Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There were quite a few inspirational moments, but perhaps the most stunning was the visit to the artist Giotto's Chapel de Scrovegni in Padua. I was in awe of the scope and quality of this marvellous work of art and I really appreciated Michele offering us the opportunity to see this wonder and organising it for us

Thoughts on Group Leader

I find it difficult to fault Michele for whom I formed a great personal liking. He combined being very businesslike about the organisation of the trip and ensuring that we kept to a reasonable schedule with being a very warm, friendly and often witty person who strived to ensure that everyone had a good time, even if the cycling stretched them a bit. He really thought about what might make people happy. Knowing I had a lifelong interest in cycle racing he introduced us and me in particular to a friend who had been a top roadman sprinter in the 1960s and 70s and won the World Road Championship in 1972. It was a great thrill! He managed well the considerable differences in ability and fitness between different members of the group, ensuring both that they were given encouragement and waited for. For the biggest climb of the tour he arranged for a van as a fall back for the weakest member and she was pleased to take advantage of it. Where we had to encounter heavy traffic at intersections with main road, he was very good at protecting us from harm and shepherding us through safely. Socially Michele was really great and a pleasure to be with. We also greatly enjoyed meeting his lovely family in Vicenza. Michele must surely be in the running for tour leader of the year.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The advice in the trip notes is about right and certainly be prepared for cooler temperatures and rain. We had some, but not too much. I took my own drop handlebar touring bike, which is a contrast with the high handlebars of the rented bikes everyone else rode. Although it was a hassle packing up my own bike in a bike bag, I still think it just beat riding the unfamiliar rented bikes, although I cannot say there was anything seriously wrong with them. They had a good range of gears. If you take your own bike, you need to be prepared to reassemble it quite late at night at Bolzano, unless you travel there independently. It is a long trek from Venice airport. The alternative is to get up very early on the first cycling day, which has an early start.

Most Inspirational Moment

everything

Thoughts on Group Leader

both , friendly.... and welcoming...

Advice for Potential Travellers

to taste sarah a'la carte, ... home cooking... afternoon..cake and tea

Most Inspirational Moment

The view of the Narnjo de Bulnes in the valley in the last day, between Sotres and Tielve.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent

Most Inspirational Moment

Michu Picchu was awe inspiring and enchanting, it surpassed any expectations I had, just amazing. The homestay on Amantani Island on Lake Titicaca was fantastic, our 'mum' was wonderful and cooked us the most delicious dinner and breakfast. She was so lovely to be around and chat to even with the language barrier. In addition, I had the best (and only!) good night's sleep there. The Nazca Lines were amazing, we didn't manage a flight over them due to fog, but seeing them from the tower was still great. Cuzco and Arequipa are both wonderful cities to explore and had a very comfortable feel when walking around them. The hot springs in Chivay are worth doing, very relaxing and fun. Seeing wildlife (penguins, sea lions, pelicans, flamingos, vicuñas, llamas, alpaca, condors) along the way was fascinating, and what can I say about the scenery throughout the whole journey... just magnificent!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Diana was very good. She was extremely organised, efficient and knowledgable. She made sure the trip went smoothly and she was proud to show and teach us about her country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take Peruvian Sols with you if possible, or if you take US dollars or Euros then change a decent amount at the airport in Lima as you don't get to a money exchange for 3 days due to the itinerary. I was advised to change just $30-40 at the airport, but this was insufficient and the advice was inaccurate apparently due to the tour now starting on a Friday. Many ATMs charged 18 sols for withdrawing cash, look for BCP as apparently they don't charge. Take clothes for warm and cold weather, it really was necessary. In one day you can need hats and gloves in the morning, shorts and t-shirts at lunchtime, and then back on with the woolies in the evening! Although the bus journeys sound long they were in fact very comfortable with a toilet on board and lots of stops. The altitude did effect most people but only for short periods and it was manageable. Be aware if you have high blood pressure as the altitude can affect that. As well as drinking water to prevent dehydration, drinking electrolytes is important as too much water flushes those out. But the guide was experienced in dealing with any symptoms of altitude and gave good advice. Be prepared for early starts pretty much every day, leaving at 7am was a lie in!! There were a couple of mornings free for a more relaxing morning. I took a few useful souvenirs (shopping bag, soap, pencils) from home for my homestay mum and she was delighted. You can buy items such as candles, pasta, salt etc from the market there though if you don't take with you. The optional excursions were all worth doing. Try to stay awake on the bus so as not to miss the outstanding scenery!

