Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Learning a ton of culture and history through our guide, Vuong, in parallel with visiting the historic sites throughout the country. The time in Hoi An was great with a good balance between activities and free time and just being able to walk around.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vuong was truly wonderful in a every way! He was very personable, organized, had a great sense of humor, fun, kept us safe, and extremely knowledgeable about Vietnamese history and culture. He happily answered all our questions.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing Sigiriya, cycling along the canal to a delightful lunch of many traditional dishes that you don't find in the hotel buffet, seeing elephants in the wild with their babies, walking Horton Plain and seeing the clouds drifting in below us at World's End, spending time at a farm.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sujan was impeccably organised, great fun and worked hard to ensure the group gelled quickly. He has a great love of Sri Lanka and this came across in everything he did for the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's easy to get cash from ATMs, the food was delicious and generally very good and varied for vegetarians. Bring plenty of light clothes it was up to 35C in March and a waterproof, because when it rains, it rains!

Most Inspirational Moment

Managing to cycle all the way up to the tea plantation on Day 6 and seeing wild elephants in Yala National Park.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ruwan is an excellent leader with such incredible knowledge of Sri Lankan history and wildlife & birds.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don’t be put off by the day cycling up to the tea plantation, as the support bus is there if needed or alternatively opt for an e-bike. Take some warm clothes for Nuwara Eliya as you'll need a fleece for the cycle down the following day and it can be a bit chilly in the evening.

Most Inspirational Moment

So hard to choose.....I loved the boat trips through the waterways of Tortuguero, the hike in the hot, arid volcanic area, seeing all the animals and birds up close and stepping out of my comfort zone to try all the different activities.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I thought Pablo did a fabulous job. He is sooo knowledgeable about wildlife and was determined to make sure we all had a good time. He organised extra outings for us, made sure we got to the places on time and on one occasion rearranged the timings when we had taken longer on a walk than we'd planned.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably the Basilica Cistern, the harem of the Hagia Sophia (I think the harem was there). Melissa was particularly knowledgeable on all the historical facts about the harem and the 'black' and 'white' slaves/guards who looked after the Sultan and his family and the wider royal family. Also the different displays of amazing china, clothes and gold on the second day of going round museums was amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Melissa was really good. She was smiley, upbeat, a good communicator and really knowledgeable about each sight that we went to and about the markets etc... She was also very good at talking about the history of each museum/palace in a way that we could take it in. She was also good at pointing out coffee shops or restaurants that we could go to in the evenings and have a good experience there. It all added up to making it a very good break.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our guide's knowledge and passion for the history of her country! Porto and the other small cities were great. The Douro River area and the Port Winery (and meal!) were great, but other restaurants were also wonderful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Carla is extraordinary as a leader and host and ambassador for Portugal. Our group even wrote and performed a song for her!! Her knowledge and passion for all things Portuguese was imparted to us all during her talks and walks, and I cannot recommend her more highly. Her choices for dinner, luncheons and even midafternoon snacks were stellar!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The trip on a yacht on the last day was a real highlight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Katty was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable, able to answer all of our many questions. She was also personable and helpful. Our leader in Quito, Marcello, was also very good.

Most Inspirational Moment

Staying in Esquinas Lodge, seeing so many hummingbirds, the waterfall swim, the sloths and experiencing walking in rain and cloud forests - really everything about the trip!

Thoughts on Group Leader

His knowledge and enthusiasm was fantastic, and if there was an opportunity to do something extra - another walk, even at 5am for instance - he was always willing to offer it. He was able to give us a wonderful insight into all aspects of his country, the people, the history and the natural environment. We couldn't have had a better guide, in my opinion.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Super excellent. Charming, knowledgeable, attentive and responsive, beyond reproach on every single level.

Most Inspirational Moment

The full days of combined city walking tour, with extra excursions such as the ferry on the river and the Port wine tasting. Whilst some of the group enjoyed the time to shop or rest, and I appreciate this time was necessary, I preferred to be busy.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I thought Carla was exceptional as a human being as well as a guide. She is one of the most delightful people I have ever had the pleasure to meet.