Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The views from the top of Mt Toubkal were humbling, and so beautiful. Equally inspring was walking back down through the mountain villages, that appeared even more beautiful than they had on the trip up.  The beauty and calm was spellbinding. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Hassan was absolutely faultless; his attention to everyone's needs was quietly perfect and completely admirable. Absolutely lovely person and couldn't ask for better. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you enjoy being in mountains, don't hesitate --- do it!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many memorable moments. In the mountains, the emotions are torn between the uplifting  majesty of the scenery contrasting so poignantly with the evidence of brutal human conflict.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Karl was excellent. He was informative, humorous and sensitive to the capabilities of the group members. We all thoroughly enjoyed his leadership and company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want a walking holiday amongst fantastic scenery based in a high quality hotel, you will enjoy this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Great Wall was amazing and each stretch confirmed that the Wall is well worth the visit.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jerry Wu was knowledgeable and attentive throughout the trek, and Mr Han the driver was good and safe, and kept us supplied with water!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do it and note that I am 71 and managed without problem so you can.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of the long climbs on days 3 and 4.The views.   Not missing a photo opportunity due to sitting on the wrong side of a coach. Snack stops - just what you need to keep you going until lunchtime.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very professional.  Took time to check everything was ok before, during and after the days cycling.  Local staff also very helpful and informative.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip was classed as moderate and that you should be of average fitness.  If you are not fit, or used to cycling distances, then you may find some of the days not so enjoyable.   Don't worry about being left behind - you won't be.  The group always re-groups at a junction so no-one gets lost.Take as long as you like - stop for a photo whenever you want.Be organised for a beach stop every day.  If you don't like the beach, take a book with you or do a bit of extra cycling.   

Most Inspirational Moment

Not sure about inspirational, but memorable highlights included: (1) Second half of Day 3 ride along Hvar towards Sucaraj - cruising along the narrow part of the island with amazing sea views to left and right. I had got in my stride and thought: this is cycling at its best. (2) Lunch at Mate restaurant on Day 5, Korcula - simple but traditional fayre, a great stop over on a relaxing day of cycling. (3) Traditional dinner on Day 5 at family establishment just outside Korcula - amazing slow cooked lamb and simple but delicious salads, great setting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Good overall - responsible, responsive and took good care of us in general. However, he could have been more communicative: I (and I think some other fellow travellers) would have preferred if he had provided more detailed information in the daily briefings.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some reasonably long climbs - eg, 11k and 9k climbs on Days 2 and 3. Whether or not they are "challenging" depends of course on what cycling you are used to. But I think if you do not have any experience of cycling in hilly areas, then some of the hills would be quite challenging. Also beware that whilst you can decide at the bottom of the big climbs to go in the van instead, there was no option of quitting half way (no place for van to stop).

Most Inspirational Moment

For me the border crossings, from France to Switzerland, Switzerland to Italy and Italy to France were all spectacular - difficult days that made me feel a sense of achievement as passes were crossed, moving from one country to another. On two of the rest days I took the opprtunity to take the respective cable cars up to stations high up on glaciers. An amazing experience to see the high mountains without having to be a mountaineer. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Jenny was quite frankly superb. She was organised, kept us well briefed throughout the trek, and was tremendous fun to socialise with. It was pretty obvious she had many years of leading and her experience showed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For anyone who walks regularly or is reasonably active, this trek should not pose any significant physical challenges as long as you are reasonably fit before you come on this trek. That being said the more physical preparation you can do pre departure, the more you can enjoy the trek. Read the pre departre notes and even look at the Exodus trekking fitness guide and be honest with yourself you can do what's described. You want a challenge not an ordeal.

Most Inspirational Moment

The evening tour of Dubrovnik.....perhaps the walk around the city walls.Mljet National Park is pretty special too!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very professional, yet relaxed as well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you can afford it, book on the tour with the premium accomadation.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Sun Gate, brought tears to my eyes.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutley fantastic, helpful, knowledgeable, sense of humour, aproachable. Her vocabulary was good.Kept us informed all the time of what would happen next. 

Most Inspirational Moment

The two day overnight walk into the mountains. The views of the mountains and the clouds below you were awesome.All the walks to the peaks were well worth the effort 

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had the slightly unusual situation that the leader was swapped part way through the trip. Both Ale and Sarah were excellent.Ale's easy going approach worked well on the longer walks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take snacks or buy them in the local supermarket. The breakfasts were basic and I was hungry early on in the trek each day. This is especially important for the overnighter. Whilst the evening meal was great, breakfast was toast and jam.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking the Great Wall of China, something I never thought I would achieve.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Emma was absolutely fabulous and couldn't do enough for the group. She worked tirelessly for 3 weeks never getting fazed or missing a beat. She is a credit to the company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just enjoy because you can't fail to. Don't take to much with you. You don't need anything more than shorts and flip flops. Even on mount Emie it was beautifully cool not cold. Oh and ensure you have wheels on your case.