Explore! vs Mayflower Tours - Tour Companies Compared

Why Explore

Unforgettable experiences

On our trips you'll see a mix of famous sights and hidden gems that others miss, or don't even know about. As travelers, we want to experience a country, not merely observe it. We'll take you closer to the country, its culture and people, often in unscripted, spontaneous, impossible-to-replicate ways. You'll come home having seen and experienced the country in a way that other travelers might never have.

Expert local guides

As your resident expert, your guide (or tour leader) will use their insider knowledge and local connections to make the most of unexpected opportunities. You might be invited to watch the sunrise from a lighthouse or to join family Diwali celebrations. They'll be on hand to make sure your trip goes smoothly, taking care of logistics. Our tour leaders are all hand-picked and trained by our experienced team to ensure consistently high standards.

Small groups

Our average group size is just 11; big enough to meet like-minded people but small enough to get to the heart of a destination. All sorts of people travel on our trips; groups are usually a mix of solos, couples and friends. What unites everyone is an adventurous spirit, sense of fun and a desire for real travel experiences. Call us to learn more about the group already booked on a particular trip (age range, solos vs couples etc).

Sustainable Travel

We're committed to reducing our impact on the planet and working towards a sustainable future. Every single one of our trips now has a carbon label, and we work hard to ensure we have a positive impact on the communities we visit.

Accommodation

We carefully select our accommodation to give you a comfortable night's sleep in the best possible locations. The places we stay are every bit as important as the sights we visit and the things we do. Wherever possible we choose small, local and family-run properties. Occasionally, when we want to get off the beaten tourist trail, we may stay in more basic accommodation. Choices are based on what’s available in the places we want to stay; we choose the accommodation to suit the itinerary, not the other way around.

Founded in 1979, Mayflower is an Illinois-based company providing consistent quality trips for great value. They’re here to bring you all the “must-sees” and “must-do’s” with 100+ itineraries and over 10 different travel styles.

What Makes Mayflower Tours Stand Out?

• Mid-range budget tours
• Group escorted and individual tours
• “Specialty tour” options (eg. Thanksgiving in New York City, Calgary Stampede, biblical sites in the Middle East)
• Discounts on your first tour and referrals

Holidays are designed for travelers looking for the fullest travel experience at a great price value. Since its inception, Mayflower Tours has consistently provided the ultimate touring experience in each destination always focused on the travelers’ budget. Each Mayflower Tour has a professional tour manager on board to ensure all details are taken care of.

Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Mayflower Tours?

Travelers who are...

• Looking for the full tour travel experience without the big price tag
• In reasonably good shape
• Looking for a full range of activities

Mayflower caters to budget travelers of all ages, including families and seniors. Most tours are not physically demanding, though they do offer adventure tours these are mainly in the "soft" adventure range. Travelers with Mayflower should be able to walk - this includes walking up stairs or inclines, since some sites will not have bus access.

Top Destinations

When they began, Mayflower offered tours in the United States only, but they quickly expanded. They now operate tours in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. They travel to a wide variety of places, from tourist hot spots to little towns off the tourist path.

Mayflower Tours Travel Style

Majority of their chosen hotels are in the 4 to 5 star range, well-located, and have first class service and amenities. For instance, you’ll get a geothermal spa on a tour to Iceland, or spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains on an Alaskan cruise. There’s a good balance between planned activities and free time. The number of meals vary depending on the tour, but most meals are included. They’re willing to help you arrange your flights as well, although it’s not included in the tour package.

They have several different travel styles:

Autumn Foliage: An exploration of the stunning fall colors and scenic landscapes in large cities, quaint towns, and countrysides around the world.

Cruises: Large cruise ship sailing. Experience dramatic landscapes, historic sightseeing, cultural ceremonies, and charming villages. Destinations include Hawaii, Alaska, and Canada.

Holidays and Special Events: A range of unique and special tours in Canada, USA, and Europe. Experience the Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race on a tour to Alaska, Christmas time in Colonial Williamsburg, the cherry blossom season in Washington DC, or the Passion Play in Oberammergau - which only happens once a decade! Many of these tours happen at very specific times of the year, so it’s important to plan these trips early on.

National Parks: Explore contrasting landscapes of mountains, luscious trees, glaciers, deserts, and more on a National Park Tour. These tours are largely focused on US and Canadian National Parks, along with trips to South Africa, India, and Sri Lanka. If you’re looking for a trip that simply bundles all of nature’s incredible feats, consider going on a tour with Mayflower to see Oregon’s Seven Wonders.

Natural Exploration: Tours around the world that combine nature, culture, and culinary into one trip.

River Cruising: The excitement never stops on a river cruise with Mayflower Tours. These ships travel through various parts of Europe and Asia. Many of these trips are made to coincide with special events and holidays. With a river cruise, you can visit Christmas markets in France and Germany, see the highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia, or make a stop in Germany to experience Oktoberfest.

Scenic Rail Experience: Sit back and relax as you pass by various breathtaking landscapes. You’ll be sure to see incredible views of mountains, lakes, oceans, countrysides, and vineyards.

Small Ship Adventures: Travel around in style as you hop aboard a yacht, luxury junk boat, or mini cruise ship. On top of experiencing all the history, culture, food, and nature a country has to offer, you’ll have beautiful views of blue ocean water.

Why Choose a Tour/Cruise With Mayflower Tours?

• Professional tour guides
• Budget-priced tours
• Classic travel destinations
• Quirky event and themed tours
• Cruises and railway journeys

Attentive tour guides, and a strong attention to detail on the ground are part of what sets Mayflower tours apart. They are knowledgeable, understanding, and devoted to making your tours relaxing and memorable. There is something for everyone at an affordable rate, from the classic travel destinations to quirky themes and events. This is also your chance to partake in some of the most interesting cultural events and celebrations that the US and Europe have to offer. No matter what continent you decide to go to, Mayflower Tours will surely bring the fun.

They’re also a member of Tourism Cares, a non-profit foundation that takes responsibility in the preservation of historical sites around the world.  

As if that’s not enough - they’ll pick you up from your house on your departure day if you live in the greater Chicagoland area or Florida’s Sun Coast area!