Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling 32 km downhill from Dalat in warm rain was quite an amazing experience in a perverse sort of way. Another inspirational time was in An Bang village, famous for it's huge royal tombs. Climbing Hai Van pass was exciting for everyone. It's 10 km long but, with a gradient between 5% and 9%, it proved to be manageable and enjoyable for everyone.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Long Le was superb and went that extra mile to ensure that everyone benefitted as much as possible from the trip. He led a very good support team who were determined to ensure that our day to day needs were met with good humour and efficiency. Long Le clearly loved his country and he spent time to discuss a wide range of issues relating to this country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Vietnam is changing quite dramatically compared to our last visit 20 years ago. Like Cuba, now is the time to visit Vietnam, especially the rural parts. Be prepared to cycle at your own pace, reminding yourself that you have paid for this trip and plan to enjoy the experience. There is no need to bust a gut to keep up with faster cyclists. If rain is likely, bring an old cycle top. For some reason, Exodus don't fit mudguards to their bikes and good tops can be easily spoilt.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are many highlights of this trip but one that stands out was the bush walk in the Sierra Madres and a visit to Maria and her farm. The guide was knowledgeable about the flora and was generous with his descriptions of mountain people and the life they lead.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Carlos was fantastic. He was informative, flexible, professional and fun. There were a couple of 'dramas' - lost baggage, forgotten handbag, passports gone astray and Carlos dealt with all of them calmly and professionally assisting those affected in any way he could. I'd also like to mention the bus drivers Alexis and Eduardo who supported all of us with patience and humour keeping us fed (fruits and a range of sweet peanut products - yum) and watered at each rest stop. And Sylvester the bike mechanic who was only with us for a couple of days but who cheerfully tweeked each bike to suit the rider.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are, like me, a vegetarian, be prepared for a very limited menu - mainly omelets and cheese coupled with tomato, cucumber and shredded cabbage supplemented with rice and beans on occasion (watch out for the bacon in the beans!). If you are vegan I would suggest you at least bring some 'protein foods' as you will be sorely tested otherwise. Being gluten free is only an issue on days where a packed lunch (read sandwiches) is provided, but again out comes the omelet and cheese! Be flexible and accept that your diet will be different in Cuba mainly because a wide range of foods is simply not available. There is the occasional yogurt and depending on the season a varying range of fruit is available (for us that was banana, papaya and pineapple, oranges and grapefruit and guava). The only nuts available are peanuts. You won't go hungry but variety will challenge!

Most Inspirational Moment

the human spectical of Veranasi

Thoughts on Group Leader

simplly the best

Most Inspirational Moment

Finally getting to the sun gate at Machu Pichu and seeing the fabled Inca ruins shrouded in mist for the first time, just awe inspiring. The porters also deserve a mention for all their hard work and some of those marvelous culinary delights they concocted. The bird life on the islands came a magical second.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wilbert Ramos was a man apart from all others in turn informative, helpful , spiritual, non judgemental, kind. Unlike any other guide we have had in the past. This man was everything you could want in a leader. Words could not praise him highly enough. Special commendation should also go to our driver Nico who drove vast distances and got us all to our destination without any problems. Shandi who was our.second guide on the Inca trail was also a delight.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not fear South America as we initially did, instead embrace the country and all it has to offer The culture will astound you, and the friendliness of the people will live with you forever. It is different, it can, at times be maddening, but take it from me you will never experience such a rich and diverse quality of life than this holiday has to offer.

Most Inspirational Moment

When a humpback whale popped up 10 feet away from our kayaks and just meandered around us for a while.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Solan was wonderful. He has the most calm, funny and inclusive way about him. His voice for the early morning wake up calls is like velvet.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go! Sign up for the kayaking or some other adventure options. Be flexible. Take loads of camera memory cards and batteries.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being there during Castros mourning period - historic event

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant

Advice for Potential Travellers

Train before you go to get your fitness up

Most Inspirational Moment

Riding down hill from Ooty in the mist through the eucalyptus trees.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Safi was informative, helpful and fabulous.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Mmske the most of all the trip has to offer.

Most Inspirational Moment

waking up at 5am to an amazing roar and then realised that i had a family of howler monkeys above my log cabin that i had to get up and go and see them. sighting of our first sloth seeing pairs of scarlet macaws by the roadside swoping over our heads the plethora of birdlife from scintillating humming birds to the resplendant quetzal. The continuous sounds of the rainforest coming to life at dusk so deafening but lulled you to sleep!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Erick was full of information about his country and could spot wildlife that we would have passed. He showed a passion and commitment to his profession. And he had a great sense of humour to boot!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

It was end of November. /beginning of December the dry season was not upon us. It invariably rained everyday at some stage usually afternoon. A poncho and a brolly is a good idea. But the temperature was warm to hot so not like a cold wet UK day! Hardly any mosquitos infact i didnt see any but something did bite me on my arm and hand maybe ants?!

Most Inspirational Moment

highlights were the Angor Wat Temples brilliant .......and the home stay over the river, where we had a wonderful Vietnamese cooking experience !

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was amazing..... exceeded expectations , and went more than the extra mile on more than one occasion , she had a passion and enthusiasm for her job and made the whole experience in the three countries most memorable with her knowledge of the areas.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes ......do this trip and you won't be disappointed

Most Inspirational Moment

Loved -seeing the people washing in the river outside Mysore -recognizing the extent of our disposable plastic problem - the range of climate from dry land in the parks to the canals of Alleppey - seeing a tiger. Yes we were that lucky.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I appreciated that our leader Safi allowed us to cycle - when reasonable- at our own pace. Safi has a quiet sense of humour. He was sensitive to the groups various food needs, always calm and in control of the situation.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Look out for the tuk tuks in Kochi. They will try very hard to get you into 'tourist' stores. That can be fun, but be prepared to wonder about the value. Consider Dukoral to reduce the chance of stomach upsets. Pack your sense of humour. It is all part of the experience. Enjoy the people. I found that a smile or wave, especially to small children would be rewarded with wonderful welcoming smiles in return. We spent some time before and after the biking on our own. People were helpful friendly and happy to share their lovely country.