Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

I had the privilege to snorkel with some of the most beautiful biodiverse creatures in the world including whale sharks, manta rays and sea turtles which were each awe inspiring and magical. I also had the pleasure of scuba diving for the first time in my life which is an experience I will never forget.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kamey was a good leader and certainly knew a lot of information about the areas we visited. He enjoyed having fun with the group and worked well with the ships crew to ensure all needs were met. Kamey is a confident swimmer, snorkeler and diver, so you are in safe hands!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The Felicity has a generator that runs throughout the day and night, if you are a light sleeper or if noise disrupts your sleep then I would advise ear plugs for this trip. Plugs in the cabins are English (or at least it was in my cabin). Snorkel equipment and fins are provided so you don't necessarily need to purchase your own. Some of the group were cold at night due to the air conditioning/fan, therefore it might be worth packing a blanket. Alternatively you can turn the air con or fan off. Beach towels and bathroom towels are provided. Beware of stormy weather - its tropical and it happens! The sun is very strong in the Maldives, take a t-shirt to swim in. I ended up wearing more clothes swimming than when I was on the boat! Take a spare pair of socks - if your fins start to rub your toes (like mine did) just snorkel with socks on :) Underwater camera is a must if you wish to take unforgettable shots! Factor 50 sun cream is recommended but its up to you. I used 30 and crisped up too much and too easily. You need to be confident in the water. You are not swimming in a milk pond, there are currents and you can spend a couple of hours in the water at a time. The water is warm day and night, even in rain. Evenings are warm and pleasant I was unsure if I would need a wrap in case the temperature dropped. It didn't drop much and was nice after a hot day.

Most Inspirational Moment

Snorkeling close up with sea lions, turtles and rays. Turquoise seas and deserted beaches. Wildlife round every corner - iguanas, giant tortoises, albatross, boobies, frigate birds and pelicans. Walking on the most recent lava flows. Travelling with the sails up.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Billy' was a very personable guide. His knowledge was encyclopedic. He lives on the Islands, knows them very well, is very willing to share his information, answer questions, and seems to know how to avoid the few other tourist groups we came across. We could not fault him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travel light. You don't need much on the boat. It's warm/hot and T shirts/shorts are the order of the day. The coldest bit was the air conditioning on board! The sun is almost overhead so hat and long sleeves are a good idea. Good firm soled walking shoes/boots are essential due to the rough nature of the lava terrain.

Most Inspirational Moment

Gazing down across the prosecco vineyards basking in the sun while a thunder strom rages behind the hills you have just climbed. We stayed in the sunshine all day. Siting in the sun with a perfect cup of coffee in the historic heart of Conegliano, it was so peaceful and quiet, I felt I had left the 21st century behind and returned to a simpler age. Discovering Italy has more cheese than just parmesan and mozzarella, not sure what the local cheese is called but it goes really, really well with Prosecco.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bob Mason is a brilliant leader who keeps the walking to a reasonable rate so the group remains in contact with each other. He explains the route and points out views so you know where you are. Bob has a friendly working manner with all the hotel staff and with the local taxi service which takes the group out to the walks so everything goes smoothly. He is also a font of knowledge of useful things such as bus timetables etc. We were also very lucky to have Christine Rooney who was learning the walks so she could lead them as well. Christine is a great person and worked as translater for us when it came to menus, waiters etc and took so many notes about the walks she must be still dreaming about them.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is no chemist in the village so make sure that you have plasters, compede etc with youbut as most of the walks start or end in towns so supplies can be bought if needed some where on route. You need to do a bit of research for what you want to do on your day off as the three options available are all worth doing and it will be hard to make your mind up as how to spend your time.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting up those hill climbs in Costa Rica! Admittedly, I'm not the fittest person, and my lack of cycling experience was not a great contributing factor. But I had so many positive vibes from everyone, and really enjoyed overcoming the challenging climbs (even if I did take a few moments to get off the bike and push it up the hill!)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto was absolutely fantastic. He is like a duck on water. He makes everything run so smoothly for not only the group, but for his tour team and the hotel staff. Yet it is evident that he is managing a thousand different things behind the scenes! He is very dedicated and passionate and became a really good mate. Also need to mention that the support crew (driver and mechanics) were amazing too. There were never issues with the bus, they helped with getting bikes up and down from the bus, and ensured our equipment was well maintained. They all possessed a great deal of patience, and I loved listening to them have a few good hearty laughs at he front of the bus on some of the long bus legs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring gloves! And a sweat band for your head would be a good idea too. There are a lot of rides where you are exposed to the blaring sun. Having sweat mixed with sunscreen drip into your eyes is not a pleasant experience! Don't worry if you are not cycle fit. There are some intimidatingly good cyclists in the group, but the support and encouragement you get from everyone will not make you feel inadequate! Also I'd highly recommend zip lining in Fortuna.

