Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

I think the ride to the remote region of Sierra Maestra; the location of the hotel was as described and we were priveleged to walk in the forests and meet with locals who rarely receive visits from tourists, made you feel like a real explorer. Although living in what we would consider to be poor conditions they are pleased to meet you and share their modest provisions.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

One of the best group leaders I have met on my travels, extremely knowledgeable about his country and willing to talk at great length on a wide variety of topics. He was eager to discuss topics ranging from politics and economics through to flora and fauna and everything in between, a really sociable amusing and interesting person.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't go to bed too early the night life is good and if you enjoy music you will discover amazing bands especially in Trinidad and Habana. 

Most Inspirational Moment

The highlight of the week had to be walking the Cares Gorge with its ever-changing views of cliffs and peaks. It contrasted nicely with the mountain walks up Pena Main and Manciondiu which both offered great views across the rest of the Picos and down to the coast.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pilar was excellent, knowing the area and its nature well and with good English (our group Spanish being limited). She looked after us well keeping an eye on both front and back markers and her close connection with the hotel made for a very pleasant stay.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you like mountain walking this is an area you should visit. The scenery and walking are spectacular and different and it is not too busy.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery is stunning. The walk to the summit of Vesuvius makes you appreciate the power of nature. If you get the opportunity to visit Herculaneum, take it. It is much more awe inspiring than Pompeii.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant

Most Inspirational Moment

Being almost engulfed by a group of elephants in the Ngorongoro Crater. Gazing up at the night sky in the Serengeti. Or perhaps sipping cocktails on the veranda at The Africa House watching the sun set in Zanzibar.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Moses was absolutely tops. He worked so hard to make our experience the best it could be. He was knowledgable, good company, very patient - and never seemed to get tired!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Our waterproof trousers came in handy on a couple of occasions. Pack small! Take binoculars.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many to say but arriving to see Machu Picchu was breathtaking, and going by taxi to Pisac Market was another highlight of our trip, also staying with a local family on Amantani island was an experience not to be missed. Overall the whole trip was an amazing experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tourleader was exceptional, really helpful when I had altidtude sickness. and travel sickness.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take travel sickness pills just incase your need them, and tablets to help with the altitude.

Most Inspirational Moment

We were lucky to see a rare buddist ceremony in Nara and the chanting made the temple really come alive, although I can't really pick a 'best' place or moment as it was all fabulous.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had 2 leaders (one experienced English leader from the UK and one comparatively new French leader living in Japan) and the mix of personalities (one very strong on organisation and one very laid back) worked really well. They were very knowledgeable and told us all we needed to know to make the most of the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want to make the most of the trip, even though it can be done at a leisurely pace, I would recommend getting some ideas of what you want to see before you go and getting up early with bags of energy so you can fits lots in on the 'free' days. This is simply beacuse there is so much you could see you don't want to waste a minuate and that can be tiring.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too hard to pick out just one. Everyday had moments of magic and there is such a great sense of achievement at the end.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rupert was an excellent walk leader - setting a good pace whilst being aware of and responding to individual needs.  He was very informative on the huge variety of local plants and flowers.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just book the trip - it is worth it.  As a solo traveller this trip was perfect for me.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the sun come up behind us, illuminating the tip of Everest so it glowed golden and set it apart from the other peaks

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was perfect for the tour, he managed the group well, he was clearly respected by our stopping off points along the way, he joined in when he was needed and he helped us when we needed him most - he was a benefit to the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't underestimate what fitness you need, make sure you have enough to occupy you when not walking, don't eat the Yak meat, bring plenty of wet wipes, take stacks of pictures, there is no rush, use the boiled water rather than the bottled - it works well as a sleeping bag warmer, savour the time away from the stresses of modern living - turn your phone off, don't underestimate the power of the sun up there, talk to other groups early on - you will see each other many times, if you suffer from hangovers don't drink too much in Lukla on your return journey.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting  Herculaneum and Pompeii  -  although Pompeii was what we decided to do on our spare day - with the expert organisational assistance of our group leader.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Barbara was fantastic  -  she had superb knowledge of the area and Italy in general - and being a fluent Italian speaker allowed her to easliy smooth out any organisational blips.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes -  use the spare day to go to Pompeii  and ask Francesco the guide who conducts the Herculaneum tour to join you in Pompeii  ( extra expense but definitely worth it ! )

Most Inspirational Moment

Sleeping in the  desert cycling the  rift valley

Thoughts on Group Leader

our Jordanian tour leader Khaled was very knowledgable,caring, opend minded and in love with his country ... really excellent and very professionnal

Advice for Potential Travellers

lets yourselfbe surprised  by the desert ...the time of the year was perfect (just right  temperature,...)