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Great trip seeing well known & cool lesser known sights. Amazing scenery & history!
Floating on the Dead Sea - so relaxing!Making it up all the stairs to Monastery at Petra - well worth it as more spectacular than the Treasury and less tourists
Zuhair was always friendly & enthusiastic about his country and his faith.
A good intro to getting to and around the Greek Islands. The hotels were adequate and in good locations. The bathrooms were a real challenge, especially the one in Naxos.
The Fira to Oia walk on Santorini was spectacular and we had great weather for our 5km easy walk....the scenery just kept getting more spectacular as you got closer to Oia. Picture postcard stuff.We were kindly invited by locals jamming in Lefkes to a traditional music festival in Paros, in the town of Naoussa, and it was fun just people-watching. The dancing by young and old was a lot of fun to see. I'm glad I went as it was just so Greek!
Cecile was a very friendly and helpful guide and gave a good insight into being an expat in Greece. I thought she guided the walks well with the different speed levels. Good communication at times did not always work well as I think our group was a straggly bunch but Cecile did her best to keep us all informed of the group's plans. She booked us a fabulous guide at the Akrotiri archaeological site, very informative and well worth the trip. Exodus should really include it not as an option but as an inclusion: our entire group went to see it.
September was a great time to visit Santorini, Paros and Naxos: warm but not unbearable and tourist numbers are much lower. There is a music festival held at the Naxos castle in August and September so I recommend taking in a show. The organiser was a real character and you get to try several homemade alcoholic beverages as part of your ticket price.
We would like to thank Lizette for her review. Unfortunately a schedule change to the ferry timetable was only announced only a few days before this trip began, so we had to alter the start point of the tour to Rafina. We tried to contact everyone affected by this, but we appreciate that finding this out just before the trip started must have been disappointing and we are really sorry for the inconvenience caused. Since this review was posted we have stopped using catamarans on this trip and we are now only using ferries for the crossing Lizette mentions.
Amazing variety of scenery and more wild life than I’d expected from reading other reviews of trips to Madagascar. We saw several different species of lemurs and a fantastic variety of chameleons! The trip requires some very early starts to see the wildlife when its most active, but its well worth it. There are some long bus journeys but the roads were in better condition than I expected from the description in the tour notes, and for me personally, the inspiring scenery and interesting street life in towns helped pass the time. Towards the end of the trip there are 3 days at a beach resort, which for me was too long. Once we’d visited the Spiny Forest nearby there wasn’t much to do. Even if you like sunbathing (I don’t) this is made impossible by the strong winds that develop every afternoon, which pick up the sand – if you tried staying on the beach you’d be sand-blasted, and similarly, the wind churns up the waves and makes snorkelling impossible. I liked every other place we stayed at so ideally I would shorten the time at the beach and have another night in one of the other national parks waves and makes snorkelling impossible.
Seeing such a variety of chameleons, both in the wild and at a fantastic sanctuary we visitedLemurs, especially the very tame (but wild) ring-tailed lemursAwesome landscapes!The spiny forest national park right down southWaking up to the sound of Indri calling in the jungle before dawn, also hearing a family chorus when we were watching them - I will never forget!
Tahianna, our leader, went out of his way to make sure we were all happy and comfortable. He gave us a lot of information about Madagascar, including personal insights and experiences that really enhanced my understanding of the country. At one point, about 2/3s of us were taken ill (a hazard of travelling in less developed countries and nothing to do with the trip) - he came to each of our rooms over the next 24 hours to check we were ok, made sure we had water and whatever else we needed, and even rearranged the itinerary when it was obvious that the group weren't up to going to a national park. I would give him 11 out of 10 for his tireless care and consideration of our needs.We had a different guide, Roger, for the last 36 hours (the guides change when you fly back from Tolear). I wasn't too impressed by him, it felt like we were a load of boring tourists to him!
You will witness extreme poverty so be prepared, especially if you're not used to travelling in less developed countries. On the positive side, your tourism is bringing much needed income and creating an incentive to protect the rapidly disappearing rainforests.You need to be reasonably agile on some of the walks (the trip notes say reasonably fit, but its not just about distances). At times we were clambering over rocks or walking on very uneven paths.Be aware, especially in Tana, of the risk of petty crime (snatch and run). This is nothing to worry about so long as you know it could happen. After learning that one of our group had a necklace snatched on her first day there I took off my (very small) gold St Christopher that's been with me on extensive travels over 20 years... if I'd realised that even this small item would be a temptation I would have just left it at home.
Even with my partner coming off her bike on Day 6, this trip delivered its promises on experiencing a country in a unique way and providing some challenging riding (but achievable even with little practice beforehand).
