Explore Worldwide expands its Upgraded tours collection

Explore Worldwide is expanding its Upgraded collection for 2027, adding four new itineraries across Mexico, Nepal, Egypt and Morocco as demand for the premium adventure product continues to grow.

The B Corp-certified small-group adventure operator says bookings for 2026 departures in its Upgraded range are up 35 per cent.

In response, Explore will increase the number of Upgraded departures by 74 per cent year over year in 2027.

Launched in 2024, the collection combines Explore's immersive cultural experiences and local tour leaders with a higher level of accommodation, including premium hotels and boutique properties.

“The numbers tell the story. It’s clear from the performance over the first two years that our Upgraded tours have struck a serious chord with our travellers, and not just first-timers, but those who have been with us for years,” said Katy Rockett, regional director of North America for Explore Worldwide, in a press release.

"As the premium adventure market continues to grow, our Upgraded tours allow us to evolve with it to meet our travellers where they are and where they want to be. All the experiences remain true to what Explore is known for, but with a thoughtful step up in comfort at an attractive price point.”

Discover Northern Thailand, Discover Morocco and Discover Turkey are currently leading growth across the Upgraded portfolio, while Walking in Andalucia has emerged as the most popular among the new Upgraded tours introduced for 2026.

Explore says accommodations in the collection are selected for their character and location, with locally-owned properties used wherever possible. Every itinerary also includes at least one standout experience or activity, as well as a special welcome meal.

Four new Upgraded adventures

Among the additions for 2027 is the 12-day Upgraded – Highlights of Mexico, which travels from Mexico City to the Caribbean coast.

The itinerary visits Oaxaca, Valladolid and Puebla, with experiences including a Puebla food tour and Oaxacan cooking class. Travellers will also visit Mayan and archaeological sites such as Coba, Chichen Itza, Monte Alban and Teotihuacan before spending two nights on Cozumel Island.

Accommodations include a historic hacienda near Chichen Itza and a beachfront resort in Cozumel. Rates start at CA$8,630 per person, with departures from March through November 2027.

The 10-day Upgraded – Highlights of Nepal combines the country's cultural landmarks with Himalayan scenery and local experiences.

Stops include Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Pokhara, while experiences range from a traditional lunch in a UNESCO-listed family home to visits to artisan workshops, an eco-coffee plantation, a Tibetan refugee settlement and the village of Hemjakot.

The tour also features sunrise views over the Himalayas from Nagarkot and Sarangkot. Accommodations include the historic Yak & Yeti and Dwarika's hotels in Kathmandu and Sarangkot Mountain Lodge. Rates start at CA$4,280 per person, with departures running from April through November 2027.

Also new is the 11-day Upgraded – Egypt: Cairo, Alexandria & Nile Cruise, travelling from Cairo to Luxor.

Highlights include the Grand Egyptian Museum, which opened in November 2025 and houses more than 100,000 artifacts, as well as time in Alexandria and a Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor. A calligraphy workshop and cooking class are also included.

Rates start at CA$7,210 per person, with departures available from April through November 2027.

Rounding out the initial additions is the 15-day Upgraded – Morocco: Imperial Cities, Mountains and the Sahara Desert.

The itinerary travels through Morocco's imperial cities, Chefchaouen, the High Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert, with visits to the souks, palaces and medinas of Rabat, Fes and Marrakech.

Travellers will also experience a live Gnawa music performance under the desert stars, visit Todra Gorge, explore Berber villages and the kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, and ride by camel into the Sahara.

Accommodations range from intimate riads and boutique hotels with hammam and spa facilities to a premium nomadic desert camp. Rates start at CA$6,620 per person, with departures from March through November 2027.

Explore says additional itineraries will be unveiled throughout the remainder of 2026, including more additions to its Upgraded portfolio and active adventure collection.

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