Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The cycling was good when not on busy dusty roads, the guides and support staff very helpful and attentive, some of the overnight stops really enjoyable. The Thai and Laos food is really tasty, particularly the lunches provided in small local cafes. The day of rest was a Slow Boat along the Mekong, very enjoyable (apart from the obligatory cultural stop to visit a rural setting where the villagers were encouraged to sell their wares to us though no warning this would happen). The overnight train was a good experience and much more comfortable than I had expected, though don't expect a party or to be able to look out of the window.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Rit, very knowledgeable and keen to answer questions. He had been a Buddhist monk for 10 years so we learned a lot from him when we visited temples.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the very busy dusty roads that are broken: take good face protection. The cycling is certainly moderate to challenging, hilly and fast paced.

Most Inspirational Moment

The cycle from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya was both physically testing but incredibly rewarding to see such stunning scenery en route. It was real group effort and some went on e bikes whilst others did the last leg in the support bus but we all made it - what a day. The other magical & unplanned sight was seeing elephants in the wild by the side of the road - amazing to see them in the natural habitat

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was inspirational. Nothing was to much trouble & he used his years of local knowledge & contacts to take us to places that were not on the beaten track. His choice of restaurants was fantastic, his knowledge of the area was impeccable and he lead the support team incredibly well. Health & safety was a high priority (without being OTT boring). I would highly recommend him as a group leader

Most Inspirational Moment

I didn't think of the trip like that, it was all very enlightening. Sri Lanka and it's people I suppose and the warmth that the group leader brought to it. After the years he'd done it, he still managed to Inspire that in us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Really good, friendly and caring. He was never off duty, always available..

Advice for Potential Travellers

It will be good, don't worry about your ability. The bikes are hybrids and if the hills are too much, just get in the bus.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to choose - but probably the scenery around Tafraoute

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abderrahim and Hassan Idmansour were great - really helpful, full of interesting information, always making sure we were well fed, watered and enjoying the whole experience (Our salad lunches were awesome)

Advice for Potential Travellers

It was getting hot already (March) so be aware the expected temp when you travel

Most Inspirational Moment

Dog sledding

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good leadership

Advice for Potential Travellers

All outdoor clothing provided and kept you warm

Most Inspirational Moment

Just the scenery, different all around the island.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jon was hugely knowledgeable about every corner of Iceland and went out of his way to make everyone happy. Even awkward sods like us who wanted to disappear off and look for plastic tubs under rocks (If you know, you know!)

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're going in March, dress warm. Really warm. Really really warm. I've never been so cold in my life, and I've done a weeks dogsledding in Sweden which included camping when it was -45C. Don't know what other seasons are like but the clue's in the name - Iceland. Be prepared to spend lots of dosh on lunch, dinner and beer. For two of us, food + drink was another £750 on the price of the holiday, Take cards, no one uses cash. WiFi is good at all hotels and mobile reception was consistently better then we've got in Surrey.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take 50 cent coins for toilets.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved Storms River - the energy and scenery produced by the sea - I could watch it all day!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Organised, mixed well, ensured smooth running and went out of his way to fit in all our additional activities

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go and enjoy it

Most Inspirational Moment

Joining in the pilgrimage to the top of Adam's Peak, a 1000m climb of 5,500 steps over 7km done overnight to reach Sri Lanka's fourth highest peak for sunrise. It was superb to experience what the locals put themselves through, with everyone from infants to the elderly making their way up past all the tea houses. It is really strenuous, but a great personal achievement too. The wildlife park at Yala, the Sri Lankan games, bicycle ride and farmer's lunch, and cinnamon farm were other highlights among many.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roshan was great - attentive to all our needs, ensuring we were looked after well and keeping us organised; he has great skills in providing story-like tales of the history, politics, religion and cultural habits, using wit and personal stories to bring it to life and keep it interesting. His English was excellent and he made liaising with locals so much easier.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Have access to a good amount of cash, as the optional tours and activities all need payment in Rupees or Pounds. You can pay for meals and drinks in the hotels by cash, or simply use a card/mobile. All the hotels had English style sockets, so no adapters were needed. Be prepared for mosquitos - take repellent such as Aloe Vera or citronella. Be prepared for some early starts, but there's plenty of time to snooze on the bus. Water for drinking bottles is provided. Having a group tipping kitty saves a lot of hassle. Share photos on a WhatsApp group.

Most Inspirational Moment

Taking in the 360 degree view from the Summit of the Pico Ruivo - amazing!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andre Ponte, our guide, was fantastic fun, a very experienced and knowledgeable trip leader. He showed us his island with enthusiasm and pride, and is very conscious and protective of its environment; he adapted the walks according to the (sometimes very changeable) weather conditions. He knows the nature and plant life on the island very well. A huge thank you again, Andre!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would very much recommend this trip if you are of moderate fitness, and you don't have bad knees! Pack for varied weather conditions if you are going in March; we were lucky most days, but the wind means that weather changes quite rapidly. Wear shoes with good ankle support if you are susceptible in that area. And take a few 50 cent coins for the public toilets - you need them.