Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra, obviously. It has to be seen to be believed. Hospitality of the locals.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zuhair was enthusiastic.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Head downtown on the last night - the taxi ride is cheap. Visit the souks, see the Citadel and Roman theatre although they won't be open. The group meal on the last night is in the affluent, bland western area - not much history to see there. Try to persuade the group leader to arrange a restaurant meal downtown - more interesting by far. Aqaba boat trip and snorkelling is worth doing.

Most Inspirational Moment

Halong Bay, where we visited the limestone caves and watched the sun set over the bay from the deck of the boat where we spent the night.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chi was excellent. He was very knowledgeable, really friendly and had everything very well planned. His ability to guide us safely across a street full of motorbikes and scooters was amazing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't wear a cold chain round your neck or carry valuables in a shoulder bag or backpack in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi as snatch-and-grab from motorbikes and pickpocketing is rife. Do take the opportunity to see the water puppet show in Hanoi. The Museum of Fine Arts in Hanoi is worth a visit if you have free time before you fly.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting Trinidad with its music and dance everywhere.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was very knowledgable and also funny. Very attentive to any problems the group had.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As our group leader said ' when in Cuba expect the unexpected' Try adding on some extra days to enjoy the great beaches and the cooling sea breezes as it can be very hot and humid

Most Inspirational Moment

The beautiful view of the Torres Del Paine from the Rio Serrano hotel.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Miguel was an excellent leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

On the second day in Torres del Paine the mountains weren't visible and we were told this was more typical weather for the area. If so you could be very disappointed if your main reason for coming on this trip is to see these mountains and you couldn't see them. Similarly we were very lucky with the weather in Puerto Varas when we went to see the Osorno volcano.

Most Inspirational Moment

Bit of a cliché but ... we've had Machu Picchu on our bucket list for some years but that moment when you step through the Sun Gate ...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cesar was excellent. It was all the little things that ran so smoothly you didn't notice them and the detailed advice about what you needed to carry that day that allowed you to focus on enjoying the moment rather than having to think ahead. When some of the group became ill Cesar went above and beyond to make alternative arrangements for them so that they could still make the most of their trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book it! Other than following the advice on dealing with altitude, we'd over-packed clothing for the trek (you don't get much in your 7kg baggage allowance) and under-packed the required amount of Imodium, toilet rolls and hand sanitiser. Enough said! If you're hiring a sleeping bag there's no need to bring a liner as these are provided. If you value your knees, listen to the advice and bring or hire walking poles!

Most Inspirational Moment

Clear blue skies at the top of Torres del Paine, stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Luciano was great, right balance of sorting things, getting involved, and standing back when other guides were leading.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being only a few metres from an adult male lion in Karongwe. He had his back to us, but would look round every now and again, not at all bothered by our prescence. The endless views in the Drakensburg, from the imposing amphitheatre to that 'top of the world' feeling at Sentinel Peak.

Thoughts on Group Leader

David, Andrew and Coli achieved legendary status in my eyes. I have never known one guide work so hard to ensure a trip runs smoothly, let alone three! Pitching and striking tents, preparing all our delicious meals, and driving us thousands of kilometres so we could see so much of this beautiful country, all the while providing great company and humour along the way. Give them all a medal.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you can't stand the heat, don't travel in November.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing up to the Monastry and View points at Petra, you feel on top of the world and it is breathtakingly beautiful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zuhair is a delightful and knowledgeable chap who loves being the storyteller and gave a real insight into Jordanian history and culture.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are a very keen cyclist, you may find the amount of cycling frustrating (bearing in mind it is also a cultural holiday), but if you more of an occasional cyclist you will find this holiday very achievable.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many high points. There was a good set of walks included on the trip with the option of others at several of the stops. In particular we enjoyed our stay in Lesotho, the game drives, seeing the big 5, the beauty of the Garden Route and of course Cape Town and all it had to offer.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Justin, David and Fiona were 'awesome and amazing'. Nothing was too much trouble for them. They worked so very hard making sure we got the maximum from our trip, even visiting places not on the itinerary (where possible). Fiona provided a exceptional range of meals which were plentiful and tasty. Their knowledge and enthusiasm added greatly to the enjoyment of the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the brochure carefully. Some of the days were long but they were always split into more manageable blocks with stops for meals, shopping, border crossings or 'mini visits' but don't be put off by the trip notes. Experience the scenery, smells, sights and people and enjoy this fantastic trip. + be prepared for inexpensive, amazing food in the restaurants.

Most Inspirational Moment

Summiting Puig Campana felt like a huge achievement. It's a proper mountain and you need stamina, concentration and energy to get to the top and back. Seeing how life works in the mountain villages and meeting locals gathering wild mushrooms was great.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was exceptional. His ability to communicate his knowledge of and passion for the area added a lot to the trip and you always felt secure. He did a great job encouraging the group to get to know one another and ensured every level of ability was catered for. His picnics deserve mention as well - delicious and well planned to give enough energy to keep you going. Jaime was also terrific, guiding us to the summit of Aitana and enriching the experience with his knowledge of local flora and pointing out distant Moorish ruins.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although not overly challenging, this trek really demands you have a good level of fitness and the range of terrains you will encounter means experience on the hills will make the trip a bit easier. There's some light scrambling and underfoot conditions range from flat roads to loose scree so be prepared. The treks are long - up to 18km and 8 hours - but rewarding. The weather was perfect for most of the trip but remember weather can change quickly in the mountains so pack a fleece and a waterproof. On your free day it is worth visiting the Valor chocolate factory/museum down the coast in Villajoyosa - easy to reach and free entry. Don't miss the Valor chocolate shop by the beach - the hot chocolate is the best you will ever have!