TORONTO — Explore Worldwide is expanding its Upgraded collection for 2027 with four new itineraries in Mexico, Nepal, Egypt and Morocco, with departures beginning as early as March.
The expansion follows a 35% increase in bookings for 2026 departures. Explore says it is increasing the number of Upgraded departures by 74% year over year in response to growing demand.
Launched in 2024, the collection combines Explore’s small-group cultural experiences and local leaders with a higher level of accommodation, including boutique hotels and other premium stays.
“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 for Explore Worldwide.
Explore says Discover Northern Thailand, Discover Morocco and Discover Turkey are currently leading growth across the Upgraded range, while Walking in Andalucia has been the most popular of the new Upgraded tours introduced in 2026.
FOUR NEW ITINERARIES
The 12-day Upgraded – Highlights of Mexico itinerary travels from Mexico City to the Caribbean coast, with stops in Oaxaca and Valladolid. Experiences include a Puebla food tour, an Oaxacan cooking class and visits to Coba, Chichen Itza, Monte Alban and Teotihuacan, followed by two nights on Cozumel Island. Rates start from $8,630 per person, with departures from March through November 2027.
The 10-day Upgraded – Highlights of Nepal itinerary includes Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Pokhara, along with a traditional Newari lunch in a UNESCO-listed family home, Himalayan sunrise views from Nagarkot and Sarangkot, artisan workshops, an eco-coffee plantation, a Tibetan refugee settlement and Hemjakot village. Rates start from $4,280 per person, with departures from April through November 2027.
The 11-day Upgraded – Egypt: Cairo, Alexandria & Nile Cruise itinerary travels from Cairo to Luxor and includes the Grand Egyptian Museum, Alexandria and a Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor. A calligraphy workshop and cooking class are also included. Rates start from $7,210 per person, with departures from April through November 2027.
The 15-day Upgraded – Morocco: Imperial Cities, Mountains and the Sahara Desert itinerary combines Rabat, Fes and Marrakech with Chefchaouen, the High Atlas Mountains and the Sahara. Experiences include a Gnawa music performance, Todra Gorge, Berber villages, Ait Benhaddou and a camel ride into the desert. Rates start from $6,620 per person, with departures from March through November 2027.
Explore’s Upgraded tours prioritize locally owned accommodations where possible and include at least one standout experience or activity along with a special welcome meal.
Additional new tours across the Upgraded collection and Explore’s active adventure portfolio are expected to be announced throughout the remainder of 2026.
Travelweek recently sat down with Explore Worldwide’s Katy Rockett and Michael Edwards, Managing Director, to discuss the company’s growth plans for Canada. To read the interview, click here.
Lead image caption: Sailing the Nile in Egypt — Credit Explore Worldwide
