Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many as each area we visited gave totally different experiences. The Tongariro crossing was not to be missed- fortunate with the weather but there was snow in the craters at the plateau with high winds on the crater edges. Geothermal valleys. Walking up to the terminal face of Fox glacier (despite no polar bear!) Cruising the Milford Sound-seeing the penguins. Walking through the indigenous tropical forests. Walking in the snow at the foot of Mount Cook and crossing glacial torrents in full flood. Walking at night on a Glow Worm trail- like thousands of LED lights- quite enchanting. Sobering walk through the disembodied Christchurch- still recovering and has not regained its soul yet.

Thoughts on Group Leader

All this could not be achieved without the excellent guidance, support and knowledgeable expertise of our two guides, Chris and Rich who both complemented each other- one being a Kiwi and the other a Devonian export. Nothing was too much trouble for them in trying to accommodate individual interests, adjusting the activities according to the prevalent weather conditions and providing a constant supply of snacks to sustain us upon our activities. They appeared to have a magical influence over the weather and visitors, providing a narrow window of opportunity that allowed us to visit volcanic landscapes and geothermal valleys without the crowds or rain that would normally be expected. Their energy and enthusiasm to share their knowledge of the islands and its peoples went without saying. They were quick to ascertain the abilities of each individual member and gave optional activities when needed. The entire trip was skilfully organised and despite the long distance driven by both of them, they were able to protect themselves from being on constant demand.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for long travelling. Be prepared for Vivaldi weather (four seasons). If you are reasonably fit and used to mountain terrain, all walks should be within your grasp. Make the most of your time.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Angkor temples were beyond my expectations. Breathtaking. Cycling in the rural areas across the river from Hoi An was a great experience. We stopped at a school & chatted with the kids, which was wonderful (even though it was Saturday they love school so much they still went in).

Thoughts on Group Leader

In Vietnam Phat was exceptional. Very funny man. He made sure we were all happy all the time. Phat even somehow made us grateful to get up really early. He is very organised. Everything ran really smoothly all the time. Phat made that look effortless, which I am sure isn’t the case in Vietnam. I cannot praise Phat highly enough. Sokhom in Cambodia was also an excellent leader. We were only there two days so we didn’t get to know him so well. He took us to the quietest places in the Angkor temple complex. I felt very humbled by his childhood stories.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a busy schedule, including a lot of early starts and several flights. It’s the only way to make the most of the trip. Make sure you’ve got an overnight bag for the boat on Halong Bay & the Mekong Delta. Take plenty of insect repellent & you won’t get bitten at all. You can get washing done but pack plenty of lightweight clothes. However save room for anything you might buy in Hoi An.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views of the Atlas Mountains when you reach the top of the walks are stunning (if the weather is kind).

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you enjoy a glass of wine etc with dinner be aware there's no bar in the hotel Exodus use in Marrakesh or the Riad used as a walking base. Whilst the Riad is basic (but nice) it is very cold in the winter months so pack plenty of warm clothes and lots of books to read etc in the evenings when you're hiding under the blankets.

Most Inspirational Moment

Loved the night walk through the rainforest.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Edi was excellent, best tour guide we have had so far.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Poundland ponchos, deet, if you like wine Clos litre boxes in the supermarkets are great for a pre dinner drink (a box costs $6 which is the same as a glass in the hotels)

Most Inspirational Moment

Loved the night walk through the rainforest.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Edi was excellent, best tour guide we have had so far.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Poundland ponchos, deet, if you like wine Clos litre boxes in the supermarkets are great for a pre dinner drink (a box costs $6 which is the same as a glass in the hotels)

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many highlights from which to choose but I think my favourite was the visit to the fort at Bundi. I had never heard of this town, but was blown away by the beauty and solitude of this abandoned palace with its pristine frescoes. And to have the place virtually to ourselves was amazing! Although not to everyone's taste, I also really enjoyed getting caught up in the chaotic crowds in the tail end of the religious procession in Pushkar; swiftly followed by the crush of a political rally further down the same road! We were enveloped in local life in all its chaotic colour.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Navin was knowledgable, caring, well-organised and appears to know just about every chai seller in India ;). His skills go far beyond that of the standard tourist guide to encompass finding lost wallets in a strange town, fixing leaking toilets and removing ticks from guests' legs ;). Whenever there was any query or problem, Navin always had our backs and got it sorted pronto. Thank you, Navin!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't rely on laundry being done in the hotels, be prepared to handwash stuff instead if necessary. The drives between towns can be long and the roads are so bumpy it can be difficult to read. But there is so much to see outside the window of the van, you need never be bored! Take a warm layer to counteract the efficiency of the aircon in the van! Leave your presuppositions at home and throw yourself into the sights, colours, sounds, sensations of this fabulous place, you will never forget it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing up to 'The Monastery' at Petra - 850+ steps but worth them all - lots of chances to get coffee or tea (and buy a souvenir) from local Bedouin stalls on the way. The quieter climb up to the the 'High Place of Sacrifice' also makes an excellent circular loop away from the main valley but still passes some spectacular tombs and caves (they are everywhere). Great views across the whole valley from the tops.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Issa our group leader was great - he really did make the trip a success. Very enthusiastic, with great organisation and local knowledge he is a great ambassador for his country. He made sure everyone had what they needed by way of ATM stops, toilet breaks and chose good restaurants for lunch or supper (not always easy for a group of 20) explaining the menus and ensuring there were always vegetarian options where wanted.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you usually use a walking pole over uneven ground consider taking it for Petra (I was pleased I did). Take warm clothes, a torch and a small towel for the desert trip. The bus travelled with large water bottles on board - so you just need your own bottle to fill every day. Just go - its a great trip

Most Inspirational Moment

The group leaders - Liz and Radu - who helped everything run smoothly despite the weather related obstacles. Getting the bikes fit for riding on the last was extreme devotion to duty

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leaders - Liz and Radu - who helped everything run smoothly despite the weather related obstacles They were both always had a smile and were very helpful Getting the bikes fit for riding on the last was extreme devotion to duty

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is cold and sometimes very wet in the mountains. Bring lots of layers and good waterproofs. Warm Head/neck gear is essential It can be muddy Hotels don’t always have shampoo. Bring your own

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many inspirational moments but I would have to put Machu Picchu at the top, closely followed by our visit to Colca Canyon with great sightings of condors.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Sebastian, was first class in every way. He was a worthy representative of his country, providing us with lots of information on the history, culture and society etc of the various regions. He was, at all times, attentive to our health and needs, and his friendly nature and sense of humour made for a very happy bunch of travellers. He is a star!

Advice for Potential Travellers

High altitude can have its effects, though we all managed to deal with it well enough.

Most Inspirational Moment

No one moment, so many different ones. Loved the sampling of fresh mozzarella, followed by delicious al fresco lunch at the farm. The food & wine was superb each evening, eating local produce and delicacies. We cycled through small country lanes with lovely scenery en route. Stayed in variety of accommodation which also helped make the trip, especially enjoyed the converted convent in the olive farm (with the welcoming swimming pool). It was great to do a walking tour (optional though no one declined) each evening with the tour leader of the historic towns we stayed in.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Emmanuele was a fabulous leader, and went out of his way to ensure we got the most of out trip, in his local area. His knowledge was great not just on local history but on food & drink too. If group members had specific requests he tried to fit these in too, without any detriment to the others. Although there were those with different cycling abilities on the trip he ensured all got as much as possible out of the days riding and no one was ever left struggling behind.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a waterproof what ever the time of the year. Be prepared for a windy ride when you head north up on the west coast road on the last day.