Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The beauty of the Dolomites, and after two previous visits to Venice where I have described Venice, in my opinion to be overrated, most definitely Venice. I loved Vicenza nearly as much as Michele, definately the most beautiful town in the world

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was an absolute star, probably the most knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and likeable guide I have had on any previous trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As with all trips, read the trip notes to know what to expect. This level of cycle trip is not too much for the occasional cyclist, it's not a race, it's a chance to enjoy with like minded people.

Most Inspirational Moment

The programme was very well structured with plenty of variety and highlights throughout the tour: mokoro rides and game walks in the Okavango Delta, surreal salt pans, exciting Victoria Falls with so many activities to choose, fantastic game in Chobe (the sunset river cruise is an absolute must) and yet more game in Savuti and Moremi with contrasting landscapes. I loved the wild camping: sitting round a campfire, eating and chatting with new friends and watching wildlife stroll by - pure magic!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our crew was fantastic: Sam, our leader, is a lovely man and kept us organised and informed; Stanley, our guide and driver though the national reserves, shared his amazing knowledge; Mello and Paul ran clean and happy camps wherever we stayed and cooked delicious suppers; Mello's campfire-baked bread was simply delicious!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Botswana is a desert - be prepared for a lot of dust. Pack baby wipes, moisturing cream and lipsalve. My most treasured possession was a long chiffon scarf that I could wrap round my head and face. Be prepared to get very grubby. You need to wear safari-coloured clothes but everything ends up dust coloured. Pack a travel plug for washing laundry at the public campsites. Pack spare batteries and cards for your camera, then pack some more! There are few opportunities to recharge, the inverter in the truck was very slow and a long queue wanting to use it. My camera charges with a USB cable and I was able to use an adaptor in the cigarette lighter. Some of the drives are very long on poor roads. It's not for everyone, but I found there was always something to look at and I loved it.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most heart warming time was giggling with the two Moroccan women in the Hamman, whilst being scrubbed from head to foot. My skin still feels amazing and it was really good to have contact with local women and feel as though I was contributing to the the community, in a very small way. Of course the views and the walks, even in the heat, were amazing and exceptionally well paced by our expert guide, Hassan, who was always full of good humour, imparting local knowledge and answering our many questions.

Thoughts on Group Leader

As above.. Hassan looked after everyone, ensuring that we all had a great time, an honourable person.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Check the temperatures carefully, before booking! Just as in France, vegetarian, let alone vegan cuisine is somewhat underdeveloped....take protein bars !!

Most Inspirational Moment

The walking , meeting new friends

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent , very informative , helpful and made sure we all were having a good time

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Mont Blanc for the first time on the first day, glistening in the morning sunshine.

Thoughts on Group Leader

See above. Frank really looked after me and my hushand. Nothing was too much trouble for him. He knew the circuit of Mont Blanc like the back of his hand, he was very knowledgeable of the area and its history.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it and enjoy every moment!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling 75kms on our last day along the Amalfi Coast road from Minori to Sorrento and back. Amazing! ...also cycling past the ruins at Paestrum. ...also the food was also incredible throughout.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paolo was really good at keeping the group together whilst cycling.....this may have been frustrating for the faster cyclists but meant he could keep everyone safe along the way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Insect repellent! Italian mosquitos are relentless and none of us were prepared for them.

Most Inspirational Moment

Summiting Mt Toubkal Being invited to the home of the cook for tea Rugged scenery

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hassan was knowledgeable, when asked, with excellent language skills and fully fluent in English. His pace-setting was for the range of levels of fitness of a large group was very good. I felt safe throughout the walking sections of the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I'm sorry but Marrakech airport is a terrible experience with extremely slow immigration on both arrival and departure, lack of air conditioning, and interminable check-in with boarding cards having to be hand-written. Despite the delay while queueing, if you arrive on a late flight its worth changing money at the airport - Bank of England notes only. Take a range of walking clothing as it was very cold and windy on the upper section of Mt Toubkal Be prepared for an upset stomach

Most Inspirational Moment

The fourth day of the Inca Trail was my highlight - the day started with a beautiful sunrise above the campsite and then a walk downhill through the cloud forest to three sets of Inca Ruins before lunch (which we only had to share with llamas as no other tour groups were in sight). After lunch was the pinnacle of the day, coming through the Sun Gate in the sunshine to see our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. Finally, in the evening, going to the hot springs to relax and to wash which was a welcome relief after 4 days of wet wipe showers!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Fabrizzio, was great - he was very laid back and friendly. He was always available but he didn't over organise us. We had separate guides for the Amazon and Lake Titicaca who had local knowledge but it was good to also have Fabrizzio for the whole trip to ensure that we had consistency.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You should only attempt this trip if you have a reasonable level of fitness as otherwise you probably won't enjoy it and it can be frustrating for the rest of the group - despite the rest of us waiting for 2 hours at lunchtime for slower group members to catch up, one member of our group arrived into camp in the dark on the 2nd day of the trek, about 4 hours after the rest of us (and after the rest of us had already gone to bed) which can't have been fun for her. Be aware that the rooms in the Amazon only have a curtain as the bathroom door so make sure you know your travelling companion well as they will hear everything!! As has been said in other reviews, wear layers on the Inca Trail - during the days it can be very warm and sunny but in the evenings it gets very cold. Invest in a rain poncho (which are available cheaply in Cusco) as, although these may not be the most stylish items of clothing, they are brilliant for keeping you and your rucksack dry.

Most Inspirational Moment

Wild camping on islands surrounded by hippos and crocodiles - slightly nerve-wracking!

Thoughts on Group Leader

TK was fantastic. Canoeing through this area is a potentially risky activity, but we were kept safe and entertained at all times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a scary start to the trip - we canoed to our first camp in the dark! Bring a sense of adventure and a good camera.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing two black rhino in the open for half an hour.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent - so knowledgeable and calm - listens to clients wishes and accommodates as best as possible.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take water into immigration hall on arrival and ensure you do not end up in transit lounge as did one of our group (signage poor). Be prepared for v bumpy ride from Lakes to Masai Mara.