Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The history and tenacity of the Cuban people in the face of adversity and the joy of their music. Aside from this, completing the infamous Day 9 !

Thoughts on Group Leader

Maurice was an inspiration. He was a guide, teacher, historian, biologist, rapper, dancer and friend who looked after stronger and weaker cyclists equally and made everyone on the trip feel uniquely special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with an open mind and join in the spirit of the island. However, be prepared for somewhat basic sanitary facilities during the ride and the inevitable upset stomachs. Take plenty of snacks and energy bars. The fruit and snacks during the rides are plentiful, but if like me you hanker for a bag of crisps or savoury snack bring them with you. Luxury food items in shops are few and far between !

Most Inspirational Moment

The amazing scenery and views every day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader, Alvaro was excellent. Kind and caring and passionate about his job and his local area. Made sure that all group members were comfortable and happy and was on hand to provide local knowledge, history, geography and flora and fauna info as well as encouragement and enthusiasm.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go on this trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the cliffs as we got closer. The panoramic views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Two leaders (Albert and Emily) which gave a choice of walks. Both leaders were friendly and efficient.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walks are tough - be warned! Wear walking boots, not shoes. My shoes fell to bits and I had to buy some boots. The weather can make or break this holiday and it as poor for two of the five walking days. Think carefully about the free day. Bolzano is lovely but it is 90 minutes away. Relying on public transport was a pain. Buses were always late and you frequently had to stand up.

Most Inspirational Moment

Not sure about "inspirational", but I can say I enjoyed all aspects of this trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Maurice was brilliant - He knew his stuff and gave us a ton of information. Not only this, but he gave us guidance on so many things that we just couldn't go wrong regarding visiting places, buying items etc.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Leave the waterproofs behind! Believe me, you will be glad of the rain to cool you down. Try to aim to get a small pouch to attach to the saddle, or a bag on the handlebars as you wont want a sweaty rucksack on your back. You can travel super light when cycling, as you are supported by the bus where you can collect bits when you stop off for a drink/rest of each leg.

Most Inspirational Moment

Among the highlights of this trip are climbing Chimborazo mountain, walking in Amazon jungles and meeting local community San Clemente.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Group leader (Eddy) is very professional, speaks very good English, has very deep knowledge about the country: history, geography, wildlife etc. Also he performed good communication and diplomatic skills responding immediately to different requirements and needs of all group members. Good person and high-level professional, who really loves his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure to take strong mosquitos repellents, sun cream, proper travel clothes for hot and cold climate, hiking boots and good cameras of course, there a lot of photo opportunities. If you love active and adventurous holiday Ecuador is right place to go!

Most Inspirational Moment

The elephant safari in Minnierya was just fantastic. To many on our trip, this was the first time they had seen elephants in the wild and we saw huge herds and family groups with so many babies...a special wildlife experience. The sighting of 2 leopard at Yala was equally as amazing BUT overall the people of Sri Lanka and the feeling of being safe and welcome in this delightful country are what stands out the most. An example was on a jam packed train, I was standing in the aisle with my husband and a lady sitting with her family, made some room by squeezing closer to the window with her daughter and offered me a space beside her. Just lovely.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roshan was exceptional. I cannot speak more highly of him. From the initial meeting on day 1 - we knew we had someone special. Every day he would brief us on the day ahead so that we could plan and be on time. His commentary gave you enough information to understand what you were seeing and his insights into local customs, politics, history and culture bought the destination to life. He took care of all the tipping which would have made us all anxious and he always had us at the right place at the right time. We had to leave the tour a day early due to my father passing away and Roshan was so helpful and kind. Thank you so much Roshan.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Change the majority of your money - whether it be USD, GBP or AUD at the airport. ATM's do work but can be hit and miss. If you do want an ATM - use one recommended by your tour leader. Sri Lanka is more expensive than other Asian countries so do take more money with you. Credit cards are widely accepted so can be used for hotel bills and all major purchases.

Most Inspirational Moment

Simply spending time in jaw droppingly fabulous scenery ....... at every single turn. Fabulous group of fellow trekkers, so much joy and laughter every day!

Thoughts on Group Leader

John clearly belongs to the school of tour leaders who make it look completely effortless; when it really isn’t. He knew and monitored every ailment, dodgy knee, blister, poor diet and sun burn of our team; but when it came to walking, it was like going out for a hike with a mate. Perfect pace throughout the trek, but providing us with additional challenges along the way. Genuinely fostered a ‘team’ ethos. Legend. Clare: cool, calm, patient and very professional. Without fail she would be at the entrance to our campsite on arrival (us - hot, tired, dirty and hungry) with a smile and clear details about the amenities …. toilets, showers and laundry. Tents would be up, kit bags out of the van, hot water for drinks and biscuit box at the ready …. beer in the ice box! The food she prepared was tasty, nutritious and plentiful. A special mention for the lovely cakes she sourced for my birthday!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Listen and act upon the advice given by your tour leader (how to walk, what to eat, how much to drink, what to pack in your day sack, where to buy the best tart!) and you’ll practically skip up the mountains.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing the Rock fortress at Sigriya before breakfast and so in the cool of early morning with very few other tourists around. This excursion offered everything: an exhilarating climb, stunning views, enticing ruins and exquisite paintings.

Most Inspirational Moment

Ravello and the gardens of the Villa Cimbrone were probably the highpoint of the trip, and I say that as not really a 'garden person'. Ravello is stunning, and was much quieter and more laid back than other places visited such as Positano and Amalfi. Pompeii was everything I expected, although I am glad we arrived early as it was getting extremely busy by midday.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Christine had everything meticulously planned, even transport and guides for 'day off' activities (more important than you might think, as public transport options seem to be very limited in this part of the world). Christine also made a real attempt to engage us with the history and geography of the area - providing us with maps, books etc on a daily basis, as well as useful practical advice on what to expect from each walk.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The August heat made some of the walks seem more strenuous than the grade 2 rating suggested, but we still got an insight into the area and an appreciation of its sights that you just can't get from inside a coach; the colours and views really are dazzling. The village of Bomerano is more an attractive small town, with a reasonable selection of shops and eating places, so you won't go without an ice cream or a beer. Having so many of the walks start directly from the hotel is a real bonus, particularly for those of us not keen on the 'hairpin bends in coaches' experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Fellow trekkers. Scenery. Guide and Ladaki people

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. No other words to explain him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it!! Weather a little hotter than I expected