Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

waking up in the morning , opening the tent flap and watching the sunrise and the clouds far below you

Thoughts on Group Leader

I want to thank our chief guide , Mekeke. and the other guides for all of their help over the trip. Without their experience, humour, knowledge and encouragement we would not have all made it to the top.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are of average fitness, and you want to, you can do this, and you wont regret it! It,s easy for me to preach now that I have done it , but I was concerned that i wasnt fit enough, or I was going to suffer from altitude sickness , but there was only one way I was going to find out. do plenty of walking beforehand, follow the packing lists on this site , and trust your guides to look after you !

Most Inspirational Moment

The day trip to Seville and the Flamenco show scheduled with the assistance of the tour leader.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alexis was fantastic! He was very knowledgeable about the area and very informative. His customer services skills are the best. Alexis made the entire group feel welcome and facilitated interaction between all the group members.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack good hiking shoes or boots.

Most Inspirational Moment

Machu Picchu is an obvious choice, the place is overwhelming. But also Nasca lines, Amantani Island or condors gliding over Colca Canyon...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Raul was a charming bundle of energy, always smiling always in good humour. Very effective in dealing with every day tasks as well as with emergencies, big and small. Would recommend great food, markets, places to see. He was a big part in the success of the trip

Advice for Potential Travellers

Remember to use bug repellent in Aguas Calientes /Machu Picchu

Most Inspirational Moment

The visit to Hiroshima. It made me think a great deal about politics and war. The shrines and temples were inspirational in a very different, and beautiful way.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chiko was really great. She went above and beyond to ensure we all had a great experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go. And enjoy!

Most Inspirational Moment

Inspiration is a little strong for this trip. There were many enjoyable moments, Herculaneum, Pompeii, Vesuvius and the wonderful views along the coast. The moment that will stay in the mind is the view from the café in Villa Cimbrone.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eric was very enthusiastic about this trip and was always eager to stop and point out views or matters of interest. He was helpful in organising activities and meals on our free day and seemed to enjoy the trip as much as we did.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Think carefully about what you take. For us, walking poles and boots (even 2 season) were a little OTT and we could have managed very well with approach shoes. Whilst walking kit and rucksack was fine whilst on the trail when we reached some of our destinations we did feel a little scruffy and out of place.

Most Inspirational Moment

The fact that I could manage all the walks

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellant

Most Inspirational Moment

The view of The Amphitheatre in the Drakensberg

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Colly, and his assistants were excellent. They were patient and knowledgeable. It was great to witness young men with such a passion for their surroundings.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My only reservation is that I didn't get to the ladders on The Sentinel climb. My advice is to NOT LOOK DOWN at the exposed sections (I didn't do this). Your leaders will make sure you are safe the whole way.

Most Inspirational Moment

No one moment, just Sara.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was an inspirational leader. I have never met anyone like her before. Her strength (both physical and mental) was awe-inspiring. Despite being in pain and recovering from recent concussion, she never let her personal feelings show and was always full of good humour and information to enhance our trip. She was an excellent walking guide and ensured that we all knew the route, the terrain and where to stop and wait for others if walking at a slower pace. Even on our day off, she provided maps, purchased train tickets and organised taxis and a restaurant for the evening. She provided a lot of things at her own cost, to ensure people had everything they needed

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sara introduced me to Magnesium supplements (which she kindly provided to us at her own cost each day) which help muscles recover from the strenuous activity. They definitely helped, so maybe worth taking some with you. Make sure your boots are comfortable and well worn in. The terrain is rocky and some of the descents tricky in wet conditions. Take clothing layers, we went from T shirts to full winter gear including hat and gloves. Take 2 walking poles.

Most Inspirational Moment

Summiting Puig Campana on the final day

Thoughts on Group Leader

An excellent guide very experienced & good company. His brother also joined us who enjoys sharing mountain survival skills & detailed local knowledge. He creates the best sandwiches for lunch I have ever seen! Don't expect to lose weight! I was disappointed at not summiting Aitana & did feel he was overly cautious given low cloud/mist. It felt as if he thought that if there was to be no view then it wasn't worth it. The cloud & mist was negligible & we could easily have managed the summit without any significant risk.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do some pre-investigation & planning for the day off. The local coastal town is very limited & the alternative beach is very nice but again very quiet. Obviously it depends very much what you are looking for.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cilento region was my favourite for cycling, just as picturesque as Amalfi coast but MUCH less crowded & touristy, with safer roads!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paolo was very friendly & efficient, well organised & with good local knowledge. Special mention also to Rafael, our backup driver & mechanic who would magically appear whenever needed, always on hand with water or bike sorting skills.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring good waterproofs! I only had a light jacket with me thinking Italy doesn't get rain like at home, but a couple of downpours convinced me otherwise (although this trip was quite late in the year).