I can't define it as being just one day or event, but...Cycling through the back roads and seeing grand houses and then a shack just down the road - the contrast in lifestyles is very apparent due to the developing economy in India.Cycling up Ooty and being defeated after completing 30 of the 36 hairpins. My excuse: Cycling in circles waiting for my girlfriend to catch up as we ascended the mountain, so in theory I must of made it to the top already! ;)And as much as the descent was marred by Loo coming off the bike the following day, we have both said that the descent was an amazing day as we travelled past tea plantations, through the eucalyptus forest and winding down the mountain. As I prefer mountain biking when at home in the UK, I found a new appreciation for what road cyclists must enjoy when descending roads such as this.
Vishnu was a great guide - my first time on a holiday such as this so I didn't know what to expect. He was very informative and had good knowledge of the the local history, plants and wildlife. He was clear with setting expectations for the ride each day and the pace of the ride each day suited the group well I believe.Importantly, as there was an incident with my girlfriend falling off her bike, I would like to say that Vishnu handled the situation like a professional and there was no fuss or confusion. He dealt with the hospital staff and being transferred efficently. It is times like these that you count your blessings that you were travelling with a guide who takes the stress away from such an incident. Thank you Vishnu!
If you haven't ridden a bike for some time and you want to reach the top of Ooty, find a steep hill and ride up and down it at least every weekend for a good few months before. The guides Vishnu and Rintu seemed to think that we had put more effort in by pushing the bikes up the hill in the end - I'm not quite so sure!We didn't get caught out by any rain, but one evening whilst at the hotel in Cochin Fort there was a monsoon shower which knocked down trees and electric/cable lines. Be prepared for rain by taking some form of waterproof jacket so you can still get out and about to see the sights.Take a decent zoom lens for capturing wildlife and scenery if you want to ensure you get some nice photos to keep.
A wonderful trip despite having a fall. A wonderful way to see the country and to meet the people. Everyone we met was friendly and kind. The ooty climb was tough – but then I was not as experienced a cyclist as others in the group who all completed it . I did complete it pushing my bike up from hair pin bend number 8 to number 1 and that was enough of an achievment for me. The descent the following day is fabulous. The food on most days was excellent. Amazing to always have vegetarian choices.
I loved meeting people everywhere. That was my reason for doing a cycling trip. I had previously done a trip with Exodus in Africa and felt disconnected being in a truck travelling through places a lot of the time. I wanted to connect more with the people and the country.Sadly the day after Ooty Hill I had a fall having almost completed the descent. I had a nasty gash and fractured my elbow. I didn't cry until they told me that I couldn't cycle anymore. Following the rest of the group in the support vehicle was tough.The people and culture was inspirational, different religions can live together with tolerance and respect for one another. I loved the trip to the orphanage. I had a fantastic time chatting with the girls, helping to make chapattis. That was a lovely place
Vishnu was our group leader and he was fantastic, He gave us a pep talk each day letting us know what to expect.He looked after me really well when he found me after my fall and sorted out medical care calmly with no panic or stress. I felt well looked after and didn't have to worry about where to go etc.He looked after everyones requirements and even helped one of the group source a birthday cake for his wife's birthday. Even harder he helped us locate a very hard to find birthday card for us to give her also. I think we found the only card to be found in Allepelly.Vishnu did join me on the support vehicle when he could so that I did not feel so left out. Rintu was the his assistant who looked after the bikes. He was very attentive servicing the bikes and adjusting any with gear issues.
Go along with an open heart and mind and enjoy all that India offers you It is beautiful. Do take care on the descent from Ooty. I was unlucky going downhill and around a bend. I am so glad I had a helmet on. So be aware accidents can happen and it can spoil your trip of a lifetime. Be cautious. The traffic can be daunting but it's not too bad if you are sensible.Be wary of where you have a massage, if you have one. Different people within the group had variable experiences from very good to very bad. We went on a premium departure and the standard of hotels thoughout was good, however I didn't feel that the houseboat was of higher standard as we all said to one another the following day that the bedding etc was not good, there was no shower curtain and it would not of been possible to of had any less space in the cabin than we did have. I certainly don't feel like that aspect of the trip had been upgraded as promised in the trip notes and so felt a bit let down by that.As previous people have said we all paid into a kitty for snacks, tea, tips at the start. I certainly did not get the same value out of the kitty as others in the group but it did make the tea stops less complicated so go with it . Treat the people around you with the respect that they show you and enjoy.
Great holiday, fab to have 2 days at Petra.
Excellant leader
No need to take a sleeping bag for the desert
What an amazing trip! The wild beauty of the landscape, the Sherpas villages, the stunning mountains and glaciers, the Sherpas Buddhist culture, the Nepalese people…
Although Everest Base Camp was the highlight of the trip, it was disappointing as they were no one, no tents, nothing and the view of Everest wasn’t very good. However the view from Kala Pattar was stunning!
The highlight of my trip was the view of the great peak from Kala Pattar. It was a magical moment to be on the top of it. I wasn't prepared for this incredible moment and I felt tears in my eyes as I looked at the breathtaking view! Thankfully one of the Sherpas started to take pictures with my camera as I was in such shock I did not even think about taking pictures. I'm so glad now to look back at them as they bring my fabulous memories back.
