Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Fighting the snow and biting wind on the high passes in July. Be prepared for cold weather. Also the amazing view from the 3842m Aiguille du Midi cable car. Highly recommended if you have good weather.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Nick (mountain guide) and Tom (camp manager) were excellent. Very knowledgeable, full of enthusiasm and great company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The descents are really hard on your knees. Take knee supports and trekking poles if you have a history of knee problems.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the summit of Monte Sumbra which I had determined to do beforehand.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was absolutely wonderful. I cannot fault her. She looked after everybody and there were times when I was particularly grateful for her attitude and attention. I really cannot praise her highly enough.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a pair of poles with you-some of the descents are particularly steep and rough.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking on the Island of Korcula, which is lovely out of the main town. However, the old town has turned into Ibiza! The old town of Dubrovnik is amazing. Just wander and get lost in the old streets. It is very crowded, but don't let that put you off.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. She was amazing. It wasn't the most cohesive group we have encountered and the holiday did have problems. However, she sorted them all with humour and patience. Her knowledge was superb.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Organise it yourself!

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to say what was best, because every day was inspirational. Love the blue footed boobies and all the other birds, even saw the Frigate birds in full display. Never thought I would be swimming with sharks, turtles, sea lions and penguins. Each island was special in its own way. Also our group was lovely, we all got on really well, which goes towards making the experience even more special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Darwin (yes, that is his real name) was fabulous. He was knowledgeable about everything we wanted to know. He took his time to explain things to us. He seemed to take as much pleasure from the trip as we did.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take sea sickness tablets, we had a couple of rough navigations. This time of year it is worth hiring a wet suit from Richard on the boat ($30 for the week) as its gets a bit cold in the water. Snorkels and masks available on board for free. Try and take biodegradable sun cream so you know you are not harming the environment.

Most Inspirational Moment

for me just making it all the way to the end was a big moment for me.i've never done a trip like this before. if I can do it so can you

Thoughts on Group Leader

our group leader [is] was fabulous. she is a wonderful lady that went out of her way to show us things that we wouldn't have seen without her.i cant speak high enough of her and all the bike team crews were very helpful as well.a big thank you to you all.THANK YOU.

Advice for Potential Travellers

just go and do it

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery along the way on both the coast and the mountain stretches.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leaders Michaela and Giovanni were fabulous and worked extremely hard to ensure the entire week ran smoothly including the fruit picnics along the way served from the support vehicle to keep your energy levels up.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There were a couple of days that were certainly at the challenging end of moderate, however if things got too much the support vehicle was always on hand to take the bike and you could ride in the minibus. That said I would not recommend this for a first holiday into cycling, try one of the other easier routes first then move across onto this route. For the more experienced holiday cyclists, this is a great weeks cycling.

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.