The Company

Our story
Established in 1989 by Dimiter Popov, Penguin Travel rose as a trailblazing travel agency in the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark. Dimiter's vision was to showcase the beauty of off-the-beaten-path destinations to Danish travellers. The company started out offering destinations like Russia, which had just opened to Western travellers, Mongolia and a few countries in Africa and the Middle East. You can learn more about his story and those first years of the agency here. 

Over the years, we have added more than 100 destinations and over 15 types of tours to our portfolio. We also started operating on the international market and to date, we have had clients from over 30 countries from all around the globe.

But one thing remained the same: we are still guided by our restless exploration drive in everything we do. Our focus continues to be on off-the-beaten-path destinations and we strive to make small-group adventure travel affordable to more people.

Our tours
We specialize in offering tours in six main categories:

  • cultural roundtrips to off-the-beaten-path destinations
  • self-guided trekking and cycling tours in Europe
  • guided trekking and cycling tours in Europe
  • horseriding holidays
  • mountaineering expeditions
  • African safaris

You can see our best-seller tours in these categories here.

Our team
Operating from offices in Denmark and Bulgaria, our small team comprises avid travellers committed to discovering and appreciating the diverse cultures and locales we come across. Learn more about our team here.

Our partners
We believe in forging strong partnerships that share our commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and a passion for travel. We are partnering with various booking platforms and travel associations with a strong focus on delivering high-quality travel experiences like Tour Radar, where we were awarded a Golden Badge. (Badges are awarded based on an operator's overall performance and traveller feedback across all of their adventures. It recognises those operators who have received highly-rated verified reviews from TourRadar travellers, a great tour score, high response times for all enquiries, and most importantly, high customer satisfaction.)

We are also a member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association - the largest global network of adventure travel leaders.

Responsible travel
At Penguin Travel, we strive to be an ethical travel company committed to sustainable and responsible tourism practices. We do that by keeping our groups small and prioritize the employment of local guides, thus fostering a deep connection between our travellers and the communities they explore. By choosing to stay in local hotels, we aim to immerse our clients in the authentic charm of the destinations while simultaneously supporting the growth of local businesses.

What people say about us:
You can read verified reviews about our services on the below pages and platforms:

How to stay in touch with us?
The best way to stay up to date with our new programs, the status of scheduled tours, and promotions, is to sign up for our newsletter here. We send emails once or twice per week with new tours and status updates.
You can also follow us on social media: Instagram/Facebook

Penguin Travel is a fully bonded tour operator with license РК-01-7272 and your trip is protected through our Euroins insurance against insolvency 03700100005133.

Mainland Yemen 2190 , 8 Days

Mainland Yemen

In the heart of the Arabian Peninsula lies a land of ancient cities, remote villages, and coastal...
Tassili Desert Adventure, Algeria 1310 , 8 Days

Tassili Desert Adventure, Algeria

Travel deep into the Sahara desert and explore its raw beauty. Erosion has sculpted a...
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Syria Roundtrip

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View all» What people say about us

Great
Penguin Travel on Trust Pilot
Based on 86 reviews
Trust Pilot
Binky's Review Verified review Verified
Great caucus Explorer trip
Caucus Explorer( Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan ) was a great trip . Even though our Van is fully...
Beth, 5 May
Daniel's review Verified review Verified
8 day Caucasus trip
5/5 for the Caucasus trip in apr/may 2024. Everything was well planned and executed.
Haris, 3 May
Maribeth's review Verified review Verified
Excellent and Amazing Tour
Excellent tour. My highlight of the tour is Sarajevo, Mostar, Ohrid and more places. I like the itinerary...
Arnold, 6 April
View all»

Blog

13.08.2024 16:52

5 Unique African Festivals and Traditions for the Bold Explorer

Travel, at its most meaningful, isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about connecting with the cultures that breathe life into those places. Africa, with its vast landscapes and myriad traditions, offers unparalleled opportunities for explorers who yearn for authentic experiences. Below, you will find 5 of our favorite festivals and traditions you can experience while traveling in...


30.07.2024 18:38

Gabon: Where Eco-Friendly Adventures Meet Stunning Wilderness

At Penguin Travel, we believe in the power of authentic experiences, and there are few places as untouched and awe-inspiring as Gabon. Nestled on the west coast of Central Africa, Gabon is a sanctuary for nature lovers and a testament to the beauty of unspoiled wilderness. Our tours are designed to immerse you in Gabon's incredible landscapes and wildlife, offering a truly unique adventure. Gabon...


09.07.2024 16:01

Photo Diary: Afghanistan Tour (Kabul, Herat, Bamiyan, Band-e Amir, Mazar-I-Sharif and Other)

In today's article, we will take you on a virtual journey to a misunderstood land where ancient civilizations have left their mark on rugged mountains and sweeping valleys. Afghanistan, a land often overshadowed by conflict, unveils a strikingly different side to those who dare to look beyond the headlines. It's a place of profound beauty and cultural richness, a stark contrast to its war-torn...


27.06.2024 17:45

Everything you need to know about travelling to Afghanistan: Essential travel information (Q&A with our tour leaders and local guides)

Traveling to Afghanistan in 2024 is an adventure like no other. Despite its rocky past and current political situation, more tourists are starting to explore the country, thanks in part to the Taliban's push for tourism. Penguin Travel is leading the way, having successfully organized a few trips in the last year. Must-see spots include the stunning Bamyan Valley, the gorgeous Band-e-Amir...