All Trips &amp; Tours

premier

5/5 Excellent

Small Group Tour

Why we love them

They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Strenuous

Visits

Fes, Kyoto, Nara, Tokyo

Highlights

Discover Japan in the heart of winter and visit the Sapporo Snow Festival
Visit Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido
Enjoy the highlights of modern Tokyo and iconic Kyoto in low season without the crowds

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"A fabulous tour program very competently delivered by the guide Irina. The accommodation was generally good with only two hotels didn’t have lifts, requiring bags to be carried. It is difficult for persons travelling across the world for an extensive time in Europe after this tour to pack small bags suitable for just a two week holiday. If you have a restricted diet like gluten free you will be challenged in this country so I suggest you pack food to get you by as most hotels on the tour didn’t have any knowledge. Fortunately Irina assisted me greatly with navigating the menus and staff to a large extent and I did pack my own protein shakes and snack bars. The itinerary at the beginning of the tour needs updating by Explore. Please note the National Historical Museum in Tirana has been closed since the earthquake of 2019! And the BunkArt 1 was closed on the day our itinerary advertised it on the program ( apparently every Monday it is closed). Had I known that it would not be visited I would have gone myself in the few days before the tour started. I had particularly looked forward to these two highlights on the itinerary and was very disappointed. However, the rest of the itinerary was fabulous after a poor start. I might add this had nothing to do with the guide who was extremely professional. Many of us on tour became ill, including myself. DO NOT DRINK the water offered at hotels with cups of tea etc as I believe that the water was not heated to boiling point and therefore contributed to our illness. Fruit juices also had locally sourced water added at some hotels. If you are a tea drinker I highly recommend you bring teabags and a small travel jug and fill with bottled water as jugs are not provided in any hotels in Albanian. Being a coffee drinking culture, they have little knowledge of how tea drinks, other than Luke warm mountain tea. Overall, despite these issues the guide Irina and our driver Faarti were fabulous and made the tour wonderful. Albania is a truly beautiful country with varying landscapes and spectacular mountain views. I felt very safe travelling in this country and found the people welcoming."

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-19%$6,863

11 days From$5,580

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Walk Japan - Kumano Kodo Trail

premier

4.4/5 Great

Small Group Tour

Why we love them

They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Moderate

Visits

Alps, Kumano Kodo, Kyoto, Matsumoto, Nara, Osaka, Tokyo

Highlights

Hike along forested pilgrim trails between ancient shrines
Explore the temples and gardens of historic Kyoto and Nara on foot
Enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine and accommodation

Themes

Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"A fabulous tour program very competently delivered by the guide Irina. The accommodation was generally good with only two hotels didn’t have lifts, requiring bags to be carried. It is difficult for persons travelling across the world for an extensive time in Europe after this tour to pack small bags suitable for just a two week holiday. If you have a restricted diet like gluten free you will be challenged in this country so I suggest you pack food to get you by as most hotels on the tour didn’t have any knowledge. Fortunately Irina assisted me greatly with navigating the menus and staff to a large extent and I did pack my own protein shakes and snack bars. The itinerary at the beginning of the tour needs updating by Explore. Please note the National Historical Museum in Tirana has been closed since the earthquake of 2019! And the BunkArt 1 was closed on the day our itinerary advertised it on the program ( apparently every Monday it is closed). Had I known that it would not be visited I would have gone myself in the few days before the tour started. I had particularly looked forward to these two highlights on the itinerary and was very disappointed. However, the rest of the itinerary was fabulous after a poor start. I might add this had nothing to do with the guide who was extremely professional. Many of us on tour became ill, including myself. DO NOT DRINK the water offered at hotels with cups of tea etc as I believe that the water was not heated to boiling point and therefore contributed to our illness. Fruit juices also had locally sourced water added at some hotels. If you are a tea drinker I highly recommend you bring teabags and a small travel jug and fill with bottled water as jugs are not provided in any hotels in Albanian. Being a coffee drinking culture, they have little knowledge of how tea drinks, other than Luke warm mountain tea. Overall, despite these issues the guide Irina and our driver Faarti were fabulous and made the tour wonderful. Albania is a truly beautiful country with varying landscapes and spectacular mountain views. I felt very safe travelling in this country and found the people welcoming."

