Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

This trip was just as described.  There was so much packed in in just one week, so we saw all the best bits of Jordan.  The cycling isnt that onerous, really just an add on to the other sightseeing, although Jordan can be quite hilly!  Often the bus took us to high points so that most of the cycling was downhill.  On our tirp (dec - Jan) it was pretty cold at the higher places, so do make sure you bring plenty of warm clothes and some decent gloves.  These were needed at Wadi Rum as well.   No-body had their own bike - the rental bikes were OK but it may be worth checking that they definitely have one assigned to you before departing, as in my case they thought I was bringing my own!Petra and Jerash are fabulous - be prepared for quite a bit of walking in Petra, its a big place!Hotels were variable in quality, but to be fair that was made clear in the trip details.  Food was generally great, with plenty of snacks on the cycling days.  You wont loose any weight!In summary, a great trip.  Jordan is a wonderfully scenic place and you will see lots of it in just one week.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pretty good!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just pack according to the season

Most Inspirational Moment

Going up Table Mountain and seeing the fantastic views and the rides from Bettys Bay to Gordon's Bay and up (and down) Chapman's peak stand out.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tallis was excellent. He is a great cook providing the included lunches and dinners. He also went out of his way to meet the needs and demands of individual members of the group. He kept his cool at all times especially when circumstances or individuals were difficult and he was always charming and positive.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I'd say probably go for the premium departures if you can. Be prepared for a lot of climbs and strong headwinds at times If you have time do the Robben Island and Township Tours in Cape Town. If it's sunny and clear when you arrive go up Table Mountain!

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the Killing Fields in Cambodia and the realisation of the forgiveness amongst the Cambodian of today.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chaiya was superb. So attentive and extremely helpful. Very friendly and yet very professional. The team who worked with him in all 3 countries were amazing. Cannot thank them enough for making the holiday one to remember for a long long time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Jelly seats or jelly pants are a must!

Most Inspirational Moment

It's really hard to say! Obviously walking through the Siq and catching the first glimpse of The Treasury at Petra is something i will always remember but the trekking in Wadi Rum was stunning. My most inspirational moment was probably watching the sunset at our guides favourite spot in all of Jordan. We had this special place all to ourselves and set up camp on a sand dune that gave us unbelievable views of the valley as we watched the sun set on the horizon and change the colours of the landscape. Then to fall asleep later that night under a blanket of stars was amazing, I've ever seen so many shooting stars.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was fantastic. He was extremely proud to be from Jordan and the passion and knowledge for his home environment really shone through. He was very friendly and patient and on the tough trekking day (with scrambling) he was extremely attentive to everyone's different abilities.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely bring a headtorch, make sure your shoes are well broken in and drink plenty of water! I would also say dont be too concerned about the trekking on day 4 which includes scrambling to the arch of Burdah . There were quite a few in my group (myself included) who were nervous about this but all managed fine and felt a real sense of achievement once we had made it! Sleeping out of your tent under the stars is an amazing experience, to drift off whilst gazing at the hundreds of stars is a great experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

My husband - the moment that he saw the Taj Mahal. Me - sunny days riding through the farming countryside. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Krishna was a marvellous leader, knowledgable, efficient and good fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Arrive cycle fit especially if, as we are, you are over 65.Take an easy to fit odometer. Ours made a great difference to everyone including KrishnaWear a light weight luminous yellow gilet (vest) at all times whilst cycling Be sensible about the food ( salads and water melon in particular) and then you will remain healthy and really enjoy it. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing Jebel Aklim.Being welcomed in the home of local Barber woman Fatima, having tea in her home.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Group leader Yahya had the good balance of being supportive, funny, informative, and in control, knowing the mountains like the back of his hand – especially evident when one of the group members separated himself from the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

 Walking was demanding, but well balanced, with enough time to rest. Well organised, perfectly accompanied by the local team. Everything was done for us, vegetarians are well catered, so are everyone else.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of the Ooty hill. Hard work but worth the effort. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Safi was our leader - a wonderful person. Looked after the whole group and on cycling days made sure we were briefed at regular intervals. Socialised with everyone in the group. Shibu the bus driver is great - he drove the bus, made sure we always had water and snacks and sometimes cycled with us. Vipin the assistant was an enthusiastic learner.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your own saddle for comfort. Wear light cotton clothes as it is hot - I wore padded shorts under baggy cotton ones. Take the Ooty hill slowly - last few hairpins do one by one. Take swimming gear - there are a couple of swimming pools in the hotels and there is chance to swim in the sea. On the long downhill from Ooty take it slowly - don't rush - its a lovely ride through eucalyptus forests. The road is very potholed and requires 100% concentration.  

Most Inspirational Moment

I shall always remember hearing giggling during a picnic and turning to see a group of Berber women taking photographs of us, hearing and seeing the goatherds across the valley, seeing Ishmael going down a vertiginous slope with his mule - in his slippers

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdullah was kind, humourous and laid back while inspiring confidence.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walking is over rough rocks and the inclines very steep. This is essentially a trekking holiday, requiring stamina and fitness. Abdullah is very encouraging and considerate, and there are some opportunities to opt out.  The opportunity to camp in remote and unspoilt sites inevitably means that days and distances are long. But at the end of the day the delicious meal and candlelit conversation is worth the journey. 

Most Inspirational Moment

I don't think there was an inspirational moment, as such.  The whole trip was an inspiration and gave me a appreciation of a country which is at ease with itself, despite its problems, and is attempting to create a society and environment which will benefit future generations.  The Costa Ricans have a saying "Pura vida" which sums up their approach to life and this holiday.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Gio Madrigal, was fantastic!  His enthusiasm and commitment made the trip very special.  He was not only an expert in flora and fauna, as would be expected, but his knowledge of his country's history and society added another layer to the experience.  I cannot commend him highly enough. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to pace yourself for a climate which can be very hot and humid.  Always carry a water bottle, and use it.Dawn comes early so don't lay around in bed or you'll waste the best part of the day. Take a sink plug with you as most rooms don't have them. Costa Ricans are very friendly and welcoming people; go and meet them.  It is very easy to strike up a conversation. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't worry about being vegetarian, you'll be extremely well catered for. Remember ear plugs unless you can sleep through; snoring, tents zipping/unzipping, domestic "discussions", the call for prayer, gale force winds.Your guide will likely arrange for bottled water to be available so don't worry too much about tablets for purification.  Try not flushing the toilet for an entire weekend before you go to get used to what a wild camping toilet might look (and smell) like after a nights use.