Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The ridge walk to M Prado on my birthday and the walk to M Sumbra - both on lovely September days.

Thoughts on Group Leader

There are good leaders and then there is Sara Bull. Enthusiastic, energetic and competent. She planned the week to make the best of the weather though it turned out better then forecast. It was a moderate grade and there were different levels of fitness but she organised the walks so that everyone felt comfortable and no-one was left champing at the bit: she gave excellent intructions so that we could go ahead and wait in the sun while the others caught up. I had my birthday on the second day and hadn't told anyone but Sara found out and planned a fantastic surprise in the evening - I was very touched. She always went the extra mile. I've never got so much out of a free day - she planned it all for us and we had a great day in Lucca.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Moderate means you should be able to go up and down hills confidently.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being with a member of the group who was in their early 70s being in the lead group for the whole week.  It made me want to keep on going and inspired me to keep my fitness levels up so that life remains sweet and fun.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ana was wonderful and looked after everybody in the group through ups and downs (no puns intended).  She was very supportive and made sure we were all enjoying ourselves.  The lunch and dinner locations Ana choose for us were really enjoyable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't be afraid of wearing lycra - you need it for 5 days in the saddle.  The bikes were really good but if you have a comfy saddle at home bring it with you........!

Most Inspirational Moment

Hills. Undulating hills.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, very calm, organised.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment for me was in the temple of Madurai  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh the group leader was funny and caring and very knowledgeable about his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not forget your bug spray the mossy was not too bad but other small creatures where plentiful The tour guide is very good at showing you safe places to eat if you decide to go it alone for eating check how your food is prepared eg have they washed things in tap or bottled water.   If you dont like hot food ask for less chilli not less spices as you will loose a lot of the flavour.Long trousers are great for visiting temples but also to protect against leeches :) you will be provided with leech socks put them on for the jungle bit harmless little critters but quite annoying. Your feet will get wet in the jungle but trainers dry fairly quickly in the heat.    Dont change too much money at the air port as its hard to change it back at a decent rate and when changing money ask for 100 rupee notes or less as most places will struggle to give you change apart from the large hotels where you could use 500 notes to pay for your dinner.Sun block up even if its cloudy its gets you when your not expecting Long loose skirts are easier for using the crouching toilets rather than trousers :) but its all good fun you will have buns of steel by the end of the trip If you put on a bikini expect everyone to photograph you the locals go in the sea fully clothed so heaps of flesh on display is not a great idea if you don't want the attention.Haggle haggle and Haggle some more or if your a soft touch like me just give them what they are asking for but seriously you can usually knock 20 % off whatever they start at usually more I worked on the basis of how much effort was needed to make whatever I was buying.Pack light I went out with 9KG and came back with 20 KG I love shopping.I wash by hand but if you like to get things laundered the tour rep will advice the best places.  The massages are very good but are a full front and back if your shy I would give this a miss wait until you get to the last hotel the massages reviewed much better here tha earlier in the trip.  Go with an open mind and have fun

Most Inspirational Moment

The baloon ride over the Serengeti. Its alot of $$$ and an early start, but well worth it - a truly magical experience and big grin factor.Your first lion is a great moment, especially when she is in a tree 5 meters away chilling out.Stone Town in Zanzibar is excellent - find a rooftop bar, order a Tusker and watch the sun go down....I could go on.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lelei made a great trip a fantastic one. He worked so hard for the group, but his big smile and sense of humour will be long remembered.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sell your Tanzanian Shillings before you leave the country, you cant do it later - I have a pile of notes gathering dust.Be methodical with your packing, you often dont have much time to get your luggage out of the lockers.Prepare for rain and sun.Weight limit for the internal flight to Zanzibar is currently 15kg - watch the scales or you might need your tour leader to sort things out for you (again) - thanksStuff will happen - go with the flow - TIA - This Is Africa!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the orphaned elephants,cycling to the Hill club, Yala NP

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, Sureesh could not do enough for us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy the trip, but be prepared for cycling in very hot conditions.

Most Inspirational Moment

On our free day Eric offered a Via Ferrata trip.  Although the wether forecast was not great we took the risk of walking up to the first hut before we decided if it was safe to continue.  A little wet and chillier than previous days, but no one was turned away by the less than desirable condiditons.  Along the Via Ferrata the sleet and then the snow arrived.  Despite the poor conditions we had a great day!  The company was cheerful, Eric gave us all confidence and we all returned exhilarated.  Every other day we had clear blue skies!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eric was a great leader.  He remained good humoured at all times and quickly got to know the abilities of the members of the group. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

The spa was a lovely treat at the end of each day.... dont forget to bring a bathing suit.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many highlights, with sunrises and sunsets in all the parks, but a personal memory that will never fade was the sense of achievement and awe on hiking to the top of Angels' Landing in Zion - we saw condors flying below us!We saw lots of wildlife, including a bear, coyotes, elk, vultures and condors in the parks, plus dolphins in the bay below the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

In his own words: awesome!  Collin was great fun and inspired us all with his love of the places we visited, and added to that he was a safe and thoughtful driver and guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travel light: there were hairdryers in all the hotels and some had launderettes for washing clothes. American hotels provide coffeemakers but hot English tea is not so common - iced tea is widely available. Be prepared for lots of early starts and long days and take advantage of the optional excursions which are very good, but cost extra.  Breakfasts were often fruit and granola bars as we were up and away before most places opened, and there were a number of sandwich lunches, assembled ourselves from the frequently restocked cool boxes. Evening meals were taken in restaurants from pizza places to steakhouses.The journeys on the road in the minibus were well broken up with stops at places of interest and/or food every couple of hours. We swopped bus seats regularly and the front-seat passenger got to play their iPod selection of music, which gave us a great variety of soundtracks to our travels. 

Most Inspirational Moment

sitting in a mountain village in a torrential downpour drinking Vietnamese drip coffee - about as far away from our day to day reality as you can get.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Simply terrific! His passion for + knowledge of his country's history and culture was impressive. He kept a large group in line, hit every schedule and dealt with any hiccoughs in a quiet and professional way. Our praise extends to the whole support team who were diligent and friendly at all times.     

Advice for Potential Travellers

don't panic about money exchange: dollars accepted everywhere, dollar or GBP exchange in most places.laundry faciliites available on route.malaria tablets not necessary.

Most Inspirational Moment

The amazing views over the emerald coloured sea.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was friendly and attentive but his English was rusty and we had to keep asking him for information.