Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Honestly all of it. Loved cycling through the small villages. Locals love to see you and are so friendly. Halong bay was amazing. Every day brought something different. So many fantastic memories.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Amazing. Danh really made this holiday for us. He is so enthuastic. He was a mother hen looking after his chicks. Danh really could not have done anything more for us and really goes above and beyond his duties to make sure everyone is happy. He is an absolute credit to your company. He is very proud of his country and has a mountain of knowledge he loves to share. He encouraged us every part of the cycle even cycling back down hills to encourage people to the top. He definitely is a happy Buddha only now without the belly and has such a cheeky laugh which we heard frequently. The bus driver and mechanics were wonderful as well. The minute you stopped for a break they were straight over taking your bike and cold drink at the ready. The bus driver was always smiling.

Most Inspirational Moment

The trip was filled with inspirational moments ~ succeeding in a long ascent ... or not succeeding! But feeling the rush of adrenaline with all the challenges and especially the thrill of descent.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele and Giovanni ~ what can I say? Charming, funny, friendly, warm, caring. They looked after everyone of us with such genuine warmth and seemed to know exactly what was necessary. They asked for our opinion, they provided suggestion, they made sure that we were always having fun! They even gave me permission to give in and take the van for a final stretch that was just beyond my readiness. These 2 men were simply wonderful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Days 3 and 4 were challenging for me ~ I had not cycled the heights before. But I am so glad that I challenged myself to do what I could. Bring your bathing suit ~ the Mediterranean is crystal clear, the bluest blue and the most refreshing way to restore your energy mid-way through each day's cycle.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the final summit on the last day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

What can I say. Alvaro was just a treat to be with. He has so much experience and knowledge and is a lovely person. Very encouraging and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walking is graded Moderate, but I would advise you to get a little training in beforehand to really enjoy it.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery during the days and the stars at night on the trek were spectacular, so it is difficult to pick a moment of the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was very welcoming from the start. We learned a lot from him about life in Jordan and had some good stories from him at night around the camp fire. He was very attentive and patient and I felt that he really wanted us to enjoy our trip and appreciate his country. He also had a good sense of humour and got the know the foibles of the group pretty quickly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We found the evenings in March pretty cool, so take some layers, especially for sitting gazing at the stars after dinner. Take plenty of baby wipes, a head torch, something to read and a good first aid bag in case of tummy upsets, blisters etc. It's good to have some open toed sandals for the camp site to give your feet a breather after a long day's trekking. Do the camel ride and the hamman if you can, both were a great giggle. Do your shopping the evening you arrive in Petra town, the shops near the hotel are good and you won't have much time after that unless you miss out a bit of the tour of Petra the next day. It is also worth considering adding a trip of your own to the week to see a bit more of Jordan.

Most Inspirational Moment

the amazing vistas, the beach stops after a hot days cycling, the guides and how the group looked out for each other

Thoughts on Group Leader

they worked fantastically well together, giovanni , the cool, calm type who balanced michaelas energy and between them you always felt safe and secure with their knowledge of the bikes, routes, people, restaurants and accommodation. the trip worked well because of their skills and team work .,

Advice for Potential Travellers

perhaps try and cycle up a hill before you go .. a big one

Most Inspirational Moment

The walking in the north of the country is the highlight and I think Exodus should incorporate an extra night there, miss out Llogara national park which does not really justify the long drive that far south. I enjoyed the sights in Berat, Apollonia and Ardenica but that's enough driving time without going further down to Llogara / Vlore.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dori was indefatigably enthusiastic, knowledgeable and great company, he seemed to know everyone everywhere we went ! Our driver Timo was really helpful too and often came with us into places and on walks

Advice for Potential Travellers

As others have commented, there are some long drives but don't go to Albania without seeing the north. Take euros, they are accepted in many places as well as lek. Forget any preconceptions about the country, it is a very safe country to travel to. Raingear useful, we had storms at some point most days. And read up a bit on the history before you go.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking the Cares Gorge and seeing at close hand the engineering involved in building the canal/aqueduct to deliver water to the hydroelectric power plant. Walking the Roman mining trail to the isolated village of Bulnes and beyond to the col for lunch.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alvaro was outstanding. Not only knowledge of every track and trail in the region, which gave him the ability to vary the daily program to make the most of the weather and ensure we were not left exposed in the electrical storms prevailing at the time but also of all the flora and fauna, thus adding another dimension to the treks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not assume Spain in summer means sun and dry conditions. Take a light waterproof and over trousers and a fleece or sweater as just walking in cloud can be cool and wet. If you want to do the canoeing option (something of a highlight for me) on the free day take a swimming costume and shoes you are happy to get wet. Make sure you are protected against the sun, especially the tops of your feet. I found the waterproof product P20 excellent and it only has to be applied once per day. I noticed P30 and 50 are now available.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through the sun gate and gazing upon Machu for the first time, hot and sweaty after a great days trailing. Breathtaking and emotional. Completing some of the trails, tunnels, passes, monkey steps, this trek has it all.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cesar was outstanding!!! Calm, knowledgable, funny and great company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is actually more challenging than you might think. The ascents and descents are steep. The steps, especially the monkey steps, are challenging. So train for it, don't let fitness spoil an amazing trip. Pack light, you need less than you think, but keep a clean set of gear for the last day of the trip. The last day involves a train trip, a morning in Machu and a coach journey back to Cusco. Research and book the restaurants in Cusco, they are excellent, especially Marcello Batata and Ciciollina.

Most Inspirational Moment

Definitely making the summit after having trouble with my breathing on the way up.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Not the most sympathetic of leaders. Seemed in a race to get each leg of the trip completed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely get some hill climbs in before doing the trip. Having said that most people had very sore legs afterwards.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Inca Trail - and in particular day 2. Reaching Dead Woman's Pass was the most difficult and rewarding thing that I've done to date. The sense of achievement and the views made the long, uphill trek worth it. The night skies for all the campsites were amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wilfredo was an excellent group leader leaving you with the impression that he really wanted to ensure that everyone had a great experience and he would try and accommodate most requests (he managed to get me a room at a local hotel while we were on the trail!)

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is quite a full-on trip with some particularly early starts. Others on the trip that I went on booked an extra night in Lima so that they could rest up before the trip starts proper - I'd recommend doing the same. While most of the group that I was with opted for additional nights camping at the end of the Inca Trail - I was very pleased that I opted for a night in a hotel - hot showers, comfy bed - felt well rested for the remainder of the trip. Its an extra cost but I would say go for it. You don't need to bring as much as you think - there are opportunities to do laundry in Cusco. Do think about the different areas you'll be going to and try to organise your bag with the right clothing as there is a fair bit of packing, unpacking and re-packing during the trip. If you want to do any souvenir shopping, there are two opportunities - free day in Cusco (start of trip) and homestay/island visit (end of trip). Try and not spend too much in Cusco as items on sale on the island are pretty good too! WALKING POLES - if you think you won't need them, you will (especially if you are shorter height wise like me!!)