Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

I think there were too many, but body surfing on the Caribbean coast was a highlight, as was seeing a whale from a beach in Panama, cycling like a demon down fast roads through a short downpour, managing to get up a really big hill in 35 degree heat or singing the Hokey Cokey with a class of Nicaraguan primary school kids- take your pick!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto was brilliant. I will be looking out to see if some future trips can be arranged as I would love to go on more adventures with him and his team. We learnt lots about the history, geography and culture of the places we went to, and always felt very safe in his hands.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Your kit will get soaked in sweat and won't always dry in the humidity, so use the laundry when available and take old stuff that isn't too precious. We are fairly fit and did some extra cycling beforehand and I'm really pleased we did as it made it all the more enjoyable, so do try and be ready for the distances.

Most Inspirational Moment

We joined one of the optional tours on offer to see turtles coming ashore at night to lay their eggs. We were not disappointed and got the chance to see a green turtle scraping out its nest and laying its eggs. The included boat trips along the rivers provided the opportunity to experience the tranquility of the verdant forest bordering the rivers but also the skill of the boat skippers got us in the best positions, up close to view the wildlife.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Guillermo was an excellent group leader who had an extensive knowledge of all things Costa Rica and was energetic and enthusiastic in sharing that knowledge with the group which made the trip enjoyable and informative, this was particularly important whilst travelling between locations. He provided information on the wildlife, the culture, the crops, and the eco systems. He was passionate about the environment and proud of the efforts Costa Rica has made in conservation. Guillermo and his company also provided an excellent driver, Juan, who made an excellent wingman to the group leader and was an integral and welcome part of the group. Juan was as passionate as Guillermo about his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In Costa Rica, and Tortuguero in particular, they take the conservation of the turtle population very seriously and the tours at night are rigidly controlled by the wardens with no cameras or torches allowed, to prevent disturbing the turtles. There can be quite a bit of time spent waiting in the darkness to be called forward by the wardens and tour leader to view the turtles. Light waterproof jacket, dark clothing and closed toed footwear is recommended. Secondly, although it is best to just watch the local wildlife on offer, to preserve the memories it is best to take a camera with some form of telephoto lens. Lastly, and most importantly ! They always say it is best to learn some of the language to make the most of any trip. I discovered a little known, local, Costa Rican response, to the greeting: "Como estas ?" The local Costa Rican response is: "Con toda la pata". I guarantee that if this response is used it will make any local smile, not that that is too difficult ! Apparently it is difficult to translate this into English but apparently it means: "Fantastic ! including the whole paw" (?)

Most Inspirational Moment

Coming down from Mancondui peak, walking through a beautiful alpine meadow, the trail blazers were well ahead and the chatty ones well behind and I had ten minutes of peaceful blissful solitude just to.......be.

Thoughts on Group Leader

What can I say? Alvaro is one in a million. A really nice guy whose passion and knowledge shines through. The holiday would not have been the same without him.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many it's hard to single one out. Mijet is a must, do not be tempted to take the rest day as it is a very gentle days cycling and you will miss out on a stunning island and a great day out. The first two days are the hardest but you do need to justify all the great food and drink you consume.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marijo will be an impossible act to follow. He is so personable that any little problem with the ferries, restaurants etc are so smoothly dealt with that it all ends in handshakes and laughter. In danger of missing a connecting ferry which would have meant a three hour wait, he sweet talked a van driver in front of us to let us take his place on the ferry! Marijo is not just a guide but becomes part of the holiday group, great fun on and off duty! Truly an exceptional guide. Tome the driver needs a out shout as well. A very happy chap who couldn't do enough for everyone. He also distills a mean homemade grappa!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not expect too much from the hotels and breakfasts! The holiday is great value for money. When you consider the amount of great staff care, great equipment, the cost of the ferries and the comfortable van used to carry us and the bikes, savings had to be made somewhere. This is a full on holiday so you do not spend any time at the hotels anyway! Best tip: most restaurants / bars don't like credit cards. So take cash or get it from ATMs

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several, including Choquequirao where it was so quiet (only our group plus 3 other people) and Machu Picchu, which although crowded is spectacular. However, the most inspirational moment for me was the San Juan pass; the conditions were perfect, the 360 degree views breath taking and several Condors flying around when we arrived.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Frank was very passionate and knowledgeable about Peru and the Inca culture. Jonnie was a great and enthusiastic co-leader on the trek. The support team worked very hard to make sure we were comfortable on trek.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Prepare for the trek - it is hard with long ascents and descents but very rewarding. Take plenty of insect repellent - mosquitos are prolific particularly on the trek. I was worried about arriving in Cusco and coping with the altitude, however, the time spent in Cusco at the start of the trip was ideal to acclimatise.

Most Inspirational Moment

Everyday was so different, we loved seeing the differences when walking through Switzerland, Italy and France. The final day views of Mont Blanc were spectacular!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rupert was a great leader, he was so knowledgable and passionate about the trip. He always made sure everyone was happy and okay. We especially enjoyed his games and local knowledge of where to get the best cheese from! He really did go above and beyond!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack lightly as you do need to carry everything and you can wash things in the evening. Most hotels have shampoo and shower gel so you don't need to carry much. You have two nights in the same hotel at the end so you can take extra clothes for those nights.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of col du tricot after a long 60 minutes ascent is well worth it. Getting the cable car up to Helbronner is a must for some breathtaking views of the mountains

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kim was a great leader, always launching and joking with us. Emily did a great job in camp and made sure there was always plenty of food (and beer!) for us each evening after a days trek.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are alot of ascent and descent on this trip so you need to be physically fit, and have strong knees. The last few days walking can be really touch in the heat but well worth it

Most Inspirational Moment

Every place was inspirational.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Milena was fantastic. She was informative, organised and caring. She truely made this trip a wonderful experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack lightly as you need to get your case in the back of a mini bus and live out of a suitcase. Do not look at any photos before you go so that when you arrive at each site you will be amazed.

Most Inspirational Moment

We all made it up Hai Van Pass and great effort by 2 who thought they might not make it. Dancing at a petrol station. [You had to be there] Halong Bay. Amazing

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chi was excellent. Nothing was too much trouble.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a busy trip so be prepared.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking a stunning stretch of The Great Wall. Cycling through the stunning scenery in Yangshuo.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jane (Weijie) Liu was a wonderful addition to the tour, offering a knowledgeable background to the history of China and all locations visited, together with a great sense of humour and patience with all members of the group. Not to mention an incredibly hard-working approach and willingness to go the extra mile to keep everyone satisfied. Any group that finds Jane leading their tour will be very lucky.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walk every path, climb every hill and explore at every opportunity - there is so much more to discover...and stunning scenery too. Invest in a good quality camera. You will return with photos to treasure. The optional tours give an added flavour of life in China and can be recommended....although maybe not the Beijing opera.