Winner:SILVER Best Adventure Holiday for Families
Who:Explore - Albania
What:Explore’s Family Albania Adventure
Why:
For families who value meaningful travel, Explore offers a polished approach to adventure that feels both enriching and reassuring. With over 40 years’ experience and small-group journeys in more than 100 countries, the company has mastered the balance between discovery and ease -particularly when travelling with children.
Explore’s family trips are active, culturally immersive and designed to spark curiosity in young travellers, while giving parents the freedom to truly relax. Expert local tour leaders bring destinations to life with insider knowledge and engaging storytelling, ensuring children are absorbed and inspired as each day unfolds.
Our judges were excited to learn about Explores ‘small group’ format which fosters a great sense of community and encourages children to form friendships quickly, while parents enjoy the support and companionship of other adults -an approach that works especially well for solo or single parents.
Thoughtfully chosen accommodation and a strong commitment to responsible, low-impact travel complete the picture. More than a holiday, an Explore family trip is an investment in confident, curious young explorers -and a beautifully considered way to see the world together.
“These trips are a fantastic way to explore the world with tweens and teens! I love that they combine a true sense of adventure with experiences that are deeply rooted in local cultures, giving kids the freedom to explore while learning and connecting along the way.”
“This feels like a hidden gem for families seeking an active, boutique-style holiday. The focus on smaller groups lets children make friends, and the thoughtfully planned activities make the most of Albania’s stunning landscape while keeping family interests front of mind. It’s not a run-of-the-mill holiday - you really get to discover a country most wouldn’t otherwise visit, and the cultural experiences add a meaningful layer to the adventure. With a bit more flexibility in accommodation booking, it could truly hit luxury, but even as it is, it’s a beautifully considered experience.”
"Explore is a very well-established company, with decades of experience, who create well thought-out, adventurous itineraries and have always been good well thought out trips and consideration of communities and connection to local culture."
"Explore's Albania itinerary hits a sweet spot with families looking for an out of the ordinary adventure, but with the added security of booking a provider with decades of experience managing itineraries, decisions and logistics. The holiday for kids who love to answer ‘What did you do on your holidays?’ with ’Exploring sea caves in Albania!’"
What makes it special?
Explore’s Family Albania Adventure stands out for its effortless blend of cultural depth and high-energy fun, inviting families to discover a destination that still feels refreshingly under the radar. One of the company’s newer family trips, it has already earned a 4.9-star Feefo rating and an ‘Exceptional’ score for its tour leaders -praised for creating holidays that genuinely engage both adults and children.
The itinerary hits a carefully judged sweet spot: rafting the wild Vjosa River, soaking in the Benja thermal pools, exploring the UNESCO-listed city of Gjirokastër and speeding by rib-boat to Karaburun Marine Park for sea caves and secluded beaches. Each day balances adventure, culture and downtime, keeping children energised and parents relaxed.
Small-group travel is key to the magic. Children form friendships almost instantly, becoming more confident and open to new experiences, while parents enjoy the ease of expert local leaders handling every detail with warmth and insight. The result is a shared family journey rich in connection, discovery and joy -exactly what the very best family travel should be.
Ideal for
Explore’s family adventures are designed for active, curious families with children aged seven and above, with most young travellers around 13. Trips run during school holidays and are graded from relaxed to full-on, making it easy to choose an itinerary that matches your family’s energy and interests. Many families even bring grandparents along, adding a multi-generational dimension to the experience.
Rooted in sustainable, responsible travel, Explore creates journeys that connect people, cultures and places in meaningful ways. Its family trips, in particular, deliver memorable adventures that build confidence, spark curiosity and turn travel into a genuine force for good. Don’t just travel. Explore.
Junior Fact File
Prices start at £1,295
