Reviews

Iceland Northern Lights

This was a four night tour that really packed a punch.
As well as the chance of seeing the Northern Lights we saw glaciers, ice caves, geysers, lagoons, waterfalls, the black beach etc, etc

The Northern Lights

I booked this holiday purely as I got a weeks respite for my sick husband. This was all I could find to fit with my dates. Well it was meant to be!! There were 15 of us in the group and as I was travelling alone I was a little apprehensive to say the least. The group was fabulous,the leader Ibi, was superb.she took us to all the places in the itinerary which were all super and we were so well informed.

Snowshoeing in Finland

This was an excellent holiday at the cosy and warm Oulanka Basecamp. We were provided with clothing that kept us toasty and boots that were very comfortable. The food was locally sourced as much as possible, tasty and filling.
Overall, I cannot fault this holiday.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Feb-March 2016

Very enjoyable trek to Poon Hill and ABC which must have some of the best panoramic views in the Himalayas. Interesting group of trekkers, Well organised with excellent leader, guides and porters.

Snow Shoeing and Much More

Finland is beautiful and Oulanka Basecamp a superb place to spend an active week. The facilities, equipment, food, activities and above all the staff – for whom nothing was too much trouble and who all clearly loved their work – were first-rate. The room accommodation was comfortable and the communal lounge, bar, sauna, hot tub and dining area in a separate building a few seconds walk away. We wanted and expected cold weather – which we got – but were never cold because everywhere was well heated and the winter clothing and boots provided were of the best quality (and all in with the price). The Basecamp is in the middle of nowhere – again, wanted and expected – in an area of forest, lakes, rivers (aka Finland!) but also unexpected hills and, at times, steep climbs.

What I liked best? Pretty much everything and there were not enough hours in a day to do all I wanted. Also being wonderfully tired every evening after a hard day of snow shoe walking, cross-country skiing, snowmobile and/or dog sledding were a great aid to a good night/s sleep.

Highlights major and minor – in no particular order – were:
1. The food. Loads of it and delicious, including the packed lunches and special energy bars. (We burned a lot of calories).
2. Eating lunch around camp fires at wilderness shelters in a gentle snowfall.
3. My first time on skis. (We haven’t laughed so much in ages).
4. Falling a lot. (Yes, I’m serious. I fell off everything – snow shoes, skis – level and downhill – snowmobile and dog sled), and once nearly ended up in a river, but only hurt myself a bit a couple of times.)
5. Dog sled day. A marvellous experience and enough to turn this dog-phobe into a husky fan.
6.The company of like-minded strangers to add to wife and two good friends.

Lowlights:
Not a thing, other than we didn’t get the Northern Lights, but that’s beyond the Basecamp’s control, and I couldn’t do everything. We’ll have to go back!

The rooms are of two types. The upper rooms are a bit bigger, have a small mezzanine for storage or to sleep in and a balcony.

All heating and hot water comes from a wood pellet-burning boiler and a wood-burning fire in the lounge. All clothing and gear is provided to reduce luggage weight – a small detail ,but a nice idea – and almost all food provided sustainable and locally sourced.

from the Indian Ocean to the Arabian Sea

This was an amazing holiday and has completely converted me, before the holiday pretty much a non cyclist and very much a novice, to taking more cycling holidays. I love India and this was such a good way to get to see a lot of the real rural India. Cycling through villages, avoiding dogs, goats, cows, other cyclists and pedestrians, as well as the inevitable motorbikes, tuk tuks and buses and not a few potholes and speed bumps, was always fantastic, as the children all wave and shout hello, as do quite a lot of the adults. Its a complete joy.

Late season skiiing - Kvitavatn

This being my first holiday in Scandinavia, not having skied for a few years and booked at the last minute I had some trepidation over what to expect. What I got was a very enjoyable holiday, great cross country skiing routes both on and off piste and great group and tour leader to share it with.

Didn't want the trip to end...

An amazing trip taking in a variety of national parks to see an endless variety of wildlife, just magical.

A wonderful week in Jordan

A fantastic week packed full with different experiences and giving you a chance to experience Jordan at its best.

A Taste of Cuba

This holiday included a variety of activities and locations which gave a flavour of the country. Given the pressure on the island as tourist numbers increase, without the accompanying infrastructure, the accommodation was better than I had anticipated. The range of trips was good with potential to choose other options. Plenty of advice was given regarding the best places to eat and visit in free time.