Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, just being surrounded by the sublime landscape of the region.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jeremy Rabjohns is an excellent group leader who is considerate of all the needs of all individuals and the group alike.At no time did I feel like just another group member,Jeremy really took time to get to know each of us on a one to one level,which enabled us as individuals to get the most from our trip. Personally I was interested in photographing the landscape  and so at times needed to be apart from the group,either in front or behind,I was never inhibited or made to feel a burden.Jeremy has a very good knowledge of the local flora and fauna alike and thus is able to answer most questions in this regard.He is also very knowledgeable of the local history regarding the Moorish peoples who once inhabited these lands,he has even written a book on walks in the area and so is more than qualified to lead.He is also able to speak Spanish and is very helpful to those who wish to shop and order food etc.In general I found Jeremy to be an exceptional leader,and a decent, down to earth,good to honest bloke which these days seems to be the exception rather than the rule.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I personally did not feel that poles are necessary.Ankle length (short) walking boots were fine for me.I used a hydration pack as opposed to bottles which I think is better.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Treasury at Petra (even for the tenth time), rounding the corner to the Monastery at Petra after the hike up, and watching the sun set and stars emerge round the camp fire in the awe-inspiring Wadi Rum.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Khaled was fantastic - his knowledge of the history and cultures of Jordan seemed endless and his enthusiasm to share his country was infectious.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I was worried about how my relatively low fitness levels would impact my ability to enjoy Petra, but the more strenuous walks/hikes (hundreds of steps or steep uneven paths) aren't too bad and are either taken at the pace most suitable for the group or are optional with plenty of time to do them at your own pace (or not at all if you choose). Hotter temperatures could make the walks more challenging (it was mid-high 20's Celsius when I went), but many are sheltered by canyon walls in parts at least. In short, as long as you are reasonably active, there's no need to worry or go on a big fitness drive before going on this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The cycling

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Highly organised- so no waiting around . Very safety conscious.  Extreemely caring

Most Inspirational Moment

There are far too many to choose from, from the first proper sighting of everest through the tree-line heading up to Namche Bazaar, the crystal clear Gokyo lakes and the stunning cloud-strewn views from the top of Gokyo Ri, the sheer satisfaction in having reached the top of the demanding and icy Cho La Pass, the final trek towards the edge of the Khumbu icefall and discovering the vast tent city of Base Camp, the unrivalled views of the highest mountains on earth from the top of Kala Patthar....

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jangbu Sherpa displayed tremendous knowledge of the valleys as we ascended higher up, he spent most of the time looking after the slower ones of the group and making sure they made it to the next lodge but he was sometimes reluctant from mingling with our group, we dont bite honestly!Our assistant guide Nima was always chirpy and full of enthusiasm and often led the group during the day's trekking.  Singing and dancing his way up the mountain he also got us out of bed in the morning with cups of tea and was our 'waiter' of an evening in the teahouses. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trek is not to be underestimated, its a long haul and you have to be in good fitness and good health to really enjoy it or you will struggle with it.  Dont skimp on the decent gear, particularly warm clothes for the early starts and when the weather turns (as it usually does in the afternoon).  The many days spent at high altitude does have some effect on you, be it a loss of appetite or trouble sleeping and these are to be expected in even the fittest of you, altitude can affect anyone.  The Cho La pass in particular is a definate challenge involving alot of scrambling, fairly exposed sections and the glacial travel which is often uneven and slippery underfoot unless you have full crampons on your boots.  Care is to be taken on this section as its a long day and you can easily lose concentration.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were lots of moments especially in the first few days when i realised I would be fitter once the trip was over, how amazing the scenery was, the food was delicious and I especially enjoyed the preseco!!!  The atmosphere between everyone made the trip even better!  The entire trip was an inspirational moment!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rudy set such a high standard that i'm wondering if any other group leader will live up to it!  I suppose I should book another trip to find out!  Rudy took care of everyone and went beyond the usual call of duty to attend to everyone's particular needs!  All of us apprieciated the effort he put it to making our trip the best ever!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just book and go with the flow!  You won't regret it!

Most Inspirational Moment

Loved all the walks especially the Walk of the Gods and our trip to Ravello on our free day. Lovely gardens and the lunch was so good at Villa Maria. Hotel staff at 2 Torri so helpful and friendly.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz, our group leader was very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly making the holiday a great experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a few hills, but the views are worth the effort.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day was inspirational!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely brilliant!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go on the week in Jordan trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

This is a difficult question, as there were many inspirational moments: the wonderful gardens, staying in a ryokan and having a communal hot bath, the impressive Matsumoto castle with a view over the Japanese Alps, the snow monkeys, the bullet train and of course the cherry blossoms, of which there were many!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was efficient and well organised. We had plenty of information for our free time and everything ran very smoothly. Suzy was approachable and helpful and did her best to make it a successful tour.On the downside, I would have appreciated more insight into Japanese society and culture from an "insider", either a Japanese or someone who had lived there for some time and spoke the language well. We spent a few days in Japan after the trip with someone who is living there and learned so much more about the country and went to interesting places where tourists who can't speak Japanese would not have been able to go.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be open to new experiences, try unfamiliar foods and take a dictionary. Not so many people speak English. If you ask a Japanese for information or advice, be prepared to wait, as they will often go in search of an answer or someone who speaks English. We found the Japanese in general very courteous and helpful, always ready to assist us "gaijin".Be prepared for a lot of walking, take good walking shoes. 

Most Inspirational Moment

See the comment above.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Enthusiastic, kind and extremely knowledgeable. It was obvious that he loved the islands and wanted to share his enjoyment with us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a specially insulated water bottle to keep the water cool as it does get warm when walking around on the islands and in the high temperatures. A hiking stick could be useful on some of the terrain. A telephoto lens is handy for capturing the birds in flight, but all the wildlife is so close that a compact camera is adequate.