Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of the Inca Chiriasca pass in fantastic clear conditions. First sight of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate - one of those places that you've seen so many pictures of and can't quite believe you are there for real! It was all the more rewarding after all the days of hard trekking to get there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Edwind was amazing - funny, sociable, patient, knowledgeable, calm, organised, reassuring and encouraging. I have done several high altitude treks but felt that our heath was most closely monitored on this trip, with private/discrete discussions of any health issues, monitoring of altitude symptoms and daily blood oxygen level readings (which became quite competitive!). Edwind also brought all the Inca sites we visited to life with his amazing historic knowledge. He truly made the trip the best it could be and we couldn't have asked for a better leader and guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely take walking poles - the steep steps on the Inca Trail part are something to behold! Lots of warm layers, as many have advised - yes it really does get very cold in the higher camps. Take enough pants for the trek - washing might not be easy in the cold. Earplugs - Peruvians seem to like to party and there are lots of barking dogs! Walk at your pace - you will be well looked after no matter how fast or slow.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling alongside and being in the presence of groups of wild horses, pristine lakes and glorious sunsets.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bata was great. Friendly, knowledgable, hardworking and the best possible ambassador for his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely on the moderate/challenging scale but always allowed to cycle at one’s own pace. Most definitely worth the effort required. Pack some warm clothes and a good sleeping bag as evenings were chilly once the sun went down.

Most Inspirational Moment

The meeting with local polers of mokoros bringing us through the Okavango Delta to our tent camp and the two days there. And night Safari in Hwange. And many more moments 😀

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Onary was absolutely oustanding in planning, timing, attention to everyones need, knowledge on the 2 countries and on wildlife and even birds. Turned into a chef in the Okavango delta. Best meals ever, cooked over the fire. Could not imagine any better guide!! Also Sam, our driver, was so skilled at managing the bumpy roads, always kind and keeping calm and together with Onary contributing to the the feeling of family of the group!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just lean back and enjoy every bit of these two amazing weeks. Remember warm clothes for mornings (including gloves) and smaller change for the local guides and markets.

Most Inspirational Moment

Bonfires at while camping

Thoughts on Group Leader

I have been on several tour guided holidays, I must say that Onary & Sam were the BEST. They are both well suited for these jobs! They took very good care of us and were fun to talk with throughout the holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Follow the instructions on the Trip Notes that Onary provides. I missed bringing a towel.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our guide Trang! She added so much to the trip. We learned so much from her about her amazing country. We all especially enjoyed visiting Hoi An and Whale Island.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Trang was the best guide I have had on a holiday. She really wanted us to get to know her country and it was fascinating to learn from her. She went above and beyond to make our experience extra special by taking us to amazing restaurants to try local dishes and adding in extras like going to Train Street in Hanoi. She has a great sense of humour and made the trip so special. I cannot recommend her highly enough :)

Most Inspirational Moment

The cycling was excellent (especially the long downhill sections!); the rest day on Whale Island; being in Hanoi with the preparations for the celebrations; the Vietnamese people; the food.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The trip was definitely enhanced by the tour leader, who I cannot praise highly enough. He was consistently calm, organised, exceptionally helpful, informative, excellent company. He managed the sometimes tight schedule incredibly well, without pushing us and always managing to make us feel as if we had plenty of time for everything (including frequent stops whilst cycling for photos, taking enough time for cycling breaks and lunch stops, etc.) He was always able to answer questions about local culture, language, geography, etc fully and interestingly, and also provided the guided tours of sights and attractions himself without needing to resort to on-site guides. He was always available and sociable for the optional dinners and activities. The whole group was extremely impressed with him. Thank you Loc, for making this trip such a memorable experience!

Most Inspirational Moment

Arrival at Machu Pichu through the Sun Gate and staying at a high camp site under a glacier.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Edwind is a fantastic leader who imparted a vast wealth of knowledge about the Inca civilisation. Everything was organised perfectly and we were very well looked after and felt safe at all times. He ensured that everyone was introduced to each other which meant there was a lot off friendly faces on the treck, with great support from the porters and chefs.

Most Inspirational Moment

Crossing the Grand Col Ferret (the highest point of the trip at 8300 feet) in clouds, then descending into the blue -sky beauty of the Courmayeur valley.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tim was THE BEST!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Train for this trip - walk daily in the boots you will be wearing. Use trekking poles to save your knees and make descents safer. Invest in good socks (wool with thin synthetic liner socks worked for me - could hand wash quick-dry liners and wear wool outer socks for several days). Bring smaller backpack - only need to carry water, waterproofs, pack lunch, phone, money and sun cream. WIFI available most hotels but consider esim plan for WhatsApp group info and photo sharing.

Most Inspirational Moment

The amazing scenery, the fellow travelers on the trip, the guide all made the trip a once in a lifetime experience for me!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jeffry is an amazing leader! I have been on many prior group trips and he is honestly the most outstanding leader I have ever been exposed to. He was friendly and personable, extremely knowledgeable on topics of health, safety, the natural world and hiking, as well as philosophy, science, photography and many more! It was a joy to spend time with him!

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting Pompeii, getting the children cooking in the restaurant, Path of the Gods walk

Thoughts on Group Leader

Severio was brilliant. He got on so well with the children they wrote him a poem! He was helpful in pointing out cheaper restaurants and sorting out transport arrangements for our eldest, who was travelling separately.