Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing all the storks and cormorants nesting. I went at the end of May so this would only apply to this time of year. I liked the hill of witches which shows the artistic spirit from the last few years. Also we happened on to a folk dancing festival and they are so much better than our folk dancing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jolita was enthusiastic, especially about the history of the region. She was really scatty in terms of giving us information we NEEDED. I had to ask others when my flight was 30 mins late. She wittered on and on and although she thought she spoke English she didn't bother trying to get the words in the correct order. I understand it is difficult though as all three countries have different languages so she had to speak Russian as well. It made it really hard to get the crucial information when she was going on and on. She kept saying da da da. We went out as a group the first and last night.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Advice would be to take a travel kettle as only one hotel supplied one also decaf coffee wasn't available. The hotels had wi-fi without passwords so I would recommend installing hotspot vpn before you travel so no-one else can access you phone etc. I have damaged my ankles walking so much on cobbles so I would recommend hiking boots with ankle support. There are lots of opportunities to go to mini supermarkets so don't worry if you forget anything. I took binoculars as there are alot of birds esp storks nesting. The leader wasn't interested which was a shame.

Most Inspirational Moment

Not sure you'd call it an inspirational moment but ..... when I completed the 29km day walk!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was Jose Manuel. He was excellent as a leader ensuring that all of us were ok at all times. He emphasised at the beginning the importance of letting him know if any one of us should have the slightest blister so that appropriate care could be taken. He would explain the route for the day and helped us with ordering food and drinks at all the breaks/stops. He would also suggest suitable restaurants for dinner in the evening.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you take more than just 1 pair of walking shoes/boots. Even though I had done several walks in my walking boots, I had very sore toes and a blister after 2 days of walking and had to abandon my boots and then walk in my sneakers for the rest of the camino. A couple of people in our group walked the whole 130km in sandals. The walking trails and paths are well trodden and relatively flat, so this might be an option for some. As a mature person, I found my walking poles invaluable but many others in the group did not find them necessary.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me there were many inspirational moments on this trip. these centred around the group members coxing, motivating, encouraging and supporting others to achieve their goals, this was particularly evident when two members became slightly unwell but were determined to continue with the cycling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The Group leader was excellent. His passion for his job was evident in everything he did. He created an environment which allowed everyone to participate according to their own skill, ability and desire. No one was left behind or left feeling like they were moving too fast or too slowly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For a trip like this it is important to accept that other cultures have a very different relationship with their environment, each other, their food and how they view health and safety. If you are someone that embraces difference, loves cycling, and desires authenticity when traveling, then this holiday could be for you.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were too many great moments to single one out. While the major cities more than lived up to their reputations, the wonder of the smaller places we had not heard of was a most welcome surprise - especially the absence of tourists there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Extremely caring but not the right leader for our cycle trip. He was unfamiliar with the route and his cycling skills were not great. For example, he would often stop without leaving sufficient space for all others to stop safely.

Advice for Potential Travellers

learn the rules of group riding before the trip and obey same.

Most Inspirational Moment

Although I'd have to say Machu Picchu was the crown jewel, seeing the beautiful stars at night, fabulous sunsets, and visiting Incan burial sites were all awe-inspiring!

Thoughts on Group Leader

For the trek we had Tina, who was great fun and took superb care of us. It was as if we took another friend along! We were able to hike at our own pace and felt very well looked after. During our time in the city, and with the entire group, Fabrizzio was just as good! He was very knowledgeable about Incan history and culture, and had obvious pride in his country and heritage, as did Tina.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is some tough hiking! I'd advise going a few days ahead to Cusco for extra acclimatization. (And drink the coca tea ALL the time!)Being aerobically fit does not necessarily help overcome the altitude issues. Bring a pole or poles! (Even my 22 y-o daughter found a pole useful to steady her footing.) Nights at altitude are VERY cold (near freezing)l although daytime temps are mild. LAYERS! The sun is fierce! Have a good sun hat plus sunscreen.

Most Inspirational Moment

Surviving the Amalfi coast on a bicycle.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alessandro was superb. He is organized, informative, helpful. He is also a very strong cyclist and kept constant watch over everyone's safety and abilities. I would do another tour with him in a heartbeat.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Prepare to eat yourself silly and go through pasta withdrawal when you come home. If you think you might be too challenged by the climbs, feel that it is okay to hire an ebike.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved swimming in the sea, which we had opportunities for most days.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele and Giovanni were excellent leaders. They both worked hard. They were supportive and caring. Both speak good English, are very knowledgeable and experienced.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take padded cycle shorts and suncream.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first walk with the "fairy towers" landscope was a revelation. The balloon ride was breathtaking and well worth two false starts.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Firat Solak was excellent. He was both informative and humourous. His pace on the walks was just right for the various members. His checks on the state of the members showed a good understanding of what was going on during the day. The places we ate during the day and evening was a hit with everyone.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go as soon as possible.

Most Inspirational Moment

Screaming downhills

Advice for Potential Travellers

They were great! Very knowledgeable.

Most Inspirational Moment

There was no single "ahh" moment - there were many, with each turn in the cycling path or new vista in sight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Peter not only led the ride and walks, but provided constant narration about what we were looking at. Always ready to answer questions and always working to make our program great. His enthusiasm, if not patience, shone through and was contagious

Advice for Potential Travellers

Aside from being in good riding shape, open your mind to the places and people with whom you are traveling.