Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The moment I stepped foot on the top of the Valbone Pass - a real achievement for me to have conquered the climb!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dorian is an inspirational guide who is passionate about his country. He is knowledgeable, encouraging and supportive. We all learned so much about Albania and its history, as well as experiencing a fantastic, if challenging holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure your own fitness level. The early days of this holiday are challenging. I found them really difficult - primarily because I was inadequately prepared.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being able to climb 1600m in 35-40deg heat! Only achieved by the encouragement and support of the group and Armand and Marcella

Thoughts on Group Leader

Armand could not have been more helpful. He provided maps for each day which gave the mileage and profile of the route, and information about the places we would visit. Have never had this on a trip before and it was very useful. Armand was also very well informed about his country, and I think all of the group learned things about Albania that would have been difficult to pick up from any other source.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take some waterproof shoes/sandals so that you can walk up the gorge by the thermal pools. Take some snacks if you want more than fruit.

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to decide … maybe arriving at Semenggok Orang-utan Centre to be told the large male Ritchie was there and then see him walk on the ground in front of me probably 15/20 ft away, along the path and then climb up into the trees. The sheer size and strength of him was just awe inspiring. Or perhaps watching the pygmy elephants on the river bank, in particular two young males rough and tumbling in the water together whilst we sat in our boat watching.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rony was an enthusiastic leader who has a passion for his country and its wildlife which he happily shared with us. He often went above and beyond what was expected of him. For example he rose early in the morning to take the group on additional bird watching walks. His knowledge of the local area also meant that we always ate well!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I used a lot of insect repellent (3 bottles) in the end. Buy a large plastic poncho that is fully rainproof (not just the odd shower) this covers both you and your rucksack; Borneo rain is something to experience! If you don't want to take advantage of the washing services provided - take a washing line and pegs with you. Also take light clothing that will dry quickly. I would recommend comfortable walk shoes and reef style strapy sandals, vest tops, shorts and a set of long trousers/sleeves. Leech socks can be bought locally very cheaply. Take a Borneo bird book as there are so many to identify and take binoculars if you have any.

Most Inspirational Moment

The final day’s climb from sea level to the top of the Llogara Pass (1043m) – followed by a long freewheel back down to sea level. It was tough going in the heat, although mercifully the mercury did not climb to the 37 degrees it had reached on other days, but the climb was reasonably graded, meaning that none of our group failed to make it to the summit - and several of us were in our 60s. But there were cultural high points too (the citadel at Gjirokaster and the UNESCO site at Butrint) as well as everyday moments that will remain in the memory – like the friendliness of the locals with whom I watched the Denmark-Albania Euro 2016 qualifier, in an open air café.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Armand and Marsela looked after us very well indeed. They took care not to be too prescriptive, and not to intervene where no intervention was required, but were always there to help, and ever ready to chat - full of interesting snippets about Albania and its culture. It helped that they both speak impeccable English, and are full of enthusiasm for what they are doing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Exodus rates this trip “Moderate” - suitable for anyone who is “in good health and reasonably fit” and “ideal for occasional cyclists”. But be prepared for lots of climbing. It is certainly not a stroll in the park.

Most Inspirational Moment

The trip gave a general feeling of escaping - we hardly saw anyone else on the paths used giving a senses of isolation and relaxation. Picnic spots on the walk were idealic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide was wonderful. Isabelle made the area come alive with her enthusiasm and local knowledge. I could not have asked more of her, she was always available, helping in any way she could. Most walking days she brought along local ‘delicacies’ for the group to try.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Most evening meals were taken in restaurants in the town at travellers own expense. Restaurants were prebooked for the group. My husband and I chose not to join these group meals but used other restaurants in Greoux which were plentiful, good value and well worth exploring. On the free day we chose to do another local walk. The route was excellently marked. Our guide kindly loaned us her map to use. (The tourist office in town also had walks and additional information which were very useful). The town of Greoux, at the time of our stay, had a Jazz festival and we enjoyed going along to a couple of these free events in the local square.

