Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Highlights: Our guide, Lara was amazing in every way Scenery was incredible Organised activities were outstanding Knowledge of countries and culture great

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lara Musumeci was an incredible guide. Friendly, enthusiastic, funny, knowledgeable, passionate, helpful, encouraging and sociable. Lara helped make our trip one of the most memorable. Nothing was too much trouble, she went out of her way to make sure we had an amazing experience in her country.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is impossible to pick a single event. It was that good.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alessio was a great guide. His knowledge of Sicily is fantastic and he looked after our group of 7 very well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sicily is even best in Spring. The weather might be mixed, but we were very lucky. April was not too hot and the island is covered with beautiful Spring flowers. After a couple more months it will be very hot and the best of the flora will have passed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Obviously visiting Victoria Falls was a major highlight but I equally enjoyed all the game drives and going out into the Okavango Delta. I wasn’t so bothered by the longer walking safari (of which my friend and I didn’t do!) but that was us choosing to read a book in beautiful surroundings instead. We did the two shorter walks.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was very good with everyone. Seemed very organised. His driving was amazing. His knowledge of birds and identifying them was pretty amazing too. He was friendly and good fun to be around.

Most Inspirational Moment

The third hike was the most difficult for me, and completing this hike felt like an important achievement. There were other hikes where we had more of an elevation increase; this one felt more challenging. The day after this hike we took a break, and it definitely felt like a well-earned break.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Inês was a kind and thoughtful leader. She was well-organized and kept everything running smoothly. She was flexible and adapted how/what she communicated to us based on the types of questions we asked. Ricardo, who acted in a supporting and guiding role to Inês, was also observant of our strengths and weaknesses and supported as a group and as individuals. They worked very well together, and we all benefited from positive leadership.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Hikes were approximately between 5 and 8 miles long, and the pace was about 2 to 2.5 miles per hour. The first two days, we did quite a bit of uphill walking. (Note: I live and walk at sea level, so consider that.) You may or may not need hiking boots, but ankle support is useful. A windbreaker is a good idea. Definitely bring layers, some times of day can be chilly, and the hills are cooler than the coast.

Most Inspirational Moment

Everyone loved the houseboat and the cookery demo.

Thoughts on Group Leader

A lovely man and very experienced and conscientious guide. He ate meals with us, helping with dietary requirements so that we enjoyed trying new foods. He remembered who needed ATMs and managed the tipping kitty so that we didn't need to worry.

Most Inspirational Moment

Snorkelling close up with mantas.

Thoughts on Group Leader

UB

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don’t chase after the mantas, stay by their path and try to lie quietly and horizontally in the water and allow them to come to you. Avoid the month of Ramadan if possible as the staff can tire out with the food and water fasting and exertions in the water.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me the Kaido cycle was a highlight. The views from the bridges, purchasing oranges from the market as we cycled past. Who knew there were at least twelve varieties. The quirky cycling hotel at our start of our cycle and the beautiful traditional style hotel waiting for us at the end. We also enjoyed the use of public transport as it felt part of the trip and not just a means to an end.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ayako was an excellent guide. Navigating the public transport system was not an easy feat and we never once missed a connection. She was open to our suggestions and encouraged us to sample the local cuisine and the tradition off onsen bathing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be organised, travel light and enjoy the journey

Most Inspirational Moment

The day after the high pass, the scenery was beautiful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He made us feel very welcome right from the start, he was extremely helpful and nothing was to much trouble for him. He was very knowledgeable and did go out of his way to assist us in exploring the city outwith the tour.

Most Inspirational Moment

The variety of walks, our comfortable and interesting Cortijo, a day in Seville and the great group of fellow travellers.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michael was organised and super-efficient, booking ahead, absolutely planned on all walks and activities, recommending sights, bars, restaurants, entertainment in places where we were 'free', being fully aware of the need for health and safety, and amazing us all with his enthusiasm, wealth of knowledge in so many areas, especially flora and fauna, and real passion for everything we saw.

Most Inspirational Moment

Tatio Geysers, Salinas Grandes salt flats, birdwatching trip to Finca Cielo Verde, cycling alongside the Conchas River

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alejandro is probably the best leader I have come across