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-19%$6,937

12 days From$5,640

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Simply Japan

premier

4.4/5 Great

Small Group Tour

Why we love them

They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Moderate

Visits

Hakone, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Matsumoto, Mount Fuji, Nijo Castle, Osaka, Takayama, Tokyo

Highlights

Experience the buzz of modern Tokyo and ancient Kyoto's temples, shrines and Zen gardens
Meet the snow monkeys and spend a night in temple lodgings, joining the monks for morning prayers
Explore the samurai district of Kanazawa and try Japan's best sake at Takayama

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"A fabulous tour program very competently delivered by the guide Irina. The accommodation was generally good with only two hotels didn’t have lifts, requiring bags to be carried. It is difficult for persons travelling across the world for an extensive time in Europe after this tour to pack small bags suitable for just a two week holiday. If you have a restricted diet like gluten free you will be challenged in this country so I suggest you pack food to get you by as most hotels on the tour didn’t have any knowledge. Fortunately Irina assisted me greatly with navigating the menus and staff to a large extent and I did pack my own protein shakes and snack bars. The itinerary at the beginning of the tour needs updating by Explore. Please note the National Historical Museum in Tirana has been closed since the earthquake of 2019! And the BunkArt 1 was closed on the day our itinerary advertised it on the program ( apparently every Monday it is closed). Had I known that it would not be visited I would have gone myself in the few days before the tour started. I had particularly looked forward to these two highlights on the itinerary and was very disappointed. However, the rest of the itinerary was fabulous after a poor start. I might add this had nothing to do with the guide who was extremely professional. Many of us on tour became ill, including myself. DO NOT DRINK the water offered at hotels with cups of tea etc as I believe that the water was not heated to boiling point and therefore contributed to our illness. Fruit juices also had locally sourced water added at some hotels. If you are a tea drinker I highly recommend you bring teabags and a small travel jug and fill with bottled water as jugs are not provided in any hotels in Albanian. Being a coffee drinking culture, they have little knowledge of how tea drinks, other than Luke warm mountain tea. Overall, despite these issues the guide Irina and our driver Faarti were fabulous and made the tour wonderful. Albania is a truly beautiful country with varying landscapes and spectacular mountain views. I felt very safe travelling in this country and found the people welcoming."

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-19%$5,953

14 days From$4,840

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Japan Real Food Adventure

By Intrepid Travel

premier

5/5 Excellent

Small Group Tour

Why we love them

They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, Takayama, Tokyo

Highlights

Learn the tricks of the trade when you take part in a hands-on sushi-making class in Tokyo, pick local produce from the market before a cooking class in Kanazawa and make your own okonomiyaki in Osaka.
Meet local farmers during a day trip from Kyoto to Uji, the home of green tea production. Tour the green tea and matcha farms, enjoy a hot cuppa, then tour a vegetable farm full of fresh, organic produce.
When you’re not busy eating, enjoy iconic experiences like wandering the streets of Tokyo, Kenroku-en garden in Kyoto, the glowing signs of Osaka’s Dotonbori district, learning Buddhist history in Koya-san and walking through Kyoto’s Gion district.
Feast on delicious Japanese cuisine, from street food to restaurant favourites – including ekiben, sushi, matcha, takoyaki, okonomiyaki and fresh seafood.
Sip on sake, the national drink of Japan, during a visit to a local sake brewery in Kyoto. Learn how sake is made and maybe even pick up a bottle (or two) to take home.

Themes

Culinary & Wine

What travelers are saying

"I've travelled with Intrepid in Vietnam, Morocco, Nepal and Egypt and had a brilliant time every time. The experience is better than most tours as you are in a small group that goes a bit more 'off the beaten track', and you don't get taken to endless shopping opportunites (i.e. a cousin's carpet shop). They also have higher ethics than most travel companies, they contribute to local charities and they avoid animal use (donkeys etc) where possible. The tour leaders we have had have all been wonderful, knowledgable and relaxed, with good english."

