Meals – Half Board
Breakfast: 21
Lunch: 7
Dinner: 7 -
Game Drives on Safari
What's Not Included
-
Tipping and Gratuities
-
Country Entry Visas
-
1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
Why Book this Tour
This tour is the perfect way to explore the paradise island of Sri Lanka in depth and then relax and experience the real Maldives. You'll see wildlife, ancient ruins and bustling local life before an idyllic week of snorkelling, swimming and visiting traditional fishing villages.
Meals
Breakfasts: 21
Lunches: 7
Dinners: 9
Check out our Q&As
-
Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
-
Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes
-
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
-
What is the maximum group size?
16
-
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No
-
Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes
-
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
-
I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
-
Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
-
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
-
What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
-
Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. 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.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. 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. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
-
Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Sunday - Sunday
Nov 24, 2024 - Dec 15, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Jan 05, 2025 - Jan 26, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jan 12, 2025 - Feb 02, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jan 19, 2025 - Feb 09, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jan 26, 2025 - Feb 16, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Feb 02, 2025 - Feb 23, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Feb 16, 2025 - Mar 09, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Feb 23, 2025 - Mar 16, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Mar 02, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Mar 09, 2025 - Mar 30, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Mar 16, 2025 - Apr 06, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Mar 23, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Mar 30, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Sep 21, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Oct 12, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Oct 19, 2025 - Nov 09, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Oct 26, 2025 - Nov 16, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 23, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Nov 09, 2025 - Nov 30, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Nov 16, 2025 - Dec 07, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Nov 23, 2025 - Dec 14, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 21, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Dec 14, 2025 - Jan 04, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
-
Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.