Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Completing a 74km ride, climbing the Llogara Pass at 1000m above sea level and not stopping on very steep inclines at 15%. Long 16km downhill rides. Stunning, beautiful mountain scenery. Meeting a great mix of folk who all got on well with no group nutter (unless it was me???) I hope to ride with some again.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Junid was a safe, quietly knowledgeable group leader who gave clear instructions. Who had the confidence to say enjoy your ride and not stopping to re-group every 30mins. His daily colour printed map of the route with km, elevations and inclines was superb. Junid was passionate about Albania and imparted information in a timely manner. He was a fit and skilful rider flitting from front to back to make sure we (at the back) were ok. He was always helpful, patient and considerate, working quietly away in the background to ensure we had a safe and enjoyable trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

1) Albania is not flat! Expect some pretty cheeky climbs. Some days yes the 'moderate' riding grade was entirely appropriate however other days and due to local conditions I would say it was occasionally to the tougher end of 'moderate' So one day started with an 14km potholed road (being re-built), road surface was variable from smooth tarmac to gravel bumpy track. Pretty steep sections that were >10% but only for short stretches. My hired bike was fine some had punctures and chain problems. I brought my own pedals / shoes and a softie gel seat - a blessing. 2) Pack some snacks/treats. Snacks are not common in Albania and after a 30km morning ride when you stop for a coffee to find it is 'only' coffee that can trigger a 'hangry' moment. Breakfasts were fine but basic, consisting of eggs, bread and cheese occasionally some cereal. (If your coeliac do bring your own) Lunch and dinner is simple with salads, breads, meat or fish. 3) I went in May... However pack for full Alpine weather. So yes... those thermals, gloves, waterproofs and certainly a jumper as it got pretty cold in the evening. Junid did say this was unusual weather - the worst in 5 years! 4) You ride on the right!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were two inspirational moments. The first was the moment on the Inca Trail when we walked through the Sun Gate and a truly splendid, totally unexpected, panoramic view of Machu Picchu came into sight for the first time. The second was watching a newly hatched turtle make its precarious way towards the sea in daylight with a Magnificent Frigate bird only a hundred metres away. Our group broke into spontaneous applause as it entered the sea while the bird missed out on an easy meal.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The Peruvian group leader was friendly, always available to impart his extensive knowledge of Inca culture and architecture, and was keen and unhurried in accompanying just three of us on the day walk up to the inca trail and the Sun Gate. The Galapagos group leader/naturalist was extremely enthusiastic and his knowledge of the wildlife and the geology of the islands was highly impressive. All day and every day he filled our time with walks and snorkeling to see every aspect of life on the islands and surrounding coastlines and at the end of the holiday copied all of his own videos and photos to each of the Group's memory sticks. This Group Leader was superb.

Advice for Potential Travellers

1. Take a spare memory stick for the Galapagos if there is any chance that your group leader is as good as the one we had. 2. Only pack essential things into one bag for the yacht around the Galapagos. Leave the rest on mainland Ecuador. 3. If you are reasonably fit then you must do the optional day walk up to the Inca trail and the Sun Gate for maximum impact on seeing Machu Picchu for the first time.

Most Inspirational Moment

Lovely day, hard slog, the summit superb experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hassan experience leader & humble man.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Mt Toubkal Climb, go for it !!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Aproaching the 'first dessert of my live' on a bike

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sammy has a great sense of humor. He also has a great way of collecting extra money for himself ; he asks 50euro per person for 'snacks' on the way. In this way he earns 30 euro per person. 30x16members = 480euro in a week. Comes with an extra 30euro 'tips' per person. Camel ride in the dessert was 4 times!! more expensive that was is seen as official. Guess who's getting the profit. Exotical : Sammy is a great fan of the sharia and explains this with passion why the istallation of this system shouls happen as quickly as possible. The walking led by Sammy in Petra, was perfect and impossible without him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Follow the leader , but don't be afraid to take own initiative. Going to the center of the capital for exemple. Instead of going to 'the best restaurant of jordan' , where Sammy gets some ....

Most Inspirational Moment

Whole group completing the Path of the Gods.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Severiano was excellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to pick, but the gentle, patient encouragement of Ali, our mechanic and experienced competitive cyclist, who more or less dragged us up the last hill, and made us feel like champions for finishing. The dynamics of the group, much enhanced by our group leader, made every shared experience a highlight in some way or another. We came away, each with a dozen new friends from around the globe.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Freddy was excellent. His depth of knowledge was vast, and imparted with a humour that made the facts more memorable. His outlook on the exciting future of Cuba at present, was measured, sensible and very informative. He 'shepherded us' brilliantly, providing appropriate warnings of, and then encouragement through the tougher cycling, and added to everyone's sense of accomplishment at the end of each day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Relax, and enjoy the ride. You will be well taken care of, all 'hitches' easily dealt with, and don't stress yourself about the speed or keeping up with the front riders. This is everyone's holiday to be enjoyed. Practically, some 'once daily' sunblock and some cool long sleeves if you can find them are useful. Also, give yourself a couple of extra days to see more of Havana if you can.

