Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational times of the trip for me was making it to the top of some of those tough climbs and experiencing the most incredible scenery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Mike was amazing, as was our camp leader Kieron. Mike was knowledgeable, friendly and took great care of the group. I felt safe and looked after. The walking was sometimes challenging, but Mike set a pace on the tough parts to get us all to the top and the views were worth every step. Kieron was an amazing camp leader. His dinners were delicious and a cold beer was always waiting for us at camp. We had a lot of fun with our leaders.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My advice to other travellers would be to do some training for this walk. It is in the Alps and there are a lot of ups and downs which can be steep but in saying that the views are always amazing. I got a real sense of accomplishment on reaching the top of those big ascents. The camping was great I totally recommend going that way. The tents were big and comfortable for two people and it really brings the group together with everyone pitching in and hanging out. Loved it!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Riding along beautiful, endless views of yellow canola fields

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jan was great! He went above & beyond to make sure our needs were met and that we were seeing & experiencing the local scene.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you’re into it, we got tickets to see an opera at the Opera House in Vienna. It was such a cool experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, it was the simple fact of being in a remote Bulgarian village, within a wonderful landscape, with great food and exercise.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Julian was a fantastic leader, and his incredible knowledge about bears and other flora & fiuana enthused the whole group. He made sure that the pace of the walks was relaxed to allow for opportunities to appreciate the flora and fauna.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Think about adding a couple of days in Sophia at the end. The group hotel for the last night, the Crystal Palace, is really in an excellent position, but there is no time to explore the capital city if you return on the group flight to Heathrow. We stayed on in the Crystal Palace Hotel, which is in the Embassy area of the city and within easy walking of all the main sights., for another couple of nights and were pleased we did. . Walking poles were useful on some of the steeper descents.

Most Inspirational Moment

Jokulsarlon lagoon with its icebergs and the associated Diamond Beach is unique whatever the weather. The many huge waterfalls never failed to impress, while a long soak one afternoon in a 30c-40c geothermal pool was delightful. Walking the basalt column cliffs on the Snaefellsnes Peninsular was particularly enjoyable as there was at last warm sunshine and plenty of unusual birds for the bird watchers in the group to appreciate. The whale watching trip from Akureyi was successful as we saw several humpbacks, probably the same whale repeatedly diving but still exciting to see their blows and flukes

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jon was an excellent leader, always attentive to our needs, ensuring that there were plenty of toilet and photo opportunity breaks during our travels. He educated us with many stories of folklore and life in Iceland, with his constant chatter and humour during the day always welcome. The few changes of itinerary due to the weather were made without drama, and we were always kept informed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for rain and wind and pack accordingly. Overtrousers are advisable (probably essential) with a rainproof coat, plus layers for clothing to easily remove if/when warm or put on on colder, windier days. Cash is not necessary, everything was paid for by credit card

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several but the walk on the final day with the views from the top of the valley into Switzerland and Italy was very special. That, and the lovely and interesting members of our group of walkers.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Robert was excellent. Knowledgeable, calm, organised and helpful. And we had some great conversations!

Most Inspirational Moment

The mountain monasteries at Meteora, and Delphi, were truly awe-inspiring. Amazing to be able to get up close and personal to so many ancient sites and relics. Athens is a great city - fun, varied and interesting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Maria was fantastic - a real asset to this tour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes. A reusable water bottle is a must - there are taps around numerous sites to fill it up, too.

Most Inspirational Moment

Zip lining and tubing

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great leader. Very good at adjusting to circumstances. Very sociable and easy to talk to. Very knowledgeable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Everything! But if I had to choose- driving across the Gobi in 4x4s, so off the beaten track that sometimes there’s was no track! Beautiful vast expanses of mountains and desert. Stunning! Or the Naadam festival opening ceremony which was a wonderful mix of music, dance and horses. As good as, or better than an Olympic opening ceremony. You could feel the excitement of the crowd especially when the horses were galloping around the stadium. A very special memory.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Munkhbold was fantastic. Friendly, easy going and with a great sense of humour. He has vast knowledge of Mongolian history, culture and way of life, and made it all so interesting. He was well organised as well. One of the best leaders I’ve had.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect the unexpected! The gers are all excellent, but take your own shampoo and shower gel as they don’t supply any (the hotels do) A head torch is very useful for going to the toilets at night and for finding things in your bags as the Ger lighting is adequate but only in the centre of the room. Go to the optional cultural show in Ulaanbaatar. It is really good, very high quality dancers, singers, and musicians.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking around the edge of Vesuvius.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nico was very knowledgeable, good fun and very helpful.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment was climbing the magnificent red sand dunes before dawn and watching the sunrise.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ronney was a top class group leader. Always cheerful and very well organised. The tour went very smoothly thanks to his personal and people skills. Simply The Best !

Advice for Potential Travellers

For visitors travelling in June/July, be aware that evenings and nights can be very cold. Frosts are not unusual. Pack enough warm clothes for evening , night time and early mornings. The tents are very basic and sleeping mattresses only 5cm thick. No camp beds, no pillows provided. It is however possible to last-minute-upgrade to bedroom-lodges, in some camp sites, for extra comfort. A certain amount of fitness is recommended to take part in the walks and climbs.