Most Inspirational Moment

party in Antonio's bar; totally unexpected, a very generous end to the first day showing us the produce and edible weeds in his garden, his home made wine etc and local cheese. Apart from that, the glorious views and the beautiful walk through Val Ferriere with its old papermills, iron workings and waterfalls.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent; very supportive, and nothing was too much trouble for Martin.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moments of our trip were Macchu Picchu, Amantani Island home stay, the floating reed islands, viewing the condors in Colca Canyon........and many more.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Aleks, our group leader, was passionate about his country and the people. He was an excellent guide. He was knowledgable, kind and someone who went out of his way to ensure that everyone was getting the best out of the trip. He was very caring when necessary and had a good sense of fun. We could not have asked for a better guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The coach journeys are long, so early nights to ensure you do not miss the spectacular scenery! The head torch could be essential for the home stay! We onlyX had a candle in the bedroom!

Most Inspirational Moment

At several locations, sitting quietly outside our lodge, and seeing the wildlife around us, without having to go and find it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

An excellent leader, well organised and with a wide knowledge of the birds and animals that we saw, as well as the country itself.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We took too much clothing for the 'cool' mountain locations, you can get by with just a few layers.

Most Inspirational Moment

I cannot pin point this to only 1 moment. Both of the walks to Mt Fitzroy and Towers of Paine were truly incredible. They are not easy but they are worth every single step as you are constantly surrounded by breath taking scenery! Also our visit to the Moreno Glacier was brilliant and we were lucky to see giant parts of the glacier falling into the water. The thunderous sounds were so impressive.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Xavier was a brilliant tour leader all the way through. Not only was he extremely passionate and knowledgeable he was also a lot of fun and kept us laughing throughout. Even on the long bus journeys he kept us smiling! He was also spot on with recommending the best wine to go with our dinner.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walks are not easy so I would really recommend making sure you have a good level of fitness before you travel. The first walk to Mt Fitzroy is a full days walk and is 21 kms and the walk in Torres Del Paine is 18 kms. There is quite a steep climb to reach both viewing points for about an hour or so but there is no rush and everyone went at their own pace. I recommend coming prepared with some entertainment for the long journeys. Although if you finish your book like I did the scenery you drive through never gets boring! If you like wine in the evening I recommend buying some in Argentina before you travel to the refuges in Torres Del Paine as it is really expensive there.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to choose from but the school visit has to be near the top of the list.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto and his team were true professionals and really made the trip run smoothly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just be aware of the heat especially whilst cycling. Coming from a UK winter was quite a contrast.

Most Inspirational Moment

Some of the highlights were all the sites in the sacred valley, the archaeological site of Raqchi and the condors in flight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader Aleks was excellent, his knowledge of the country and explanation of the sites visited and his attention to the well being of the group members was absolutely exceptional. His time keeping and daily preparation were very good. Thanks Aleks for such a wonderful trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

High Altitude Sickness which I was worried about prior to the journey turned out to be easily manageable due to the very sensible instructions we got from our group leader: breath more often, drink lots of water, cola tea and sweets (chocolate) and perhaps INKA Cola help enormously. You can also get tablets (Zerodol-P) in the Chemists once you are over there.