Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Is is impossible to pick a single moment, a choice between looking up at a blanket of stars one night, to walking a section of the trail quietly by myself and then the fist view of Machu Pichu.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cesar was fantastic, a really nice guy who found time for everyone in the group. He was assisted by Anthony and between them they brought warmth, fun and complete professionalism at all times. It was a pleasure to meet tham and spend some time with them.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Look carefully at the average temperatures, it was much warmer than i expected during the day and i would have been better with some lighter gear. Be prepared for basic sanitary conditions...but it is part of the experience and a continual topic of conversation on the trail..

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra was amazing, so much more than the view of the Treasury that most people associate with it. It was great to have 3 days there to explore. The night in a Bedouin Cave was very special, even if we were a bit noisy!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Khaled was friendly, efficient and very knowledgeable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't forget your swimsuit!

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the beautiful tiny villages & hamlets that we walked through, one even had an unscheduled stop for a taste of the local wine & a chance to buy jams & olive oil. Siena & the Tuscan Wine School were superb, as was Florence & San Gimingnano.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz was a great guide. I was also impressed with the English representative of the San Gimingnano winery, she was lovely & really explained a lot about the wine making processes.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Roberta at Villa Casalta is a great lady & nothing is too much trouble. We were actually a party of 3 & really wanted to room together, when we booked we were told it wasn't possible but after a day or so Roberta moved us all into a family room, so it's always worth asking her if you need anything arranging. The food at the Villa was fairly basic but there was often enough if you wanted seconds, I was a bit disappointed with the breakfasts, especially the bread - not much of it (1 roll each is a bit stingy) and tough stuff too! There's an 'honesty bar' fridge with bottles beers, wine & water (though we had plenty of wine included with the meal). The village is a good 20/25 minute walk away down (and up!) a little old road/track, so we tended to stay at the Villa all evening when we ate there. We also took handy little Graze Boxes with us for nibbles out on the walking trips too.

Most Inspirational Moment

Inspirational may not be the exact word, but cycling round the islands of San Pietro and San Antioco was really enjoyable

Thoughts on Group Leader

See above. Both leaders were excellent, ensuring that the trip ran smoothly and that it was enjoyable for all the group.

Most Inspirational Moment

Single file walking to and hearing, then seeing Stromboli's explosions.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go with the flow

Most Inspirational Moment

Cambodia, the warmth, friendliness and resilience of the people I met in Cambodia utterly inspired me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wonderful! Our guide who followed us throughout the whole trip was really super. She thought of every little detail and dealt so well with all the quirks and demands of our group as we adjusted to our new surrounding. She was particularly good at introducing us to the local dishes and explaining the customs of each area as we travelled through.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Remember to put mosquito repellent on your bottom too.....for those all important trips to the outside loos.

Most Inspirational Moment

I really adored the walking through the meadows of wild flowers. I was just lucky I chose to go beginning of June. Meadows in full flower and the weather was glorious.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Udo Krause our tour leader was a large lump of a hiker with a mix of wildlife photographer. He lead the goup well and he was totally qualified and experienced to explain all flora & fauna.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A lunchbox has been mentioned by other reviews. Its good to carry your diy sandwiches. During our time in June the sun was baking, do not under estimate dehydration ad sun burn.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably staying in the jungle lodge, surrounded by monkeys in the day, going out on the night walk and at night listening to the sounds of the jungle in our candle lit room.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabian is an excellent organiser, is very knowledgable about all sorts of things and kept us entertained with his stories. I appreciated his concern for our welfare and safety which was one thing that worried me slightly before we went but we had no problems at all whilst we were there.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a woolly hat, gloves and maybe a scarf. It was very cold walking at high altitude (which we did twice) for a couple of hours each time. If that was on the list of equipment I missed it. Don't rely on the temperature charts for Quito or Guayaquil and think that the whole country is the like either of these places. It can be quite chilly at 4800 metres on Chimborazo. We managed to buy hats and gloves locally but you might want to take your own.

Most Inspirational Moment

As we scaled the summit of Macondiu we finally rose above the clouds. On an overcast day we had emerged into brilliant sunshine looking down on a sea of clouds with the peaks protruding like islands.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alvaro Saiz was a superb group leader for this type of trip. He was concerned for the well-being of every member of the group and keen to ensure that everyone was safe and enjoying their holiday. He was well informed about the geology, flora, fauna, and history of the region and was able to share his knowledge with us. He was extremely diligent, working long hours to worry about the next day's weather and to consider the alternatives and fall-back plans if we should need them. He should go far.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would highly recommend this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably the trip to the Italian side with the views and wild flower meadows.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Not only was he very knowledgeable, he could also tell a good joke. Natural leader and helped make the holiday. I am going to book the Tour of Mont Blanc next year, mostly because of his information about it and, of course, the taster I have had.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You need less clothes than you think!