Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

So many to mention. The sunrise at Dune 45, seeing the Milky Way and shooting stars at night, for me the flight over the desert. But the waterhole in Etosho was undoubtedly the most special thing for me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ronney was our leader and he was a star. Unflustered, level headed, knowledgable, great with the kids. He took all the hassle out of the trip and enabled us all to just follow and have a holiday. Jonas was the cook and I've already mentioned his culinary skills. He was also a really lovely guy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There was a cold snap just as we arrived. Temperatures were really cold. Make sure you have enough cold weather gear. We did - just about. Be prepared to relax and be led. Not everything is going to be perfect but it was invariably good enough. The less polished bits are part of the adventure. Bring a light for inside your tent. Prepared to be dusty and dirty and don't overpack. Bring lots of moisturiser - it's really dry in August.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of the Col Ferret in a snow storm was a highlight for me, and watching the clouds clear as we descended the other side. Actually, making it to the top of all the cols we climbed was pretty impressive! But most inspiring for me was meeting the other people in my group. There was only 5 of us but we all got along really well and each one was an inspiration to me in different ways!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Frank was brilliant. He knows the TMB so well having done it many times. He was very thorough in advising us what to expect each day and understood the ability of our group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't under estimate this trek - it is challenging! There are some big ascents and descents so fitness is important. It is worth getting a few practise walks in before you go. Be prepared for all sorts of weather. We got a bit of everything! Sun, rain and snow. Take layers and a good waterproof. I would also recommend a good pair of walking boots with ankle support as some of the trails are rocky.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention. I loved all of the walks and in particular the decent into Les Chapieux via the brand new path. Tons of butterflies and marmots to gawp at. The breathtaking view from the Grand Col Ferret, as well as the rewarding scenery at the top of Brevent after the demanding ascent on the last walking day were also favourites. The cable car on day 7 to see the views of Mont Blanc and surroundings were incredible.

Thoughts on Group Leader

John was amazing - the best mountain leader I've experienced. I learnt so much and the pace he set, particularly for the steep ascents, meant that our legs could withstand the full tour, without too much strain. I personally was pleased to find that I didn't find it as challenging as I thought I would and I think that was mainly due to the 'fairy-steps' approach we used when ascending and descending. He offered extra challenges for those who were keen and I will try and always remember the 'Tent Commandments' - our invaluable group/John-led 'rules' for hiking. He always kept good humour and his knowledge of the mountains, rocks and trees was brilliant. Clare, the campsite leader was so lovely, as was her cooking! Brilliant and creative cooking, as well as huge amounts of patience and composure - especially when the heavens opened frequently during the evenings. John and Clare are a brilliant team and I can't thank them enough.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Use walking poles. I never had before and I definitely needed them on the descents. Get as fit as you can prior to the trip. Bring lots of Compede just in case. A lightweight umbrella is useful in the campsites. Anti-bac too. If you like to eat protein bars on a hike, bring them from home as they are much more expensive on the tour (as as is Compede). Waterproofs obviously. For me, bringing a map and going over what we'd done every night, was really rewarding. Highlights in camp were the endless games of UNO, Monopololy Deal and other card games. Lots of laughter and camoraderie when the weather wasn't so great.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our favourite day was Ankor Wat by mountain bike, but we were particularly struck by the warm, gentle nature of the Cambodian people throughout our time there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kim was absolutely fantastic - a wonderful person and great ambassador for his country and culture. Ant in Bangkok and Nuan in Vietnam both deserve mention.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hiking up to the summit at Lineham Ridge in Waterton Lakes national park towards the end of the hike - the most breathtaking view, and it just our group at the top! We stopped to have lunch at the summit and I was completely lost for words. Definitely one of the most memorable moments of our trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mac was the best leader! You'll be lucky if you have Mac or M.P with you on the trip - they really worked hard to make sure everyone was looked after. Mac cooked us a different delicious breakfast almost every morning, and there was also always a really fantastic vegetarian option for me. He was a passionate guide and always considerate of each person in the group, making sure we all felt comfortable on the hikes. I couldn't fault the guides, they really made the trip!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack insect repellant and sun cream, and make sure you remember a warm jacket for the evenings and early mornings. Plastic bags are also really useful for damp or wet clothing, and for packing the lunch boxes in your backpack. I also wished I had brought some waterproof trousers for when it rained while we were in the middle of a hike, but they're not absolutely essential. The guides do a fantastic job of looking after you, and there are outdoor stores at regular intervals if you need or forget anything.

