Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The Ranohira national park had fantastic canyons and sandstone features. It was a shame we did not walk longer here.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was highly knowledgeable in all areas and managed to return us safely to Antananarivo safely even when the internal flights were cancelled.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is really a lot of bus travel on this trip, even the city tour on the last day involves 60km of bus ride. Be careful about changing money back at the airport as we were tricked. The exchange only had 50 euro or 20 dollar notes so simply rounded up all the local money to an exchange rate in his favour essentially robbing us.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving in Positano at the end of the steps down from the walk of the gods - a great sense of achievement!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eduardo was an absolutely fantastic group leader. He made sure we all had a great holiday and his local knowledge was invaluable (particularly when it came to great places for lunch!). He has obvious passion and pride in this beautiful region and it was a pleasure to spend a week with him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't underestimate the spectacular walk of the gods, it was brilliant experience but a little challenging in the summer sunshine (particularly if you do the steps at the end!).

Most Inspirational Moment

The temples at Angkor Wat are huge and impressive. Cycling through the back streets alongside the waterways of the Mekong delta gave a fascinating insight into local life. However, for sheer, jaw dropping shock, nothing can prepare a visitor, for seeing the Killing Fields, and S-21 prison. The visit was made even more poignant, by meeting the only 2 living survivors, and from the personal insights of the Cambodian Guide.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rit did an amazing job. He was always good humoured, and tolerant of teasing. very good company in his own right. He led the tour through 3 different countries, with a separate support team in each one. No mean feat. A top cyclist, and a top man!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take US dollars for the tour tipping kitty. Use the out of hotel laundry, much cheaper than the hotels. Try to have a look at Chau Doc, in the short time you're there, an amazing waterfront on the Mekong. Take insect repellent, especially for the home stay.

Most Inspirational Moment

The evening walk through the trulli to a restaurant was memorable as there were so many of them. Lecce was great contrast.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Charming and attentive. Would have liked to hear more about plants an wildlife.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be careful of the professors on the neolithic archaeological site, I was told I had not been listening, twice,when I asked a question! Rude to visitors.

Most Inspirational Moment

Camping in the Wadi Rum desert was incredible, as was snorkelling in the red sea.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very informative and very witty!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Camel back riding is available at 20jd and a boat trip including snorkelling, lunch and drinks on the red sea is available for 35jd. These are fab trips and well worth the while. Please don't rely on Lonely Planet guides no matter how up to date they are, as prices, times and availability change depending on the seasons, days of the week, and other events such as Ramadan.

Most Inspirational Moment

I think what the people have done to restore their countries since gaining their independence not so long ago is inspirational!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Vaida Jusaite was a lovely caring and informative leader who is passionate about the Baltic States and very knowledgeable. She made sure we experienced all that we could . She was also empathic to our needs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want to experience the Baltic States and learn about their history and culture this is the holiday for you!

Most Inspirational Moment

Nothing to single out: each day seemed so different.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Armand, supported by Marsela. Extremely well organised - everything to do with the bikes, accommodation, meals happened seamlessly (not for them - they worked really hard.) Quite apart from anything else, Armand trialled and selected this excellent route

Advice for Potential Travellers

Panniers for these bikes were excellent. Can accommodate an extra water bottle which, on long shifts, might be useful.

Most Inspirational Moment

The variety of wildlife was exceptional. The opportunity to say in places like Tortuguero where you explore mostly by boat, Manuel Antonio with its beaches, Esquinas rainforest lodge in a remote location and Savegre in a very comfortable hotel was a great combination. Montverde was a bit disappointing in comparison as in the cloud forest during the day we say very little wildlife. The night walk was more rewarding.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gustavo was a very professional and personable guide. He was excellent at his job and did it with humour and sensitivity. He was always helpful and patient with the many questions posed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Its a great place to see wildlife, particularly birds. Knowing how to get the best out of your camera would be a great advantage. You will take lots of photos. Hummingbirds are great little birds and you see many of them as several of the Lodges have feeders. It was quite wet when we were there , so take good rain gear. Chilean wine is usually available by the glass at a reasonable cost. Free Wifi is available in most places but sometimes only in the lobby area of the hotels.

Most Inspirational Moment

Fun with the wildlife especially the inquisitive, friendly sea lions brushing their whiskers across my face and the little bird dancing on my head as I was sitting on the rocks at the sea edge trying to take photos of diving boobies.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Juan was excellent. Very friendly and a mass of knowledge about the wildlife and the islands. Everything there is to know he knows it. At the end he gave us a very useful digital copy of photos he took of the wildlife we saw on each walk. So helpful when you get back home to identify the wildlife and also a record of your trip. Take a 16GB SD card or stick to store the info.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light as cabin space limited in the Cachalote. Take old or dark clothes as you might getting 'rust' stains because your washing gets hung out on the metal rails at the back of the yacht. Take ear plugs for sleeping at night as engines are noisy. Head-torch useful as cabin quite dim. Snorkelling a must and get prescription snorkelling mask,if you need to, and a waterproof camera before you go. Wear shortie wet suit to stay in water as long as possible. Either take your own or hire on board. I found strong waterproof sandals good for most walks but lightweight boots useful for other walks.

Most Inspirational Moment

Realising with a little courage and encourage I could suceed when I thought it was beyond me. Learning about the history of the place area and the adversity faced by the locals during both world wars

Thoughts on Group Leader

Karl was very knowledgable about the area and encouraged us to stretch ourselves to ensure we got the most out of our holiday, it was clear from the receptions he recieved at the hotel and mountain huts that he was considered a friend