Expat Explore

What It Is and Where It Operates

Expat Explore runs its own guided group coach tours with a tour leader on every trip. Its group-tours page says "Since 2004, Expat Explore has been taking travellers on group tours," and the homepage headline is "Fun, Easy & Affordable Group Tours." The Why Expat Explore page describes "value-for-money coach tours of Europe, the UK, the USA and Canada, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and South America." Europe is the heart of the range: the homepage's most popular list for Europe names the Europe Taster (7 days, 6 countries), Classic Europe (14 days, 8 countries), Best of UK and Ireland (13 days, 5 countries), Europe Escape (12 days, 7 countries) and Taste of Italy (7 days, 1 country). For 2027 it announces a new Iceland tour and "1,000+ Europe seats added at the lowest price."

The homepage banner marks "21 Years of Memories" and thanks followers for 240 000 likes, and a news item credits co-founder Jakes Maritz with starting the company after a weekend in Paris 20 years ago. The company is a member of ABTA and is bonded through ABTOT.

The Europe Taster in Detail

The Europe Taster shows how a tour is built. It starts in London, crosses to Paris, then runs to the Swiss Alps, Germany's Rhine Valley, Amsterdam and medieval Ghent before returning to London. The summary promises "iconic Parisian landmarks," a chance to "ascend snowy Alpine peaks," the Dutch countryside and a Rhine cruise. The overview lists 6 nights in 3 and 4 star hotels, 6 breakfasts and 4 dinners, an air-conditioned coach and a "Fully-guided tour." Day 1 ends with an included welcome dinner in Paris, where the tour leader talks through the optional excursions for the free day that follows.

The day-by-day itinerary is specific. Day 2 is free in Paris, with an optional Paris+ excursion (a perfumery, a macaron tasting and a Seine cruise). Day 3 stops in Beaune in Burgundy before driving on to the Jungfrau Region. Day 4 is free in the Alps, with an optional Jungfraujoch trip to what the page calls Europe's highest train station. Day 5 includes a Rhine cruise from St Goar to Boppard and a visit to a local wine merchant, day 6 stops at the Riekermolen windmill and a cheese and clog demonstration on the way to Amsterdam, and day 7 breaks the drive back to London with free time in Ghent. The help section adds a pre-departure pack and an optional excursions guide for each tour. The page names hotels such as B&B Hotel Paris 17 Batignolles and Hotel Merkur in the Swiss Alps, and notes a group may stay at different hotels of a similar standard.

The tour page shows 4.7/5 from 633 reviews, the company's own figure. Prices are shown per departure on the Dates and Rates tab, and the page says a 10% deposit secures a place.

How It Works on the Day

The meeting point is reception at the Moxy London Stratford Hotel at 06:30 AM on day one, and the tour finishes outside the same hotel at about 08:00 PM, "traffic / ferry dependent." International flights are not included; the FAQ says travelers make their own way to the start, and it points to Welcome Pickups for an airport transfer where a driver tracks the flight.

The FAQ is direct about effort, in the company's own words: "All travellers are required to carry their own bags," walking tours "can last up to 3 hours," and some places involve stairs, so travelers should read the itinerary and judge for themselves. Tours are "not suitable for young children," with a minimum age of 10. Rooms are twin share with en suite bathrooms; solo travelers are paired with another traveler of the same gender, and single supplements are available on request at checkout.

On inclusions, the pages differ in emphasis. The group-tours page speaks of "entrance fees to some attractions," while the Europe Taster FAQ says "We do not include entrance fees to attractions and museums," so on this tour sights beyond the included experiences are paid for separately. The group-tours page adds that group discounts make a tour "much more affordable than when you explore sights alone," and the Why Expat Explore page says most hotels offer Wi-Fi.

Booking, Payment and Protection

Booking needs a 10% deposit, with the balance payable in monthly instalments "at no extra charge." The tour page lists three promises: Flexible Bookings ("Switch to a different date if your plans change"), Guaranteed to Depart ("Your tour will run. That's a promise.") and Peace of Mind, a money-back guarantee within 10 days of booking, which the Why page describes as getting the full 10% deposit back. The same page says there are "no extra fees for solo travellers, or for paying with a credit card."

The company is a Member of ABTA, membership number Y6593, which offers ABTA's dispute-resolution scheme, and ABTOT provides financial protection for Expat Explore Travel, membership number 5517, under the Package Travel Regulations 2018. Support runs by WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, email (info@expatexplore.com) or phone on +44 808 168 6799, open 24 hours Monday to Friday (GMT) and on shorter hours at weekends. The Why page says 17,695 people traveled with the company in 2025 and that 91% of travelers would recommend it.

What the Site Leaves Open and Who It Suits

The site does not publish a group-size cap, and cancellation charges beyond the 10-day guarantee and date switching are not set out on the tour or help pages, which point travelers to the terms and conditions. The help page warns that while the company takes "great care" with its information, "things can and do change at short notice."

Expat Explore suits first-time visitors to Europe, solo travelers and friends who want a lot of countries in a short trip, with transport, hotels and some meals arranged and a tour leader "with you every step of the way." The Why page pitches "adventure-packed, global coach tours for travellers of all ages and fitness levels," though the FAQ's own notes on bags, walking and the minimum age of 10 are the better guide. It suits less well anyone who wants to linger in one place, travels with young children or prefers a small-group or private trip.