Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling the final climb into Siena, after a 70km ride, to arrive at the famous Piazza, then to be guided through the Siena streets by Allessandro. A most memorable day. Wonderful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Already voted for the awards! Excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although this is described as "B" Moderate, there are some climbs (otherwise described as "undulations") but the idea is that you go at your own pace and enjoy every moment of every day and especially the wonderful scenery. There is absolutely no pressure to keep up with anyone else in the group. It is very much a "no pressure" trip, but if you are willing to push yourself, it is a great fitness challenge. ps padded cycling shorts are a must!

Most Inspirational Moment

It was great to see everyone make it to the top of the hill on day two. And the decent wasn't bad either.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ana was exceptional! She was organized, accommodating, and fun. She went out of her way to make sure the needs of everyone in the group were met and that everyone was enjoying themselves.

Advice for Potential Travellers

While the trip is graded "moderate," there definitely were some difficult hills. I recommend doing some hilly training rides if you're not a regular cyclist.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably climbing the steepest hills and letting go for a gloriously fast descent.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bojan was very good indeed.  He challenged the fastest, supported the slowbies and found lovely restaurants for every meal.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A little cycling practice won't go amiss - some of the hills are steep, but by no means long or difficult, and it's useful to know how gears work, when to change gear, what to do when it's rocky or to have a little bit of confidence in your ability to ride for a few hours.  oh, and padded cycling shorts are a good idea.  Also, our bikes were very exactly sized - to the inch rather than 'small/medium/large' - so tell them your correct height or you may get a bike that's slightly too small!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several moments during this trip which I will remember forever.  Floating in the dead sea and snorkelling of the boat in Aqaba were great fun.However the best bits for me were sitting around the camp fire listening to stories from Danny whilst looking at the gorgeous night sky in Wadi Rum and also getting to the viewpoint in Petra and looking out at everything.  Truly astonishing holiday.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danny Haddad was a fantastic tour leader.  He was informative, friendly and passionate about the subject which made it all the more excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I'd thoroughly recommend doing the snorkelling boat tour in Aqaba.  The lunch on the boat was wonderful - grilled fresh fish, fresh salad, potatoes...and then snorkelling off the boat was excellent.  Well worth the price! 

Most Inspirational Moment

Swimming with Sea lions, penguins and rays!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Extremely knowledgeable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't think twice - do it!

Most Inspirational Moment

Hiking as a group in Petra without seeing any other tourists.

Thoughts on Group Leader

A great tour guide--professional, fun, and educational

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take this trip! Unlike others where you get a day in Petra, this trip allows for you to immerse yourself in this incredible city.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of Salkantay pass....seeing two seperate valleys dropping away, and the snow clad mountain was simply stunning.Walking along the canals at approx 3000m and stopping to soak our feet in the ice cold water. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wilfedo could not do enough for us, he was so informative about the surrounding areas, always willing to help, and fit into our 3 person group :)

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with an open mind, don't sweat the small stuff...don't take too much stuff, remember the horses and the porters have to carry everything up hill!!!Even if you have a hydration pack take a metal bottle as they serve as a overnight hot water bottle (it gets cold at night).Most places we visited prefered the local currency (Solis), you can pay with dollars, but you will get a poor rate of exchange) 

Most Inspirational Moment

Slovenia itself - it really is the most beautiful country!  I have been to many stunning countries across the world but Slovenia really surprized me, such beautiful scenery, on my doorstep really, that i knew very little about.  My favourite day was when we summited Golica and you walk with one foot in Austria and one foot in Slovenia, such pretty scenery, a little tough at times but i could have sat taking in the views at the top for ever and ever.  Saying that though every day was fantastic, we had a great group of people and lots of fun.  Even the free day which i choose to spend sunbathing and swimming in Lake Bled, as it was over 30 degrees, which was pretty special too.  The trip had everything, great walking, stunning views, some free time and a fantastic bunch of people.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had 2 leaders, David and Micah and they were such great guys.  Very knowledgeable, with a real love and pride for their country and wicked sense of humour too.  They were very good judges of character and took the time to make sure everyone was looked after and really helped to make the trip as good as it was. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

The food portions everywhere are huge - one of our group ordered deep fried cheese for a starter on a night out - and it came with a side serving of chips - for a starter!!  Lovely soups and cakes too - good job it was a walking holiday!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were 2 stand-out on a personal level during our trip:While all 13 members of the group successfully completed the demanding 1-week itinerary, special mention is due to the oldest member of the group, who, at 75 years of age, was an absolute inspiration to everyone, some of whom were less than half his age. Another group member whose pre-trip training was severely curtailed having been hospitalised for pneumonia 2 months before departure showed utter determination in admirably defying the odds to get up all of the most challenging ascents and just never gave up.There were coutless moments of scenic inspiration. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Graham, a top-class guide, did an excellent job. He managed the spectrum of ability in the group very skillfully so that everyone successfully completed each days' walk. He was gently engaging with everyone and did not insinuate himself socially in any excessively imposing way. He had helpful suggestions and advice on clothing options, and gave regular tips for cost-saving measures when buying foodstuffs to take with you each day. He had a great knowledge of local terrain and prevailing conditions which gave a very comforting sense of confidence to all of us. At the end of each day he did a summary of our progress with the aid of a map, and sumarised what to expect on the following days walk. All of this greatly added to our sense of enjoyment.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't expect luxury accomodation on route - it is adequate and appropriate to the rustic nature of what you are doing in the surroundings you are in.A good basic level of fitness is highly desirable. It is physically tough but not excessively so for those with a reasonable level of fitness. Although challenging, it is relatively short. I would consider it a good preparation for those considering longer treks of a demanding nature (such as the GR 20 in Corsica or Everest base camp).Those with a sense of sociability and teamwork will find this more rewarding than those with strongly independent, individualistic attitudes.

Most Inspirational Moment

Just sitting at the top of a mountain and seeing nothing but more mountains in every direction!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader organised everything with great efficiency and nothing was too much trouble. She was friendly, helpful, very encouraging and her knowledge of the area was extremely good.