Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

All of the hill climbs!  Going down the Tizi-n-Test pass was terrifying but I was happy to make it through.  The long descent on day three or four into Tarfroute was awesome.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alex was a great group leader - very helpful, fun, and on top of everything.  No complaints!

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are a lot of long climbs on this - it would definitely have been helpful to practice hill climbs ahead of time.  Bring some warm clothes even in April.  Bring waterproof gear in case it rains!  I was nervous ahead of time about being on really busy roads, but for the most part there was not much traffic where we were riding, which was great.  When there is traffic, be careful, because there are some crazy drivers.  The first hotel we stayed in after leaving Marrakech was a bit bare bones, but they are all better after that.  Sometimes there is no hot water, but it's Morocco, so you just have to accept that, and most of the time there was hot water.

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing together on the edge, seemingly of the universe itself, at the Macchu Pichu site as the misty early morning clouds dissipated, gazing down at the Urubamba River far below and the many surrounding mountain peaks above was a truly awe-inspiring experience. Mother Earth put us all in our proper place.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour guide, Juan Cardenas of Cusc,o was an absolutely outstanding group leader. He was extremely knowledgeable about Peru's history, culture and current society, and has a wonderful way of working with a group to support, facilitate and harmonize. He constantly attended to our needs (health, technical, social etc) and was able to share his own personal and family experience of Peru in a way that was both genuine and uplifting. We all felt very fortunate to have such a talented guide on this legendary and intense tour of Peru.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not underestimate the effects of altitude sickness after cumulative exposure at 3000m+. If you aren't sure you can avoid it, take the medicines prescribed, stay well hydrated and don't over-exert yourself. This trip is too precious to waste time while you are on it recovering from unnecessary illness.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the huskies for the first time, feeling their excitement and joy and the fact that they were so friendly. Riding the sled through the snowy wilderness and marvelling at the incredible scenery, nothing but snow and trees for miles. Seeing the Northern Lights, if only faintly and briefly. The snow shoe walk on the Little Bear Trail was wonderful, so peaceful and remote.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eki was brilliant. It was the first time this trip had been run, with the 3 day husky sledding and he coped admirably with the complications of the numerous optional excursions he offered for the times we weren't with the huskies. The rest of the staff at Basecamp were also really friendly and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although beanie hats are supplied, I took my own warm hat, as on the husky ride your ears and neck can get really cold. Otherwise the thermals and other gear supplied were excellent. When first starting off with the huskies REMEMBER to keep your foot on the brake! To the amusement of my fellow sledders, I was a bit slow on the brake and for a moment both sled and I left the ground! Also try not to demolish the sled by wrapping it around a tree!

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved many things about the trip and it is hard to put my finger on one, i loved the walk on Korcula from the village of Pupnat to the town of Korcula; the breathtaking views while walking on the island of Mljet up to the peak of Montokuc; the day trip to Mostar was such a special experience and Dubrovnik... I was not disappointed...i found it as stunning as i'd heard it was...the view from the top of the hill (by cable car) and walking around the walls of the old town.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Krsto was fantastic, he was very knowledgeable and was never stuck for an answer with all the many questions we asked him. He knew so much about Croatia and its surroundings. He was extremely patient with us all, very kind and made sure everyone was included and enjoying themselves. He truly made my great holiday even better.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It was cold even though it was April, the evenings especially but even during the day, the wind was cold, except on the walks on the sunny days so take lots of layers and a jacket for the evening. The day in Mostar is worth the trip even though it is a 3hr drive there x 2, so don't let that put you off. Always have your camera available, the views and scenery are worth capturing. Take sunscreen even if it is not that hot...it was definitely needed on the sunny days. There are a few early morning starts so don't party the night away every night if you want to enjoy the next day.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the porters at work carrying their huge loads up the mountains made our efforts seem quite paltry as we were only carrying day rucksacks. Also, the cheerful attitude of our guides who could not have been more helpful in ensuring that we had a good time and all made it Everest Base Camp.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Pasang, could not have been a better leader. From the moment he met us at the airport until he left us there at the end he worked to ensure we all had a great time and achieved our goal. He was very observant noticing who may be feeling unwell and offering support and encouragement. His local knowledge and experience ensured that we still did the trip even with bad weather at Lukla preventing flights taking off for 2 days. Above all he was great fun and a central figure in ensuring that the group gelled as a team. Pasang's team of guides, Hymanda, Nima and Soraj, were also fantastic. They greeted everyone in the morning with some cheery words and a welcome hot drink and remained cheerful all day carrying bags for people who were unwell and keeping us all going at a sensible pace. A highlight of the trip was the end night party with the fantastic dancing and singing of the guides and the yakmen, Ratna and Tanzing, finishing off our holiday in great style.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't underestimate how hard this trip is especially in the last 3 days when sleeping at altitude becomes difficult. Pack lots of throat lozenges for the Khumbu cough and as many warm clothes as you can fit in your kitbag.Take an alternative bag to carry your kit on the way home, the kitbags take some beating on the yaks and some of ours were not in a fit state at the end of the holiday for the flight home.Be prepared for extra expense - we had to fly to Lukla by helicopter in order to complete the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

An experienced group leader, who prepared well. He had exactly the right balance of leading and supporting, helping the group to have an enjoyable week.

