Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the brown bears.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thomas was extremely knowledgeable about Romania and anxious to help us understand the Carpathian history. He was also aware of the needs of the group and allowed us some flexibility where he could regarding walking speed as there were differences in the group. He had many local contacts which enhanced my enjoyment as I love meeting local people. My only slight criticism is the amount of time that he spent on his phone.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for rain and, when it does rain, oh boy does it rain! The bird watching was mind numbingly boring so, if you don't like bird watching, take a book! There were enough of us that didn't want to do the bird watching to go back to the hotel but it wasn't allowed..... The trip notes are extremely accurate and you do need a certain level of fitness to access the walking.

Most Inspirational Moment

We have some wonderful memories, not only of the wild animals, but also the stars at night, the sunsets, and good fun around the camp fires. I really enjoyed the wild camping, despite not being an enthusiastic camper - the tents and equipment made it all very comfortable. Mellow's cooking was excellent - including for those on special diets. The Victoria Falls are stunning. Note that white water rafting on the Zambezi is not for the faint-hearted!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Wynand, was knowledgeable, helpful and organised everything very well. Our local guide, Stanley, was excellent - passionate and knowledgeable about his country, its geology, vegetation and wildlife. He went the extra mile to give us a great experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My advice to other travellers would be: go, you won't regret it! We went in July/August, the dry season, so lots of sand. Wet wipes useful, as is hand gel. Cold at night and early morning - do take warm clothes, hat, gloves, for those early morning game drives on open-sided truck (great for viewing). I found a pair of waterproof sandals useful for swims in the delta, and for bush shower. Pair of binoculars each essential. You can buy snacks for journeys when you get there, don't bother packing any. And you can get Botswana currency when you arrive at Maun.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking the whole of the Vesuvius crater rim with Stefano, the local guide. This was highly impressive as the rim is quite steep and narrow in places with the crater far below and with steam issuing forth out in places. Stefano proved to be very informative as he explained the different types of lava and eruptions between the various Italian volcanos, and pointed out the monitoring equipment, the last eruption having taken place here in 1944.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz, our guide, was very friendly and helpful. She shared her extensive knowledge and enthusiasm with us and kept us safe.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I found a walking pole essential, especially for the many long descents. I took my own but the hotel has a supply for those who have not taken one. Other "must haves" are sun cream, a sun hat, plenty of water (available to buy at the hotel) and a waterproof. Take plenty of coins in your money when visiting the café at Pompeii as they were very short of change.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's difficult to choose as there were many but sunrise at the Grand Canyon was very unique as you could watch the many ridges in the canyon gradually catch the light until the whole view was illuminated and then take an early morning hike!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lana did a terrific job - she was always full of energy and happy to answer questions! She strived to make sure we all had a great experience whilst on the trip and organised everything very well!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you can, spend a day or two in San Francisco prior to the trip starting and if you plan on visiting Alcatraz be sure to book tickets as far in advance as you can. I'd also recommend hiring a bike and cycling over the Golden Gate bridge. Some days on the trip we started fairly early in the morning so be prepared for those.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is hard to pick off a highlight but the walk of the Gods was especially magic and Pompeii was memorable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eduardo sets the right tone. All of the families were great and you could envisage being friends with them if they lived closer. However, I think Eduardo manages the ice breaking very well so that people mixed from the outset.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Extending our stay for a few days worked for us and is worth considering as the week will fly by. The crossing to Capri is 1 hour 20 minutes and quite a few people were sick. It was fine on the return journey as we all managed to get seats in the open air section. This made all the difference so if you are prone, make sure you are seated in the fresh air.

Most Inspirational Moment

Coming over the Grand Col Ferret from Switzerland to Italy after several days with very limited views due to low cloud, and seeing the Italian Val Ferret and all the peaks in dazzling sunshine. Reaching the end of the official circuit on the last afternoon at Plan Praz and deciding to continue alone to La Flegere where we had ascended 11 days earlier.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent leadership of the group, set starting times and kept to them, set manageable walking speeds. Good local knowledge of flora, mountain peaks, history and local land use / customs. Good fun to be with. He also allowed (and led) two optional extra climbs to viewpoints on cols which were excellent additions to the itinerary.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you really up to this. There are long ascents and steep descents. You need good knees.

Most Inspirational Moment

The view of the coast from the top of the 'Dead Man's Stomach'.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Well organised and knowledgeable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

August in Tuscany can be wetter than you'd imagine, so don't stint on the waterproofs. It's also well worth making the journey to Lucca on the free day: a beautiful city.

Most Inspirational Moment

In reality, I didn't expect to see much wildlife but was pleasantly surprised when we came across a large herd of wild elephants on a river bank. (In addition we saw lots of different types of monkeys including the comical proboscis monkeys, different types of birds, crocodiles and snakes.)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was a local guide. His English was very good and he was knowledgeable about all aspects of his country. He was quite flexible and tweaked the itinerary when it was required.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a jungle expedition and so make sure that you have the right sort of gear like sensible boots. The temperature and humidity are very high and if you come in from Europe you do need to be careful and drink a lot of water. I would actually recommend that you bring packets of re hydrating salts.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were a number, particularly in the three capitals which were each fascinating for different reasons. The museums of occupation and genocide victims, whilst harrowing, are a must. Equally the restored Art Nouveau buildings in Riga are nothing short of amazing. Trakai castle is also stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

She was very good indeed. I thought she got the balance just right between looking after us and leaving us to our own devices. She was very caring and well informed, with a good breadth of knowledge, and her English was excellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

Great sense of achievement after the long walks with breath taking scenery. Loved the bear watching and walking through the gorge.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very friendly and incredibly knowledgeable. Very reassuring to have around and a great guy all round!

Advice for Potential Travellers

You DO need proper walking boots and waterproofs. Generally the weather is warm and sunny but with very heavy usually short lived rainfall in the afternoon/evening. Be prepared!