Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The Inca Trail is tough but totally worth every step! The first sight of Macchu Picchu as you step though the Sun Gate is very special. The homestay at Amantani Island - staying with Flora - was very special. The flight into the Amazon basin - via Cusco - to see the snow-capped mountains suddenly replaced by flat, dense green jungle and brown tributaries of the Amazon. Try and get a window seat - and take lots of photos! Wandering through local markets - and small towns - like Urubamba - watching locals go about their business.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rene is a very experienced group leader who is very passionate about his country. He knows every step of the Inca Trail. His organisational skills ensured we were alway in the right place at the right time - without us ever feeling rushed or hurried. Rene made sure we enjoyed every step of the trail - even on the second day - going over Dead Woman's Pass. Slowly, slowly! Rene's knowledge is very good. He has a very calm, friendly nature. Anyone doing this trip will be very lucky to have Rene.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take walking poles!! These are a must both in the Amazon and the Inca Trail. There are lots of steps on the Inca Trail and poles make going up and going down much easier! Pack light. Washing can be done in Cusco - organised by Rene. Drink loads of fluids - water is freely available on the trek - so drink lots to help avoid altitude sickness. Take US dollars and change into soles as required.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting all the way up to the top of Ana-Capri and looking over the whole of the Amalfi Coast and the Bay of Napls in all her spectacular glory.

Thoughts on Group Leader

One word can only be used to described Christine, and that word is FAB. She was great, even when she was unfortunately unwell during the week she just got on with the task at hand, ans that was making sure we was all enjoying ourselves.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be advised you will climb up and down a lot  of steps, and by a lot I mean A LOT. So if you suffer with any knee complaints, then you may want to reconsider taking this trip. Also the month we went in (June) was very hot, so make sure you take plenty of water

Most Inspirational Moment

Definitely, Petra. It's not just the Treasury (as we know it from Indiana Jones 3), but the whole area. Two days are not enough to explore it. Then it was a night in Wadi Rum desert. The third most inspirational moment - Jordanians. Very nice and warm people with a great sense of humour.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ali is a perfect tour leader. Looking after us and feeding us during cycling, educating us during sightseeings. Very patient with us, specially with our late arrivals :) Thanks a lot, Ali!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't bother with your own bike. Their mountain bikes are good quality and well maintained. Good road quality. The cycling was quite demanding, but with frequent stops to regroup and refresh. Up and downs, steep or slow, almost no flats.  You can go with your own speed, or if tired just hop on the accompanying vehicle. Weather was quite hot during the day, but while cycling it didn't feel hot, because is very dry. It is worth to bring a helmet cam. The hilly moon country in a speed can look very impresive and you do not have to stop for an interesting shot while riding down the hill. Every hotel had a free wifi, so worth to take even a tablet. I had feeling that Jordan is more expensive than UK (food, drinks and alcohol). Don't forget to try lime and mint juice.

Most Inspirational Moment

Just survivnig a whole day game drive in Paul's vehicle was an achievemnt in itself.Tracking a cheetah and cub for a day and a half and being able to practice so many photographic skills on just those two animals.They kept us entertained for hours !!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paul is certainly a "one off". Once you get up to speed with him, (he seems to allow one game drive,if that), his dynamic and energetic approach ensures every moment of the trip(both on the drives and back at camp) is maximised.He displayed an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the Bush (and of Tottenham Hotspur,which was an added bonus)

Advice for Potential Travellers

This safari is not for the shy and faint hearted but if you can suvrive ,you wont regret coming

Most Inspirational Moment

Managing to walk up a mountain with a sprained ankle and twisted knee, and then back down again!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara is wonderful- lovely girl, always genuine, supportive and funny

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try to get in some steep walks before going- bring walking poles (they do help) and ensure your jacket is waterproof not shower proof

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention...Early morning strolls by the beach front in Havana. Early morning light lit up the deserted streets and add a glow to the fabulous Spanish colonial beach front buildings. When it rained like cats and dogs in Trinidad. I was given some mangoes by a local which we all enjoyed at the spot - It was messy!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Toni and Andreas worked very hard to make our holiday enjoyable. Andreas (Ex-Cuba navy) was probably the best driver I ever had on any of my trips.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go as soon as you can as Cuba is becoming increasingly commercial and changing fast. Classic cars are on the way out as are being replaced by fresh French and Korean imports.  

Most Inspirational Moment

1. Camping out under the stars in the desert and being woken by the gentle breeze, only to gaze up and see the milky way right above us int he night sky.2. Seeing Petra  lit only with candlelight and a lone Jordanian musician  the only thing breaking the silence. 3. The overwhelming kindness of the Jordanian people

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide was called Salah, and he really made our trip. He tirelessly gave us opportunities for new experiences, and showed us kindness and thoughtfullness throughout our trip. Even towards the end he went out of his way to ensure we had a great time. We really couldnt have asked for anything more from him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

1. Take a sunhat2. Have a couple of days in Amman at the end 3. Definitely have a turkish bath

Most Inspirational Moment

It is hard to narrow down to just one moment - the walk down the Siq to Petra was amazing; I had no idea of the sheer size of the site. The desert views were probably my most inspirational memories - every view was dramatic and beautiful, the way the same view could change with varying light was amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was fantastic. He was welcoming, friendly - made such efforts to ensure everyone was comfortable and was great at organising any help for our individual onward journeys if required. He had a sense of humor and was fun to be around. He had excellent knowledge of the history and facts about everywhere we visited, and was very enthusiastic to show us around.

Most Inspirational Moment

My over riding memory was when we striked camp on the last morning in Wadi Rum Our two man support team had once again balanced all the mattresses, luggage, food, water, mint tea kettle (vital) on the trusty vehicle in a matter of minutes and we walked out with a camel train and a feral dog for company. Friendships had been forged quickly coupled with exercise, good food and the freedom to be a grub! It was the complete contrast to life back home and a heady liberating feeling

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Salah was superb. He kept a close eye on everyone and the days unfolded with a relaxed unrushed feel. Salah offered daily options regarding start times and optional activities and arranged the most delicious group meals in Petra and Amman. He shared such pride in both his family, culture and country which has left me wanting to understand more about The Middle East

Advice for Potential Travellers

You can never have too many baby wipes! High factor sun screen and well worn in pair of walking boots. The evening camp fire chats always included comparisons of blisters and with 6 Drs in our group there were many opinions regarding treatment!! The trip includes excellent food and access to free bottled water whilst in the desert. There are always plenty of opportunities to fill up water carriers.

Most Inspirational Moment

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Thoughts on Group Leader

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Advice for Potential Travellers

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