Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

It feels fantastic to complete 'The 2000m Climb' - it really is life saving cake!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The guide (suresh) was excellent. There was nothing he wouldn't/couldn't do. His attention to detail was fantastic. He watched everything, so much so that he was sorting issues before we even knew they were issues. He was always around when you needed him and regularly checked in with everyone on the tour to make sure we were OK and having a good time. I also must comment on the support team. Upali (bus driver), Suranga (second guide cycling) and Amitah (van driver) were always ready for us when we got to the bikes each morning. They were always smiling and even filled our water bottles! Nothing was too much trouble for them and, together with Suresh, they made an excellent team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Probably no harm to take a travel sickness tablet before you set out on the safari in Yala. It was a bumpy ride (which added to the experience). Also for women, I recommend wearing a sports bra - again, it was a bumpy ride! :)

Most Inspirational Moment

As someone who enjoys bird watching, I found it exciting to learn about the different species and see them first hand. Seeing 145 new species of birds in two weeks was phenomenal! I was most surprised at how close the wildlife was; with an average pair of binoculars, I had excellent views, although some wildlife - hummingbirds, armadillos, reptiles for example - were all so close that I didn't need them. Seeing such colourful and exotic wildlife was definitely the highlight of the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The guide was exceptionally knowledgeable, providing fascinating insights into the country's economy, wildlife, plants and people, all imparted with humour and dry wit. He led the group with such assured ease, that the whole holiday felt effortless. As someone who normally travels independently, it was a real treat to be led by someone who really knew what they were doing. His enthusiasm and knowledge improved the holiday immeasurably.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The temperature fluctuates drastically between the different locations. You will need both warm clothes and waterproofs as well as light summery clothes. Whatever you bring, make sure it is quick-drying, including shoes - the humidity is so high that nothing really dries. Take binoculars too - it will increase your enjoyment of the holiday no end.

Most Inspirational Moment

-Paragliding -Bonding in the hot tub overlooking the mountains -The sense of accomplishment every summit lunch -Connecting with nature in a way I had never done before

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jim is the best - tons of knowledge, very friendly, great fun to be around, he kept the pace of the group at a comfortable level and just became part of our experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book this now. You won’t regret it.

Most Inspirational Moment

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Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the turtle lay its eggs.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was full of knowledge and prepared us well for what to expect each day. He was polite and quick to resolve any problems that occurred.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We travelled in August . There was a lot of rain. Wellingtons may have been useful. We took sturdy shoes and Walking boots but did not really need the boots.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving at Warmiwanuska (4215m above sea level) on day 2 of our trek - we all arrived together which made it very special; hearing a lone piper in the mist whilst walking Dead Woman’s Pass; the view from the last campsite at 3600m; and of course our first glimpse of Mach Picchu from the Sun Gate.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was exceptional. Always calm, very informative, passionate about his country and culture and great fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is not for the feint-hearted. The terrain can be challenging (especially going downhill) and camping is at times trying - especially in the rain. Be prepared for any weather - even in the “dry” season.

Most Inspirational Moment

Gliding slowly though the waterways of Tortuguero National Park with no other boats around us- just the forest,the water and us. Glenda, our guide, and Jeffrey, our boatman, helped us spot dolphins, turtles, a host of birds and iguanas. Magical.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Glenda was approachable, fun and also had an extensive knowledge of her country and it`s flora and fauna. Armed with her trusty telescope she allowed us to capture amazing videos and pictures and spotted wildlife which, quite frankly, I would never have seen had she not been with us. She was very patient even when the group were dithering about the rafting and what grade of river we would be on as some of our insurance didn`t cover certain grades of river. She made several phone calls to try and clarify this for us and found out the information and came with us for the experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring a poncho ! Bring lots of quick drying underwear as nothing dries if you wash it. There is a laundry service in most hotels the cheapest was at Montechiari at Arenal. Everyone took suitcases - I only mention this as I was unsure when it said `pack light` whether it meant rucksacks or not though you still need a day rucksack, and definitely bring walking boots or shoes.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Terracotta Army was for me the most inspirational part of the trip. The size of the find and how much they still have to uncover, so much so that they are leaving a huge proportion to future generations to explore as they have so much to do already.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Jane could t have been more helpful or considerate, she was a delight and went out of her way to help everyone making sure that we were all comfortable and supported. She was also very knowledgeable about every part of the trip. She will be truly missed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

August is the Chinese school holidays and also the hottest time of the year so really crowded everywhere and extremely hot and humid. Think about going at a different time of the year!

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling along the Czech-Austrian border past the monument to those who had died trying to escape Communism.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dana is outstanding, as a cycle guide/leader and city guide.

Most Inspirational Moment

meeting the Hill tribe people in North Vietnam and the two home stays which were both lovely

Thoughts on Group Leader

Son was brilliant and an excellent guide --- was fantastic

Advice for Potential Travellers

travel light --dont need to much luggage and move frequently so too heavy a bag is a pain for all concerned ! mosquito repellent is needed as we were bitten quite a bit even though mosquitoes were not immediately obvious - bring a refillable bottle for water go to some spin classes for the cycling --although distance not great it was hard work in that heat =-!