Starting to plan where to go this summer? The adventure travel specialists, Explore are offering travellers the chance to experience Europe this summer a little differently with a whole host of intriguing destinations, accommodation and experiences on offer. Customers can choose to white-water raft along the Cetina River in Croatia; cycle through Bavaria and sample the local beers of Germany; or spend the night in a tree tent perched in the Sicilian forest, with the huge selection of Explore's European tours with a twist.

For families, Explore's In The Shadow of Vesuvius tour provides an eight day adventure in Italy. Families will discover the beautiful scenery of the Sorrento Peninsula, explore the wonderful island of Capri and the celebrated Blue Grotto and visit the town of Scala where culinary skills will be put to the test with a pizza making lesson. Families will also spend time in the famous city of Pompeii and walk to the summit of Mount Vesuvius to look down at its vast volcanic crater. This tour departs in July and August 2015 and costs from £1,075 per adult and £982 per child (minimum age five). This price includes return flights; seven nights' hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis; transport and the services of a tour leader, driver and local guides. For more information, or to book visit www.explore.co.uk or call 01252 884723.

As a short break for Explore, the four day Brown Bear Weekend is the perfect offering for lovers of nature. Customers will travel to the sparsely populated North Eastern Finland to observe Brown Bears in their pristine natural environment from a specially designed Bear hide. Customers will also enjoy nature walks in search of rare flora and fauna such as owls, wolverine, foxes and elk and can choose to take a canoe trip with a local guide. Tours depart in May, June, July and August 2015 and cost from £849 per person. This price includes return flights; three nights' lodge accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis; most meals; transport and the services of a tour leader, driver and activity guide. For more information, or to book visit www.explore.co.uk or call 01252 884723.

For an off the beaten track experience, Cycle Russia: Moscow to St. Petersburg captures the combination of rural landscapes of Russia with these two magnificent cities from the saddle. During the 10 day, easy to moderate graded cycling tour customers will explore the great sights of Moscow including Red Square and the Kremlin; visit the beautiful Lake Seliger and Lake Valdaysky and ride between the historical villages in the picturesque Torzhok region. Customers will also discover the grand architecture in St Petersburg. Tours depart in June, July, August and September 2015 and cost from £1,580 per person. This price includes return flights; nine nights' hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis; four other meals; bike hire; transport and the services of a tour leader and driver. For more information, or to book visit www.explore.co.uk or call 01252 884723.

As a new programme for 2015, Explore's Self-Guided Dordogne Walks and Gastronomy tour offers seven days of easy to moderate graded walking and indulging in French cuisine. Providing customers with the freedom to explore the Dordogne at their own pace, customers will discover the historic village of Monpazier; soak up the views from the hidden footpaths through the picturesque countryside and immerse themselves in 'foodie' heaven with the included meals each night served in the charming family-run hotels. Departures run from April until October 2015 and cost from £790 per person based on two people sharing. This price includes six nights' hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis; six other meals and the services of a luggage transfer. For more information, or to book visit www.explore.co.uk or call 01252 884723.

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Notes to editors

For more media information, interview requests or images, please contact:

Lisa Tyrrell, PR Manager Lisa.Tyrrell@explore.co.uk, 01252 379499
Olivia Lewis, PR Executive Olivia.Lewis@explore.co.uk, 01252 379506