Undiscovered Balkans
Undiscovered Balkans
Undiscovered Balkans
14 Days Starting in Tirana and ending in Durres
Visiting: Kruje, Shkodër, Valbona valley, Kukaj, Peja, Prizren, Rahovec, Skopje, Tetovo, Ohrid, Saint Naum, Tirana
Tour operator:
Tour code:
KOA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 18
Age range:
16-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Traverse the Balkans as we explore Albania, North Macedonia, and Kosovo on this two-week holiday. Tick off cosmopolitan cities, alpine landscapes, and off-the-beaten-track villages as we delve into the history of the region, spotting Ottoman and Communist relics. Along the way, get closer to local life and traditions, visiting wineries and sipping mountain tea with a farming family.
Balkan capitals - Walk through history in three vibrant capitals Tirana, Skopje and Pristina.
Valbona Valley - Soak in the scenery on a hike in the dramatic alpine valley, surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Accursed Mountains.
Lake Ohrid - Explore the peaceful lake and mountain setting, boasting many cultural monuments including the Saint Naum Monastery.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Join Trip In Tirana
Location: Kruje
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Theatro
Our tour starts today in Tirana, the colourful capital of Albania and one of Europe's most underrated cities. Emerging from its cold communist past (the country spent decades under Stalinist rule), Tirana is becoming a not-so-hidden gem thanks to its vibrant arts scene, café culture and intriguing landscape - think communist-era architecture set against a rugged mountain backdrop.
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 Tirana at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Tirana International Airport (TIA), which is around a 30-minute drive from our hotel. If you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information on the morning of day two.
Tirana is easy to navigate on foot, so if your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to head out and explore. The House of Leaves, a museum dedicated to secret surveillance and the headquarters of Albania's secret service throughout the Cold War, is an intriguing stop. If you're into markets, check out Pazari i Ri, an open-air market where you can buy everything from fresh produce to local specialities such as byreks, baklavas and honey.
Whilst in Albania, we'll have the chance to try the country's delicious cuisine, which is a real mix of Turkish, Greek and Italian influences, like byrek - a spinach and feta stuffed filo pie, and in the more rural mountainous areas barbequed lamb and 'earthy' vegetables such as griddled aubergines and mushrooms are particularly popular. Along the coast, there'll be the chance to sample fresh seafood, too. Albanian red wine is especially good and also local beers, such as Birra Korca.
Day 2: Cable Car Up Mount Dajti And Free Afternoon In Tirana
Location: Shkodër
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Theatro
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we'll drive a short distance to the base of the Dajti Express cable car - the longest cableway in the Balkans. A 15-minute journey takes us almost to the top of Mount Dajti at around 1,049 metres/3,441 feet. From here, we'll hike to the summit of Tujani for views over the city below and the surrounding highlands.
Our hike will take us around three to four hours and will cover a distance of about five kilometres. The maximum altitude reached will be 1,503 metres/4,931 feet. The walk today is graded as easy to moderate.
For those who don't want to hike, there are many things to do on top of the Dajti Mountain. You can relax at one of the restaurants while soaking up the breathtaking views, go for a self-guided shorter hike or even visit the adventure park near the cable car.
There will be the opportunity to have lunch in a traditional mountain restaurant before taking the cable car back down and returning to Tirana. On arrival back in the capital we'll head to Bunk Art 2, the second of two nuclear bunkers in Tirana that have been transformed into interactive artistic spaces. You can wander through the furnished rooms intended as a shelter for dictator Enver Hoxha and the innermost circle of his government.
After walking back to the hotel, the rest of the day is free to explore more at your own pace. The city comes to life in the evening, especially in the animated Blloku district. During the communist regime, this area of the city was restricted and only members of the Albanian Politburo (the main political party) were allowed to live or even enter here.
Day 3: Border Crossing To North Macedonia And Drive To Lake Ohrid
Location: Valbona valley
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Su Hotel, Ohrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we'll leave Tirana and drive towards Elbasan, through the valley of Shkumbin and crossing the border into North Macedonia before stopping in the small resort of Struga on the lake Ohrid (a journey of three hours).
The town is cut in half by the Black Drim River that flows right through the middle, and it's lined on both sides by bars and restaurants.