Most Inspirational Moment

Just driving through the countryside, bumping around in the jeep, having breaks in the middle of nowhere with a vast country stretching out for kilometres all around you. So different from crowded Europe. I also liked the wildlife in Vulture Gorge - picas and ground squirrels. The opening parade of Naadam Just walking around Ulaanbataar, seeing the people - especially during Naadam, when people dressed up in their nice clothes. My room-mate. She was great and I really enjoyed talking to her. I'd never set eyes on her before but it was a good match.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I liked her very much. Dorjo tried to keep everyone happy, which was not an easy thing to do because four of the 16 people were very demanding. Maybe they expected a five-star luxury holiday. The rest of the people were easy-going and relaxed, just happy to be there and see the country. Dorjo is very pleasant, her English is fine. She likes to laugh. Naturally, when one gets excited or emotional, words are hard to find. She was always willing to explain things and it was clear how much she loved her country. I hope to stay in touch with her.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't expect five-star luxury. I certainly wasn't expecting it, so I was pleasantly surprised by how much better the accommodation was than I thought. I thought we'd be sleeping on the floor in tents, sharing them with local people. Instead, we got a tent between two people and the beds were in wooden 'boxes'. Apart from one camp, all the beds were very comfortable and I was surprised by how well I slept, even with the open part of the tent in the middle of the roof. (Normally, I keep all doors and windows shut when I sleep.) You don't go to Mongolian camps for the cuisine. Some people complained because we got starters consisting of tomato and cucumber often. What you have to keep in mind, though, is that very little grows there. Take a look out of the window when you're in the jeep. See how little grows. The camp cooks do their best with the little they have. I have to avoid gluten so I took extra fruit and nut mixes and some snack salami sausages just in case. However, the camp cooks were able to give me gluten-free food. Dorjo had a word with them when we arrived in a new camp. Remember that when you are in a ger camp that you are in the middle of nowhere. Do not expect entertainment. Do what people used to do in the past - make your own entertainment. Take books with your. Crosswords puzzle books. Talk to your fellow travellers. Just sit back and watch the sun go down and think how lucky you are to be able to be on holiday, not having to do anything. Just chill out. As for travel sickness, I took plenty of travel sickness chewing gum because I have problems with bus journeys in towns. Did I need any of them? Nope. Even though sitting in the jeeps was a case of "shake, rattle and roll". It's a completely different movement in the jeeps. Not once did I feel travel sick. I was also impressed by the washing and toilet facilities in the ger camps. I thought we'd be washing in buckets, but no.. there were brick and mortar buildings with showers, sinks and toilets. Some were better than others. If you go when everyone else goes, then you're not going to have lots of hot water. Me.. I waited until everyone had gone to the dining tent about 10 minutes early and rushed in for a quick shower.

Most Inspirational Moment

All the spectacular views and stunning scenery. When the weather was great, the views could not be beaten. I could soak them in all day long. But never take them for granted as if the weather turns and the views disappear you certainly miss them.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lotte was excellent. She had a terrific knowledge of the local area, was always friendly and helpful and full of wonderful stories of her adventures around the world. She added to the whole experience of the trek. If she could just control the weather as well then she would have been the best!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Embrace this wonderful walk and embrace every spectacular view. This walk is 105 miles long. It has over 10000 metres of ascent and descent. It is a great great walk and well worth doing for any regular walker with a good level of fitness who walks at a good steady pace. It is a camping trip for 14 days with usual camping facilities, good camping grub, good camping socialising and the need to do your bit for the group with some basic chores. But think seriously if that is for you and if you decide to go then embrace the challenge as you will enjoy it so much more by appreciating the views, taking off the challenge and making new friends.

Most Inspirational Moment

Amazing night skies with no light pollution . Endless horizons with no mand made structures

Thoughts on Group Leader

Can only echo Caroline's comments , Dorjo needs to improve her leader/guide skills. Perfectly pleasant on a one to one basis but clearly most anxious to avoid any conflict whatosever , which means that placatory answers are given. That may solve immediate "issue" but leads to others when promised things dont occur , information isnt forthcoming , scheduled itinerary items are omitted / curtailed , general lack of information ( lunch stop , toilet stop / duration of any stop ) , general feeling of "not prepared " and unable/unwilling to actually go and find out the information .

Advice for Potential Travellers

When checking in for your flights ensure your luggage is checked ALL THE WAY through to Ulan Baator and not just Beijing. Take some spare clothes as hand luggage for overnight in Beijing off airport hotel. Do not expect an Air China rep to "assist " you with transfer to hotel , you have to fill in 72 hour temp visa form , then take transit train to luggage arrivals building ( hopefully if your bag checked through you wont have to collect luggage ) , leave customs and arrivals , go out into public arrivals hall. look for tiny Air China Hotel desk !!! Be prepared to argue that the room has been included and , if paid extra for single supplement , that you have a single room . Lots of driving in mini van , being bounced around for hours at a time so take some sweets for sharing . Also carry some hand gel and own toilet paper , be prepared to see more of your fellow travellers than you normally would ( at comfort stops) . Take own entertainment for evenings as very little to do after evening meal or those occasions when delivered back to ger camp at lunchtime with no activities availble in area. During the season its highly unlikley there will be any "single " Gers available and only then at FULL price ( not the hinted top up price in trip notes . small supplement ) . For the internal flight everyones luggage is weighed en-masse INCLUDING any day packs/rucksacks / hand luggage - and only 15KG allowance per person. So 6 people is 6 x 15 = 90 KG total . Any excess works out at about 1 USD per KG and has to be paid local currency - dont forget to ante up your share . Carry a small torch , for those night time/early morning start bathroom visits ( not every toilet block had lights on during night ) .

Most Inspirational Moment

The camadarie of the group, fantastic banter and mock rivalry with a ladies' race for several kilometres. The scenery was stunning, but by the time we reached the hotels in the evening which had pools it was too late to use them.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Giovanni and Michele were good and took care of us with fantastic stops for fruit, snacks and plenty of chilled water. Both were very personable and cheerful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yep, do ask whether a meat/fish option on the menu includes any carbs or veg, as inevitably it doesn't, which means one lacks in energy the next day! (surprising for Italy I thought!). I personally dispense with cycle shorts and pads as cycling more than about 3 consecutive days in the heat has the same effect as nappies!

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the walk alongside the Gorge, it was stunning.