Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of the Col de Tricot, you have a cup of coffee at a refuge at the botom and just get to look at the challenge that lays ahead, that was such a fun day with a great sense of achievemnt. I loved the walks that were quieter, but you can't not add the walk up to Lac Blanc here in the highlights, the views are breathtaking and it was made even better by the fact that we hadn't yet seen Mont Blanc in all her glory until the clouds cleared when we reached Lac Blanc, it was quite something.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Adrian was fantastic, he has a very relaxed and calming aura. It's clear he is a very talented hiker/mountaineer and he balanced the groups ability fantastically, ensuring that no one felt left out, left behind, or held back. He really made a good week great. He picked an outstanding restaraunt as our final meal too which was the cherry on top.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You get barely any time in Chamonix, as to complete the full tour in a week your days are long. If you did want to enjoy Chamonix or even visit the QC Terme spa in Chamonix (a great way to end a tough week), then I would reccomend booking a post night and staying another day.

Most Inspirational Moment

Completing a challenging hill ride on the last day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dinis did an excellent job.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure when offered you sign up for the lunch package where you contribute towards a common Kitty and the staff purchase and prepare some of the meals and pay for other meals in restaurants that they've chosen for you. It's well worth it!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mark and Jenny did great work, adjusted for weather and capabilities of hikers. Some of the guests needed more assistance and they did not hesitate to accommodate them. Well done!

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip uses public transportation for getting to/from our hikes. The busses are crowded, late, and don’t seem to follow any specific schedule. We were left standing on some occasions, gave up and walked on others, and had to push and shove to get on and off every time. This aspect of the vacation is unacceptable and I unfortunately can’t recommend the trip unless it is changed to private transportation.

Most Inspirational Moment

Experiencing Portugal directly especially more rural, coastal areas.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dinis was a great group leader who communicated well and kept on top of things. We were well briefed daily on what to expect and Dinis suggestions for restaurants were all good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

WhatsApp was used to harmonize communications so it is worth familiarizing yourself with it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Finally reaching the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time was a moment I will never forget. It's been a dream of mine for many years and I can finally say I've been there. It is also a big reward after a tough 7 day trek. A special mention for the incredible meals prepared by the chefs on the trek. Wilbur and Antonio never served the same dish twice and always made sure they took everyone's dietary requirements into consideration.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Edwind was the best leader. He was extremely patient, calm (even when you werent), funny and professional. He paid close attention to the health and safety of the entire group and the Oxygen checks became the most anticipated event of the day. I thought that he managed the expectations of the group really well and allowed people to trek at their own pace. His knowledge about the Inca society is incredible, he is truly a treasure!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather can change at any time. I went during dry season and it rained pretty much everyday. Pack extra waterproof clothing and make sure you waterproof your kit bag and backpack. Walking poles are essential, and you may want earplugs as campsites can be noisy with barking dogs - or a 24hr Peruvian party.

Most Inspirational Moment

Very difficult to define a moment, but journal across the Serria Alto with the Andies in the distance was quite breath taking. Each event on the tour, such as the visit to the Island where we saw penguins, the Nascar Lines, the Island Homestay, plus others were fantastic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Leo, and although a perfectly pleasant chap, he was not very organized which did frustrate the members of the group. From minute one where he arbitrarily changed the time of the welcome meeting, without telling anyone, to constantly being unsure of which members of the group had paid for the additional items. The main issue which arose was when he went missing with a group members ticket to Machu Picchu, which meant that he was unable to get the early night required before a very early start the following morning. I am not sure that Leo is suited to this profession. The other local guides were enthusiastic and entertaining, particularly William and Vanessa.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely go, and do not be put off by the long bus journey's, that was an integral part of the experience. The rain forest add-on is very dependent on the weather, and there are other trips in other countries such as Borneo and Costa Rica, where there is a much higher likelihood of seeing a variety of wildlife. We appeared to be very unlucky and did not see very much wildlife.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many! The village in Shirakawa-go was absolutely breathtaking, and the Hida no Sato museum was beautiful and peaceful. Kanazawa and Takayama were my favourite places on this trip, they gave me a genuine feel of ancient Japan. Oishi Park was also stunning!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kan is brilliant! He’s a lovely person with a great sense of humour. He was always ready to help whenever needed, and I felt well looked after throughout the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The activity rating for this trip is adequate. Although it’s a leisure trip, it may involve long walks to access sights and public transportation, so wearing comfortable shoes is essential. I also recommend packing light for the overnight stays, as you’ll need to carry your luggage on the train until you reach the hotel.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the first top of the week withs its beautiful views inspired me but it became a daily occurrence…words cannot describe how amazing Lofoten is….

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jakob our local group leader was obviously very proud and passionate about his own islands..he was very enthusiastic and gave us lots of interesting local knowledge. A great guy and a very good guide…

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go and enjoy the islands! You won’t be disappointed! If I was to advise on anything it would be to take some good quality walking boots, as some of the paths are rocky with some mild scrambling so good footwear essential!

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of each walk and thinking there can't be anything more spectacular.... and being proven wrong the next day! Staying a few nights in comfortable converted fishermen's cabins and imagining their lives back in the days.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jakob is an experienced hiking leader and was perfect for the job as he lives locally and is very knowledgeable about the whole area. You could see he wanted us to have a great week, always encouraging us, being flexible with the itinerary and listening to our comments and needs. He was also a lot of fun to be with and even brought local treats for us on a walk!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do bring waterproof top & bottom and waterproof walking boots. The weather can be very changing, and the ground boggy in some places. Walking poles are also strongly recommended, to go up as well as down (helps with the knees). No need to bring cash in Norway, everything can be paid by card. ATMs available in various places if needed. Try the local fish and seafood, and the cinnamons buns!

Most Inspirational Moment

Several: Walking along to Roman Aqueduct to Spello and the mosaics in the Roman Villa at Spello. Sunset over Todi. The wine and beer tastings were very good. And the cookery class was fun.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nico was very knowledgeable and was an excellent guide. His restaurant recommendations were excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walks could be done in trainers, but as some paths can be muddy, walking shoes or boots are preferable. Probably not a suitable holiday for solo travellers as the single supplement is very expensive and out of kilter with the hotel prices.