Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The stunning views of the glacier and snow capped summit of Mont Blanc from most parts of the trekking routes but also from the chalet (whilst relaxing in the hot tub)!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Group leader was knowledgeable, friendly and easy going

Advice for Potential Travellers

Every day's walk starts from one valley or another which requires a steep uphill walk, this obviously means that a steep descent is required at the end of the day. Walking poles and good footwear are really a necessity

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole time at Petra but yes it has to be seeing the Treasury upon fully exiting the Siq - awesome sight and something to behold in both design and natural surroundings. Though it must be said Wadi Rum on the jeep drive has an amazing landscape and must be held with as much regard for me. Floating in the Dead Sea is a really good experience albeit very strange most relaxing and moisturising for your skin all at once.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zuhair was very organised, and extremely knowledgeable about his country and it's past and present and the Geography of it's areas. He also was friendly with the group and became part of the group as opposed to ordering the group for this and that which is always a bonus - overall a good Group Leader that earns respect of his group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Food in Jordan is not cheap, ensure when you eat out that you either have Mezze or a main - both in general are not needed as way too much food. If you like Lamb try the Mansaf - just do it you won't regret it. Do the Camel ride to sunset - very enjoyable indeed and if you have the legs for it do all walks offered around Petra by your Leader - as there are lots of out the way hidden extras there.

Most Inspirational Moment

Looking out over the gorgeous coastline and clear water when kayaking and (while on one of the walks) seeing parts of a Roman aquaduct which is still working in some respects, all these years later.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Maho is wonderful. Professional, concientious, very experienced. You feel like you're in very capable hands. He booked restaurants and went out with us during the evenings as well as during the day, to make sure the entire experience was a really good one for us. Jan Jan was also with us during the kayaking and I found him to be very pleasant and helpful also. Both were at your side very quickly if they felt you needed assistance.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Water shoes are handy for the kayaking. It was late 20s - 30 centigrade in mid Sept and I should have brought a little more clothing to suit those kinds of temperatures. It took a day or two to get used to the heat when walking. I found a hat essential, plus I used a platypus waterbag for my backpack as I drank more water on this trip than I ever did before. Saves you having to dig a bottle out of your back pack all the time. Walking poles would be helpful on some of the ascents and descents. Not needed for all of the walks though. The longest walk (13km) along the aquaduct was the toughest one (for me), primarily due to the uphill parts, over rocks and quite steeply up a forest path for a time. Everyone else (a wide mixture of ages) managed fine and kindly waited for me. There are a lot of prickly shrubs on that walk, so some people may wish to bring lightweight trousers. A lot of it is picking your way along narrow paths, over rocks and alongside streams, so you do have to pick your steps carefully. There are some parts (very few) where people with a fear of heights may be a little nervous, but our group was fine, regardless. The rest of the walks were all easier. On the kayaking day, we paddled over to a really lovely spot for lunch. There were turtles swimming in the bay which was a bonus. Just be careful getting to and from your kayak over those rocks at the edge of the water. It's very shallow and there's a moss on the rocks which makes it very very slippy. Our guides helped us which was great, but worth bearing in mind. Mossie spray is useful (you can buy it in Kas though). Some of our group got bitten but many didn't.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk to Nimaling was special as the views really open up as you approach the plateau and the light on the snow topped slopes of Kang Yatse shifted to reveal huge cracks in its cornices. Cows and horses grazed at the camp and huge flocks of sheep and goats (including Kashmir goats) passed by the tents to gather in summer corals on the opposite side of the river. The crossing of the Gongmaru La Pass in perfect weather with vivid blue skies enabling us to see a perfect panorama of mountain tops including a 7000m+ peak belonging to the Karakorum range in Pakistan. It was very special seeing somewhere you would love to visit but are unlikely to be able to. The descent through the gorge was spectacular.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lakpa Lama was brilliant as a leader - kind, considerate, patient, good fun, competent. He had a great manner - at ease with everyone and quietly making sure that any problems were attended to and resolved as best as circumstances would permit.

