Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Landing and seeing Albania for the first time, driving into Tirana to discover a modern city with a shaded past. Butrint National Park, to see how the City developed from Greek Roman times. It gave the sense that Albania had a long history. Also tve site is just beautiful and serene. Other highlights were the towns of Gjirokaster and Berat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ed was a super leader. He was so knowledgeable and showed real passion for his country. He added extra stops into the itinerary, to show off more of his country but also to fill in gaps in the itinerary because on some days there was not enough interests to fill in the time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Spend more time in Tirana either at the end or the beginning of the tour as the time there is not enough. Alough I went late May early June take a packable raincoat as on this trip it rained every day and once was caught out up a hill and got drenched. Read a little bit about the country before going then you will understand more about Albania.

Most Inspirational Moment

This is hard! For cycling - riding next to the waves on a Latvian beach. For history - Andrius's stories of growing up when Lithuania was part of the Soviet Union. For culture - the art nouveau in Riga and the churches in Tallinn (see tip below). For food - the amazing mushroom soup and wild boar on our last night in Vilnius. For drink - my wife enjoying Latvian dark beer! For socialising - the music and dancing at the jazz cafe in Klaipeda.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andrius was exceptional - one of the best guides of our 25+ group tours. Firstly he has a great sense of humour - the trip was full of laughter. Secondly he has a wide knowledge of the history of the three countries and, as someone who grew up during communism, he shares his personal experience. Thirdly - he picked some great places to eat and drink. And finally, he made the trip a five star experience - from his 'little fun surprises' to his proposed additions or adjustments that enabled us to see the art nouveau in Riga, explore Vilnius on our bikes and visit the Soviet missile base where the nuclear weapons were targeted on Germany, Norway and the UK. Thank you Andrius - you made the trip!

Advice for Potential Travellers

We were cycling in May/June and tended to have lunch in cafes rather than picnics (one day). The cafes were all good and some were a memorable part of the trip, e.g. the salmon soup in the ship museum in Estonia and the smoked fish lunch in the fisherman's garden on the Curonian Spit.

Most Inspirational Moment

Spectacular scenery

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both were very engaging. Though the lovely Armenian guide, was actually a teacher, rather than a guide, so her information talks were perhaps a little more in depth than needed. We had to ask to have time to walk up the Cascade fountain as the info talk went on so long we were running out of time

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring layers.. weather is very changeable throughout the day

Most Inspirational Moment

"Personally, being a regular hill person (!), I especially enjoyed the first day's climb and also the walk in Levanzo, which hugged the coastline for a good while and then we had a pretty decent climb up and over. But all walks had their own charm and appeal. The variety of flora was astounding. I loved the entire trip."

Thoughts on Group Leader

A really lovely man, well-organised and having to make some small changes due to weather conditions. We were always kept abreast of the next day's plans and any options. He was very proud of his Sicilian lineage and extremely knowledgeable re flora and the island's history. Also had some wonderful meals which he organised for the group!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Carla and Fernando. A lovely couple who really cared about their environment, their country and, of course, us!

Most Inspirational Moment

Angkor Wat, Cambodian Circus, Ha Long Bay Cruise

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ly in Cambodia did an excellent job imparting local and historical information.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery is so beautiful!! The people of Portugal are kind and helpful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rita Caetano was a good Leader and her partner Denis was helpful and well organized. We received a briefing at the end of every day so we had an idea what to expect for the next day's ride. Thank you. A guide is needed on this trip as we do have to go away from the coast at times and it would be confusing to know where to go without a guide. Denis was our shuttle service and he also prepared our 2 picnic lunches and they were delicious!!! Thank you.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take at least 3 days to visit Porto before the cycle trip, and take two days in Lisbon at the end. During the trip, include everyone to meet up at the restaurants for dinners/ evenings. Your leader can make reservations for all of you. From Lisbon, you can take a train to the Algarve. Take the time to visit this area and enjoy the beautiful beaches and the coastline. Spectacular scenery. Take a boat ride along the coast!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Caminito del Rey

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great. Organised everything superbly and great source of information thoughout all the walks and trips to Seville/Ronda.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the rainy days and plenty of mud across the Olive groves. All part or the adventure.

Most Inspirational Moment

In their own and separate ways, all of the sites we visited were extremely interesting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lida was excellent all round, well-prepared and enthusiastic about her subject. Gregorius was a good driver and we never felt unsafe with him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have stout and comfortable footwear.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking around the corner of the top path to see Machu Picchu below me - so emotional after wanting to see it for almost 50 years.

Thoughts on Group Leader

William was excellent. He was extremely knowledgeable and spoke excellent English. He really made the trip, because all of his advice and support was great. He even took us to places in his own time and made great suggestions for places to eat and visit. He was also a really lovely man and interesting to talk to.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take or buy snacks for the long journeys. Always top up with water/drinks. Sort and pack luggage into small bags, so it is quick and easy to find what you need.