After our visit, we'll drive on to Lake Ohrid, which is situated against a dramatic mountain backdrop. Founded over 2,400 years ago, Ohrid has a wealth of heritage and is an important cultural and spiritual centre still today. To help its protection both the town and lake were classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. The lake is one of the oldest in the world and, allegedly, there are 365 churches, monasteries, and other religious sites
around its banks.
After settling in at our hotel, we'll explore Ohrid with our tour leader, soaking up the mix of Ottoman and Byzantine architecture in the city including the Old Bazaar, the Amphitheatre, and the Old Castle Walls.
Day 4: Explore Lake Ohrid And Saint Naum Monastery
Location: Kukaj
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Su Hotel, Ohrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we'll take a boat ride to Saint Naum, an imposing monastery on one of the lake's peninsulas, close to the Albanian border. A spectacular sight, the Monastery of Saint Naum is surrounded by sandy beaches and inside you'll find incredible frescoes. We'll have some free time here to explore - feel free to have lunch in one of the restaurants alongside the beautiful springs.
In the afternoon, we'll drive through the Galicia National Park to Lake Prespa. The scenery along the way is simply stunning, with a new natural beauty at every turn - we'll take time to stop at a viewpoint overlooking both lakes to soak it all in.
Straddling the borders of Albania, North Macedonia, and Greece, Lake Prespa is a unique transboundary lake shared by all three countries. It serves as a symbol of harmony and cooperation in the region.
Prespa is also home to more than 260 bird species, many of which are endangered or rare. You'll find birdwatching towers located over the whole region as well as on the shores and might catch a glimpse of pelicans, pygmy cormorants, herons, geese or wild ducks.
We'll spend this afternoon exploring our tranquil surroundings before driving back to Ohrid.
Day 5: Explore Matka Canyon, Discover Skopje And Drive To Pristina
Location: Peja
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel LaCorte Prishtina
Meals Included: Breakfast
After an early breakfast, we'll head towards Kosovo (a long day of driving, four-an-half hours in total). Our first stop will be at Matka Canyon, one of the most beautiful places in North Macedonia, known for its stunning natural scenery, with towering cliffs, deep gorges, and crystal clear lakes.
Matka Canyon is home to the oldest artificial lake in Macedonia, Lake Matka and the whole canyon is a biological and geological wonderland. The name 'Matka' derives from the Macedonian word meaning womb, symbolizing the region's rich biodiversity.
Our last stop in North Macedonia is the historic city of Skopje. The city was rocked by a huge earthquake in 1963 which destroyed an estimated 75% of the city's buildings, however, it's still rich in culture and Ottoman heritage. We'll visit the city by foot to see some of the main attractions of the North Macedonian capital including the Kale Fortress, the Sveti Spas Monastery and the Ottoman Bazaar, which is the largest and most well-preserved in south-east Europe.
We'll then continue our drive to the border crossing of ElezHan, where we'll say farewell to North Macedonia and hello to Kosovo.
Kosovo is the world's newest country and has only been independent since 2008. Unfortunately, to most people, Kosovo is most known for its war. However, it's a fascinating country boasting treasures from past empires including Greek, Roman, Turkish and Ottoman.
The route to Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, takes us along the Kacanik Valley on a beautiful forest road. While the capital isn't conventionally beautiful, with centuries-old Ottoman heritage competing with communist designs and post-communist architecture, Pristina is well worth a visit for its hospitality and energic atmosphere. You'll discover great food (put cakes at the top of your eating list), thick coffee, craft beers and a relaxed vibe, as well as the chance to get to know its role in the country's evolution.
Day 6: Walking Tour Of Pristina, Visit The Splendid Monastery Of Gracanica And Continue To Peja
Location: Peja
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Dukagjini
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, our tour leader will take us on a walking tour of Pristina and Old Pristina. In the central bazaar, you'll see a 26 metre/85-foot-high clock tower which reminds stall holders and shoppers when it's time for prayer - the city's oldest mosques are found in this area, too. We'll also see the National Library which is striking with its brutalist architecture.
