Lebanon, Kerala and the Balkans – Experience unforgettable trips with Explore
Seek out wondrous destinations with Explore, the expert at taking travellers to places either little known or whose changing fortunes can make finding a good time to discover them a touch harder.
This is especially true of extraordinary Lebanon and its capital Beirut, so if they have ever been on your wish list seize the moment now because Explore is offering some brilliant trips over the coming months.
The ever-fascinating Balkans are capturing imaginations big time too and Explore’s Balkans Rail Adventure and Grand Tour feature a feast of historic and natural destinations promising unforgettable sights and insights.
Tours to tranquil Kerala in southern India also amaze with cultural and foodie feasts for travellers set against a backdrop of palaces and plantations.
The chance to experience a homestay in the company of local people makes these holidays even more special. And all visits help the host communities, so in their different ways are invaluable to everyone concerned.
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Explore tours:
Highlights of Lebanon
Uncover Lebanon’s fascinating and complex history whilst travelling around this remarkable country which packs a lot into its diminutive borders. Discover Crusader castles and Phoenician ruins, and see the reminders of the civil war on a walking tour in vibrant and cosmopolitan Beirut.
- Coastal Cities – Uncover the rich heritage and maritime histories of Beirut, Byblos and Batroun on the Mediterranean coast
- Cedars of God – See the 1000-year-old Lebanon Cedars set high above the Qadisha Valley
- Lebanese cuisine – Taste locally produced wine and arak, and feast on fresh hummus, labneh, fattoush, shawarma and knefe
Costs are from £1120 per person (excluding flights), 7 nights’ accommodation including one night in a monastery with breakfast and some other meals, all excursions and activities and a local tour leader throughout. Flights cost from £573 per person. www.explore.co.uk / 01252 884 709
Balkans Rail Adventure
Explore Europe’s newest countries; travelling by rail through some of the Balkans’ most inspiring scenery. This fast paced trip gets under the skin of Tito’s Yugoslavia to experience thriving cities that remain undiscovered by most travellers.
- Rail journeys – Travel by local train including the Bar to Belgrade line; one of the most stunning rail trips in Europe
- Plitvice National Park – See the many cascading waterfalls, shimmering lakes and extensive fauna
- Mostar – Discover the bazaars and mosques in the winding cobbled streets and the famed Stari Most Bridge
Costs are from £2299 per person (excluding flights), 15 nights’ accommodation with breakfast and some other meals, all excursions and activities and a local tour leader throughout. Flights cost from £372 per person. www.explore.co.uk / 01252 884 709
Grand Tour of Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria
In two weeks experience the highlights of Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria. Explore their bustling cities along with the rolling Transylvanian countryside, the Rose Valley and the Black Sea coast. Also discover the extensive history from ancient Roman right up to the more recent communist regimes.
- Legendary Castles – Delve beneath the myths at Castle Bran and marvel at the exquisite stained glass and décor in Peles Castle
- Belgrade – Discover the Ottoman, Roman and Communist history in the old capital of Yugoslavia
- Rila Monastery – Visit this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site with its brightly coloured frescoes
Costs are from £1640 per person (excluding flights), 14 nights’ accommodation with breakfast and some other meals, all excursions and activities and a local tour leader throughout. Flights cost from £277 per person. www.explore.co.uk / 01252 884 709
A Taste of Southern India – Temples and Tea Plantations
Discover Southern India’s Kerala region with it’s multicultural heritage, forts, palaces and serene backwaters, on this cultural highlights tour with a foodie focus. There’ll be plenty of opportunities to try delicious Keralan cuisine, with cookery classes and demonstrations at a homestay and on a houseboat, along with visits to spice gardens and tea plantations.
Costs are from £1109 per person (excluding flights), 8 nights’ accommodation including one-night homestay with breakfast and some other meals, all excursions and activities and a local tour leader throughout. Flights cost from £621 per person. www.explore.co.uk / 01252 884 709
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Kerala Backwaters
Known as ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala is a relaxing contrast to other Indian states. Explore tea and spice plantations at Munnar, learn about a rich colonial history in the ancient trading port of Kochi, cruise the tranquil Backwaters and overnight on a traditional houseboat, and stay in a family-run homestay to experience village life.
- Kochi – Explore colonial Kochi from the water, including the Fort, St Francis Church and Mattancherry Palace
- Alleppey – Witness waterfront village life as you cruise through the tranquil ‘backwaters’
- Periyar – Search for elephants and other wildlife in Periyar National Park
Costs are from £959 per person (excluding flights), 8 nights’ accommodation including two nights’ homestay with breakfast and some other meals, all excursions and activities and a local tour leader throughout. Flights cost from £641 per person. www.explore.co.uk / 01252 884 709
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