Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the elephant ride - I would advise everyone to take the opportunity to ride on the head of the elephant as that is brilliant fun. Make sure you buy bananas to feed it while you are on there!The bike ride was great - a fabulous opportunity to see the non-touristy side of the country and the lunch was the best of the whole trip.I also loved the traditional Sri Lankan games we played at the farm - although I'm still not sure if they really were traditional games or if Roshan just wanted to get us doing silly things so he could laugh at us

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roshan was great. This was his 177th trip but he still seemed very enthusiastic and proud of his country. His depth of knowledge was amazing and he gave a great insight into both the history and the current situation in the country. He was great fun but at the same time very organised and professional. I will warn future travellers - he is very competitive at cricket!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I did Adam's Peak which I am glad to have done as it was an interesting experience climbing up with all the pilgrims. I was very disappointed at the top though as it is small, built up and very crowded so I didn't get to see much of the famous sunrise so beware this is the case, but it is still worth doing. You also do need to be fit to do it as it takes at least 3 hours to climb up and there are over 5,200 steps. I am fairly fit but my legs were still very very sore for the next 2 days.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard call this one! We loved the Tongariro crossing - even though it was hard work we had a great sense of achievement at the end! The scenery of NZ is some of the best we have experienced anywhere - stunning mountain ranges, steaming  live volcanos, turquoise glacial lakes, getting up close and personal with icebergs at Atorea Mount Cook....Watching a kiwi feeding from a couple of metres away ........The sadness and optimism of Christchurch - we have our 'silence' as a group on the slpoes of Ben Lomond....Kayaking up a lagoon in a scene which could have come from Jurassic Park.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had 2 group leaders Geoff (Jif) and Clark - which was probably a good thing since 15 of us had to be kept under control! From their point of view it must have been better as they could share the driving.We cannot fault these 2 people. Both are Kiwis and clearly love their country They are extremely knowledgeable about their country at a national and local level and always had a good story to tell. They worked very hard to make the trip run smoothly and  make sure that everyone in the party got the maximum from the experience. They got the balance of organising and entertaining just right - booking meals ahead if need be and taking us to the best places for coffee etc. They entered 100% into the activities giving help and encouragement where needed but also recognising limitations. 'Jif's expression - 'it's all good' summed them up nicely.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip did exactly what it says on the tin. Any travellers wishing to do a lot of walking would be better off on 'Trekking in New Zealand'. Those on our trip who would have liked a faster pace had to acknowledge that this was not the aim of this visit.Bring plenty of sunscreen and insect repellant - the sun is stronger here than at home and we both got burned.My partner was badly bitten by sandflies!

Most Inspirational Moment

I really enjoyed the 2 days of the hill climb then the descent next day. The hill climb was a challenge but very achievable and the descent was amazing through lots of different scenery

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vishnu, Joseph and Sheba were all great, very helpful and friendly

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do it! Aviod massage in Ooty wait til Cochin

Most Inspirational Moment

 Being on Poon Hill at sunrise (since we didn’t get to MBC or ABC).  Taking the time to stop and soak up the atmosphere of the mountains – all you have to do is find a gap in the walking group, or take a moment in the afternoon away from the lodge to sit, watch and feel the presence of the mountains. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Prem was outstanding!  Probably the best group leader I’ve had.  Always thinking ahead so that everything ran smoothly for the group, from organising rooms, porters, and food to our change of plans following the decision not to attempt to reach ABC.  Very knowledgeable and easy to talk to, he always has a smile and a desire to help.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your time, enjoy, stop to look and listen.  There is no rush at all; it’s a sensible itinerary with ample time to look for wildlife en-route or get to know your fellow travellers.  Be prepared for all weathers in one day, and take sensible boots to help give good grip on snow and ice on steep trails.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of Hai Van Pass was exhilarating, as was cycling downhill from Dalat. Views were stunning, and every effort worthwhile. Swimming in the warm China Sea, kayaking in Halong Bay, watching peanut farmers harvesting their crop, crawling through the Chu Chi tunnels, were but a few of the interesting times we enjoyed.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Long, our leader, was first class. He was well informed, cheerful, easy going and had a great sense of humour. He seamlessly took us from Saigon to Hanoi, ensuring we were well fed and watered, and responding to our individual requests.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with an open mind and enjoy the experience!

Most Inspirational Moment

there were so many if would be hard to pick out one

Thoughts on Group Leader

he was brilliant as was his assistant and the yak man

Advice for Potential Travellers

just enjoy

Most Inspirational Moment

The sheer beauty of the Dre Cime and the Fichleintal and being the first to ski on freshly groomed trails.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Inspiring, motivational, fun and pitched everything exactly at the right level for each member of the group to progress them to their best. Such a lovely person all round.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go and try it!!! You can do it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Looking down on the tower blocks of Benidorm from the peace and quiet of the mountains. A quick February swim in Vila de Joiosa on the free day. Finding a Nutella sandwich in the lunch bag on a long day. The specatcular views on every walk. A cold beer at the end of a long day. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was an excellent leader. He is so enthusiastic about sharing his beloved Sella and the local area. However, make sure all your gear is matching!!  He takes looking good on the mountain very seriously. However, he also takes looking after the group seriously as well, and he was really good company for the week. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

We were there in February and during a cold spell. We needed all our warm clothes on the mountain and in some of the accommodation. Bring walking poles, some of the ascents/ descents are quite steep and on rough tracks. Be prepared for fairly long (but really rewarding) days. Try all the food- it is fantastic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had a group leader throughout plus a guide for Thailand/Cambodia and then another for Vietnam. They were all really lovely knowledgable people and happy to help in any way possible. The cycling is supported at a level you will never probably see again. Our watermelon was cut and waiting for us at every stop along with at least one fruit we didn't know, our bikes were washed and tyres pumped up every morning, our punctures were fixed within minutes .......

Advice for Potential Travellers

Whilst the cycling is not challenging, the distances and heat (38C/100F for us) in the first 3 days are. Cover up and apply lots of sunscreen (both of which I ignored to my cost) After that it's a doddle!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of Meesapulima Peak and coping well with the challenge of camping (I am 75 yrs old)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Adji was friendly and very supportive. He was able to meet my needs before I knew of them. He took advice and thanked me for it. We enjoyed his company especialy conversations about his country and his desire to improve it.I would like to be led by him again.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would advise people to go on the holiday and enjoy the beatiful scenery and vegitation and absorb the culture of the country.