Advice for Potential Travellers

On our trip we had real extremes of temperature almost every day - 35 daytime, below freezing at night- so pack for both extremes. I regretted not bringing a very lightweight windproof long sleeved top - my summer base-layer was too warm. A flannel for the morning basin of water is useful. We found canoe shoes good for river crossing leaving sandals dry for the evening. The dry air can cause throat/chest issues so Strepsils, cough sweets etc useful. Unlike Nepal you can't just pick up things like that at a local teahouse though there are tea parachute tents en route where you can buy soft drinks and some local community handicrafts made from wool. The stuffed snow leopards are best at Rumbak village tent. Mobile phones are blocked in Ladakh though there is erratic wifi at Glacier View Hotel. Safe water shop in Leh is great- try the Apricot or Sea buckthorn juice though I found the latter too bitter.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting on the high peaks under a clear blue sunny sky in stunning mountain scenery and those amazing views

Thoughts on Group Leader

Álvaro One of the best guides I have known. Fun, warm hearted and helped to make our trip so memorable. Everyone was important.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be warned. You will fall in love with everything this trip has to offer and go home with many good memories

Most Inspirational Moment

The views were amazing from forrest to coastline all were spectacular.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent leader with walking tips and general info.

Most Inspirational Moment

nothing inspirational.

Thoughts on Group Leader

excellent. zeljco was well organised. He gave good advice about each day's hike. He wasn't just a tour guide - he acted as a waiter (organising orders at group meal to hurry things along at group meals) or porter- helping people with suitcases etc.

Advice for Potential Travellers

take swimming things as there is lots of chances to swim if you want to. walking poles are useful but probably not essential. I used one which meant i always had a free hand. take plenty water each day.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being up in the mountains, with no traffic, almost complete silence, apart from birdsong, cowbells and my own breathing. Very long, fast downhill stretches

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent communicator and planner. Ver approachable. He had everything sorted for us, in advance, responded to our wishes and arranged a programme for us. He seems to know everyone in Albania and to get the best out of them. Despite serious family difficulties (his partner's brother's road accident) he continued to manage the tour in an exemplary professional manner.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get quite a bit of training in first, to get your head and body fit for long climbs. You don't have to, but you'll enjoy it a lot more (I didn't and I still enjoyed it, but I really wish I'd prepared better). If you like your hair to look good in the evening, take a hairdryer. But no-one will mind what you look like. You won't need much currency, but changing is quite easy and commission free at kiosks on the street, or a little man at the airport. Meals in the mountains about 600-800 lek, on the coast/Tirana 1200. It cost me £100 - but I only drink water. Add around £30 for all drinks. People are very friendly and quite amused by us cycling past. They will try to help if you ask.

Most Inspirational Moment

Really hard to pick out highlights. The trip was nearly perfectly paced and so varied. I loved the camping in the delta. The stars were amazing. All the support team worked so hard and on the last evening they gave us a wonderful acapela concert.We so so much wildlife including a pack of wild dog by the side of the road!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andrew is one of the best tour leaders I've come across. He worked so hard. He was our driver, chief cook, guide and much more besides. He made everything look effortless & told us exactly what to expect, so the numerous police checks in Zimbabwe were no surprise and not even annoying. Can't thank him enough for the part he played in making this trip so wonderful. He also had a wonderful sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't expect the super luxury accommodation you often see in magazines. You would need to be paying an awful lot more for that! It is clean, comfortable and the staff are, without exception, friendly and helpful. The camping is exceptionally well organised and also very comfortable.Be prepared for very hot days but also chilly evenings and early mornings (particularly when travelling in open-sided safari vehicles on game drives)-and you will see early mornings if you want to see wildlife.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of the 1000 metre mountain pass on the final cycling day. Swimming in the hot springs in the rain was also memorable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Armand was excellent. Always made sure everyone was OK and enjoying the trip. Organised meals so we didn't have to wait ages to eat (sometimes as issue with large groups). Provided detailed maps and briefings every day. Dealt with any minor issues swiftly. Provided walking tour of Tirana on last day (before evening flight) and arranged excellent tour of the museum which was fascinating.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some toughish hills, rough roads and some rain (at least in September)! Take snacks as these are not provided. Carry an warm/dry top (in the excellent panniers) when cycling in case of regroup waits or meal/coffee stops in colder/wetter weather.