Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The highlight obviously has to be making it to the summit of Kilimanjaro, also the fact that all 7 in the group made it meant that we could all celebrate together.  This achievement will be a lasting memory!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Priscus the head guide was excellent.  He helped anyone struggling with altitude sickness and he and the other guides were very knowledgable about the mountain flora, fauna and all aspects of trekking.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go prepared for rain, hail, sleet and snow!! Waterproofs are your best friend, plus thermals and lots of layers.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first view of Lake Garda was truly stunning (and the descent to the shore).The quality of cycle routes was superior to anything we have in the North East.Venice was better than I expected, as were all our cultural experiences (the covered walkway from the hotel in Vicenza was stunning) The misty morning ride along the waterway as we left the bustle of Verona  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michela was one of the best tour leaders we've ever had. a constant smile, excellent English and more than enough knowlege for a bunch of cyclists. He never wore the same cycle jersey twice - very colourful!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go and enjoy it! Bring lots of money for Venice and visit very early on the last day to avoid the crowds.

Most Inspirational Moment

Riding camels in the Sahara and spending New Year's Eve under the stars. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hassan was excellent, local and knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour 

Advice for Potential Travellers

take lots of ball point pens as gifts

Most Inspirational Moment

The first time our guide lit the small gas heater in our freezing cold gite is firmly embedded in my memory.  Until then, I thought I was going to die from the cold!The 32 km walk to and from the lake on the last day was pretty special too. On the first day, I opted out of the lunch venue that our city guide took us to, as I thought the food looked rather bland - as did the restaurant. I found THE MOST AMAZING place to eat in the following place www.lesjardinsdelakoutoubia.com   Incredible roof terrace, amazing views, fabulous food and brilliant service, for not much more than the price of the place I had opted out of. I highly recommend it.  I spent New Year's eve there too and it was truly amazing. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was very competent and very patient indeed. He had his work cut out pacing the walks to suit a very mixed ability group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are travelling in Dec/Jan ditch the T-shirts and take thermals and fleeces. Consider packing a hot-water bottle. Gloves and a wooly hat are a must. Also consider bringing some savoury snacks for munching on. You might also wish to pack a flask as the gite staff will fill it with boiling water if you wish to have a hot drink on the walks.

Most Inspirational Moment

- The mountain walking- The temple in Mudurai- The fantastic food made under simple conditions during our camping

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ajith is a very good guide, full of kowledge about the nature and his country, a good organiser, and a very nice person.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Give your packing list a real consideration. Although wet and a little chilly in the mountains, most of the time it is really warm. Be flexible and multi-purposed in your packing. A warm waterbottle in your sleeping bag works miracles for chilly nights. Be aware that the camping life is very basic, with little chance of a wash for 5 days. The tents are small, so keep your bags as small as possible.

Most Inspirational Moment

When I finally stopped freaking out because I couldn't control my speed!

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had two group leaders Eric and Andy, who were both fantastic.  Excellent instruction for both beginner and experienced skiers...also very patient.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're expecting Italian food in Dobiacco you won't find it unless you go out to specific restaurants.

Most Inspirational Moment

I think everyday was inspirarainal, but the first day really sticks in my mind.The first ride which was rather relaxing cycling through the jungle and children running out and saying hello to the group, then visiting the beautiful cave temples at dambula and then later climbing the rock fortress at sigiriya. there were so many highlights to this trip but I loved the tea stops and bakeries, the sri lankans make great cakes! also just to eat fresh fruit everyday which hasn't travelled thousands of miles was just brilliant :-)

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was really really great, he put 100% into the group and kept everything running smoothly, nothing was a problem for him, we had mentioned we were intrested in the pottery and potters in the area of ahangama, and so with our group leader and driver we went on the hunt for a local potter, it would have been impossible without the help of the leader and it was a great experience to see the potter work and show us her techniques. I also like comment on the rest of the team who were also great and helpful the driver was amazing.

Most Inspirational Moment

The final ascent, of course! But then I dont think I would have made it without all the wonderful friends I climbed with. We all bonded really well from from the moment we journeyed from the airport to the hotel. The Porters also made me feel very humble too. The do an incredible amount to make the experience unforgettable. We truly could not have climbed without each and every one of them from the helping porters to the guides.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Meke, the Head Guide, was the nicest person you could ever meet. Each of the 4 Guides were excellent. You absolutely respected their decisions. If they said you couldn't go on, then you couldn't. Equally, if they felt you had it in you, even though you didn't think you did, they would encourage you to keep going! And we all made it!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Prepare for the dust! There's an incredible amount of it. Try to put all you clean clothes into plastic bags. this will keep the clean stuff seperate from the dusty stuff. Take throat lozenges too. Also have in your mind that its perfectly normal to feel bad. That's what climbing Kilimanjaro is all about. Once you accept that its normal to have a headache and feel a bit sick, then it makes life easier. Also prepare to tip the top rate for the Porters. The do an incredible amount, and carry not just your bag, but anything else they can manage too. And, finally and most importantly, just enjoy every single minute of it! It's over too quickly!

Most Inspirational Moment

Stood on the crisp snow covered riverbank, gazing into the break of white water cascading past 'The Mill' as I placed my snowball and thoughts in a secret position to be remembered upon my return to 'the real world'.Standing back to admire the 5 hours worth of hard work from our group of four quincee builders, before creating a 'Benny Hill' style sketch around them! Thanks girls - such fun!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Superb! Very approachable, chatty and knowledgeable of the local area. All staff gave every effort to their jobs but also created a relaxed atmosphere whilst efficiently going about their work - from the cook to the group leaders, excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You really don't need to take much with you to wear, other than personal items such as underwear and thermals. A holiday where you could almost get away with hand luggage!

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing atop Monte Piano, on a plateau of swirling snow surrounded by peaks. It was like standing in the centre of a coronet. Yay we did it !!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Karl has an inspiring passion for the Dolomites. He was thoughtful and encouraging about making sure we enjoyed every element of our holiday. His deep knowledge of the area created confidence alongside his stories describing the history as we chugged along.He invited feedback throughout the week and wanted to make sure the holiday would be the best that it could be for us. Best ever group leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We were the oldest on the group (60 + 66). We probably should have done some more steep hill walking before we went, but we had a wonderful time and highly recommend the trip.