Great Explorations
The owner of this boutique operation has been leading trips for over 35 years, so you are getting the best of both worlds: flexible high-end service combined with the knowledge accumulated from years of experience. They go to some unusual destinations such as Turkey, Morocco and Asia, but they provide tours throughout Europe. There are always ride options provided moderate and up (25 - 40 miles).
They stay in 3&4-star hotels on Classic trips and 4&5 star hotels on Luxe trips. The itineraries are thoughtfully designed to provide the best riding possible with lots of cultural stops and unique visits to engage with locals. From their catalogue: “We hope you’ll choose an adventure travel company in the same way you’d choose a restaurant for a truly special occasion. Not the largest one, or the one that’s been around the longest. But one where the owner greets you at the door and where the experience is local and the bill is fair.
- Operator Type:
Full-Service Operator - Website:
http://www.great-explorations.com/ - Price Tier:
$$ - Avg Price Per Day:
313 - Services:
SAG Van, Tour Guide - Country:
Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Laos, Morocco, New Zealand, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United States, Vietnam
9 Reviews
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Spain–Catalonia Luxe:
Our family Catalonia bike trip was fantastic from start to finish. The scenery, accommodations, biking, and food were all superior. And our guides, Juan and Patricia, were absolutely the best. Balancing the needs and desires of two 71/67-year olds with those of four thirty-something’s took talent and imagination. Exceeded everyone’s expectations, which were high to begin with. Much as I hate to admit it, the ebikes were also great—the only way we could easily keep up on the hills with the youngsters.
This was our fifth bike trip, the fourth with Great Explorations, and the first with our adult daughters and their husbands/fiancés. While the food and accommodations and side tours are all important (and have been uniformly good) it is the quality of the guides that make a trip outstanding. All of the Great Explorations guides have been very good but those on the Catalonia and the Loire Valley trips have been truly superior. -
Perfect active vacation. Great Explorations, again this year in Portugal, took us to not so discovered locales with awesome hotels (renovated castles), breathtaking scenery, and superb riding. Guides were knowledgeable, capable and most of all, fun, that greatly augmented the experience. Routes are well chosen to balance challenges for serious riders (me) and “enjoy the scenery” riders (my wife). Thought we could not top the Croatia ride last year, but Portugal was on par at A+. Will again be our 1st choice for next years vacation, …maybe Spain. Oh yes, my wife reminds me to add that the food was spectacular and the wine was very good (to our pleasant surprise).
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My wife Tracy and I recently returned from a 6-day Great Explorations tour around the islands of Croatia. Robbin and his 2 Croatian guides led our group of 10 and made each day perfect. I really can’t say enough about how much fun we had and how much we felt that we were in the hands of people who knew the country, its customs and (happily) its wineries! Really the perfect vacation.
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I am told that in small groups, Great Explorations does a FANTASTIC job; however, in large groups (25+ people–as was our experience), there is A LOT of time wasted waiting for people (riders) to get ready (sometimes hours of waiting). I would ONLY use this company if you are gauranteed a small group experience and a seat for every person in the van.
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Good prices, more independent traveling, as you get a map and are on your own. Two guides and support van. Lots of options throughout Europe and Canada.
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Great Explorations handled a huge number of variables in our travel and adventure plans. They did it with a quality of thoughtfulness, grace, and professionalism that exceeded all of our expectations. This is the company to adventure travel with as you look for that vital combination of care, adventure, and inspiration.
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We had a great time. Robbin was a great guide and tried to satisfy everyone in the group.
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The trip met all of our expectations. Istanbul is a wonderful city and the Turks are very friendly. The biking was challenging and the coast was great. The gullet was a wonderful experience – loved every minute aboard!
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We have travelled twice with G-E: first time 15 days Camino de Santiago, Spain and second time in Morocco. Both these trips were outstandingly organised and exceptional experiences. Robin takes great pride in choosing excellent rides, fantastic accommodation and always includes interesting after-biking experiences daily. These may be guided walks, historical tours, culinary experiences etc. We are planning our third trip in Italy in June then in Vietnam in January.
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