Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many inspiring moments on this trip. Which to choose? The cable car ride to the summit for impressive mountain views, especially in the early morning mist, and the later walk in the Seoraksan National Park was beautiful. The overwhelming feeling of peace and tranquillity at Haeinsa during the temple stay, especially after the bustle of Seoul. Attending the morning chanting and the the conversations over tea with one of the monks. This gave wonderful insights in to the practice of Buddhism in Korea. The flag raising ceremony at the UN Cemetery in Pusan was very moving, as by that stage of the trip one appreciates the miracle that is modern Korea wouldn't have been possible without what this place signifies, "we engrave your names in our hearts with love, we inscribe your names in our land with appreciation," said one inscription.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The Group Leader, Kim Hyun Jin (Michelle), was exceptional. The trip was meticulously planned, briefed and executed throughout to provide an across the board immersive experience of Korea ancient and modern. Her depth and breadth of knowledge was amazing. Michelle provided orientation, options and recommendations at every stop so that we could choose where to go and what to see during our free time. She would provide an optional guided option for every meal so that we could sample all the local specialities of food and drink and was always on hand to explain the food, how cook it for the frequent and varied at table barbeques, and how to eat it Korean style. It was a wonderful culinary experience. Michelle, thank you for making it such an enjoyable and memorable trip for us all.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The choice of the Kukdo Hotel as the start hotel was excellent as the airport bus stops right outside making for an easy transfers. I went a few days early before the start of the trip and it didn't take long to work out how to travel on the subway and get around Seoul prior to the start of the trip. There are good restaurants within walking distance from the Kukdo Hotel. A lot of the restaurants have digital ordering screens on each table with most having an English language option, which makes ordering easier.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of Sigiriya. I’d been nervous about the final climb and had great support from members of our group and the sense of achievement I felt at the summit and the breathtaking scenery gave me such self confidence. This whole trip has opened my eyes to a whole new way of travel.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Ruwan, has a vast knowledge of plants and trees and could identify and spot birds and wildlife. He engaged with the whole group and it was a pleasure to get to know him at mealtimes. He always made sure were fully prepped for our activities and shared the history, culture and traditions of Sri Lanka as we travelled around the country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just book it!! ….. and when you do embrace and enjoy every moment and experience …. and take lots of photos so you can remember and relive all those special moments!

Most Inspirational Moment

During the Path of the Gods, which was truly stunning, I dropped my phone down a steep cliff. The group was very supportive and tried to help me find it but it had clearly dropped out of reach. Our wonderful group leader Veriano took lots of pictures of the remote site where it was dropped and then organised for his friends from mountain rescue to come and recover it! Hours later they abseiled down the side of the huge cliff edge and found it 20 metres down, unharmed! They then organised a relay of people to return it to me; an incredible level of service, generosity and care, and an unforgettable story!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Veriano was exceptional - I thought a group tour might feel a bit like school but he was very funny and relaxed while also skilfully and subtly ensuring everyone was looked after and supported.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I have always wanted to go to Amalfi coast and I honestly can’t think of a better way of experiencing it. You stay in a quiet mountain village which feels really authentic and charming and seriously good value, away from all the busy tourist traps. Yet you get to really see and experience the beauty of the coastline and the colourful mountainside towns by foot and by boat.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling blissfully along the Shimanami Kaido, we had stunningly sunny weather which definitely helped but the route, although along some roads (can't be helped sometimes) was a lovely change of scenary! The hotel we stayed at the previous night was also a highlight for me, the Hotel Cycle which was a great introduction for what was to come.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ayako was amazing, she was very informative, went out of her way to ensure we had restaurant options every night and that all our needs were catered for. She was proud to show us her country and also curious to learn about ours along the way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a level 3 trip, so it's busy and the cycling and hiking days can be tough, depending on your fitness level. You mostly pack up a little bag and send your larger bag on to the next hotel so pack light, and be prepared to unpack a big bag and re-pack the bags. Sending the big bags along takes some time so even though you might be at a hotel for two nights, you could only have your big bag for one of those nights before you have to send it to the next hotel - Be prepared, I took so many clothes I didn't need so less if definitely more on this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Quetzal sighting and Esquinas lodge .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Overall good. very personable, good information and history. Only not so good was the forest walks with 16 people were not conducted as well as they might have been - as it caused some some discontent with the people at the back etc . Some extra excursions- over priced and not worth it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

dont bother with the night walk at Monteverde. Some walks are hilly and uneven terrain - so not suitable for people with any sort of mobility issues.

