Soft Landing: Explore Worldwide Adds Four ‘Upgraded Tours’ in 2027

Small group adventure travel operator Explore Worldwide, B Corp-certified has added four new itineraries to its Upgraded collection for 2027, reflecting strong interest in tours that combine cultural immersion with premium accommodations.

The new choices span Mexico’s colonial cities and Caribbean coast, Nepal’s Himalayan mountains, the ancient temples of Egypt and the imperial cities and deserts of Morocco. 

Launched in 2024, the Upgraded collection pairs the brands’ hands-on cultural access and expert local leaders with a premium selection of hotels and boutique stays. Following a 35% increase in bookings for 2026 departures, Explore says it is responding to growing demand by expanding the range for 2027 and increasing the number of departures by 74% year over year. 

“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,” says Katy Rockett, Regional Director of North America. 

“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.”

Explore’s approach for the Upgraded tours includes distinctive alternative, premium accommodations without compromising the authentic, responsible and immersive experiences that underpin the brand. 

The company says that wherever possible, properties are locally owned and selected for their character and location, while every Upgraded tour includes at least one standout experience or activity and a special welcome meal.

Each tour is available to be booked now with departures starting as early as March next year.

The initial group of new Upgraded tours joining Explore’s 2027 collection includes:

Upgraded – Highlights of Mexico: This 12-day  tour introduces travellers to Mexico’s colourful history, from the captivating capital to the sun-soaked Caribbean coast. The journey covers the cities of Oaxaca and Valladolid, with a food tour of Puebla and a hands-on Oaxacan cooking class, alongside Mayan sites including Coba, Chichen Itza, Monte Alban and Teotihuacan. The itinerary closes with two nights on Cozumel. Premium accommodations include a historic hacienda near Chichen Itza and a beachfront resort on Cozumel. Rates start from CA $8,630 per person, with departures available from March through November 2027.

Upgraded – Highlights of Nepal: A 10-day  tour showcasing the country’s cultural treasures, Himalayan scenery and rich local traditions. Travellers explore Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Pokhara, experience authentic Newari culture with a traditional lunch in a UNESCO-listed family home and enjoy sunrise views over the Himalayas from Nagarkot and Sarangkot. Premium accommodations include the historic Yak & Yeti and Dwarika’s hotels in Kathmandu, as well as the Sarangkot Mountain Lodge with panoramic Himalayan views. Rates start from CA $4,280 per person, with departures available from April through November 2027.

Upgraded – Egypt: Cairo, Alexandria & Nile Cruise: This 11-day  journey travels from Cairo to Luxor, including a visit to the new Grand Egyptian Museum, home to more than 100,000 artifacts, which opened in November, 2025. The journey includes stops in the historic coastal city of Alexandria, a Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor, a calligraphy workshop and a cooking class. Rates start from CA $7,210 per person, with departures available from April through November 2027.

Upgraded – Morocco: Imperial Cities, Mountains and the Sahara Desert: This 15-day tour journeys from Morocco’s imperial cities to the souks of Marrakech, by way of the blue streets of Chefchaouen, the High Atlas Mountains and the dunes of the Sahara. Along the route, travellers explore the labyrinthine souks, grand palaces and medinas of Rabat, Fes and Marrakech. The itinerary also takes in the Todra Gorge, Berber villages in the High Atlas, the kasbah of Ait Benhaddou and a camelback ride into the Sahara Desert. 

Premium accommodations include intimate riads, boutique hotels with hammam and spa facilities, and a premium nomadic desert camp. Rates start from CA $6,620 per person, with departures available from March through November 2027.

Explore Worldwide says additional new tours will be announced throughout the remainder of this year, spanning the Upgraded collection, active adventures, and more.