Most Inspirational Moment

The yurt camp. Sitting under the milky way listening to the guy singing is something I'll never forget, even the 6k walk through the desert the following day was fun. Of the historical sites, the necropolis in Samarkand was my favourite, and Samarkand was my favourite city. It's easy to get around and the people are lovely, although that can be said for every town and city in Uzbekistan.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dilshod was incredible, his passion and knowledge of Uzbekistan is awesome. He must be the best guide in the whole of Uzbekistan. He's also just a really fun and lovely guy. Valentin is a fantastic driver. Even though most of the roads are in good condition it did get a bit bumpy at times, but I always felt safe.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Uzbekistan airways is great, you get plenty of leg room and the food really isn't as bad as everyone says. A lot of the historic sites have been reconstructed in the past 10-15 years, so much so that it kind of became a running joke, it doesn't detract from the trip though. The food is delicious. Plov is the best! The kebabs taste amazing, but can be a bit greasy. The bread is delicious, and there's plenty of salad options for vegetarians.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking to the top of Lac Blanc on a clear, warm sunny day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Nick was excellent. He knew the area back to front and was friendly and fun to be around.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Wear in your hiking shoes before you otherwise you will get blisters! Weather can be unpredictable so make sure you bring waterproof clothing, although you are bound to have mostly rain-free days in Summer.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment for me was the groups "Last Supper" in Venice. The glorious week of riding, scenery, and group camaraderie was coming to a close. Two of the ladies in the tour group secretly purchased trinkets for each tour member that they deemed went with our individual personalities. Each tour member was presented their "gift" and told why that gift was chosen for them at our closing dinner. It was great fun and helped take the edge off the fact that our tour was over...at least until we can book the next one!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele is a six star group leader if there are six stars! Michele cares about everyone in the tour and insures that a great time is enjoyed by all. He is passionate about his job, Italy, and people. I always felt completely safe and secure on the cycle paths, streets, and roundabouts. Michele is a wealth of knowledge on Italy and the villages we passed through. I would love to tour with Michele again!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you think you can't do this, think again. The cycling is easy for the most part. There are a couple of challenges for spice but you might surprise yourself. Michele will not let you fail! If you cycle at all you are golden. If you aren't a cyclist go to a spin class or get a bike and ride a bit to acclimate your body to the bike. Then sign up, pedal down the Adige river valley, and enjoy the views!

Most Inspirational Moment

Completing the whole circuit and finishing at Brevent. The views are super and that is your reward for walking up hill all day (1500m). Going up the Aiguille du Midi is also incredible, it is great to get so close to Mont Blanc. The gondola ride across the glacier is also very memorable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jenny was a great leader, she was very knowledgeable about the trail and knew where all the lovely hut stops were.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You need to enjoy walking up and down, you are not often walking on flat trails, so practice those ups and downs. The Aiguille du Midi is definitely worth doing. It is cheaper to go up from the Italian side, however if the weather is bad wait until you get to Chamonix.

Most Inspirational Moment

The final days walking to the high point at Brevent was long, but the culmination of two weeks of arduous trekking, realising you’ve achieved your goal, standing at the top taking in the spectacular views, with a bunch of strangers who had now become your best buddies, makes for a fabulous experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

You just couldn’t get a more knowledgeable, understanding or thoughtful guide than Peter. He was relaxed yet in full control, helping and encouraging where needed, nothing phased him at all. His lunchtime picnics were a culinary highlight of the day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Apprehensive of the walking grade at altitude we did train quite a bit, probably not as much as we should have done due to leading normal busy lives, but if you’re a regular walker and are used to putting the hours in, you will be fine. It goes without saying to get your kit sorted out and bedded in beforehand, there isn’t much time once you’re underway, but bring Compeed in any case, as even the most comfortable boots and socks can play up after 10hrs plus day after day. Also pack light as there are plenty of opportunities to rinse out and dry trekking gear.

Most Inspirational Moment

Stunning location with spectacular mountain walks.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both were excellent and very professional

Advice for Potential Travellers

A beautiful part of the world