Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Many really memorable moments but the trip to Yangzhou was really fantastic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Hongbin Liu (Alan) was simply amazing and witout exception highly regarded by the whole group. His knowledge and passion for his country and desire to ensure that we came away with a true and balanced view of modern day China made the trip for us. He knew so much about everything. Was incredibly organised, kind, considerate and quickly became a friend. We cannot thank him enough for a wonderful holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Need to be comfortable with the prospect of some long and uncomfortable train journeys. With some tight timings on itinerary.

Most Inspirational Moment

None

Most Inspirational Moment

I feel that the information provided regarding the cultures & histories about the various areas was most interesting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leader was very informative & helpful. I can't think of anything that she could have done better. The assistant leader taught me some things about riding my bicycle which was very helpful. The van driver was very helpful as well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be ready to bicycle. Although nice, this is not a leisurely trip as after bicycling all day, the riders have about 90 minutes to shower & dress so that they can go out to dinner with the others. If you are looking for something more leisurely, check out Exodus' bicycle trip from Vienna to Budapest.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several inspirational moments, but the best would have to be tackling the 1.5 km ascent on the last trekking day without breaking too much of a sweat. It really showed me how far I had come in terms of both mental strength and fitness, over the two weeks! Also, being constantly surrounded by mountains is itself a very humbling and spiritual experience, one that has driven me to pursue mountain hiking/trekking!

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had the privilege of having both Frank and John as our tour guides. Both were excellent; I really appreciated John's helpful advice on walking techniques along with the extremely doable pace he employed during the most challenging trekking days.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would recommend a few weeks of hill walking/general fitness training prior to undertaking this trek. Almost every day is a challenge in its own right and prior training will ensure a more enjoyable experience. In saying that, I think that body learns to adapt to the increased load and you definitely shouldn't feel stressed if you're not the fittest during the first few days!

Most Inspirational Moment

It is so hard to name one inspirational moment, there were so many. Maybe the view at the top of Monte Tre Calli or the views on the Walk of the Gods.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Severio was exceptional. He was very knowledgeable and full of encouragement. Nothing was too much trouble, from arranging transport for trips on the free day to making sure all dietary requirements of the group were catered for. He was always happy, full of fun and encouragement.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do take walking poles, they really will help. The walks are tough but very doable with the right clothing, footwear and a bit of determination.

Most Inspirational Moment

Kandy festival Elephant safari Bike ride

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sujeewa was friendly, organised and knowledgeable - all you want in a leader, but so much more. He went out of his way to ensure every single member of the group had a fantastic holiday. He was particularly attentive to the needs of a family tour. Like he said 'if the children are happy, he parents are happy'. We couldn't have asked for a better leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't miss the optional elephant safari - it was the highlight of our trip in August. All rooms are air conditioned (can be noisy) with only sheets on the bed (can get cool). No need to pack an adaptor (hotels will have UK sockets or an adaptor), but a 4-way plug would be useful for charging all the gadgets. Teenagers - yes, there is wifi!

Most Inspirational Moment

Without doubt it was the climbing of Jo Jongo, a 6,200m peak. A good, hard climb next to a glacier. We had to cross patches of hard ice and this gave us the opportunity to use our crampons. Obviously there were varying competences in the group but people become very supportive of each other in such circumstances. The feeling of elation at the top is magnificent.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Valerie was excellent. Very familiar with the terrain, cautious, prudent, offering advice but prepared to allow initiative.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Spending the evenings in cramped tents can be uncomfortable and you don't get a restful sleep. Maybe you have done a lot of that and you are used to it. In any case, you should be prepared for an amount of discomfort. You will be compensated by the wild beauty of the surroundings.

Most Inspirational Moment

Driving 82km off the main road in a convoy of 4x4's on an unmade road to reach the most wonderful 5 star hotel in the middle of primary rainforest - and then a wild Orang Utan appearing in a tree just outside the hotel restaurant whilst we were eating lunch.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Manuel was extremely well mannered, sociable, & very knowledgeable about all forms of wildlife - especially the smaller types - snakes, frogs, spiders, etc.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't be disheartened if you don't get to see all of the wildlife that you expect to see - birds were particularly difficult to spot in the rain-forest - they are up in the canopy & often quite small to see. The first few days in Sarawak - we saw mostly insects, spiders, etc - and were beginning to worry that we wouldn't see much else - but Sabah made up for it - the second half of the trip we saw wild Orang Utans, two types of Macaques, many Proboscis monkeys & finally three of us managed to spot a Borneon Gibbon.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the the UTMB - hands down the most impressive and awe-inspiring day of the trip closely followed by the trip up in the cable car from Courmayer across to the Aiguille Du Midi and back again.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jenny knew every facet of the trail and where we could deviate to get an even better viewpoint, challenge or piece of cake :) I have a serious addiction to tart aux myrtilles now. My waistline thanks you Jenny

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a challenging walk. I have done Kili, Toubkal and EBC and this was the most challenging walking by far. True, it doesn't have the altitude of these other hikes, but with about 9,500 meters of ascent in total, it is not a walk in the park.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking in the Tsingy, it was better than I ever imagined. I had not been to Anja park before and I was pleasantly surprised to see the ring tailed lemurs enjoying themselves in a natural setting. I have never seen so many ring tailed lemurs in a single tree as I did here. Walking in the Isalo National Park was stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader Sol was very good and he was very helpful when people had problems.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't miss out on seeing the spiny forest at Ifaty. It was very sunny so take some good sunscreen, I used factor 50 and didn't burn.