Saharan Desert Night Skies to Hikes in the Dolomites: Explore Worldwide Launches 2026 Lineup with Initial 12 New Tours

TORONTO, ON (September 2025) – Known for taking routes less traveled, Explore Worldwide, B Corp-certified small group tour operator and a leader in responsible travel, announces its first round of new tours ready to be booked now. With departures starting in early 2026, these new trips span from trails and waterways in Europe, Asia, and the Americas to the Saharan desert landscapes in Africa. Grounded in the company's commitment to low-impact adventure, these departures emphasize paths less traveled while prioritizing connection through local guide expertise, community, and the natural world.

With more than 400 tours total across more than 100 countries currently available, Explore Worldwide has introduced the first 12 tours in its 2026 collection this summer and fall, with more slated for release in the months ahead, highlighting lesser-known gems across well-known destinations alongside itineraries in places where the social spotlight has yet to shine.

“We've always believed that the most powerful travel moments happen on routes less traveled, and our newest itineraries are a reflection of that,” says Katy Rockett, regional director of North America for Explore Worldwide. “Our new tours in Algeria are opening the doors to this culturally rich destination that has remained largely under the radar for the last 30 years. Each experience is thoughtfully designed to support local economies and foster meaningful connections, because we believe responsible travel isn't just about where you go, but how you go.”

A sample of Explore's latest round of new tour experiences for 2026 include:

Africa: Star-laden Camping in the Sahara to touring Foothills of the Atlas Mountains

• One of three new tours in Algeria, the 10-day Wonders of Ancient Algeria and the M'Zab Valley offers the chance to explore one of North Africa's most under-the-radar destinations. This itinerary explores ancient Algeria and takes travelers from the coastal capital of Algiers to the ancient Roman cities of Tipaza, Timgad, and Djemila, before venturing to the edge of the Sahara to explore the M'Zab Valley and its local desert communities. Rates start from US $2,350 per person, with departures available from January 2026 to December 2026.

• The 12-day Upgraded – Discover Morocco and the Atlantic Coast begins in Rabat and winds through the blue-washed village of Chefchaouen, the imperial medina of Fes, and the fortified seaside town of Essaouira. Travelers will stay in premium riads, partake in desert dinner with stargazing in the Agafay and wine tasting near Volubilis, Morocco's best-preserved Roman ruins site. Rates start from US $3,040 per person, with departures available from November 2025 through November 2026.

The Americas: Coffee Traditions to Desert Dark Skies in South America

• The eight-day Upgraded – Highlights of Colombia tour leads travelers through the vibrant streets of Cartagena to the coffee-growing regions of the Andes and sustainable farms in the region of Pereira. Guests will stop in lively cities like Medellin, where street art meets sleek cable cars and traditional plazas buzz with the energy of a city on the move, to strolling Finca Romelia farm grounds holding one of the largest orchid collections in the country alongside the in-house botanist. Rates start from US $3,740 per person, with departures available from January 2026 through November 2026.
  
  
• The 13-day Highlights of Chile – Atacama to Paine small group journey prioritizes immersive nature experiences that venture into the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) of the Atacama Desert at sunset, including an optional astronomy tour one evening. Itinerary highlights include hikes beyond the highlights through volcanic Lake District forests around Puerto Varas set against the backdrop of Osorno Volcano; walks to glacier-fed Lago Grey Patagonian icefields; and an optional journey by boat to Puerto Natales from Torres del Paine. Rates start from US $6,430 per person, with departures available from November 2025 through December 2026.

Europe: Slow Travel through the Dolomites and the Lemon Paths of Amalfi Coast

• Set in the heart of Europe's Italian Alps, the eight-day Walking in the Dolomites – Campitello tour explores the towering peaks and alpine meadows of the Dolomites. Based in the charming village of Campitello for the duration of the trip, adventurers will stroll valleys near the Avisio River one day and traversing otherworldly terrains like the trails leading to the impressive base of Piz Boe, the highest peak of the Sella Group, the next. Rates start from US $2,980 per person, with departures available from June 2026 to September 2026.
  
  
• The eight-day Family Amalfi Coast Adventure starts and ends in Naples and is filled with local crafts and cliffside treks all anchored by a stay at the 10-room family-run Hotel Rabbit. Tour highlights including kayaking coves from Vietri to the charming fishing village of Cetara; gentle Walk of the Lemons from Maiori to Minori; and a field-to-fork experience where families hand-pick vegetables for a cooking and pasta-making session followed by an optional ceramics workshop in the nearby village of Pianillo. Rates start from US $1,940 per person, with departures available from May 2026 through October 2026.

Asia: Temples, Street Food Trails, and Heritage Stays

• The 12-day Discover South Korea tour starts with exploration of the capital using only public transportation, sampling street food at Gwangjang Market, and browsing artisan crafts in Ikseon-dong Hanok Village. Itinerary highlights include learning Sunmudo meditation and archery from Buddhist monks at Golgulsa Temple, hike up Namsan Mountain; optional cooking class or makgeolli brewing in Busan; Gwangju, a city once centered on Korea's democratic and human rights movements and now cultural and artistic hub. Rates start from US $4,960 per person, with departures available from September 2025 through November 2026.
  
  
• The 10-day Upgraded Highlights of India places travelers in storied heritage hotels like Jaipur's 300-year-old Shahpura Haveli and Hotel Narain Niwas Palace. Trip highlights include a jeep safari through the Chambal Ravines, once a notorious hideout for dacoits who inspired countless Bollywood villains; sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal; a street food tour through Old Delhi's spice-laden backstreets led by Salaam Baalak Trust, not-for-profit, non-governmental organization that support for vulnerable youth; rickshaw ride through Jaipur's bazaars; to a boat safari in search of crocodiles and the elusive Gangetic river dolphin. The journey also visits the Wildlife SOS elephant conservation center and the Mughal ruins of Bateshwar, blending iconic sights with off-the-beaten-path immersion. Rates start from US $2,240 per person, with departures available from January 2026 through December 2026.

For more information on Explore Worldwide and the roster of new tours and itineraries, visit https://www.exploreworldwide.com/new-trips.

Photo courtesy of Explore Worldwide; Download additional photos here.

About Explore Worldwide: Explore Worldwide has over 40 years' experience in providing exciting and authentic small-group travel experiences from cultural discovery trips to hiking and cycling adventures. With over 400 trips in 100 countries, Explore's expertly crafted itineraries combined with award-winning tour leaders, small group sizes and a commitment to responsible travel ensure unforgettable travel experiences. Explore has immersive, sustainable travel in its DNA, achieving B Corp Certification, and as a founding signatory of the Glasgow Declaration with one of the leading Climate Action Plans in the industry. In 2022, Explore Worldwide completed the largest carbon-measurement project in the industry, to date, and is now working toward reducing the carbon emissions of its tours by 50% by 2030.