Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Terra Cotta warriors, Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, pandas, were all fantastic. But what struck me was what a capitalist society China really is. Everything is for sale everywhere by individuals, and in areas there are a lot more luxury autos than I would ever see in my country. Not sure what happened to communism. The huge population is striking, we would pass a "small" city of 10 million that u have never heard of!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alan was great, in China lots can go wrong, including streets so flooded we could not pass them to get to our train station ( he got us there), but he seemed very organized, giving suggestions for bakeries and food, ordering group dinners. He also expressed some of the shortcomings of his county, and his English was very good. He worked very hard!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Facebook and more importantly gmail did not work in China, important if u have to stay in contact for business or personal reasons. It is very hot in August and there is a lot of walking. Always carry toilet paper and of course the standard of toilets is quite low except at hotels. The standard on the trains is very low but no one died on our trip, it is what it is, it is China. If u are a coffee addict take some instant, if u really like cream in your coffee, take some coffee mate. U will be carrying your bags up and down stairs in train stations. Generally u will get pushed and shoved, it is China u learn to push back. Traffic is crazy, be careful as a pedestrian and have patience when riding a bike. We went a day early to Beijing and had a great day exploring using the subway. We happened to luck out with a cheap 2 day stopover in Tokyo on the way back, the contrasts were amazing, worth trying if u have time. We took cable car up the wall, i am glad given the limited time u have to explore the wall it allowed me to see more of the wall, but I am a slow hiker!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the summit of dead women's pass

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cesar was amazing. From the moment he meet us at the airport to the time we left, he was truely inspirational and helped to make the holiday one we will never forget

Advice for Potential Travellers

I was worried about the camping, toilets and food on camp, but no need to be the Porters and guides make sure everything is perfect for you. The food we had whilst trekking was restaurant quality!

Most Inspirational Moment

Swimming in lac Blanc after a long walk up the hill was so refreshing and exhilarating, really made me feel adventurous and happy

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very experienced and was able to use his knowledge to help the group get the most out of our holiday

Advice for Potential Travellers

Using camel back water carriers-would if been better than bottles Light weight water proof jacket, and always take some small gloves Also 'compeed' blister band aids are the best for hiking!

Most Inspirational Moment

The achievment ofhaving completed the tour, how every ones spirits lifted when the weather turned warm. The group doing the final summit together. The trip has also reminded me how much I had missed camping and inspired me to think of doing the full Mont Blanc ascent next time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Heather was always approachable , professional, good humoured and always had an amusing story to keep us going. It was a very nice thought of her to carry a bottle of fizz all the way to the final summit so the whole group could celebrate together. As a guide I certainly felt more than confident in her abilities and style of leading the group and iwould not hesitate to go on another tour with her leading the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You will enjoy the tour more if you make an effort with your fitness, dont forget to pack for all weather types hot cold and especially wet, extra mountain snacks come in handy.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many but I will never forget the first time I saw an orangutang swinging down through the trees with a baby clinging to her tummy and when she looked at me I had tears in my eyes it was amazing. The proboscis monkeys were also incredible sitting up in the trees settling down for he evening, just watching the big male stting there surrounded by his family who were all jumping from branch to branch was such a privilege.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rony was a brilliant leader. He was so enthusiastic and passionate about wildlife and his beautiful country. He was smily and happy from the time he greeted us at the airport to the time he waved us off at the end. He was always ready to answer questions and nothing was too much bother for him. Thank you.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take lots of insect repellent. I used Jungle fomula maximum strength and this worked fine. The 100% DEET stuff just seemed to eat its way through fabric! Clothing I wore shorts and vest tops most of the time as it was too hot for sleeves and legs, but we did have to wear long pants and long sleeves on some hikes and on the night hikes. A poncho is really good for the rain as it keeps your bag and clothes dry. Waterproof bags for cameras etc were also really useful.

Most Inspirational Moment

The famous walk of the Gods was our last walk of the week and it was beautiful. The boat trip that took us back from Positano at the end of the day allowed us to see exactly how much of the Coast we had walked. It was a pretty impressive sight!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alejandro was an excellent tour leader and was very knowledgeable about the local products and areas. He went out of his way to help those walkers who struggled a little more that others with the heat and the steps. Overall he went the extra mile to make sure we all had an unforgettable experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the bears in the forest hide

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader, Thomas, was very good with lots of local knowledge. He was relaxed and friendly joining in with our laughter. He quickly assessed our walking ability and made frequent stops when necessary due to the weather being very hot. First class guide

Advice for Potential Travellers

Relax and enjoy the local culture and breathtaking views, before you set off learn how to switch of all the lights on your camera including the auto focus light on the front if you want to take photos in the bear hide

Most Inspirational Moment

Being scared by the witches on the Curonian Spit

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a bit more money then indicated in the trip notes

Most Inspirational Moment

The fantastic views when you could see them.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I felt like I had gone to boot camp rather than being on holiday. I got the impression that Heather was more used to working with children/teenagers rather than adults. She often spoke to the group in quite a patronising way. I didn't find her very approachable. If you asked her a question about the day's itinerary that she had mentioned in her briefing the night before she always made a point of letting you know that you should remember every detail from the previous day's briefing. I felt uncomfortable asking any questions by the end of the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would describe this trip as challenging (not moderate/challenging). There are only two days of moderate walking. The majority of the walks are challenging; the last day involved 4 hours of continuous steep uphill walking. I would recommend taking walking poles even if you don't normally use walking poles.

Most Inspirational Moment

Day 4 in Nicaragaua: Woke up on a Volcanic Island with great views of Volcanoes :) , biked to a fresh water spring for a cool, refreshing dip, took a ferry back to the mainland to begin cycling through incredible Nicaraguan country-side, visited a local school and met some great kids, ending up on the Pacific coast at a fantastic hotel with access to 2 beautiful beaches..one of which where we enjoyed a well deserved beer after the afternoon bike ride, and the other served as a backdrop to a cocktail hour while watching a pacific sunset. Incredible!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto was fantastic. Worked incredibly hard for 2 weeks to ensure everyone was well taken care of. Nothing was too much trouble. He gave us his insights and perspective on all aspects of the countries we were visiting. Always organized, thoughtful and with a great smile. Very ably supported by Paul (who could be a tour de france competitor :)), Luis (fantastic driver) and Andrea (up and coming tour guide.. with a passion for her country). Pura Vida!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light. Expect some rain if you travel in the rainy season..although there were big differences in conditions between caribbean and pacific coasts. But always pretty warm and humid.