Most Inspirational Moment

see below

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eric Garcia was excellent and enthusiastic and took really good care of us. If dinner was not included, he gave us restaurant options and made reservations for those of us who wanted to go. He have us insights into daily life in Cuba which was so revealing. He shared his pride in being a Cuban. He knew the route and described it accurately and concisely. He let us bike at our own pace which is essential to me. Eric made sure everything was OK with us. I cannot say enough good things about him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring UV arm protectors. Keen sandals with cleat attachment and the pedals could be good (but a pricey investment). Cipro in case of stomach issues. Might want to bring t-shirts, pens to give away. A benedryl (anti-histamine) or over-the-counter steroid creme for heat rash.

Most Inspirational Moment

Absolutely amazing landscape enjoyed away from the crowds; so many occasions to simply stand and appreciate this unique piece of engineering and perseverance. From a personal point of view, both of us sat at the top of wherever we stopped, taking on some water, getting our breath back from the view (and the walk) and simply feeling privileged to be enjoying this experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very simply, Jerry made this trip from very, very Good to most definitely Excellent. The Wall and the sights are fantastic but his additional insights, local knowledge, ensuring you were okay in the various overnight venues and finally his ability to understand, take and give back British humour meant we had a memorable trip. Many thanks Jerry. PS I enjoyed the Long versions!

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a great trip. However, unless you are a very regular walker (we are fair weather, occasional walkers), then you should treat this as Challenging; the Wall is not flat! That aside the sense of achievement each day when you look back at where you walked is well worth it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting an understanding of the incredible sophistication of the rock-carved water transport and storage around Petra. The whole place is as jaw dropping as you'd expect, with an entire mountain range carved into housing, temples, burial chambers and all, but this intricate system which allowed comfortable living in a hostile environment 2000 years ago is astonishing. The Nabataeans rocked!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sami was an excellent leader, passionate about his country and always keen to make sure we saw everything we wanted to. 'Down time' was spent discussing the social structure and culture of ancient and modern Jordan, so we got a great insight into the workings of the country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take mosquito repellent! The increased irrigation around Wadi Rum has brought in some tenacious mozzies so if you want to sleep out under the stars protection is recommended.

Most Inspirational Moment

One of the things that appealed to me about this trip was the variety of things to see and do, from temples to tea plantations, cycle rides to river rafting, elephants to bee-eaters. It did not disappoint and I simply cannot pick a highlight as I loved it all. Every day was a completely new experience and the holiday seemed to last a lot longer than 2 weeks!

Thoughts on Group Leader

I cannot praise Suresh highly enough. One of the first things he said to us was that, for the next 2 weeks, he was here for us 24/7 and he was true to his word. Nothing was too much trouble for him but it wasn't just that, he went that extra mile to find out what you liked and were hoping to see/do and then, using his charm and many contacts, trying to make it happen. He even managed to get some stilt fishermen on their stilts even though it was out of season for them!! He never sat down to eat until he was sure that we were all happy. The local food is delicious but spicy and not everyone could eat it but he made sure there was always an alternative. He often organised discounts in the hotels and did wonders with the kitty. The best meals we had were when Suresh took us out from the hotels - one time to have the local specialties of egg hoppers and roti, a banquet for 400 rupees (£2!!). Another example of Suresh's enthusiasm for his job and his clients was for one of our friends on the trip who had a birthday whilst we were there and who, above anything else, wanted to see a leopard. The safari was the day before her birthday, we set out at 2.15 and by 5.30 with dusk falling and the park due to close, we still hadn't seen a leopard - to be truthful the chances are very slim but Suresh had clearly told the guide in our jeep to do his best so we kept going and low and behold, just as our guide pointed to his watch and set off back, we turned a corner and there was a leopard in the middle of the road. Great celebrations that evening but the next day our friend woke to find balloons outside her bedroom door, the bus full of balloons and her hotel room that evening decorated with petals and towels turned into elephants - plus a birthday cake. A very special day thanks to Suresh.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A few practical comments: Most but not every hotel provide a hairdryer. (Yes, I'm female!!). Most but not every hotel had at least one UK style plug socket. Sri Lankan plugs have 3 round pins, one large and 2 the same size as European plugs so it is possible to use those but we bought an adaptor at the airport (Dixon's was the cheapest!) and I was pleased to have it. You do not need to take all your money in cash. Most of the hotels allowed you to pay by credit card. There are banks and ATM's but not before Kandy and they didn't always have any money!! We all changed money at the airport which was quick and easy. The first hotel turned out to have a slightly better rate but that would only make a difference if you were changing a large quantity of money which you shouldn't really need. Prices for food and drink varied significantly between hotels. A 625ml bottle of Lion Lager cost under 500 rupees (£2.50) at the first hotel and 900 at the second so check or you may get a shock when you receive your bill!