Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

I can see why the first view of Machu Pichu as you come through the sun Gate is often given as the stand out moment of the 4 day Ica Trail ... and it IS pretty amazing!! HOWEVER, there are two other key moments for me: 1: Reaching the summit of Dead Women's Peak. By lunchtime of the 2nd day ( after 4 hours of tough trek ) I was beginning to doubt my resolve in reaching the peak but after a good lunch and plenty of encouragement I pushed on to reach the top. Then of course there was still the 1 3/4 hr trek down the other side to camp ! 2: The afternoon of Day 3. Such marvellous views in glorious sun which was then rounded off by coming to camp looking out across the mountain tops ( and the back of Machu Pichu, in the distance ) and the clouds below

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wilmer was excellent. He gave us plenty of information while in Cusco to prepare for the main Inca trek. He had a great manner - a good balance of informal / friendly / informative. He made sure that everything ran smoothly at each campsite and with the porters and was always able to provide detailed information on not just the Inca history ( and various sites that we came to on the trek ) but also flora and fauna. His English was very good and he was supportive of those of us not charging on at the front of the group !

Advice for Potential Travellers

Firstly. TAKE trekking poles. Not only do they ease the impact on your knees but they offer confidence when coming up and down the big stone steps of the trail ( which are far from even and could easily lead to trips or falls ) Secondly. GO FOR IT. I am only moderately fit and completing the trail was a huge sense of achievement. I did do some longer trek practise in UK and that was useful as you are walking for long periods each day. Mosquito repellent: There was me thinking this was only needed for the amazon but the little blighters are around on the Inca trail as well !

Most Inspirational Moment

Handling the climbs - I was a bit worried about those beforehand as I've never been on a cycling holiday before and don't go out with a cycling club at home

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent leader, very patient and attentive.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go for it .

Most Inspirational Moment

The first days cycling with fantastic views of the Dolomites and the final walking tour of venice.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michelle was first class. Gave 110% from the moment he met us at the airport to the last day of the trip. Although leading a large group he managed to ensure his approach was person centred. Organised excellent group meals (lunch and dinner), ensuring we were fully briefed on the local delicacies on the menu. Extremely competent as a cycle leader ensuring 100% safety on the the roads and cohesion of the group throughout the whole trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Nice relaxing trip, not too arduous so don't worry unnecessarily if you feel you are not fit enough.

Most Inspirational Moment

Tha dragon house at the highest point of the island.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Perfect for the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many inspirational moments from climbing my last hill - my legs insisted I start there - to the complete effort by Raluca & Radu to show us 'their Romania' and trying to help us understand the complex 1000 year history of Transylvania and the effects of Communism on the whole of the country from 1947 to 1990.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Radu was our principal leader in that he was 'on the ground' day by day. He was very professional but with a twinkle in his eye, very knowledgeable about the area and his English is very good. Raluca as one of the principle architects of the Cycle Romania experience, was along on this first trip to make certain all the logistics were covered. Her passion for her country, her historical comment & her never shying away from tough questions were most appreciated. For some of our fellow travellers her inability to create - magically - wifi where none existed or a hair dryer - a must it seemed for some - might have been a problem but for me these were non issues. She did a great job.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You will be travelling in rural villages in beautiful countryside. Roll with the punches and look for the positives. You'll be back to the 'necessities' of your world soon.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of the mountain will certainly be something I won't forget.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was very hospitable and was very funny to be around, he also made the group feel safe

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing on Serrella looking at the difference between the two valleys separated by only a few hundred metres.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was great - knowledgable, good humoured and relaxed. He makes unbelievable sandwiches for lunch.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be a bit fit these are longish walks.

Most Inspirational Moment

Looking at the mosaic floors of a 2000 year old Roman villa, exploring the amphitheater in Taormina and tasting home made Sicilian delicacies at a funky Art hotel in Modica

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leader was very pleasant and conscientious but he did not understand the English of the group very well and was not great at communicating. He also had a hard time asserting himself with some group members who had some issues with fellow travelers so the group dynamic was testy at times!

Advice for Potential Travellers

This was the first time this trip was run and despite minor issues it was really enjoyable. Don't hesitate to go! Sicily is a wonderful destination

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day we were treated to amazing scenery and historical adventure, it is so difficult to pick just one of the day long trips. Personally, my favourite walk was the jaunt from the Town Centre at Amalfi to Ravello, passing waterfalls and a winding river along a long spectacular gorge then a traversing climb along mountain paths to such the beautiful Town of Ravello overlooking the Amalfi Coastline. Unfortunately, "The Walk of the Gods" was initially hindered by low Cloud cover so we may just have to go back and do that one again on a clearer day!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our Group leader Suzy went over and beyond her responsibilities to make sure everyone in the group of fourteen had a great time, Suzy was very enthusiastic and clearly knowledgeable about the area, History and vegetation around us. Incredibly organised, she was cheery and bubbly the entire week. She even worked on her day off, our free day, using her fluent Italian to make sure everyone had return transportation and ample information about our multiple destinations. Suzy considered our safety and well-being at all times, she led the group at a perfect pace and catered for the "not so fit" like myself when the need arose.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I walk my Dog regularly and in anticipation of this Holiday made myself walk for an additional 45 minutes every day, to and from the Office. the Walks in Amafli were a little tougher than I had trained for! Whilst I coped admirably (I had a complete Knee replacement last year), and got fitter by the end of the week, this Holiday has a lot of uphill and downhill walks. I would suggest practising on some incline walks and stair cases for a few weeks before you go.

Most Inspirational Moment

Riding down the river valleys to Lake Garda

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was charming, extremely friendly and extraordinarily patient and helpful. Great sense of humour and really worked hard to keep spirits up when the weather briefly turned grim. One of the best I've encountered. His recommendations for restaurants were invariably brilliant - the best food at very reasonable prices. In particular the Venice choice was outstanding and we'd never have found it without his help.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't bring a rucksack as the panniers are fine. Do bring a waterproof jacket! The trip is described as Moderate, but really is a lot easier than that. Mostly flat with few hills, which was fine for me but might disappoint more ambitious cyclists.