Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The amazing age, state of preservation and artistic quality of the sites and artefacts in the museums. All brought to life and put into context by Eva's clear and lively descriptions and stories.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eva our archaeologist and group leader was the perfect guide giving us an excellent introduction to all the sites and their place in the story of Greece. She seemed to have endless enthusiasm and energy and answered all our questions to make sure we had a clear picture of each place and its stories. She made sure we had suggestions for good places to try delicious local food in every village or town we visited.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are at all interested in Greek history and archeology book this trip now. Make sure you have non slip footwear as smooth limestone can be very slippery and there are lots of steps.

Most Inspirational Moment

Discovering the delights of Petra - the High Places, Monastery and Treasury are just the tip of the iceberg. There's something special round every bend! The ancient Roman city of Jerash was also a revelation. Then there was the whole magical Wadi Rum experience, floating and mud bathing at the Dead Sea and snorkelling at the Red Sea.....

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zuhair knew the history of his country inside out and in particular his guiding in Jerash and Petra particular was exceptional. He was able to use his contacts to gain access for the group to areas not generally open to the public and also pointed out and explained features we would most likely have missed for ourselves. On a more personal level though he didn't make much effort to socialise or to get to know the group as individuals.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The pace is generally quite relaxed / moderate - until you get to Petra! You'll need good walking shoes (boots are not needed) and plenty of stamina as well as sun hat, sun cream and sunglasses. There's very little shade to be found. The Petra by Night optional visit was atmospheric but poor value for money and underwhelming as you walk for over an hour for a 30 minute show at the end of what was already a physically demanding day. The snorkelling equipment for hire at Aqaba was really good, certainly better than I've found anywhere else in my (limited) experience. You may want to pack some Immodium and rehydration sachets as some in our group had "issues"!

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of a summit - around 14,500 - 15,000 feet. Not bad for a girl who's afraid of heights!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant - Lennin Tuppa. What a star for keeping us safe and comfortable, challenging us, but also making us laugh.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take layers, a sunhat and a wooly hat - you may go through hot sun, strong wind, snow, hail - all in a few hours in the Andes. Also walking poles are the best investment I made for this trip. Collapsible ones are really useful to put in your case too. Take factor 50 sunblock for use in the mountains. A rubber bath plug is also a good idea - hotels never seem to provide a plug even when there is a bath.

Most Inspirational Moment

Spotting the kill

Thoughts on Group Leader

Not applicable. All camp staff were excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Avoid transfers from Wilson Airport

Most Inspirational Moment

Spotting the kill

Thoughts on Group Leader

Not applicable. All camp staff were excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Avoid transfers from Wilson Airport

Most Inspirational Moment

The jungle walks in North Sumatra were the true highlight of the trip for me, meeting the Orangutans and Thomas Leaf Monkeys. The people of N Sumatra are also extremely friendly, and clearly enjoyed meeting us as much as we did they; that was really inspirational.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Elly was superb, nothing was too much trouble for her, and she always went the extra mile to make our holiday special and share her knowledge and information. In each area we used local specialist guides, who were without exception ultra friendly and helpful.

Most Inspirational Moment

Without doubt the Uffizi gallery in Florence; the gallery itself, the location with views over the city, and the art was quite breath-taking. I had to pinch myself to believe that I was standing next to a Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Caravaggio or Michelangelo original. Florence itself is quite breath-taking too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Clearly Mark comes with much experience and he hugely enhanced the trip with his variety of much appreciated snacks on the walks, finding cheap and good coffee with clean toilets in Florence, and giving us free time in the afternoons whilst he collected the minibus to take us back to the villa. His advice on where to eat or drink was always spot on. The icing on the cake for me was Mark finding a way for me to spend the last afternoon in Pisa and visit the Leaning Tower, whilst he took my luggage to the airport. Full marks Mark!

Advice for Potential Travellers

My calf muscles did ache on a few days so get some exercise in before you go - Tuscany is hilly! Pre-book the Uffizi to avoid the queues - I did and it worked perfectly.

Most Inspirational Moment

the higher walks

Thoughts on Group Leader

excellent

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking the Caminito Del Ray

Thoughts on Group Leader

Went the extra 10 miles!

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of the Hai Van pass - I'd never tackled anything quite so challenging on a bike, particularly in searing heat (the promised Sea Cloud in the name didn't materialise, which meant great views, but a LOT of sweat!). It was quite an emotional experience when I actually made it!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chi was absolutely first class. Always smiling, positive, helpful, knowledgeable, flexible, charming, amusing. He simply couldn't have done more to make our trip a success. He knows so much about his country, and was very willing to share it with us, but never bored. And if you mentioned something you'd like to see or learn more about, as if by magic, he made it happen - like stopping by the roadside and asking permission for us all to wander into someone's small-holding to look at the crops because we had asked about tapioca and turmeric. And his team (Sau, Can and Y) were charming and couldn't do enough to make sure we were all looked after, well, safe and happy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go! Take a gel saddle and padded shorts. Also a bag for your handlebars to avoid having to carry anything round your waist or on your back, and minimise the sweatiness!