Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Crossing the high passes and the boat trip on Komani lake went through scenery reminiscent of Norwegian fjords. Cities of Kruges and Berat gave a great contrast having spent a few days in the empty spectacular mountains.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bleaerd was a great guide, very knowledgeable and personable, we always felt safe in his hands.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go now before the mountain villages become like a modern Alpine resort. Understandably the local economy will benefit from all the new hotels being built and this cannot be denied in one of the poorest countries in Europe. But as I said go now before there is a massive increase in tourism. The guest house accommodation was a challenge for some people who did not realise they might be sharing a room with other members of the trip. This is because there is a shortage of accommodation in Theth. It is only 2 nights but be prepared.

Most Inspirational Moment

Whale watching from the shore in Hermanus was incredible and staying in a log cabin so close to the edge of the thunderous ocean were two of many highlights … and of course your safari on the plains of Addo and Scotia were perfect in every way .

Thoughts on Group Leader

We struck gold with Andrew, he was the best type of guide - knowledgeable , supportive and good fun - took all the stress out of travel and created a great atmosphere for everyone .

Advice for Potential Travellers

Remember the season - if you travel in September it’s still early spring so take warm clothes and waterproofs .

Most Inspirational Moment

The views on the high passes are just stunning! Finishing everyday feeling like you’ve accomplished something.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Maria was just brilliant, he had the right level of letting us get on with it and managing us when we needed it. He was friendly, personable, funny, knowledgeable and a pleasure to be around. We had some lovely evenings with him, he was great with anyone that was struggling and went above and beyond to help them.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack lightly, follow the trip notes for what you need. Walking poles helped massively. The pack ups are pricier but nice, bed your boots in, take blister plasters if in doubt!

Most Inspirational Moment

floating above the mara in a hot air balloon at sunrise was magical!! seeing how vast the mara is and its many colour from high above is something I will never forget. Then after the balloon ride our driver for the morning found us a pride of lions that had a recent kill, we got so close to them we could hear them breathing!! also seeing the local maasi village and hearing the beautiful voices of the men and women singing their songs with no instruments was amazing, the pure joy and welcoming nature of all the people we met was beautiful. they seem to have music pulsating from their entire being!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our Maasi guide Jackson was amazing!! he has amazing eyesight spotting all the big 5 for us even the black rhino which looked like it was 1km away!! Jackson was amazing giving us answers to questions we had about the animals and his life too. he went out of his way to help me when I was purchasing some goods at a shop and got me a good price. I have made a friend for life in Jackson!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

you will eat lots the food at all the hotels is amazing!! there will be noises at night so take ear plugs!! this trip will leave you smiling and feeling so lucky to be in the presence of such majestic animals

Most Inspirational Moment

hearing the personal stories of the locals

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Come prepared to listen and learn

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many highlights and beautiful places on this trip that it’s hard to choose… We drove up a narrow windy gravel and dirt road, passing the most magnificent landscapes, up to Lukomir, the highest village in Bosnia. We went for a short walk up the hill overlooking the gorge and mountain ranges for spectacular views. After, we had a wonderful homemade lunch of locally grown and prepared food and the strongest coffee I ever tasted. Just enjoying the sound of the wind, crisp clean air and peace up there was such a gift.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fatima was an excellent leader and her enthusiasm and sincere commitment to make sure everyone had the best possible time was amazing. She helped us carry heavy suitcases up stairs, made sure dinner arrangements were made and orders placed ahead of time to maximize free time. She dealt with two serious medical issues in our group professionally and with great care and empathy, and even after a long night at the emergency room, joined us for breakfast bright and early with her usual smile. She translated where needed, shared difficult stories of her own family history during the war and made personal connections with each person. She is a beautiful person inside and out.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring your meds. The roads are narrow and windy, but the views truly make up for it.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first vineyard that we visited was interesting and the guide we had was knowledgeable and very funny, the wine tasting was really good and the food that they had prepared for us was truly delicious. The walk around this vineyard was beautiful and some of us glimpsed a Kingfisher. Lina and Antonio were fantastic guides, very caring and couldn't do enough for us, even to the extent of pruning back brambles so that no-one got scratched or fell over during the walks. Carla's picnic was amazing, fantastic cook.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We could not rate them any higher, really lovely, sincere people who clearly love their country and environment. Knowledgeable, caring for the whole group. Great drivers, they organised fantastic and memorable lunches, 2 of which Carla prepared the food which was devoured by the group and enjoyed by all. If we had to say any more please keep employing guides of this standard.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was always ready and willing to support us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader (Giovanni) was very good, very welcoming and a source of a lot of local information. However, his estimations of how long to this point or that were a bit loose (aka totally unreliable). There was a driver (Simone) who guided the cycling some days, and he was also very good, lots of local knowledge and way more realistic about distances.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you don't like descending, don't forget that what goes up hairpin bends must come down hairpin bends. The grading of moderate is applied to the whole trip, but some of the days were way beyond moderate in terms of long ascents. The description of the surfaces as "10 percent easy gravel roads" is so far off the truth - steep in places and very bumpy with large chunks of rock is more like it. Nothing I would describe as an easy gravel road. If you are not sure about the climbing I'd suggest getting an e-bike. I had one and although they are VERY heavy it made going up a pleasure.

Most Inspirational Moment

Next to the last day when we covered the last two Cinque Terre. We had a scramble up hill to get to the top to have the most amazing views. It was definitely challenging and I am pleased to say that all our group managed to complete it. Sense of achievement at the top was amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Miki was amazing, what else can I say, she gave us options every day and explained everything in great detail, she has amazing knowledge. Miki also said that this group was the only one ever when everybody completed the hard scramble.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure you are fit enough, make sure you have all correct clothing especially walking boots and poles, someone on our group went out to buy new trainers as didn’t have walking boots. Most of all enjoy yourself have fun, go and jump in the sea. It was very hot when we were there 29/30 degrees. On our rest day quite a number of us opted to spend on sun loungers on the beach, it was brilliant.