Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

I really enjoyed the high atlas mountains and the chance to mix with the Berber villagers. We sat and had tea and homemade almond cake with a one lady whilst we found out more about her culture and daily lives, and she found out about ours. It was full of laughs and interesting information. Further to this we also learnt a lot from our guide and visited a local school. At the school, we treated (well this is debatable) the kids to a rendition of Ba Ba Black sheep and they sung us a beautiful Arabic song. The Camel ride was also fun although you prob will get camel saws! ha. Star gazing in the Sahara was also a highlight for me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Knowledgeable and had a passion for his country that was contagious.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You will be staying at a different place most nights so be prepared for this. I have traveled before and so was used to being on the go and also taking in the long drives (to be honest the longest is six hours) there are also lots of breaks and different photo opportunities. But it is something to be aware of. Also, if you are veggie, options are limited for most of the trip. I mean I do like Omelet but really is that or tagine until the last two nights. So perhaps bring some extra snackage I would say - Embrace everything and go with the flow.

Most Inspirational Moment

Biking through the ancient walls.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The first 2 days of biking are challenging.

Most Inspirational Moment

There is no guarantee that you will see a volcanic eruption, but we were very lucky. We saw the Etna erupting. Alessandro took us on an extra evening hike because he knew she was erupting. For me it was the best night of the entire trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide, Alessandro Vianni is a great guy. He was very enthusiastic about HIS islands. He knew and told us so much about the history, geology and of course his passion with volcanoes.

Most Inspirational Moment

On the fifth day we descended via a high meadow, contouring along a narrow trail through a swathe of beautiful Spring flowers. To our left was the view down valley; ahead was the Apennine range. People in the group were chatting about the highlights of the day: the climb through the beech woods, the scramble up the the summit, but for me the highlight was in the moment.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was an outstanding leader. She was always prepared, always informative, always ready to make an extra effort to ensure that every member of the group got the most from their week.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The week involves walking in mountain country for up to six hours a day, and the routes do in places require a head for heights. Sara will look after your safety at every point, but you should have a reasonable level of fitness. Also - do not be misled by the destination. It may be a Mediterranean holiday but you are in the mountains and it can and does rain. Admittedly not as often as it does in the UK.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention! Seeing a sloth in a tree at our lodge in the Amazon. Reaching the top of Dead Womans pass on Day 2 of the Inca trail. We were all exhausted, excited and emotional! Also reaching the Sun Gate together and finding out a member of our group had thought ahead and brought a mini bottle of pisco in their day pack so we could all toast Machu Picchu together to celebrate! Also the Titicaca homestay was a brilliant experience, our family was so wonderfully welcoming and it was brilliant to have a party with them in the evening with a local band, dressed up in their traditional clothing!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Flamenia was very professional, knowledgeable and really looked after us. We must have asked her every question under the sun but she was always so friendly and smiley!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not throw away your insect repellent after the Amazon, you will still need it for the Inca trail. It gets really cold in the evening on the Inca trail, if you take metal water bottles with you with covers on, ask your leader to fill them up with hot water before you go to bed so you can use them as hot water bottles. You'll also have your drinking water ready for the following day! Wear two pairs of socks when hiking, it really helped to prevent blisters.

Most Inspirational Moment

None, it was a joy from start to finish.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Armand and Junid were a great team, their enthusiasm and helpfulness never flagging.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do it, you won't be disappointed! Get some cycling in before you go as some days are quite demanding, but you always as much time as you like to get to your destination.

Most Inspirational Moment

Completing the long climb on the last day overlooking the beautiful Albanian coastline!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent guides, very knowledgeable, helpful and well organised.

Most Inspirational Moment

walking up the many steps to get to the peak to view the Monastery in Petra - breathtaking! it was made all the more worthwhile because of the effort it took to climb up to the viewing point.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ala was fantastic! He fielded every question with immense knowledge and entertained every random request from the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

when dining out, order either a mezze OR a main and not both as it's way too much food otherwise!

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling Sunday morning through the streets of Athens so seeing the sights without too many other tourists around. The many kilometres of cycling along the coast looking out to the Aegian sea. The great amphitheatre at Epidaurus.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yiannis did a great job of keeping the briefings short in the evening but still informative. He was obviously passionate about Greece and wanted to pass that passion on. As someone who knew little about Greek mythology the stories that he and Angelos told have given me an insight. Yiannis & Angelos did a fantastic job of keeping us fed, watered & our bikes in working order.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Even in May it is already relatively warm (high 20s) but the regular breaks meant that this was manageable.

Most Inspirational Moment

I really enjoyed the kayaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

"Too Good" as we called him was friendly and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take some ear plugs (unless you like the sound of being called to prayer pre-5am) and don't allow yourself to be distracted by an attractive woman blowing hot and cold (i.e. concentrate on the walking if you can).