Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

For me as an interested amateur wildlife photographer I have to say that the most inspirational moment was getting such great shots of the orangutans in Sumatra. Wildlife can never be guaranteed but we were very lucky to see as may as we did . I also got some wonderFul shots of the Komodo dragons and Thomas leaf monkeys.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Elly was a fantastic leader and was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about her country and its nature. Nothing was too much trouble for her and she was always concerned about our well being. Elly always took us to great restaurants that she had checked out beforehand. .

Advice for Potential Travellers

I bought my visa on arrival at Medan airport with no problems whatsoever. I chose to change some currency before I got there and was able to pay in IDR though I think a colleague paid in euros. There is a fair bit of climbing both in the jungle and temples so a walking stick(s) are handy . I was provided with a bamboo stick for the jungle. I only went on 3 hour walks into the jungle . I heard that the 6 hour walk was considerably more strenuous with not much more to be gained in terms of wildlife sitings.

Most Inspirational Moment

Lots to choose from but the optional trip to Famagusta stands out for me. So interesting!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gizer is an excellent group leader. He is very knowledgeable and he brings alive the various sites visited with his explanations and stories. He is very caring and considerate, and goes the extra mile to ensure every member of the group has everything they want and need. His evening meetings by the pool bar, provide a great chance to chat about the day you've had and to make sure everyone knows what to expect and what to take for the next day. He kindly provided a trip to Nicosia on the last day which was fascinating and so much better then ‘kicking our heels’ before the late flight back.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's VERY hot in September, we had mid to high 30s most days which I found a bit too hot for walking. Take some lira (or get it from the ATM) as it’s useful especially for tips and the odd extra drink at mealtimes, however cards are also widely accepted.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing all the vineyards with the Glera grapes was beautiful. The walking was good and often went through the vineyards.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Vania was wonderful. She was always mindful of each individual in the group and made sure all travellers could participate. She had a lovely sense of humour and made sure there was a bar with Prosecco at the end of most walks so we could appreciate the Prosecco Hills fully!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take walking poles. The trip is described as leisurely. However, there are parts on loose stones and some walks had very steep climbs. Walking poles are essential, as some of our party tripped on some paths.

Most Inspirational Moment

Having lunchtime meals in villages in Montenegro and Bosnia. getting to see the welcome from the local families.

Thoughts on Group Leader

It was Fatima's first solo lead and she had to cope with two trips to A&E to help travelers who got sick or injured - a baptism of fire. She was understandably nervous but determined we should all have a great time. Her personal passion for Bosnia and all that it has gone through in recent times shone through and made the trip very memorable - reminding us of the challenges of the conflicts of the recent past.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some longish days in the bus but worth it for the scenery. The first day after pick up from airport you do go back into Bosnia Herzogovina for a lunch stop - it does not take cards and there was no ATM near by so we had to borrow some local currency from Fatima - please remember to pay her back!

Most Inspirational Moment

The Islamic art & architecture was absolutely stunning, enhanced by the pure scale. It was full of wonder, beauty & awe as the history of the buildings were told. It would be wrong to select one place which was more outstanding than the others as they all had their individual characteristics, history and beauty. Kyrgyzstan was the most memorable and fascinating to visit as it was probably the most unknown. The Russian influence is intertwined in the daily lives of the people together with the diversity of the people & their culture. It is very traditional, hard for many as it follows an ‘old’ pattern of life. The country is very rural with beautiful snow capped mountains and plains. It was refreshing and a privilege to experience different aspects including sleeping and eating in a yurt, and hunting with eagles.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our two leaders Vitaliy, for the first week and Dilshod for the second week were both excellent. They had a very in-depth knowledge and understanding of the history and culture of the countries visited. Their delivery was excellent as they shared the love they have for their countries and people. They both had the same message of wanting to share their beautiful countries and their cultures with us. They were both aware of different needs within the group making the whole experience accessible to all. Their timings and planning were impeccable delivering a wide range of activities and sights.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip is full on with little time for resting which we expected. The food is quite different with a lot of meat, and dishes, courses served at different times. It was a real local experience and good fun exploring cuisines with many cultural influences. English is not widely spoken but with help from the leaders it was fine. There was very little internet as we travelled but the coaches did have wi fi. Charging points on the coaches would have been useful as phones soon ran out of charge taking so many photos. The temperature range was wide high from 31c+ down to 5c at night in the mountains so come with layers but not too many as travelling on the lighter size is more manageable. It was easy to change currency as you moved between the countries and both guides made sure you had opportunities to change money. We took dollars plus a credit card as a reserve. Credit cards were generally accepted in the towns/cities visited.

Most Inspirational Moment

Competing the ride and hearing the much longed for words of “no more hills!” More seriously the first day of riding in Golden Gate NP, very peaceful and an abundance of wild life.

Thoughts on Group Leader

They were excellent, knowledgeable, helpful and supportive. Amazing how they could ride all day and then start making meals and setting camps.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack rehydration sachets as the ones you can get in SA don’t taste great.

Most Inspirational Moment

Wildlife especially the moose sighting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very passionate

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many but Quinta do Tedo was special as was Quinta das Escomeiras and the wonderful surprise 'picnic' after the four village walk - brilliant

Thoughts on Group Leader

One of the best - nothing was too much trouble and full of local knowledge

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting within the national park on the hillside at dusk in pure silence, watching the clouds move, the colours of the sky change and waiting for animals to emerge from the woods made me feel incredibly small and lucky to be able to be immersed in nature this way.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andrea was fantastically knowledgeable about nature, trees and the region. He was very welcoming and made sure he spent time walking with everyone to get to know each group member.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The refuge is in a place that can only be reached by foot and is special for that very reason. No phone reception, just fresh air and beautiful views. Wildlife is also elusive - be prepared to enjoy the time it may take to see iconic species (and then only, if you are lucky)!

Most Inspirational Moment

Beautiful Gjirokastra was definitely a highlight & I wish we could have spent longer there. The most inspirational moment though for me was cycling up the pass on the last day. As more of a runner than a cyclist I was really pleased to have done it alongside my friends.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Erlis & driver/mechanic Klodi were a great team & we were well supplied with support & water throughout the day. Erlis is a class act & has a real calm presence. His relationship with the families & staff in the hotels & restaurants was really heartwarming to see & we were always ushered straight to a prepared table where the food soon followed. His passion (& sometimes frustration) for his country was obvious & I found his talk on the subject absolutely fascinating. His grasp of the language is excellent & he could always answer any questions we had.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely train before you go as from the first day it’s a tough one & even the so called easier days are full on. If you’re there in the heat like we were, make sure to take rehydration tablets for in your water. As someone who doesn’t eat chocolate (we had chocolate & a banana each day) I’d recommend taking extra snacks, particularly salt based ones such as nuts. If you’re able I’d definitely book an extra day or 2 at the end of the trip rather than heading straight home like we did. It’s a real whistle stop trip with very little down time.