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-26%$5,956

11 days From$4,412

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Cycle Japan

premier

5/5 Excellent

Small Group Tour

Why we love them

They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Visits

Kanazawa, Kyoto, Shirakawa, Tokyo

Highlights

Cycle Japan's coastal landscapes in contrast with ancient Kyoto and modern Tokyo
Uninterrupted 8-day scenic ride around the Noto Peninsula through rural Japan
Included traditional Japanese cuisine with locally sourced ingredients

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking

What travelers are saying

"A fabulous tour program very competently delivered by the guide Irina. The accommodation was generally good with only two hotels didn’t have lifts, requiring bags to be carried. It is difficult for persons travelling across the world for an extensive time in Europe after this tour to pack small bags suitable for just a two week holiday. If you have a restricted diet like gluten free you will be challenged in this country so I suggest you pack food to get you by as most hotels on the tour didn’t have any knowledge. Fortunately Irina assisted me greatly with navigating the menus and staff to a large extent and I did pack my own protein shakes and snack bars. The itinerary at the beginning of the tour needs updating by Explore. Please note the National Historical Museum in Tirana has been closed since the earthquake of 2019! And the BunkArt 1 was closed on the day our itinerary advertised it on the program ( apparently every Monday it is closed). Had I known that it would not be visited I would have gone myself in the few days before the tour started. I had particularly looked forward to these two highlights on the itinerary and was very disappointed. However, the rest of the itinerary was fabulous after a poor start. I might add this had nothing to do with the guide who was extremely professional. Many of us on tour became ill, including myself. DO NOT DRINK the water offered at hotels with cups of tea etc as I believe that the water was not heated to boiling point and therefore contributed to our illness. Fruit juices also had locally sourced water added at some hotels. If you are a tea drinker I highly recommend you bring teabags and a small travel jug and fill with bottled water as jugs are not provided in any hotels in Albanian. Being a coffee drinking culture, they have little knowledge of how tea drinks, other than Luke warm mountain tea. Overall, despite these issues the guide Irina and our driver Faarti were fabulous and made the tour wonderful. Albania is a truly beautiful country with varying landscapes and spectacular mountain views. I felt very safe travelling in this country and found the people welcoming."

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-19%$8,266

13 days From$6,720

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Cycling in Japan

By Exodus Travels

premier

5/5 Excellent

Small Group Tour

Why we love them

With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Kyoto, Takayama, Tokyo

Highlights

Cycle rural roads through peaceful Japanese countryside
Discover temples, Zen gardens and geisha districts in Kyoto
Ride the tranquil Fukui coast by the Sea of Japan
Visit the Unesco-listed historic village of Shirakawa-go

Themes

Cycling & Biking

What travelers are saying

"Friendly and helpful staff were happy to help with all our questions."

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-26%$12,555

14 days From$9,300

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Generous cancellation

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Ancient & Modern Japan

By Exodus Travels

premier

4.8/5 Excellent

Small Group Tour

Why we love them

With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Hakone, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Matsumoto, Nara, Takayama, Tokyo

Highlights

Spot geishas in the Gion district of Kyoto
Experience cherry blossom season or beautiful autumn colours
Take the incredible high-speed bullet train
Explore temples in Kyoto and discover futuristic Tokyo

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"Friendly and helpful staff were happy to help with all our questions."

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-26%$7,506

14 days From$5,560

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Generous cancellation

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Japan: Land of the Rising Sun

By Intrepid Travel

premier

5/5 Excellent

Small Group Tour

Why we love them

They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Hakone, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Takayama, Tokyo

Highlights

Soar high above Lake Ashi and (on a clear day) get a glimpse of glorious Mt Fuji on a ride on the Hakone ropeway.
Be impressed by the efficiency and ultra modernity of Japan’s bullet trains as you zip from place to place.
Explore traditional Japanese culture in Edo-period Takayama and visit a folk village, tour a 600-year-old market and a enjoy a sake brewery tasting.
Visit the Peace Park for moving insight into the devastation of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, then cruise to peaceful Miyajima Island where wild deer roam the streets.
Finish your tour with three nights in Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital and home to literally thousands of temples, the Gion District where Geisha entertain the wealthy elite and renowned Kyoto sushi.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"I've travelled with Intrepid in Vietnam, Morocco, Nepal and Egypt and had a brilliant time every time. The experience is better than most tours as you are in a small group that goes a bit more 'off the beaten track', and you don't get taken to endless shopping opportunites (i.e. a cousin's carpet shop). They also have higher ethics than most travel companies, they contribute to local charities and they avoid animal use (donkeys etc) where possible. The tour leaders we have had have all been wonderful, knowledgable and relaxed, with good english."