Reviews

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!

Most Inspirational Moment

topping out on Dzo Jongo East now 6200 metres

Thoughts on Group Leader

Valerie met her thirty years ago and 4 years ago still top lady definitely in charge top girl

Advice for Potential Travellers

its a good tough trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the highest peak after some 7 hours walking.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are physically fit for this trek, it is very demanding ]

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the Holocaust museum in Vilnius left me reflecting how we as humans can be so destructive and cause so much pain. It made me realise just how much the people of Lithuania had suffered at the hands of others,so afterwards feeling rather low a few of us visited the Cat cafe,for coffee and a a little cuddle with a few moggies!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Migle was a great group leader, not only was she was a mind of information she had a great sense of humour and made the trip a very memorable one. She was great with time-keeping and extremely well organised. One chap got rather lost when venturing out on his own and she managed to find him and bring back safely.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I think the 'trip notes' were slightly misleading as you were lead to believe there might be longish walks; well I certainly thought so. However, we rather sauntered through the various towns we visited, and the walk in The Forest of Witches was not very tiring an only took about an hour. On this walk I recommend insect repellent though. Also don't be put off by the thought of a swim in the Baltic Sea it was 18 degrees and I wish did brought my swimming stuff with me! Also take an umbrella; I went in July and it rained a fair bit,but when the sun came out it was extremely warm , so have your sun cream to hand.

Most Inspirational Moment

Riding through the Czech National Forest. Seeing and learning the history of the iron curtain.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very accommodating, mature and approachable. It's a real bonus that Jan is from Slovakia and he understands the history and background of the nearby countries. One of our fellow rider had a 'minor' accident on the trip and had to receive medical attention. I think the leaders handled the situation very well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get into decent cycling shape before going on this trip.