Most Inspirational Moment

Rather than one defining highlight, it was the contrast throughout the journey that made the biggest impression. The shift from busy cities and cultural sites to the calm, green hill country felt particularly striking, especially with the cooler air and sweeping views over the tea plantations. Climbing Sigiriya stands out as a real sense of achievement, while the safari brought a completely different kind of excitement. That said, some of the most memorable moments were the simplest: watching daily life unfold, enjoying the scenery, eating lunch cooked by a local family, waving to children as we cycled or walked through villages, and the unexpected interactions along the way that gave a real sense of the country.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ruwan was an excellent guide. His organisation was spot on, keeping everything running smoothly without it ever feeling overly structured. His bus talks were engaging, full of insight into Sri Lankan culture, history and everyday life. He created a relaxed, friendly atmosphere within the group while remaining highly professional throughout.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with an open mind and be ready for a varied pace, some days are busy with activities and places to explore, but these are balanced by a few relaxed moments. Pack more T-shirts than you think you’ll need - you’ll definitely go through them quickly in the heat and humidity. Also, don’t underestimate how much the group dynamic adds to the experience. Spending time getting to know your fellow travellers really enhances the journey. Most importantly, take time to appreciate the smaller moments - interactions with people, the changing scenery, and the little details that make Sri Lanka such a rewarding place to visit.

Most Inspirational Moment

We travelled during Easter and it was very interesting to see how locals celebrate in Malta.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very knowledgeable and enthusiastic.

Most Inspirational Moment

Orangutans

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great couldn’t do anything about the boat accommodations

Advice for Potential Travellers

Hopefully you aren’t young enough to made/pressured to sleep on deck

Most Inspirational Moment

Half way through the trip we did a 24 hour boat trip and it was the most relaxing thing we had done for a long time. Also we were lucky enough to experience a Hindu ceremony that made me emotionl

Thoughts on Group Leader

Safi, what can I say you were wonderful as well as Shabu - what lovely guys who made it fun and interesting. It felt like we were a real team and they made it so much more enjoyable - Shabu was my life saver on the trip as I wasn't the fastest

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be open to everything, put your phone down and see Kerala for the amazing place it is

Most Inspirational Moment

The final morning of the trek was truly unforgettable. Waking up in Dhampus to clear skies and spectacular panoramic views of the Annapurna range — including Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal — felt like a perfect culmination of the walking portion of the trip. Equally memorable were the wildlife moments in Chitwan National Park, particularly spotting one-horned rhinoceroses in their natural habitat and even catching a brief glimpse of a elusive leopard. These experiences alone made the journey incredibly special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Lakpa (Tscheten), was great. He consistently shared his passion and deep knowledge of Nepal, its people, and the mountains, which really enriched the entire experience. When a few group members became unwell during the trip, Lakpa was attentive, calm, and proactive in ensuring everyone was looked after. The wider local team was equally impressive. Our trekking guide, Buddha, and the porters were fantastic throughout the hike, always supportive and encouraging. In Chitwan, our naturalist guide, Kanan, brought the wildlife experiences to life with his expertise and enthusiasm. The professionalism and warmth of the entire team made a huge difference.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The hiking on Days 3 and 4 is the most challenging part of the trip. Day 3 involves sustained ascents through villages and many stone steps, while Day 4 includes a long descent from Ghandruk followed by another ascent to Landruk all on the same stone steps. A reasonable level of fitness is important. The local team provides one trekking pole, but I strongly recommend bringing or hiring a second one. Having two poles is particularly helpful on the stone-step descents and will make the walking much more comfortable. Load shedding (power outages) is common in Nepal and can occur at various times, so something to be mindful of. If possible, arrive one day early before the tour begins. This gives you time to rest after your journey, recover from jet lag, and acclimatize, helping you start the trip feeling refreshed.