Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra exceeded already high expectations. I had a vision in my mind of winding my way through the siq and arriving at the Treasury. It was everything I thought it would be. The unexpected bonus came when we climbed the "800 steps" to the Monastery. I was blown away by the Monastery and the vistas from the view points.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was one of the very best tour guides I've ever had. He was extremely knowledgable of all of the sites we visited and very enthusiastic about sharing that knowledge with us. I would like to add that we also had a driver, two cycling guides and a mechanic with us. They all did a great job.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We were travelling in October and still experienced temperatures up to 45C. If you have difficulty with heat, travel in the winter.Many are put off traveling in Jordan due to security concerns. It is in a tough neighbourhood but Jordanians have managed to avoid most of the problems that plague their neighbours. The people were extremely friendly and we felt safe at all times.

Most Inspirational Moment

No particular moment but throughout we experienced friendly and relaxed people who gave expression to the  Bhutan culture of "Gross National Happiness".  

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader (Pasang) was excellent, friendly, helpfull and always happy. The assistant ( Dorgi) was also very good, he took the leader in explaining the Bhutan culture.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure you have a 3/4 season sleeping bag and warm cloths for the evenings.

Most Inspirational Moment

The bluest sea I have ever seen. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

She was fabulous.  She was knowledgeable and humourous.  Also she kept it real, told us the length of the hills, the gradient, gave clear and concise directions.  As a group we were really well looked after.  Excellent choice of restaurants and routes and stopping points.  Also she took us to the best IceCream in Europe.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a must do trip.  Big Hills but lots of time to do them.  Big Downhills too!!

Most Inspirational Moment

A choice between walking within 5 metres of a cheetah in the bush one evening and watching the rainclouds break and disappear in a few minutes to allow us to walk in the Drakensburg without a soaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Admire was full of energy, information, humour and a pretty good cook too. He and back up man Petros did a fine job leading us around South Africa.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to spend very long periods in the minibus-take an iPod or something similar to pass the time. The time spent driving was really the only downside to the trip-the game viewing was excellent (though I STILL haven't seen a leopard in the wild!!!) interspersed with some great and varied walking. The holiday met our expectations. Going in October, we did not expect quite so much rain-55mm overnight whilst camping in the Kruger,-but somehow we managed to dodge most of it, only getting wet a couple of times.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking on the wall and entering the Forbidden City.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jerry was excellent. The Xian guide was disappointing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely book the Xian extension to see the Terracotta Warriors.

Most Inspirational Moment

Choosing one would not be easy, hence the following represent the best of both countries in terms of scenery, history, culture and the people of the countries.Ha Long BayHoi An Cu Chi TunnelsAngkor Wat + other temples 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader (Bon) has been the best leader I have had on a trip.  He was knowledgeble, funny, always had lots of stories, and was always prepared to do what we wanted to do as a group.Bon is also very helpful with all things local and promoted the idea of us spreading our custom around a number of shops as oppose to all of us going to just one shop when buying things.  He also made sure we as a group made the decisions on where to go or what to do, but also helped out if you wanted to do something different as a individual. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

The only advice is be prepared for the humidity and heat in South East Asia, if you have a good guide then not much can go wrong.  Also when crossing the roads, which look daunting, just keep walking slowly, as stopping in the middle of the road causes more confusion.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved walking through the sweet chestnut groves where it was so peaceful before descending to the hustle and bustle of Amalfi. Pompeii and Herculaneum were both stunning and very different so it's worth seeing both. Although our walk around the Vesuvius crater was done in mist it was still a great experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Albert was an excellent leader with a wealth of knowledge about the area. He has built up a rapport with the local people which benefitted us in many ways. He was always very calm and pleasant, I felt that we were in good hands.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Many people have mentioned the steps and on the first walk down into Amalfi from Boneramo there are certainly a lot! If you take it easy it's not too difficult and our guide built in lots of little stops for everyone to catch up.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment was walking into the candlelit Siq at Petra on a moonlit night. Silent masses of "worshippers" walked the length of the Siq and emerged to see The Treasury in all its glory. An unforgettable moment!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ali Abed was firstly a gentleman and obviously a well-read guy. Apart from looking after our needs he gave us a good insight into Jordan, his country. He spoke very good English and kept us amused at all times especially on the four hour drive on the last day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Being an Islamic country some of the hotels we stayed in were "dry" but there were nearby liquor shops if you were desperate for drink!Do beware that the trek to High Places in Petra is not everybody's cup of tea especially if you have no head for heights or have got weak knees. Do read the guide books carefully. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Impossible to pick a moment, but overall it was the people we met on the trip that inspired me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

excellent, and went the extra mile to make the trip excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

I think you need to be more than reasonably fit and used to relatively long cycle rides to enjoy this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to decide between the spectacular coastal views and my first trial dive, where I saw a green turtle.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Deynep was close to perfect. She had a bubbly enthusiastic nature and became a friend to all of us.