Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

At the end of my Egypt trip I leave with these, among many other lasting memories: - Best modern wonder - The National Library at Alexandria, - Cairo is outstanding for its diversity, and vibrant culture despite huge social deprivation and awful urban infrastructure. - Worse tourist experience - Abu Simbel, although a fabulous archeological site preservered through one of the worlds most successful engineering projects, impossible to view properly. - Best archaeological site - Temple of Horus at Edfu. - Dancing with Nubian musicians at an evening barbecue on the banks of the Nile. - An impromptu performance by young music students at the multi faith House of Arts and Culture in Cairo. - Most poignant memory - the shared tombstone of two unknown comrades from New Zealand, “ Known to their God”, in the Al Alamein war graves cemetery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader Sayed Mansour was knowledgeable, caring, helpful and compassionate. He went far beyond the usual tour leader duties to give us a real experience of his country which I could tell he has a passionate love of. This tour visits Mosques, Catholic Monestries and multi faith war graves. As a Muslim Sayed gave me an insight to his own faith and its relationship with other faiths in Egypt current and historical that will remain with me/

Advice for Potential Travellers

As others have repeatedly commented this is not a leisurely trip: it’s full on from start to finish. Even if you don’t take up the optional excursions there are lots of very early starts: if you are aware of this they don’t spoil the holiday. This trip with its' extra time in Cairo and Alexandra is in my opinion far superior to the shorter options as the extra time in both cities is well rewarded. Alexandra would be worth a visit to Egypt in itself just to see the New Library . Three days in Cairo was a real experience to sample its vibrant culture, and have plenty of time to view the National Egyptian Museum and the Pyramid complex. Sadly the New Egyptian museum hadn’t opened, but our hotel was close enough for us to enjoy views of its remarkable architecture. The only disappointment in Cairo was the food tour, which was just a lunch at a cafe and a takeaway for tea, not the informative hands on cooking demonstration I’d hoped for. Our visit in March was in the middle of the peak tourist season. I asked our Leader Sayed if there was any time when sites might be even a little less crowded and apart form August which is too hot for most people, he suggested November at the start of the tourist season.

Most Inspirational Moment

Completing the long days of up to 100km and managing to appreciate the views all around us through hamlets, villages and coastal views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Lam was a great leader and kept us all motivated and refuelled throughout. We were lucky with no wet weather so easier to keep safe on the downhills and see the potholes easier. Lam went above and beyond to make gin and tonics for us on the overnight train - carrying bottles, a tray of tonics and a cool box of ice and limes on top of his own luggage. That was very much appreciated! He also gave us each an annotated map of Vietnam tracking our route by bike and by transfers so we can see our exact route. That’s a 5* effort.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try to get some training in beforehand as you will get more out of the trip. It’s certainly not for beginner cyclists.

Most Inspirational Moment

The trip had everything from Bhudist temples and ancient forts to nature reserves. For us seeing elephants, a leopard and two blue whales would have to be the highlights of the trip. On a more human dimension though the traditional games organised by our group leader Roshan were brilliant, getting everyone involved, even the driver and assistant joined in!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roshan did an excellent job with a diverse bunch. His good sense of humour and organisational skills meant that things ran smoothly, even though there were a range of optional trips that were not taken up by eveyone.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sri Lanka is ready for and needs tourists! We did not experience any disruption or see any protests during the trip. The hotels and local restaurants/cafes all provided varied menus (especially if you enjoy a curry).

Most Inspirational Moment

The hike to Poon Hill

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dorjee was outstanding. A charismatic, knowledgable, and attentive leader who gave the group a huge amount of confidence throughout the journey. A special note of thanks to the guide team as a whole. Diraj, Saghar, and Hari all provided an exceptional experience, and any of them could have led the journey if required to.

Most Inspirational Moment

Bathing in the warm river at Rio Perdido was really special and a fantastic way to round off a day of zip lining and white water rafting. The Howler Monkeys' serenade at dawn was certainly worth getting up for.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were blessed to have Johnny as our leader. His knowledge of all things Costa Rica was outstanding. Whether it was wildlife, biodiversity, history, economics, agriculture and he even surprised us on our way back to the city when he briefed us all on art history

Advice for Potential Travellers

We travelled in the 'dry' season but even so a pair of sensible shoes for walking was a must. Trainers sufficed but I suggest something more substantial in the wetter times.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing elephants for the first time at the Hurulu Eco Park, and continuing to see them even after leaving the reserve. Also being lucky enough to see Golden Jackals by pure chance on the root back to the hotel from the reserve.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant. Very friendly and knowledgeable, taught us all a lot and had a sense of humour as well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I highly recommend this tour. Eat out at restaurants recommended by the guide, you won’t regret it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Travelling by boat through the natural beauty in Tortuguero was one of the moments that I will remember forever. It felt like we were in a David Attenborough documentary in a remote unspoiled place with amazing wildlife ever where we looked. The driver of our boat along with David our guide made sure we saw everything the water ways had to offer. I will go back for sure! The other inspirational moment was swimming in the pool as it went dark in Esquinas Lodge watching the bats fly around. The rainforest was beautiful and the whole experience staying there was magical. I went to Costa Rica to see a sloth and we saw more than I count. I also had so many encounters with monkeys my favourite animals all of which I found inspiring.

Thoughts on Group Leader

David Vargas was the best guide we could have had and anyone that gets to go on a trip with him is very lucky indeed. We all felt very privileged to have such a lovely and knowledgeable group leader and our trip was very special because of the care he took of our group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect a busy schedule but do as many activities as you can or you will regret it. Clothes drying can be a challenge so take light clothing but also bring something warm for the higher ground. Take a waterproof jacket and waterproof walking boots are essential.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide for most of the trip was Jorge Diaz and I can’t praise him enough. He is passionate about the country, entertaining, engaging and supremely knowledgeable. Our driver was Carlos Salazar - hats off to him for some brilliant driving and his care and attention.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to choose just one!! We revisited Petra on our free afternoon having cut our visit short the day before. We climbed the 900 steps up to the Monastery and were not disappointed. The view from the highest point was out of this world. The snorkelling in the Red Sea was also a high point. The sea was crystal clear and the coral and fish just superb. And finally camping in the Wadi Rum was just fantastic. Nothing can prepare you for the vastness of this beautiful desert. We arrived at sunset and after dinner we lay down on the sand and gazed up at the stars. In the morning we watched the sunrise! It was just awesome. We finished up with a camel ride! Definitely something to tick off the bucket list!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mikhled was just great! Nothing was too much trouble and he worked tirelessly all week to ensure we had a great experience. Our accommodation at Petra was double booked and whilst we were enjoying ourselves he was beavering away arranging alternative accommodation which we thought turned out an upgrade - a superior glamping camp in the middle of nowhere! It was delightful! He is also so knowledgeable about his country and culture. He very sensitively explained Arabic, Christian and Moslem sensitivities in the area.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a great trip if you fancy combining adventure and culture.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are just so many to mention but key highlights for me in Jordan are: Seeing the Treasury for the first time, climbing 850 steps up and down again to see the Monastery, spending a night in Wadi Rum and seeing the amazing stars at night and finally swimming in the Dead Sea! Oh and amazing amazing lunch at Madaba that Amer organised for us all. All brilliant accompanied by Amer’s knowledgeable teachings and “story time” of the history of Jordan and its brilliant sites. In Palestine and Israel, the key highlights for me is the day in the holy land and understanding the 4 different quarters within Jerusalem. Following the different stations that Jesus went through. A trip to Bethlehem and seeing the Walled off hotel.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Amer who is our tour leader in Jordan is absolutely absolutely incredible. He went above and beyond I would expect from any tour guide. He is so knowledgeable and really is keen to share his knowledge and stories about the history of the sites we’re going to and I can see the passion he has for his country. I know I joke about “story time” or “lecture time” during the trip but Amer really got me to listen and engage in everything he has to say about everything in the trip and the sites we’ve visited. When he speaks, we listen and he has so many things to say about the places we went to and despite us asking a lot of questions he’s been so patient and so detailed in his answers. I learned so much about Jordan and your amazing country Amer thank you so much for showing us the great Jordan. Thank you for going the extra mile on getting us great Jordanian tea, zaatar and olive oil. Can’t wait to serve these for one of our evenings with friends. Thank you as well for sorting me out when I lost my passport barcode while crossing the Jordan - Israel border. I really thought that would be a major problem but you’ve sorted it. You’ve been an amazing tour leader, thank you Amer! Ibrahim is our Israel and Palestine tour leader and he is also incredibly brilliant and knowledge about both countries he’s showcasing to the group. He’s provided very non-bias responses and because of how deeply rooted the issues there is between both countries, Ibrahim has kept a level of factual input and professionalism in his tour and for this I appreciate him. Ibrahim has made us all feel safe and have gone above and beyond by letting us know he is always at hand and is always a text away. He is very knowledgeable of the areas we went to and great lunch and dinner recommendations as well. The Walled Off Hotel and the Banksy graffiti is one of key importance for me and my partner and Ibrahim made sure that we were able to see everything we needed to in the area and gave us enough time to enjoy everything about it. Even when we thought we’re going to be delayed due to a driver issue beyond our control, Ibrahim was able to sort out a new driver for us immediately and we were brought back to be on schedule again.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Check the weather before you go and because in Jordan you’re staying in the desert and in Israel and Palestine you’re going to the holy sites, please pack a lot of warm clothes but also clothes that aren’t tight fitting and clothes that modest. The weather changes from really cold in the morning to quite hot in the afternoon when we went in March. Bring a raincoat in case too! This trip is pretty full on and jam packed with activities, in Jordan there was a bit of time to sleep on the bus but in Palestine and Israel - everything is super close that in 30 mins or so, you are at your destination. The tour would start at reasonable times 8:30am/9am. You need to be prepared for a lot of walking when you get to Petra. So stay hydrated most of the day, there are a lot of toilets so key is to stay hydrated. Be patient when crossing the border between Jordan <> Israel the process does take a bit of time.