Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenic countryside, majestic wildlife and resilience of the Sri Lankan people really stood out.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our team leader, Suresh, did a phenomenal job with the help of his support team, all crew members went above and beyond to make our tour memorable. Suresh's attention detail is exceptional, he made sure the needs of all members were taken care at all times. The hotels were well organized, bikes were in good working order, meals were coordinated and none biking excursions were well thought out. Suresh is friendly with the customers, creating a good atmosphere between customers and support staff.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Cycling in late July / early August it is hot and very humid.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved Siem Riep and Hanoi in particular but it is really difficult to pick highlights when there were so many - Ha Long Bay, Hoa Lo Prison, the Temple of Literature, the cooking class and walking tour in Hoi An, Cu Chi Tunnels and Angkor were all excellent

Thoughts on Group Leader

Faultless and a pleasure to travel with. Nothing was too much trouble for Nhi. She made herself available at all times whether to sort out any minor issues (lost passports and hotel keys!) or to suggest and accompany us to restaurants (without in any way imposing herself). Nhi put her heart and soul into ensuring that we enjoyed our time in Vietnam and that our group socialised and bonded (again without imposing it), and she was sociable and fun without being overbearing or imposing, and her knowledge and ability to communicate that knowledge was superb and presented with a sprinkling of her personality and personal experience of living in Vietnam and always came across as authentic and creative rather than just reciting lines that she had learned. She was always willing and able to understand and answer questions clearly and interestingly, and her understanding and use of English (both the literal language and the nuances of the language and our humour) were excellent. Lastly her organisational skills and willingness to support us meant that when she left us at the airport to move on to Cambodia we all felt slightly exposed without her!

Most Inspirational Moment

All of it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nhi was an amazing guide - see previous comments. My daughter left her passport on the plane in Da Nang and Nhi sorted the whole thing out on her afternoon off so we could carry on our day. It should have been an afternoon off for Nhi but she went with my daughter back to the airport to collect the passport. We were so very grateful to her.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Eagle hunter and Samarkand

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good guide with good knowledge and language

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware of altitude in Kyrgyzstan It is very hot in Uzbekistan

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking up and around Vesuvius - quite humbling and an amazing day out! Also seeing Furore Bridge and visiting the cove/inlet - absolutely beautiful (although not on the itinerary)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Veriano was amazing - we loved his enthusiasm, friendliness and local knowledge

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't over think it - just go with it and enjoy every second!

Most Inspirational Moment

"Top - Athabasca Glacier walk. The guided walk was well worth the extra above getting on the big wheeled bus! Second - Banff and various opportunities to get out in the wild. "

Thoughts on Group Leader

Most importantly, Sean is a good people manager. He was able shape a diverse group and keep everybody happy - not necessarily easy for 12 people in a mini-bus who have never met before. He clearly worked hard, provided clear information on the next day and was always open to help answer questions.

Most Inspirational Moment

The rainforest which I have wired 35 years to visit since I was inspired to see it by my geography teacher. Also the lava volcano, Ometepe island and everything!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto was fantastic. Had to come up with. Couple of plan !’s due to weather and vehicle issues that were out of his control and ensured that we all had an excellent time, knew where we should be and when, was very clear on itineraries and was very approachable. He was genuinely delighted for us to be visiting these mixing countries

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take binoculars, you might not want to cycle with them but keep them handy in the van. Take time to stop and look for wildlife and not race through the cycling. And just do this holiday it is amazing

Most Inspirational Moment

A lot to mention - such a privilege to see elephants and a leopard in Yala; the beautiful train ride up to the hill station - a lot of fun in the chaos of 3rd class though everyone was very kind and made sure I got a good view; a hotel right on the Indian Ocean; all the children waving and shouting as we cycled through their villages; learning about the history - the ancient kingdoms/temples, and more recently the civil war and tsunami.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was fantastic. He is extremely organised, knowledgeable and caring. He went to endless efforts to make sure we had a great time, and any issue was dealt with promptly. He was good company over the fortnight and we had a lot of fun in the evenings. He and his team looked after us really well on the bike rides - with lots of water, food and any issues with the bicycles dealt with immediately.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is an energetic and full-on trip, but if you are only going to visit Sri Lanka once it's the best way I can think of to experience it. But if you like to relax and take your time when making your way around a country it might not be the best itinerary for you. It's probably best to book some time in advance and train for the cycling, unlike me, but I still loved it. Make sure you have spare room in your suitcase for all the tea, spices and other things you will want to bring home.

Most Inspirational Moment

Views of Dolomites

Thoughts on Group Leader

Not applicable, this was self guided ride

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring layers of riding clothes, our days ranged from rainy 50 degrees to sunny hot 80 degree day.

Most Inspirational Moment

Making it to the top of the mountain each day and having lunch with incredible views!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fred was a fantastic group leader. He ensured the group stayed together throughout each walk, was always patient and understanding and adapted when things didn't go exactly to plan. He was also a pleasure to speak with during the hikes and tried to accommodate our every request (e.g. finding an ice cream stop each afternoon).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Even if you're only in a half a mind to do this, don't think too much and just sign up. You won't regret it!