Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Like most cycling holidays its getting to the top of the climbs though there weren't too many on this holiday. The climb on the way to Otranto was made tougher after a lovely lunch and a few beers in Castro.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabrizio was very enthusiastic and led the group well. Coming from Bari, he has a lot of local knowledge which he communicated well. He lived in England for awhile so his English is good and he was eager to pick up new phrases.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy the food and drink. Try and find a few craft bars otherwise you will be stuck with the local beer which is Peroni.

Most Inspirational Moment

Spending an exhausting but worthwhile day exploring the major crevices of Petra, and the otherworldly vistas of Wadi Rum

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had an ideal group leader who was kind, friendly, patient, able to bring the group together on decisions, deal with multiple personalities, and showcase the best of his country and his culture. We had a nice mix of small personal cultural details and major tourist sites. Explanations were just right: not too long, not too short. By the end we all felt like a new family

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are some strenuous days on the trip: footwear is a major issue. You need hiking shoes, flexible sandals, solid sandals, and shoes that will breathe in hot weather. Starting the big tourist sites like Petra early is a great idea.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many but being able to complete the famous 4k hill out of Sorento on the last day without stopping was one of the best highlights and gave you the energy to complete the rest of the day along the Amalfi Coast Road.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paolo is a most excellent guide and we have enjoyed his expertise and knowledge throughout the trip. He put us all at ease straight away and always explained what was going to happen and we thoroughly enjoyed his daily briefings for the next stages of the trip. He always doubled back to check on the riders especially those at the back. Paolo was a Skilled communicator and always dealt with issues professionally and calmly. Also a special shout out for the Support Staff and Vehicle throughout the Cycling Days was fantastic for water top ups, Bananas and Nuts for extra energy was most welcome especially on the 3 Long cycling days. Paolo was fully supportive throughout the whole Holiday experience and catered for the varied cycling experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes I would advise to consider Gel seat Cover as there are varied seat types, although they can change seats if required. The Gel seat cover ensured I never suffered throughout the long rides. Small Phone / Item Bag is provided on front of bike so you do not need to bring your own. Make sure you practice some long days riding using any new cycling shorts equipment etc to test it out for your liking.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many to choose from! The beautiful Lago di Braies on the first day with it's incredible blue and crystal clear water Ten minutes watching a family of stoats playing in a woodpile above the village The incredible variety of wildflowers and butterflies, our guide pointed out a lovely Ladies Slipper Orchid hidden under a log which I had never seen before The Spectacular views of the mountains for our picnic lunches and breaks The wonderful town of Bruneck on our free day, easy to get to by train and full of gems such as the castle, cable car, and fabulous museums of Lumen and Messner with incredible views and a great restaurant with incredible views over the valley A wonderful family run hotel with good food and wine and a lovely pool for a swim after a long days walk

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, Jeffry was a great leader. A good communicator, friendly and extremely knowledgeable. He worked hard to make sure everyone was safe and making the most of their trip. He was super fit, and competent in mountain situations. I had total faith in him and his advice. Also had a wealth of knowledge of flora and fauna. Would have no hesitation travelling with him again, one of the best I have encountered!

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is not a walk in the park, but perfectly doable if yo are a reasonably fit and active walker. There are a few exposed and tricky bits to negotiate, and if you are very afraid of heights then it's probably not for you, but I am not particularly comfortable with heights and nothing worried me unduly. The guide was very mindful of helping and advising on the more tricky bits. If you have likes and dislikes with food as well as intolerances, then make sure the hotel know in advance as most of the menus are pretty set. If you don't like fish, then say so as one night was 4 courses of fish. Personally I thought the food was of good quality and plenty of it with lunches also included, I felt that it was good value

Most Inspirational Moment

The entire group making it to the top of the most difficult climb on the last day of cycling, then celebrating with an incredible group lunch at the mountain restaurant.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very passionate about Albania and it's history. Very proud of his country and very good at his job. The group was quite mixed, which he managed well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have a good fitness/experience level with mountain climbs. Otherwise, you may just decide to use an E-bike.

Most Inspirational Moment

The amount of wildlife viewed , seeing flying squirrels, the Sepilok Orang Utans sanctuary, crocodile in river . Wandering around Mellacca and Penang old towns.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Borneo - Edwin, very personable and happy to share information regarding local customs . Clear explanations and good sense of humour. Within Borneo we were staying at wilderness lodges so there were not the same number of tourist sites etc as are available on Peninsula in second half of trip. Malaysian Peninsula - Wye , also very personable and super helpful . Ensured everyone in group looked after , always happy to provide advice regarding eateries, tourist sites, travel , costs of attractions, translating in food courts . Not sure Wye ever ate a hot meal with us as she would be busy assisting her guests with translating/recommending food ordering and following up what was delivered matched the order.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not much cash needed for Borneo ( as staying in wilderness lodges and not many opportunities to spend. Bar bills and possibly extra food/snacks / ice creams/ drinks) . Internal flights the group total luggage allowance is 15KG x number in group . Try to keep luggage weight to 15KG but dont stress if you go over by a small amount as it might be "lost" within group overall total . Take own torches for walking on paths in Borneo and also paved streets on Peninsula towns/cities. ATMs plentiful at KL airport to withdraw cash on first entry to Malaysia , however different banks ( Maybank, CIMB, Public Bank) have different daily limit on withdrawal amount. Always answer "No" to conversion ( otherwise local bank sets conversion rate instead of using Inter Bank Rate ) .

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing polar bears

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent and enthusiastic.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's hard to pick just one! Summiting Toubkal (4167m)was obviously a highlight (as was being licked by one of the mountain sheep at the summit!), but the optional ascent of Ouanakrim (4088m) the following day was almost better, due to the section of scrambling near the top - I loved it, but definitely not one for the faint-hearted or sufferers of vertigo...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mo was absolutely amazing; he was funny and engaging, and couldn't do enough to make sure everyone enjoyed their trip to the fullest. He was calm and unflappable, and extremely supportive to those members of the group who struggled on some of the trickier terrain. We couldn't have asked for a better leader. The rest of his team were also fantastic, and we were delighted at the quality and quantity of the food that Hassan (the chef) delivered on a daily basis. Beautifully prepared and presented salads, delicious tagines and local dishes, not to mention freshly fried chips at the top of a mountain! He had the added challenge of catering for both gluten free and vegetarian diets, and he succeeded at every meal.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the polar bears was incredible and moving. The vastness and quietness was spiritual. Kayaking around sea ice was great. The most inspiration aspect though was the expedition crew. There knowledge, passion and care was incredible.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Woody was brilliant. He was funny and exhume an air of confidence and authority. He was very open and gave detailed briefings.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure they have enough space in their luggage to fit the complementary parker, and not to take too much extra gear. Just the essentials. Also it they want to they spend more time in Longyearbyen and arrange to take a later flight to spend an extra day or two there. It would be a great way to wind down and say goodbye to this incredible place.

Most Inspirational Moment

When I stepped foot on Machu Picchu our leader smiled, held out his hand and said "Congratulations, you completed the Inca Trail". The trail is testing, but you dig deep and keep putting one foot in front of another. You put the effort in and you're handsomely rewarded.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely brilliant!