Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the top of the hill/mountain at Nurawa Eliya in the misty low light fog. However seeing the beautiful children and people of Sri lanka with such free spontaneous smiles was a memory to hold forever. And seeing the Leopards in the Yala Game park even if I was in drought conditions.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was a really positive happy respectful leader. He made us feel like each of us was important and was always ready to assist in any way. He lead as if he was a friend and teacher - a lovely man

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware it is hot and to have a large water bottle or a camel back -My preference as I drank a lot and still had to stop for occasional drinking coconut top ups!! The big day up hill needs to be prepared for with at least some endurance exercise before hand.

Most Inspirational Moment

All of them were wonderful and better than expected

Thoughts on Group Leader

Leo was good but we have been spoiled by previous tour leaders.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is not a holiday if you need a rest do not go. Hardly any of the hotels had hairdryers so take your own. Most of the hand wash basins in the rooms only had cold running water and no plug. Towel sizes are quite small compared to the UK and europe. Toilets on route are variable and can be quite basic - just a pan with no seat and a bucket or bowl to flush. Wi-fi was available in most of the hotels. Instructions said to get a few Sols - we found that we needed Sols most of the time. Places would take US dollars but it took longer to work out and pay. We did get Sols out of ATMs but these often came in 200 notes which were then quite difficult to change as people were quite wary of them. Restaurants and larger stores were the only place you could really use cards. You do need dollars for tips, some extra trips and the Nazca flights. These are mainly things paid to the group leader. Your suitcase will take quite a battering. It is constantly in and out of buses and up and down stairs. If you take the Exodus flights and are traveling with a partner it is wise to check your seats before you go. Exodus do a group booking to get a cheaper rate but this means that the seats can be dotted all over the plane. We and another couple had to upgrade to have seats next to each other and other couples on the trip were seated quite a distance apart. This is not too bad for the short flights but not much fun on the 12 hour flight.

Most Inspirational Moment

When the clouds cleared (at last) & the top of Mt Blanc came into full view (St Antoine to Les Houches). Arriving at Refuge Bovine to shelter from the rain & the most delicious baked apple. The great feeling of achievement on finishing the whole circuit,

Thoughts on Group Leader

Frank was ery well organised with excellent briefings about the walk each day. He was a calm, very capable leader who didn’t over fuss, quickly summed up our individual abilities & gave us a lot of freedom to walk at our own pace but then quietly brought us back together when it was necessary. Made you feel you could do the big days. Accent hard to understand (& hard of hearing) but he warned us & was only too happy to repeat things many times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it but read the notes carefully.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is difficult to select one moment from such an enjoyable trip

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dilshod was very well organised a capable guide who went out of his way to be helpful. He has an impressive knowledge of his subject and gave an exemplary service.

Advice for Potential Travellers

July might be a bit too warm for some people - on some occasions the temperature exceeded 40deg C. that said our group leader re-arranged plans so that we could have siesta during the middle of the day.

Most Inspirational Moment

One of the reasons I booked this trip, and not one that was half-board, was the opportunity to eat out in the evenings in mainly traditional and modern, small or family run restaurants. Especially since I had done a little homework beforehand to get an idea of the different influences on Sicilian cuisine in different parts of the island. I also loved the walk in Zingaro National Park which only came about by locals protesting against its possible commercial development. Beautiful, unspoilt,peaceful and wild. I would have enjoyed another walk there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabio was very helpful with a good sense of humour and found answers to our questions as quickly as he could if there was anything that he couldn't answer straight away. He told us that he was more at home leading walking groups in the Sicilian interior but coped very well with our cultural trip and our queries.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you love European culture there is a lot to enjoy in Sicily. This trip covers the whole island.

Most Inspirational Moment

On our day off we took cable cars up to the top of Le Midi at about 4200. The views were breathtaking as the Alps spread near and far. Simply stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Peter our leader was very approachable and knowledgeable as well as friendly. I was very disappointed and upset that he did not do more for one of our walkers who had a serious fall and fractured her tibia.She had to limp in pain and with tears for 4 hours to the pick up spot. At the very least the transport should have been at the bottom of the mountain waiting. There was no evidence of a first aid kit with basic splints. Peter didn't even know if there was a local hospital to assist..... NOT GOOD ENOUGH!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take walking poles as parts are rough. Take knee braces if your knees are dicky. Good boots with ankle support are essential as is the capacity to carry 2 litres of water. Do NOT leave it til you get to Chaminoix to buy gear... much cheaper at home. A good hat and sun cream is also essential as the sun can be fierce.

Most Inspirational Moment

How do you pick one moment! Achievement of getting to the top of a long upward climb, views, picnic lunches on mountain tops and in valleys, wildlife, flowers, eating wild strawberries and cherries on the go, good company, paddling in glaciers, swimming in a mountain top lake to name but a few...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant, helpful, knowledable. Very organised but relaxed at the same time. Nothing too much trouble.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

This was my first cycling trip and I feel privileged to have seen such an amazing country and its people so up close and personal. I had many overwhelming moments as the gracious and warm Sri Lankans smiled and cheered us on. EVERY ONE gives that adorable head bob and a huge smile. They are the warmest, most sincere hosts just happy to have you in their country. I particularly loved how the children would run up to the road waving, smiling and saying hello. The scenery is breathtaking, particularly in the mountain area tea plantations.

Thoughts on Group Leader

There isn't enough room to express how absolutely fantastic Suresh and his team (Uppali, Chamara and Lal). They literally think of everything. You truly just have to show up and pedal and they will do the rest from making sure your luggage gets to and from your room, to washing your bikes, to filling your water bottles, to organizing special meals and opportunities to take in the culture. Suresh LOVES what he does and it shows. His excitement of delivering the extra special touches (the personalized photo card, the gift, the decorated cake to celebrate the toughest ride) is sweet, endearing and appreciated.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring clip shoes and pedals if you usually use them. Bring your own seat or VERY padded shorts. Make sure you like the challenge of being on a bike for extended periods of time (though the frequent breaks certainly help).

Most Inspirational Moment

Lunch on the Walk of the Gods at an old rustic farmhouse that we had to ourselves. A fabulous setting with outstanding food and drink. Very peaceful away from the hoards. The coastline is beautiful and its not hard to see why its so popular.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eduardo was excellent, kept us organised, passed on local knowledge, made all arrangements as necessary and was good with the kids. He made the holiday much easier and more enjoyable than if we had tried to organise this all on our own.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather was very hot. This was expected though be sure to bring enough sunscreen and the right clothing to cater for this. Some of the places we visited are very popular so ferries/streets can be very busy. The hotel staff were excellent and catered even for the most fussy of eaters (including chip pizza!).

Most Inspirational Moment

Having the Patara beach destination at the end of our walks was spectacular. The roman ruins were really worth seeing, as was the Turkish market and Turkish lunch at a local Turkish family's house.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Touget was really attentive and helpful to the group and gave us an insight into the culture.