Ngima was very helpful, knowledgeable, entertaining and very charming. He gave us a very details briefing every night and great advice. I wasn't part of the main tour group returning to the UK and my flight to Australia was departing in the late evening. Ngima made sure that I go to the airport safely and on time for my flight. It was also very thoughtful and generous of him to buy me a Nepalese gift for my birthday. The others Sherpas were great too and very helpful. They were great fun to be around.
I think everyone can do this trip but if you are fit you'll enjoy it a lot more! Drink plenty of water! Bring playing cards, chess games and books for the evening. Buy an extra battery and memory card for your camera. Don't miss Kala Pattar, even if you feel tired from the long walk from the day before.
An amazing introduction to a stunning continent. A real once-in-a-lifetime trip to somewhere that has to be experienced to be believed.
Where to start?! The excitement of jumping in a sea kayak for the first time, paddling through the beautiful clear blue sea marvelling at gigantic icebergs. Sitting on a gorgeously clear day in amongst a colony of gentoo penguins for about 2 hours, just admiring their behaviour and their inquisitiveness. The moment that the whole dining room put down their knives and forks and ran out onto deck to see the family of orcas that had just surfaced in the distance. Or camping overnight on the ice, digging my own bed and setting down for the night as the penguins and snowy sheathbills called nearby.
Aaron and his whole team were absolutely fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble for any of the One Ocean staff and they seemed to be on duty 24 hours a day to search the horizon for wildlife and excite the passengers with numerous presentations and stories. We had a wealth of knowledge and experience on board, some of the most inspirational people I have met! I was lucky enough to be part of the kayaking group and can't rate the guides highly enough. The crew on board were also brilliant, beautifully clean rooms, delicious food (so much of it!!) and again - nothing too much trouble.
I never really thought that a piece of equipment like an iPad or similar would be too useful until I looked on enviably as others displayed their photos at the end of the day! However the Ioffe has a well stocked multimedia room and many helpful members of staff so those without need not despair! However take plenty of memory card space, and extra batteries for your camera - you will need it!! Obviously lots of layers are very important - the rental kit provided by One Ocean was top notch and the majority of those on board made full use of it. Take spare gloves and hats - I took more than I needed but was thankful for extra layers when the weather turned. I got a lot of use out of my buff - great for pulling over your face if the wind gets a bit nippy! High sun factor is very important, and a good lip balm! Sea sickness pills are very useful, we were lucky with the crosings and didn't encounter the dreaded Drake Shake (!) but many of the passengers took advantage of the patches that were available from the on board doctor. If possible break the journey in Buenos Aires for a couple of days - a fantastic city worth exploring.
This trip was a great adventure, combining the thrill of superb mountain scenery with the achievements of crossing the Cho La Pass and reaching Everest Base Camp. We gained a fascinating insight into the sherpa culture and lifestyle. At the same time it was a really tough trek!
It was a great thrill to get to Base Camp and see the profusion of coloured flags, both prayer flags and national flags, that surround the cairn. I was not expecting to see anything at Base Camp out of the climbing season, but it seems like a place of pilgrimage in honour of the many climbers, including our sherpa guide Kaji, that have reached the summit of Everest from there.Also, it was a real eye-opener to see the huge loads carried by the sherpa porters up and down the many precipitous paths along these valleys. Almost everything needed in the villages, apart from basic foodstuffs, has to be carried up; these guys are a breed apart.
Our group leader, Gele, was very experienced and exuded an air of calm competence. He was very knowledgable about the whole area. He was very supportive and always on hand to help or offer advice, without being intrusive.
This is a very tough trek, being 15 days continuous walking, the majority of which are above 4000 metres and several above 5000 metres. Although there are some shorter days, most days are 6 to 8 hours with a lot of steep ascent or descent. For comparison, this is much tougher than a Kilimanjaro trek, which is all over in 6 days. Getting supplies of drinking water is an issue. Many walkers felt the need to buy bottled mineral water, which gets increasingly expensive the higher you get, since it is all carried in. But adding sterilisation tablets to the local tap water is a perfectly safe alternative at essentially zero cost.
A brilliant trip! Would love to visit Iceland again.
We were really lucky to see the Northern Lights on our first night. Wasn't the brightest night but still an experience. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole trip, particularly enjoyed the morning we got up early to watch the sunrise on the beach and the lagoon full of icebergs. The glacier walking was good fun, something I've not done before. Quite easy to get the hang of but coming back down was a little scary if you're not steady on your feet. Was really interesting going into the lava tube and learning about its formation and the Blue Lagoon is a must. Wish we had more time to spend there!
Kristjan is a brilliant group leader. He looked after us really well and was incredibly informative about Iceland, its culture and history. He took us to some lovely restaurants, one which served some every tasty horse steaks. Felt we were in every good hands.
Layers are definitely the key and waterproof trousers. It got pretty windy at some points and waterproof trousers were essential. Also the right socks, as I found my feet got very cold very quickly even though I was wearing 2 pairs of thermal socks.