Most Inspirational Moment

The camaraderie of the group we traveled with made every moment one to remember. We went to see the country and experience the culture and by cycling we certainly did that by getting into some of the more remote areas.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was very good, He made sure everyone was aware of the day's plans, any potential hazards or problems. We learnt about daily life in Cuba, past and present. He was also very quick to resolve a couple of medical situations that arose. Praise must also go to the support staff, who probably don't get the same recognition as the group leader. With out them he would not be able to do his job. On our trip both Jerado (passenger driver) and Ariel (cycle bus driver) contributed in a major way. Ariel also taught us all to dance. We would like to see that the support staff get the opportunity for appraisal alongside the group leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Consider the heat factor in your preparation. There will be some very proficient cyclists but don't be deterred if you feel you aren't an experienced cyclist as the support is always there. Be aware that although the accommodation is satisfactory you will encounter less than satisfactory sanitary conditions, so take appropriate action. Go with an open mind and you will love it.

Most Inspirational Moment

I completed a "bonus climb" with 4 of my fellow travelers up a very steep hill after we'd reached one of our destination cities. Shortly before completing the climb I first uttered the words "I don't think I can do this" - and I've never been happier to have been proven wrong!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Michele was excellent and went above and beyond anything I would have expected. Besides being an experienced and capable cyclist with a great sense of humor, he also had a strong knowledge of history and made sure to point out areas of historic significance during the trip. He organized many other optional events activities including group dinners, walking tours around our destination cities, and even bonus early morning cycling trips around the towns that we were staying in. Lastly, I am vegetarian and Michele always helped me find vegetarian options whenever we stopped to eat.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Great beginner trip. If you're relatively new to destination cycling trips this is an excellent first step.

Most Inspirational Moment

This is a difficult one. Was it seeing ancient Soviet agricultural equipment, people working in the fields, the prospect of seeing bears and wolves? Maybe it was meeting local ladies who were chatting and embroidering slippers, or dancing with the folk singers from the village? Probably, it was just the sheer beauty and tranquillity of the area.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nelly's love and knowledge of Bulgaria shone through at every meadow, mountain and forest. Nothing was too much trouble and her care was always evident. She was an outstanding leader and made this a wonderful and exciting trip for us both.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take an empty plastic sandwich box for packed lunches, and lots of memory for your camera.

Most Inspirational Moment

This is a joint review & for me it is impossible to pick one inspirational moment - the whole trip truly was an inspiration. For my husband it was the culmination of the 1500m (4500 feet) ascent from Les Bossons to Brevent (like Where Eagles Dare!).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jeff was an outstanding leader. He clearly has a passion for everything outdoors. He not only guided but also fully informed you at every opportunity as to the flora, fauna and wildlife - his background in biology came through in the knowledge he was able to impart. He also managed the groups various skill and fitness abilities in a very delicate manner where everyone was made to feel that they had achieved. He was sociable outside of guiding and had a great sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are of a good level of fitness then this trip will require some effort from you but you will be able to enjoy it to the full. If you fail to prepare then you are preparing to make life very difficult for yourself and you won't get the full benefit of enjoying this amazing trip. Make sure you have good kit to equip you for rain or sunshine. There are washing machines and tumble driers at most of the camp sites so no need to over pack. Be prepared to muck in at mealtimes with preparing/packing away the dining area.

Most Inspirational Moment

The last day's walk on Monte Piano was very special. We were lucky with the weather and had blue skies and lovely sunshine making the views just amazing. However, thinking about the events that had taken place up there during the war was a very sobering moment.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alex was an excellent group leader and kept our group together very well which made for a very united group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for all weather conditions in one day!