Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many inspiring moments on this trip that it's difficult to choose just one. The stay at Ta May Homestay immediately set the tone for the adventure. The hospitality of Ta May and her husband, combined with the delicious home-cooked meals, made us feel incredibly welcome from the very beginning. A particularly memorable experience was visiting a family homestay where we learned how to make a traditional palm-leaf hat and even helped harvest a cinnamon tree. Spending time with multiple generations of the family was so special and felt authentic, personal, and far removed from typical tourist experiences. The hike to Raspberry Hill Viewpoint was a unanimous group favourite. With terraces of emerald rice fields, with panoramic views across the valleys, was one of the most breathtaking sights of the entire trip and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful viewpoints we encountered. Another standout was our stay at Panhou Retreat. After several days of trekking, relaxing in the thermal hot springs, infinity pool overlooking rice terraces and enjoying the traditional Dao herbal bath (a Red Dao wellness tradition native to Northern Vietnam) was pure bliss. The spa facilities provided the perfect reward after the hiking days, and I would highly recommend taking advantage of them.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Linh Vo was an absolute star and one of the highlights of the entire trip. He was attentive, knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely passionate about sharing his country with our group. Linh went above and beyond to look after everyone. His storytelling brought the history, culture, and traditions of Vietnam to life.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring a reusable water bottle and hydration bladder for the hiking days. Pack Trekking poles, sun-protective clothing, a hat, lightweight & breathable clothing designed for hot and humid climates. Be prepared for the heat and humidity, which can make the trekking feel more challenging. Be sure to enjoy the traditional Dao herbal bath at Panhou Retreat - it's the perfect way to relax and recover after a day on the trails.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to choose as there were so many. Top 3 were: The visit to the organic vineyard with the owner explaining growing grapes and producing wine - the skill and understanding needed is impressive. The visit to the Contrada museum in Siena and hearing their passion for the Paleo Making pasta at Fattoria San Donato

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lorenzo was brilliant.As a local his depth of knowledge of the area was outstanding which made the trip even more interesting. He worked hard to meet the varied needs of the group and ensured everyone had an enjoyable trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We had very changeable weather even in late May so lots of layers and comfortable shoes for the cobblestones.

Most Inspirational Moment

The animals and birds!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ronnay made an effort from the outset to ensure that everyone felt included. The youngest people were 16 and I was the eldest at 73. There was a lot of physical work needed (putting up tents / driving / packing away luggage and equipment). Without saying anything, guests became involved in as much of this work as possible, simply because it made sense.

Most Inspirational Moment

The beaches. White water rafting. Learning about how the fruits like bananas and pineapples grow.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andres was great! He knows so much about the country, the plants, wildlife, industry, farming, economy, regional differences and helped us understand what we were seeing. He interacted well with adults and children. When we asked questions, he answered. He structured days to maximize our opportunities to experience the areas we visited. He was always friendly, polite, helpful and resourceful.

Most Inspirational Moment

We enjoyed every location.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our main tour guide, native of Lithuania, was professional and organized and we felt very well cared for. In addition, he shared personal perspectives and history which gave us a better insight into these countries, a rare and wonderful benefit of this tour.

Most Inspirational Moment

The planning and execution of all walks, giving scope to enjoy all aspects of the countryside. The flexibility in amending walks where necessary Aiguille de Midi was excellent but from my point of very daunting Accommodation - excellent rooms Hosts - Hamish and Dorota were very welcoming and created a home-from-home ambience. Dorota's cooking was superb and she unquestioningly made provision for my gluten-free diet.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nacho is a truly capable young man with boundless energy and a capacity to respond to everyone's needs at any point during the trip. He is friendly, highly enthusiastic, very knowledgeable, empathetic and speaks virtually flawless English. He took careful cognizance of the age group and abilities of every member of the group and made appropriate suggestions and gave important advice.

Most Inspirational Moment

I particularly enjoyed the White Lady Lodge Campsite - for Desert Elephants (we were lucky to see them both at sunset and during the day) and the night sky. The campsite was also very nice. Etosha National Park for the sheer abundance of wildlife we saw. We may have been exceptionally lucky, and I realise that not everyone gets to see all that we did, it just felt this was the best opportunity to do so.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ronney was professional, patient, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and organised. He set the scene from the beginning about how (as a group) we could make the most of the holiday by the way we were together. Ronney shared some of the political, cultural and historical influences on modern day Namibia and was an excellent wildlife guide.

Most Inspirational Moment

Honestly each day we encountered a new highlight.. of course MP was incredible, but I also felt Lake Titicaca was excellent, the Nasca lines, the bird islands, the pyramids, Cusco and still other sites. Each contributed to an understanding of the culture and landscapes.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Giscard was very organized, gave us information daily, sometimes in multiple formats so we knew exactly was coming next. He shared his personal experiences and his perspectives about the political, economic and cultural mores which we quite enjoyed. He cared about our health and personal needs and provided support whenever requested. His culinary background enabled us to eat well in select yet reasonably priced gourmet restaurants. throughout the trip. He is a great guide!

Most Inspirational Moment

Helicopter ride over Vic falls and Chobe river cruise. Bread cooked over the camp fire.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brian was very knowledgeable on the locations, animals and flora during the entire trip. He was helpful with daily briefings and organising additional excursions.

Most Inspirational Moment

Honestly, our group got along really well and pretty quickly, which I highly enjoyed as it made the experience so much better. The outstanding views throughout the entire trip were without a doubt a highlighted in enough itself, especially the campsites which had incredible views making it a superb place to relax after a long, but amazing day on the trail.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Honestly, I thought Rocia was an excellent guide and was very knowledgeable about all aspects of the terrain. She was very sociable and enthusiastic, going out of the way to tell us about specific plants and wildlife of the Alps. I highly enjoyed her company I thought she made the trip 100% better.