Tuesday 24 May 2022

Explore Worldwide has launched 11 brand new European adventures to their programme – trips that show off the highlights, but travel more slowly through lesser-known parts of the countries too – often by public transport, with opportunities to explore on foot and really get under the skin of these beautiful countries. Choose from Italian trips by rail, from Rome to Venice or Venice to Rome then on to Soreento and the Amalfi Coast, go island hopping in Greece or Croatia, or travel overland through Spain, Portugal and Morocco, watching the scenery gradually change from Europe to Africa.

Explore’s Managing Director, Michael Edwards, said: “when creating these new European trips, our expert Product Team were working to a brief to include public transport where possible – it’s a more sustainable way to travel, of course, but it’s also a really vibrant and authentic way to travel.

Joining diverse travellers, commuters, locals and travelling more slowly through these countries we feel we know already – that’s the way to really get to know these wonderful destinations, away from the main hotspots.” 

The new trips launch as statistics show that bookings to Western Europe have surged since the start of the year, with Italy (+44%), Portugal (+53%) and Greece (+41%), showing the biggest growth compared to pre-pandemic levels. Western Europe as a whole is up 43% on 2019 figures (bookings taken January to April). Looking to develop more sustainable ways to travel, Explore has created European trips that take advantage of Europe’s rail and ferry networks.

Below is just a selection of the new trips on offer:

Barcelona, Provence and the Italian Riviera
12 days from £2,399 per person
A Grand Tour through Spain, France and Italy that arcs around the Mediterranean coastline. Kick things off in Barcelona, track north to France to Languedoc's vineyards, walk in the Camargue, and marvel at Avignon's Popes Palace. Then it's into Italy, for a tour of the postcard-pretty Cinque Terre fishing villages, a chance to prop up the leaning tower of Pisa and a grand-finale stroll along the famed Ponte Vecchio in Florence.
Price includes accommodation with breakfast, transport and excursions and activities, and a local Explore tour leader throughout. Flights not included, but cost from £199 per person.

Dalmatian Island Hopping
7 days from £1,299 per person
Spend a week hopping between the beautiful islands of Croatia's Dalmatian Coast. Wander through ancient terracotta-roofed cities, swim and snorkel in crystal clear waters, and sample a variety of delicious locally-produced food and wine.
Price includes accommodation with breakfast, transport and excursions and activities, and a local Explore tour leader throughout. Flights not included, but cost from £223 per person.

Highlights of the Greek Islands
8 days from £1,095 per person
A week-long highlights trip of the Greek islands. Starting in cosmopolitan Athens, travel by ferry to experience the best of the Cyclades Islands. Sample delicious Greek food, explore remote villages and enjoy a sunset dinner cruise on Santorini.
Price includes accommodation with breakfast, transport and excursions and activities, and a local Explore tour leader throughout. Flights not included, but cost from £274 per person.

Highlights of Spain, Portugal & Morocco
15 days from £2,199 per person
Art, architecture and food are the focus of this sunshine-rich tour of Europe's second-largest peninsula. Mix Madrid's arty neighbourhoods with Tarragona's ancient Roman amphitheatre, and Seville's winding narrow backstreets with Cordoba's eighth-century many-columned mosque. Slurp fresh oysters in Setubal, toast your trip with cava in the Penedes region, and sink your teeth into the beloved custard tarts of Lisbon's Belem district.
Price includes accommodation with breakfast, transport and excursions and activities, and a local Explore tour leader throughout. Flights not included, but cost from £244 per person.

Venice to Rome by Rail
7 days from £1,295 per person
Travel across Italy by train on a fast-paced adventure taking in the sights and delights of some of Italy's most iconic cities. Stroll and sip a spritz alongside the canals of Venice, wander the food markets of Bologna, gaze out over the breath-taking beauty of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo and people watch in the piazzas of Rome.
Price includes accommodation with breakfast, transport and excursions and activities, and a local Explore tour leader throughout. Flights not included, but cost from £204 per person.


For more media information, interview requests, statistics or images, please contact:
Laura Dewar – laura.dewar@explore.co.uk / 07725 746 847