Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The day we cycled to the top of NUWAR ELIYA then down to the castle like hotel, I believe this was a 90 km climb from Kandy, you could get the train or you could cycle it and I recommend cycling it. It is a tough day up past some amazing scenery, then up through the tea plantations with tea and cake stops :) and then up and up until after a day in the saddle you reach the sign that says NUWAR ELIYA, that was my most inspirational moment, what a feeling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was awesome, always making us laugh and keeping us all to schedule perfectly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

this trip does come with hills so a little bit training in the hills would benifit you and try the local drink arrack, but as a few of us discovered it takes 2 or 3 or maybe 4 to develop a taste for it so dont give up after the first one :)

Most Inspirational Moment

Cooling off on a very hot day in the Neretva river after walking along the Rakitnica Canyon. A breathtakingly beautiful place.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Samir was passionate about his country and sharing the amazing places that so few people (including the locals) actually see. He taught us a lot about the culture of the people and how they are coming to terms with rebuilding the country post the war. He also knew how to have a good time.....not that we needed much encouragement.

Advice for Potential Travellers

When in Dubrovnic, get up really early to enjoy the old town before the crowds and the heat gets too much.

Most Inspirational Moment

Desert elephants in mind blowing scenery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

fantastic

Advice for Potential Travellers

You need very warm clothing for the evenings

Most Inspirational Moment

The trip to the rain forest was majical from the moment we set foot on the moterised canoe - but seeing the Napo Centre from under our rain ponchoes was amaizing . The atmosaphire, accommodation and people at the Centre were all inspirational.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Group leader in the Rain Forest was so enthustatic it was infectious, nothing was too much for her and she was always on the look out for us, made sure everyone saw what she saw!!The Leader in the Galapados was good but lacked the enthusiam.

Advice for Potential Travellers

GoIt is not as warm as you might expect in the GalapagosThe trip to the Cloud Forest was worth going on.Take a safety belt for money especially in Quito.

Most Inspirational Moment

The day we cycled into Vietnam. It was just the most perfect bike ride: so much to see on the road-sides, from fighting cockerels to laughing locals, exotic flowers, hilly bits, flat bits, bumpy, laugh-a-minute bits; the guide took us at the perfect pace - not too fast, not too slow; I loved every minute.I also loved the muddy, bumpy off-road bits when we got very dirty!Can't say I 'enjoyed' the Killing fields day in Cambodia, it was pretty harrowing but well worth doing and I'll never forget it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nee was wonderful. She was fantastic when I fell a long way behind the group after a puncture. She's only tiny but superfit and strong and just by placing her hand on my back, she managed to help a knackered and despondent me pedal up the neverending slopes to catch up with the others. She was constantly aware of people's comfort and enjoyment. 10 out of 10 for everything.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try everything! Learn a few words and phrases of the local language, even though you're only there for a couple of days. And if you're arriving before the others, it's cheaper to find your own way to the hotel than use the transfer option from the airport in Bangkok.Have a proper Thai massage ( not just a cheap street one). I recommend the one at the hotel used by Exodus in Bangkok - Nouvo Hotel - the one they use if you arrive in advance. Amazing. If you go for the single supplement option as I did, you tend to get the nicest rooms!  

Most Inspirational Moment

The feeling of anticipation of what the day might bring as you climb into the vehicles while it is still dark but the stars and moon are shining bright. That sense of relief when the cheetah that you have been watching for 14 hours over 3 days finally makes that all important kill for her and her two hungry cubs.  Being told that there is only a 25% chance of seeing a leopard to be presented with a beautiful female with 3 stunning young ones, and spending precious time with them as they are not bothered by you at all. The breath stopping moment when three 2/3 week old cheetah cubs look straight down your camera lens before going back to snuggle with their wonderfully attentive mother. Very young lion cubs feeding from mum then yawning with all the effort it takes to be so young.  A stand off by "teenage" lions against grumpy buffalo. Wildebeest in the red sunrise going to cross the river. A welcome sun-downer as the sun sets while celebrating another amazing day. Watching the lightening making the night sky like daylight whilst sitting around the warming camp fire. A male lion in the early morning golden sunlight surveying his kingdom. Seeing the breath of the lions in the morning sun. Looking down from the vehicle to see a lioness or a cheetah looking straight back up at you only a few feet away.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paul is a force of nature....end of.  With an endless supply of crude (but very funny) jokes, he may shout and accuse you of "mincing" but that is just because he wants you to be in the right place at the right time for "that shot". His enthusiasm and that of the guides (The wonderful James, Patrick and Charles) is priceless.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Only take "brand name" sweets for Paul and the guides or go on the black list!! Take plenty of memory cards, a spare battery, there are great charging facilities at camp so don't worry about adaptors. Dress in layers, it can be very chilly in the mornings and the evenings but you will soon be shedding clothes when the sun comes up. Take a hat and plenty of sun protection. If you have room take two camera bodies, as it is so much easier than trying to swap lenses when you are hurtling along or the beautiful cats are so close the vehicle. Be prepared for early starts (4.30-5.00am) and be prepared to be patient as you might be waiting for that moment for a while but the rewards are just pure gold. 

Most Inspirational Moment

In Petra we had a delightful walk above the siq for a view down onto the treasury.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide was not really interested in sharing his country, it was just a day job for him. I guess this is what happens when so many people travel the same route.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You may be taken to many tourist reaturants for extended lunches. See if you can get a picnic ahead of time and take the lunchtime to explore instead.

Most Inspirational Moment

I think the ride to the remote region of Sierra Maestra; the location of the hotel was as described and we were priveleged to walk in the forests and meet with locals who rarely receive visits from tourists, made you feel like a real explorer. Although living in what we would consider to be poor conditions they are pleased to meet you and share their modest provisions.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

One of the best group leaders I have met on my travels, extremely knowledgeable about his country and willing to talk at great length on a wide variety of topics. He was eager to discuss topics ranging from politics and economics through to flora and fauna and everything in between, a really sociable amusing and interesting person.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't go to bed too early the night life is good and if you enjoy music you will discover amazing bands especially in Trinidad and Habana. 

Most Inspirational Moment

The highlight of the week had to be walking the Cares Gorge with its ever-changing views of cliffs and peaks. It contrasted nicely with the mountain walks up Pena Main and Manciondiu which both offered great views across the rest of the Picos and down to the coast.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pilar was excellent, knowing the area and its nature well and with good English (our group Spanish being limited). She looked after us well keeping an eye on both front and back markers and her close connection with the hotel made for a very pleasant stay.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you like mountain walking this is an area you should visit. The scenery and walking are spectacular and different and it is not too busy.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery is stunning. The walk to the summit of Vesuvius makes you appreciate the power of nature. If you get the opportunity to visit Herculaneum, take it. It is much more awe inspiring than Pompeii.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant