Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through the countryside, meeting local people and sharing a home cooked meal, beautifully prepared in the middle of a forest has to be one of the high points of the trip.  There were other opportunities to connect with the 'real' Sri Lanka and these are what made this particular tour so special. We also had the opportunity to witness the Kandy Festival and the colours, costumes and sheer energy of the evening will stay with us for many years.We shared the holiday with a healthy mix of different characters who came together to help make this an unforgettable trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

What can we say that has not been said before?  Roshan is such an experienced and enthusiastic guide who made everything seem so easy and yet the detail of his planning and organisation was clear.  His stories of Sri Lanka and its people conjured up such clear images and gave us all a real understanding of the country's history. The original itinerary of our trip would have meant that we were unable to witness the Kandy Festival and possibly miss the elephant rides, but Roshan reorganised things so that we could do both.  This involved some tough negotiating in Kandy at one point but throughout he remained good-humoured and kept a cool head. Roshan has an uncanny ability of balancing a professional approach with sincere warmth and a wicked sense of humour. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Listen to Roshan! He really does know what he is doing and you will enjoy the trip so much more if you follow his advice.  Take the opportunity of shopping whilst visiting the elephant orphanage at Pinnawela.  The prices seemed more reasonable than in Kandy and the selection more varied.  We stayed in some beautiful hotels and it is worth taking at least one or two outfits to dress up accordingly.

Most Inspirational Moment

The sunrise at Gilman's Point was incredible given that it was my birthday and followed 7 hours of the toughest walking I ever expect to do.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was very good on the mountain, with regular information updates and always willing to answer any questions raised by the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If it always something you've wanted to do, book it!  Make sure you drink lots of water though!

Most Inspirational Moment

There are so many to choose from but I would have to say finishing the Inca trail and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time was a really special moment and something I will never forget. I remember thinking that the sungate looked like heaven trekking up to it with the sunlight streaming through, knowing this last 'up' section was the final challenge. Stepping through the sungate and seeing Machu Picchu was the best reward for a challenging 4 day trek.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Juan was fantastic! His archaeological knowledge was very impressive and you could tell it was something that he was passionate about. Nothing was too much trouble for him and he made sure everything ran smoothly over the two weeks, he really looked after us as a group. It was a pleasure to get to know him and travel Peru with him, a country he is extremely proud to be from.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Torch, insect repellent and sun cream! You should be prepared for no electricity in your room at the jungle lodge in the amazon, just candles (which in my opinion added to the charm of the lodge) and obviously on the Inca trail you will need a torch. Insect repellent is a must for the amazon but there are also biting bugs on the trail so don’t throw it away after the jungle.The weather (depending on where you're going) varies from place to place, very hot on the trek in the day (sun cream and sunhat is definitely needed) and cold at night and in Cuzco. Walking poles are great, even one will do to help you down the steep sections and if you don’t want to carry these in your luggage you can buy them In Cusco or at the start of trek.

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing at the highest point of the walk each day and knowing that I had made it! All the different views of Mont Blanc, which is inspirational from any angle.

Thoughts on Group Leader

It is hard to think of anything to say about Oliver that has not already been said by previous reviewers. He is a genuinely lovely man who goes out of his way to make sure that everyone has a great time. His ability to vary his pace to meet the needs of the group, his endless stream of "jokes", knowledge of the mountains (and wild flowers) and where to get the best tarts is immense. Although we all know that Dylan is really in charge! 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it - you'll have a great time. Annecy is well worth a visit on your free day.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the wild bears and a wolf from the bear hidein the woods

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, he got to know us really quickly. he knew loads about the areas we visited.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In August it is extremely hot. 40degrees in the sun and there is quite a lot of exposed walking with no shade.

Most Inspirational Moment

Yangshou;Cycling, kayaking and seeing the light show.Seeing how the country is developing so fast.Getting to know my travelling companions.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bruce was exceptional. He was perceptive,proactive, really well organised, polite, entertaining and really went out of his way to help us have a relaxing and trouble free holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are travelling in August be prepared for the heat, humidity and crowds of Chinese tourists everywhere. There was very little 'peace and quiet' but it's all part of the adventure. Definately go to the show in Yangshou, it is breathtaking and the activities there are good too. The climb up Emeishan was SO crowded...you have been warned!

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving at the village of O Cebereio after a long hard climb. A simple, beautiful village high on the mountain between Leon and Gallicia.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was an excellent leader in every respect. Professional, supportive, hugely positive attitude and always seeking to make the trip work for everyone and with great suggestions for eating. He deserves an Exodus medal.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I'd say you need to be taking regular exercise to get the best out of this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is so hard to pick a most inspirational moment as the whole trip was very special.General highlights which came along constantly include cycling through all the towns and villages, waving and smiling at all the amazingly friendly people, high fiving the children, practising English with locals on their mopeds driving alongside us as we cycled. The landscape was so beautiful and varied - different every day. And each village we passed through had it's own character. We did a lot of cycling, 110km was the furthest we cycled in one day - but it was so much fun I didn't notice the distance.The day we left Dalat was an incredible day of cycling which included some uphill sections but then an unbelievably beautiful 30km descent down winding mountain roads through impressive scenery into the valley.  Cycling 10km uphill to the top of the Hai Van pass on the day we left Hoi An was a spectacular challenge with such a feeling of achievement on reaching the top! And the food was delicious - a different local speciality every night.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lam was incredible. He was so enthusiastic and went above and beyond to ensure that we were all happy. He made time for everyone in the group, to talk to them, answer their questions and crack a few jokes! He explained very skillfully to us what to expect of each day or section of cycling so that we were prepared but not daunted, informed but not bamboozled with information. Along with his team he organised us and looked after us so well that all we had to think about was enjoying the cycling! The mechanic was always at hand to fix any problems with the bikes, the bus was always available should anyone need a rest from cycling for a leg of the journey, and water, snacks and fresh lemonade were all in plentiful supply constantly. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

I wasn't sure how my legs were going to cope with the mileage but I was definitely bike-fit enough to enjoy all the scenery and interactions with people without struggling with the cycling. Cycling over hills in North London every day to get to work and back stood me in good stead for the hills in Vietnam.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's hard to pick out one inspirational moment as everyday had its highlights. The walks were great - Walk of the Gods, Vesuvius and a lovely walk on Capri. I really enjoyed my visit to Naples - even though it doesn't have a great reputation! Ravello is beautiful and of course, Herculaneum and Pompeii are so interesting

Thoughts on Group Leader

Barbara was a fantastic leader. Extremely knowledgable and professional but also very friendly and fun. An ideal leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Nothing in particular. I was worried about the heat in August but it was managable. The hotel is in the hills where it was fresher and I had no problem sleeping.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zung honestly couldn't have been better. Gracious, calm, fun, informed, intelligent, organised, great company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book now!