After our tour, we'll head to the outskirts of the city to visit the Kosovo Battle Memorial. The memorial is devoted to the martyred Serb knights and is located where the Battle of Kosovo took place on 28th June 1389. Next, we'll head to the memorial of Sultan Murad I, reportedly the only Ottoman sultan ever to die in battle.
Our next stop is the Monastery of Gracanica - one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture in the country. It was built on the site of a ruined 6th-century basilica by the Serbian King, Stefan Milutin, in 1321 and was declared a Monument of Exceptional Cultural Importance in 1990.
Then, we'll drive to the town of Peja. Sitting on top of the ruins of an ancient Roman town, Siparantum, right on the foothills of the famous Accursed Mountains (Albanian Alps), Peja is one of the oldest towns in Kosovo. The afternoon will be spent visiting the town's attractions on foot including the Peja Bazaar, Bajrakli Mosque and Peja Town Square.
Day 7: Explore The Peja Highlands And The Church Complex Of Peja Patriarch
Location: Prizren
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Dukagjini
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, we'll visit the highlands of Peja. Our day starts with an impressive drive through the dramatic Rugova Gorge to the alpine location of Boga, where we'll stop and take a hike to a nearby lake. The walk to the lake is graded as moderate and covers five kilometres and will take around five hours. We'll climb and then descend from 1,400 metres/4,593 feet to 1,800 metres/5,905 feet. The mountain trail is steep with rocky sections that can be slippery when wet. We'll go up and down following the same path.
On our way back, we'll stop to visit the church complex of Peja Patriarch, boasting amazing frescoes and surrounded by the peaks of the Rugova Bjeshk Highlands, the Kosovo part of the Accursed Mountains.
In the evening, we'll return to Peja and spend the evening in town.
Day 8: Visit The Decani Monastery On The Way To Prizren
Location: Rahovec
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Centrum
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we'll visit the Decani Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Monastery was established in 1327 by the Serb King Stefan Decanski and is a superbly situated showpiece of Orthodox art.
We'll continue our drive through the town of Junik, where we'll stop to visit the kulla. Built to protect families from blood feuds, these mini stone fortresses offer a real insight into local daily life. In some villages, like Junik, every family would have a kulla surrounded by high stone walls. As unique symbols of Albanian architectural heritage, kullas were singled out during the 1999 war as targets for destruction.
We'll continue our drive to Prizren - a town dominated by Ottoman villas and perhaps the most authentic town in Kosovo. We'll spend the next two nights here and the rest of this afternoon is free for you to relax and settle in. Prizren is set at the foot of the Sharr Mountains and is Kosovo's second city. It's rich in history and you can see the architectural marks left by both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. You can discover the 14th century UNESCO listed Church of the Virgin of Ljevis and the Church of Saint George, which are both Serbian Orthodox in faith. There are several traditional handicraft shops to explore and a good selection of restaurants to choose from. Prizren is especially known for its filigree jewellery, which has been handmade locally here since the 15th century. In terms of food, barbeque restaurants are very popular and the grilled meats and Sharr cheese are a local speciality. It's also a good spot to try the baklava for dessert.
Day 9: Wine Tasting In Rahovec And Visit To A Serbian Enclave Village
Location: Skopje
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Centrum
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we'll stroll around the cobbled streets of Prizren to the Shadervan area where we'll find the city's main Ottoman influences, including the Sinan Pasha Mosque and the Old Stone Bridge. We'll also be able to see the outside of the old hammam before heading to Prizren Fortress, which dominates the skyline and where you can get great views from its hilltop position. On the opposite side of the river to Shadervan, we'll visit Prizren League House, which was once the headquarters where a failed uprising began to unite all Albanians within the region into a singular state.
This afternoon, we'll drive through rolling hills until we reach nearby Rahovec - the wine cellar of Kosovo. Wine has been made in this area for over 2,000 years and we'll visit a few winemakers to taste the unique produce there before making our way to the village of Hoqa e Vjeter, a Serbian enclave village, where we'll visit a monastery (that also makes wine).
Later this afternoon, we'll return to Prizren for a free evening.
