Reviews

Setubal to Algarve

Although October, the temperature didn’t drop below 24 and was nearer 28, but cycling provided a breeze. Cycling beside a channel through rice fields, on cliff wide cliff paths, with beautiful sea views, over dirt tracks beside quiet main roads or through forests, or farm land or over flat cobbles through small towns, or up to a castle. Good restaurants chosen by the guides. On mountain bikes, (I had an e bike), we were on dirt tracks 30% of the distance which translates to what felt like 50% of the time as slower than on the roads. Good hotel swimming pools

Excellent walking

A good variety of walks out from a lovely small hotel run by very friendly people.
The food was excellent, the lunch bags superb, the wine and beer very enjoyable.

Cappadocia Explorer - Premium Adventure

“Everything was well organised and when things happened and changes needed to be made, they were well communicated and alternatives made to make sure that we still got where we needed to be and made the most of the trip.
All the staff were friendly and polite and did their best to accommodate any changes and adjustments. “

Nile Cruise

This initially was a challenging trip with many early mornings and long days. It would have demanded some commitment. But I feel privileged to have witnessed the tombs and temples of Egypt with a very experienced guide who demonstrated her love for her historical past

Outstanding

This was our second time on this trip and won’t be the last. The second time we returned with 3 friends.
My husband is registered blind but has some residual vision which, with guidance, can allow him to take part.
Michael is an outstanding leader who plans meticulously and anticipates any problems. We were part of a full group of 15 and had the benefit of Pat as an additional, exceptional leader. We cannot thank them enough for their support, kindness and empathy. They make this the best experience anyone could wish for .
The walks are varied and interesting. Michael and Pat have brilliant local knowledge and insight.
Cortijo Rosario is a comfortable farmhouse with outdoor pool, exceptional food and stunning views.

Amazing in every way!

Great trip, hugely helped by weather in first week of October (blue skies. mid 20s with hardly any clouds!); stunning picture perfect scenery, great guides and group.

wow what an amazing and diverse country!! one moment you are in the stunning serene countryside learning about tobacco the next you are in a loud, vibrant city full of unexpected things and history at every turn.
From being invited to dance in a restaurant by an after work group who were out drinking one night in Havana to blackouts, from salsa dancing with a live band to the beautiful beaches a treasure trove of a trip that I will never forget.

Amazing trip!

I had an absolutely amazing time on the Discover Costa Rica trip. Our guide, Eduardo Lopez, was incredibly knowledgeable, especially when it came to wildlife. Exploring the cloud forests and rainforests was an unforgettable experience, and we encountered a wide variety of animals along the way. The accommodations were top-notch, and the entire trip was exceptionally well-organized. Thank you for this incredible adventure!

Peru

In summary, the trip, the organisation, and the itinerary was extremely good.
Leo, our guide, was excellent.

A WONDERFUL WEEK!

I was curious to find out about Albania. The Exodus circular itinerary gives an excellent overview of the south of the country. The tour reflects the variety of landscapes and experiences Albania has to offer.
The lake at Podgradec is a lovely starting point and excellent for swimming. There were a few dogs wandering around but they were friendly, one of them playfully stole a pink flip flop from the beach but gave it to me after I went after him!
The cycle rides were varied and interesting. I opted for an e-bike so that took the anxiety away climbing the hills and if I stopped for a photo then I could easily catch up with the group. I loved the decents, my e-bike had a small screen showing speed and battery information. On one occasion I reached 55k downhill!
I thoroughly enjoyed all of the food. The freshly prepared locally sourced food was impressive. Usually, we had a variety of dishes, nearly always a tasty salad, bread, sometimes chips, delicious savoury spinach pastries, lovely cream cheese. The barbecued lamb was superb as was the freshly caught barbecued trout.
The organisation of the trip was outstanding and the fact that there were 16 of us in the group didn’t phase our leader and his assistant. Everything ran smoothly and efficiently.
The evening we stayed at the trout farm, Farma Sotira after an exceptional dinner (and a drink or 2) we enjoyed traditional Albanian dancing taught by Julian our guide and singing with the Albanians whilst a log burning fire flickered in the atmospheric dining room. It was a night to remember.
The decent the following day was spectacular!
The thermal springs near to our next hotel were pleasantly relaxing following the cycling.
Gjirokasttra was very interesting and surprisingly touristy. There’s a very good ice cream shop near to the hotel.
The guided tour of the UNESCO site at Butrint was very good. From there we cycled to the coast where there were opportunities to swim in the fabulous Ionian Sea.
From the coast we ascended via dramatic Llogara Pass to the National Park. That really was the icing on the cake and well worth the climb. Experiencing Mount Çika inspired Lord Byron to write a poem.
The next day we left Vlorë and travelled by bus to Tirana Airport. 2 group members and I had booked an additional 2 nights in Tirana so we got the bus from the airport back to the city, very good value for 400 LEK or 4 EURO. The bus also take cards. Cards are accepted widely in Tirana but not in oher places.
Prices are very reasonable in Albania. Albania is courting the EU and are hoping to join in 2 years. EURO notes are accepted everywhere and change given in LEK (the universal exchange rate by merchants was 100LEK = 1 EURO).
The week went fast! The holiday is quite intensive and relaxation time is limited. However every day was different and every day was a joy! You can always add on a few days at the end of the holiday if you want some down time.