Most Inspirational Moment

I believe we found the Totukuji Temple (not sure correct spelling -  name)   in Kyoto - where the red gates wind up and up and up  the hill - with many steps leading up - to be absolutely spectactular. However I must say that the  Cherry Blossom trees that we saw in Tokyo - in various parks - were also fantastic.  I believe that this will remain an everlasting memory for me.  Could not stop taking photos of these.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I believe our leader did her best to accommodate the various needs of a diverse group.  She was casual in her approach in leading us which suited us. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do a lot of research on the major areas you visit - so you can plan your free days and just go and enjoy it. The weather in late March - April is also a little unpredictable - probably a lot colder than  we thought it would be -  we were glad of good coats - umbrellas needed at times - cheaply available everywhere.  We also made the most of every moment to the point of at times exhaustion.  But  you are only here for a short time so make the most of and enjoy it.   Also we found good cheap food in the Kyoto Station - where some locals ate.  Also in department stores - in food areas - fresh good and cheap with markdowns towards the closing times.  

Most Inspirational Moment

Trekking on the second day with the local guide behind Petra and then making our way down into Petra from on high; the usual route is not to be missed, but the views on the second day were exceptional - think Utah's Canyonlands with temples and tombs.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was interested and interesting, for he displayed courtesy and expertise throughout and his local knowledge was invaluable. In short he took good care of us and was good company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a camera!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the waterfall on the walk through Valle delle Ferriere.  A stunning moment that reached all the senses; lingering in silence, watching the water cascade over the mossy stone capturing the sunlight, it was one of the most beautiful natural sights that I have ever seen. A personal highlight was starting the week like Bambi unable to find my 'walking feet' and ending the week striding along confidently; no hill too high or slope too steep. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ale was really encouraging; he got to know each member of the group and understand their personal strengths and limitations and was able therefore to support each person according to their need.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is challenging in places, that's the moderate bit. But you can go at your own pace and that's the leisurely bit. I was relatively inexperienced but I was able to pace myself and my confidence grew throughout the week. Go for it!

Most Inspirational Moment

I have done a few cycling trips now and in Asia I am always amazed by the friendliness of the people and the children who all come out to see you and call out "Bye!!" I was also impressed by how clean Sri Lanka is. I loved the temples - we certainly saw a lot of them!  Also thoroughly enjoyed the visit to the Elephant Orphanage.  We just sat and watched them for a couple of hours playing in the river. Getting to the top of that Hill!!   Think of it in stages.  We had a stop every 20k so all I thought about was doing the next 20k and it wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be.  If you have any hesitation just do it!  You can always get on the bus for a stage.At the end of the trip I went on an optional Whale watching trip.  This was excellent - we saw lots of whales and dolphins. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had Suresh.  Initially I was disappointed as I was expecting to have Peter lead our trip.  However Suresh could not do enough for us.  Suresh's love for his country (and temples) was very evident.  I believe this enriched our whole trip.  There is a lot to be said for having a guide who is a native of the country you are touring.  Suresh's laugh just put everyone in a good mood.  He also loved a good bargain and was always negotiating for us to get the best price. Upali was our driver - lovely man who could talk for Sri Lanka!  AJ was our front man - catch him if you can.  Then we had the gorgeous Chamara as our back man and mechanic.  Great team but AJ please slow down at the front .......

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take an umbrella!  No country is ever this green and verdant without plentiful rain!  Also a torch is useful. If you go to the elephant orphanage try and buy some bananas on your way.  You can get them there but you will want a lot.  Remember this is not a race.  Every trip will have people on it who wish to get to the destination as fast as they can but that doesn't mean we all have to.  We were always at our destination well ahead of schedule and I now wish I had stopped more, taken more photos and generally not rushed through everything.  This does tend to happen a lot on cycling holidays so stand your ground.  Tell the leader you would like more "regrouping" so that you can stop and take photos and generally enjoy the scenery. When you get the opportunity use the local transport - it really is an experience!  We got a bus back from Galle and a series of vendors trooped on and off the bus selling nuts, oranges and other wares.  The amount of people they manage to get on a bus!  Was pleased we were on it first and got seats.