Day 10: Discover Gjakova And Drive To The Valbona Valley In Albania
Location: Tetovo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel NeoKulla
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, we'll leave Kosovo and return to Albania. We'll make a first stop in Gjakova, one of the most charming cities in Kosovo, where we'll visit the Ottoman Bazaar. It may seem slow-paced today, but Gjakova was once a major trading hub. During the Ottoman period and Silk Road days, this was a stop on the coveted route between Shkodra and Constantinople - and it has the Grand Bazaar to prove it. One of the largest and oldest in the region, it stretches over a kilometre and accommodates 500 delightful little shops, where artisans practice woodwork and hawk beautiful wedding costumes.
We'll then continue our drive and cross the border to Albania. We'll enter the picturesque Valbona Valley where we'll spend the next two nights. We'll check in to a mountain hotel, located in the centre of the vale, amidst the jagged peaks of the Accursed Mountains.
In the afternoon, we can enjoy exploring the village on foot with our tour leader before returning to the hotel for a traditional dinner.
Day 11: Alpine Hike In The Scenic Valley And Meet A Local Shepherd's Family
Location: Ohrid, Saint Naum
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel NeoKulla
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Valbona is one of the most beautiful alpine valleys in Albania. Today, we'll hike to the side of Kukaj Valley, making our way through the forest towards alpine pastures that offer stunning views of the valley and the surrounding mountains. We'll have a picnic lunch and later visit a shepherd's family to sample a cup of fresh mountain tea.
In the afternoon, there is time to relax before a traditional dinner of lamb on the spit is served (vegetarian options are also available).
Our walk today has been graded as moderate and will take around two hours, covering five kilometres. The route takes us along quiet village roads (asphalt and dirt) and well-trodden paths, but some sections are uphill.
Day 12: Scenic Journey To Shkoder
Location: Tirana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Tradita
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, we'll leave the Valbona Valley and head for Shkoder.
Depending on the time of year and the ferry schedule, we'll either take a scenic ferry ride across Lake Koman or drive on the National Road through the scenic mountain landscape. Our tour leader will advise on the day which option we'll be taking.
In the afternoon, we'll arrive in Shkoder, the traditional centre of the Gheg cultural region and one of the oldest cities in Europe. Easily the most well-known attraction in Shkoder is Rozafa Castle, a massive stronghold that stands guard over the city like an enormous sentry. One of the highlights of visiting Rozafa Castle is the views, you can see in every direction, including over the city of Shkoder, the plains to the south, Lake Shkoder and the border of Montenegro.
After our visit, we'll settle in at our hotel and explore more of the city including the Mosque, Cathedrals and the local market.
Day 13: Drive To Durres Via Skanderbeg Tomb, Enjoy The Evening By The Adriatic Sea
Location: Tirana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Giulia Albergo Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we'll start our two-hour drive towards the Adriatic Sea and Durres. En route, we'll stop in Lezha to visit the Skanderbeg memorial. Skanderbeg was an Albanian nobleman and military commander who led a rebellion and successfully resisted the Ottoman Empire for 24 years. As the resistance brought Albanians from different regions together with a common cause, it's argued that he helped define Albania's identity.
In the afternoon, we'll arrive in Durres and visit the Roman Amphitheatre. Widely recognized among enthusiasts of antiquity, the amphitheatre is a pearl of the Balkans.
In the evening, we'll take a sunset walk on the promenade and enjoy a fresh seafood dinner by the sea.
Day 14: Trip Ends In Durres
Location: Tirana
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Durres.
There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Durres at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Tirana International Airport (TIA), which is around a 40-minute drive from the hotel.
What's Included
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Fully Guided
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Accommodation
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Meals – Breakfast Only
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
What's Not Included
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
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Country Entry Visas
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Tipping and Gratuities
Why Book this Tour
On this multi-country adventure to Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia we'll get off the beaten track and discover areas that most travellers still know little about. The trip gives you a great introduction to the region with a blend of cultural highlights and walking amongst the impressive mountain scenery. For 2017 we'll now spend two nights in Tirana and we've included a new excursion by cable car up Mount Dajti for a highland walk and we'll also have dinner in Tirana's famed Blloku District.
Meals
Breakfasts: 13
Lunches: 1
Dinners: 2
Check out our Q&As
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
16
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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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.
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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.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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