Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Retracing routes that in some cases have been used for years. Feeling the support of everyone both guides, drivers and fellow holiday goers. Feeling part of a great team. Feeling included regardless of ability or age.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Radu was wonderful and I loved the fact that he was sooooooo patient and answered most of my very curious questions with enthusiasm. John was such a support both on and off the bike. Both guides filled the holiday with fun and laughs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have a solid pair of cycling shorts that can withstand all sorts of cycling both on and off road. Some people used buffs to cover their faces especially on the off road downhill sections as it could get quite dusty. Be prepared to get a couple of bruises preferably on the bike.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the campsite on Day 3, after a really challenging couple of days of trekking. Not only was this probably the best campsite in the world, but we also had the best location inside the campsite, owing to our group leader and team making the selection and preparing. And our group leader coaxed us up the hill to the best view I have ever seen at exactly the right time after we arrived. Completely breathtaking!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bobby (Ubaldo Quispe) was the best tour leader I have ever met (and I have traveled on many many different types of tours all over the world). He was extremely knowledgable, really inspired confidence, was able to manage the group really well, even though we had a range of different abilities and the trek was challenging. He is also one of the best team leaders I have ever met, was truly generous and kind hearted and I would love to go on another trip led by him in the future. Monica, our co-leader was also amazing, able to give just the right type of encouragement and to lead from the front or behind perfectly. She also gave me a magical medicinal remedy (passionfruit and hot water) for a complaint I had that was super effective and I thought that was awesome!

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is a challenging trek, so it's worth putting in effort before hand - in particular building up your leg muscles because there is a lot of down and uphill, with big steps. And be prepared to go slowly if you need to - the air is thin so I found it tough going over the mountain passes.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's hard to pin down just one thing that is inspirational about this trip. The journey out to Ha Long bay and trip into the Mekong Delta surrounded us with the natural beauty of two very different parts of the country. This contrast against the train journey and the chaos of the big cities left us being inspired at each turn. The museums that one visits as a part of the trip are interesting, very informative and provide much material for reflection.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader (Kien Le) was very well organised, enthusiastic and energetic. He was keen to impart knowledge of Vietnam throughout the trip and readily answered any questions posed to him. This helped us understand Vietnam as a country at a deeper level. Due to some unexpected heavy rains at one point in the trip he quickly organised alternative activiites at the request of the group. He was always willing to organise activities during free periods to help us maximise our time in this wonderful country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go there with an open mind and enjoy yourself. Plenty of opportunity for photography, cooking and eating...

Most Inspirational Moment

The trip in itself was an inspiration. We loved the remoteness of the region, the beauty of the geography and the way the trek was organised.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I felt we were extremely lucky to have Hassan, a Moroccan as our group leader. I think he showed us an insider's view of Morocco that we may have got from a non-Moroccan guide. He was kind and thoughtful and I had complete trust in him. He was very good at setting the pace with the group. He left me with a very good impression of Moroccan men and their respect for women and all people in general.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Morocco can be bitterly cold in winter. A good quality sleeping bag is an absolute must.

Most Inspirational Moment

I chose this trip because of the physical challenge, however, my first glimpse of a lion at close quarters was almost overwhelming

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shane & Enrico shared the lead - always smiling - they ensured this trip was full of fun & laughter

Advice for Potential Travellers

The heat is excessive most days - you must keep well covered & well hydrated

Most Inspirational Moment

We had a 2 hour (?) Huskie sledging trip as part of planned activities and we enjoyed it so much we booked the optional day sledging trip. It was absolutely magical and I can honestly say it was one of the best holiday days I have ever had. Beautiful scenery, lovely dogs, well organised and a very tasty lunch.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bjorn (Teddy) was lovely. He was very chilled but organised and very knowledgeable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sight of Halong Bay

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bac was brilliant, so much so we wrote a song saying so,and sung it at the final dinner

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are reasonably fit. If you haven't cycled for a while have a practice before you go otherwise sitting on a saddle for a few hours can be a bit sore.Take waterproofs for the occasional downpour

Most Inspirational Moment

Tortugueres is beautiful. Due to the nature of its location and style of accommodation, it felt largely undiscovered, unspoilt and remote. The windswept beaches in this area are also stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Guillermo was exceptionally knowledgeable on the variety of Costa Rican botany and wildlife. He was also very professional, had a great breadth and depth of guide experience and had great organisation skills. BUT, Guillermo also kept a professional distance and took a supervisory position rather than make many efforts to be fun and share our holiday or be friendly with the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack a decent poncho to cover you and your rucksack - it'll rain/pour at regular points - a poncho will be cooler than a waterproof jacket. Drying clothes was tricky in many locations due to the humidity. Pack a large travel towel for use at the Fortuna waterfall and the Manuel Antonio beach. Due to the exchange rate in the Brexit era and proximity to the USA, expect optional trip prices, food and drink prices to be high. Add additional day or so in San Jose so you have time to acclimatise as well as visit the city museums.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me and my travel partner the cycling and swimming in the Pacific were among the best moments as we like to be active.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both the group leader as well as the other guides and driver were all amazingly friendly and knowledgeable. They definitely made sure to take good care of us and that we were never bored.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's a relatively easy and relaxed active trip. If you have more than two weeks available, this trip is a good option to visit other countries in the region either before or after the group trip if you don't go on the group flights.

Most Inspirational Moment

Taking a helicopter ride over the mountains on Christmas Day!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ngima Sherpa was a outstanding guy, he was quick in his feet with solutions to group problems, he was an absolute bundle of laughs! He kept me and the group smiling the entire trip! Certainly made the trip

Advice for Potential Travellers

Put your wet wipes in your sleeping bag and it's like a warm shower in the morning!