Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Our stay in the village in the High Atlas was magical. It reminded me a bit of Shangri La in 'Lost Horizon' with the cultivated valleys covered in fruit trees in blossom with a backdrop of mountains in the most striking colours.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdullah was fantastic. Patient, knowledgeable and efficient. We couldn't have asked for a better leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

One word of caution - it is VERY cold in the cities in winter - we were expecting it in the countryside - but be prepared and take lots of layers. If you have room, a hot water bottle and travel kettle are worth taking.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cappadocia was amazing but then just being in Instanbul was a culture in its self.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was great, spoke perfect English and once he got to know us was a great joy with bits of laughter and learning of their culture and ways. He was a great historian and knowledge that was surprising.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take thermals just in case of a weather snap. Read up on restaurants and eating places before you go so you know what is around your hotel otherwise you feel a bit lost. Book a cruise of the Bhosperous at the harbour so you can see what boat they are giving you otherwise some are rust buckets.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting into the perfect position to see the elusive leopard walk out from the long grass along the riverbank. Or on the optional tour, seeing the male hippo on the bank and subsequently rush into the water to come and get us!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The guide (Jacob) and team (Emmanuel, Ben and Alex) were really friendly and worked constantly to make everything run smoothly. Jacob was such a big part of the trip that it wouldn't have been the same without him. He gave us his professional suggestions on ways to improve the trip and we get along with him, and were not disappointed. He's so knowledgeable and his passion to help us get the most of our trip shone through. He balanced everyone's wishes and likes to make sure everyone got to see what they wanted.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You need to be open minded and willing to adapt because plans do change sometimes. The standard of living is totally different to what we're used to and there are some long bumpy drives but it's an amazing experience so don't let that put you off- it's all fine but you need to be prepared. If you love luxury and hate camping this isn't the option for you but if you are up for an adventure the camping really isn't bad at all.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many but we particularly liked the walk on day 3 – Sierra de Serrella – the views and scenery were spectacular, we were walking in snow for part of this walk and had to do a bit of scrambling as well, which was very different.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was very knowledgeable about the whole area and told us a lot about this history etc. His enthusiasm and passion for this region shone through. Also, the sandwiches he prepared for us were excellent – very tasty and filling.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take walking poles with you – they are helpful on some of the steeper descents.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many but we particularly liked the walk on day 3 – Sierra de Serrella – the views and scenery were spectacular, we were walking in snow for part of this walk and had to do a bit of scrambling as well, which was different.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was very knowledgeable about the whole area and told us a lot about the history etc. His enthusiasm and passion for this region shone through. Also, the sandwiches he prepared for us were excellent – very tasty and filling.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take walking poles with you – they are helpful on some of the steeper descents.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to decide! Tortuguera cruising along the canals,spotting so many things. Monteverde Cloud Forest Lodge - arriving in the afternoon sunshine and the agoutis and Coatamundies just foraging around you in the gardens, then going down to then birdwatching lounge with panoramic views - Mot-mots and humming birds galore! Esquinas Lodge - heavenly! Savegre - more humming birds and the Resplendent Questrel!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Antonio was superb - nothing was too much trouble and he dedicated himself totally to the group

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take notice of the trip notes- long and short trousers/ good walking shoes Be aware of long journeys on very bumpy roads - but with 'comfort'/coffee stops

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra has to be seen to be believed, I just wasn't prepared for the scale and the colours. For once in my life I made my boys, 15 & 17, climb to the top of something (a good hour’s very steep hike in the searing heat) without them being disappointed by the sight that awaited. George who had gone on ahead as usual, came running back to tell us, Wow! you're not going to believe it, it is so worth it! A monastery as big as a cathedral on the top of a Mountain surrounded by endless desert, there are no words, you have to go and see it!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Salah was a fantastic guide, a very proud Jordanian who not only looked after us in a practical way but gave us a fascinating insight into his country and people. Our driver Mamdoor also went out of his way to make sure we were always comfortable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We all made an effort to respect the fact that we were visiting a Muslim country during Ramadan by dressing conservatively and not making a show of eating and drinking during the day. I feel this was very much appreciated. The food was great everywhere and kept our hungry teenage boys very happy.

Most Inspirational Moment

The trip to Vianles and Trinidad along with Santa Clara were good

Thoughts on Group Leader

Overall Enio was good and he tried hard

Advice for Potential Travellers

I thought that at times the "chosen / recommended" restaurants were a bit iffy food wise so choose your own and you may enjoy more. Check out toilets, too many in restaurants just did not work!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

I really enjoyed staying in the casa particulares with local families

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had a brilliant group leader

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of Toubkal and the views on a sunny, clear day were breathtaking

Thoughts on Group Leader

Good guides who spoke very good English and were always keen and happy to help.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walk to both summits starts very early so make sure you take warm and windproof clothing. Walking up to 2 4000m peaks in 2 days is very difficult and you need to have a good level of fitness