Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling to and staying in Wadi rum.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mekhled was an excellent group leader. He organised the whole trip very well, everyone kept to a sometimes demanding schedule. He was knowledgeable and gave us a lot of information about historical sites culture etc. Extra things like lunchtime food was always well managed. The cycling team was also good, the leader set a comfortable pace and kept the group together, they were helpful with bike maintenance. Mekhled didn't ride a bike but was in a support van, this didn't matter much at all except at various times he'd say "it's down hill". The ride in total would be a descent but could be undulating and hard work at times, or have an uphill that you wouldn't feel in the van. The cycling team leader was better at knowing the route from a cycling perspective but tended to be quite quiet.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We went late November which seemed to be about right for weather/temperature.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling to the capes. Cycling from Barrydale .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rochelle the first was super. Ernest was great too. Tallis took over for Rochelle and was OK, had a lot og knowledge about animals and birds, but not as interested as Rochelle was.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy!

Most Inspirational Moment

The villages and the people we ecountered and the grandeur of the mountain landscape.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Probably the best leader I have had on many guided trips. Sukman was superbly orgainised and coped with any issues before they deteriorated. His open friendly manner put everyone at ease, and he conveyed his love of Nepal in his talks about Nepali culture and life. Thanks Sukman, for me you made this trek so special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring a buff. It can be dusty when the wind blows. Bring a few pencils and notebooks, as a trip member did, to give to children.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely first class! Extremely well organised and very knowledgeable. A credit to the company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Train before going, it’s hot humid and there are some long distances.

Most Inspirational Moment

The sheer amount of wildlife we saw throughout was amazing, but within half an hour of entering the Maasai Mara we saw a cheetah with a kill! We also did the balloon trip - it wasn't our first, but floating over the Maasai Mara and seeing all the animals below was something we'll treasure.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gilbert, our group leader, was excellent. He was clearly very experienced, even recognising a fellow traveller from a previous trip some years before. We had 2 vehicles on the tour and he made sure he split his time equally between both, and always kept the group on track time-wise. He also spent time with the group during mealtimes, sharing insights about Kenya's history and culture. From a personal perspective, he helped us enormously when my husband realised he'd lost his wallet whilst in the check in queue at the airport. One call to Gilbert and the wallet was located back at the hotel. He then arranged for it, and the cash inside, to be returned to us back in the UK.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't take too much cash - there are ATMs around and the tour leader will guide you. We were also able to pay by card for the balloon trip, which we hadn't expected.

Most Inspirational Moment

Taj Mahal

Thoughts on Group Leader

Manu was very good. Delivered the programme. Told us a lot about India, and very open about his country. All the crew were very good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

India is chaotic and assaults all your senses. On the road you will see people, cows, dogs, buffalo, and lots of rubbish and plastic. It takes about a week to get used to the chaos !

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to pick one but my favourite day has to be the walk in Abel Tasman National Park and then the afternoon spent on a catqnaran sailing around Anchorage Bay. Lovely walk and beautiful weather for a sail.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Summer was a good tour leader. She was enthusiastic ,helpful, knowledgeable about the culture especially the maori culture. She was always fun to be around

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't do this trip if you want plenty of rest. There is a lot of walking involved and a lot of it uphill. There are some long days getting in not much before 7pm so be prepared for not having much time before dinner Otherwise just enjoy the amazing sights you will see and some great accommodation

Most Inspirational Moment

The day we crossed over to Italy and hiked Val Ferret to Courmayeur. Whilst we hiked, there was the dramatic view of Mont Blanc and the mountain views on the right-hand side. The experience was surreal and majestic. We were able to see the glaciers if we looked closely. Also, we treated ourselves to either an Italian coffee or beer at the refuge which was a lovely treat! :)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Egle was amazing as everyone in the group had different abilities when it came to hiking and she adjusted the pace so everyone hiked together. She has incredible knowledge of the local flora and fauna too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Train for this hike and build your stamina

Most Inspirational Moment

Not sure what inspirational moments were on the trip as it was exciting and informative . Meeting and moving amongst the locals was great. It reminds us what we have and what you really do need. The only real inspiration was to make sure that we repeat the holiday trips regularly.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roshan was great, he got to know us and allowed the trip to develop, it never feeling too much of a rush or exercise to be completed. His talks on the general history were pitched just right and were informative and interesting. The issues and political landscape since independence were well explained and informative. He made an effort to understand and nurture the group

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring plenty of insect repellant. Clothes can be laundered at a reasonable cost at the hotels so not some may clothes need be brought resulting in a lower weight suitcase to lug around.

Most Inspirational Moment

Snorkelling with turtles and sharks

Thoughts on Group Leader

Katty is a great leader, she is very passionate and knowledgeable about Galapagos and is fantastic at spotting and identifying all the flora and fauna. She made some excellent changes to the itinerary which meant we could see the sulphur mines and also have time to visit a tortoise breeding centre and a local brewery without compromising the visit to the mines as the walk would have been similar to the previous day and a lot of it would be Misty. We still walked back from the tortoise breeding centre so still got lots of exercise.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Taking a wetsuit is a good option as the water is cold and it helps with floating . You can buy for under £30 and if you hire them it is approx £10 a day. Take lots of sun lotion as sun is very intense. No need to apply for the Galapagos tourist card as the local operator will have sorted it for you. A waterproof camera or go pro camera for underwater as lots to photograph. If you have time go to the Napo wildlife centre, totally different but equally enthralling Insect repellent is recommended for Isabela.