Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Meeting the fellow group members. They were really fantastic. I haven't laughed so much in such a long time. I have so many great memories from the trip. Maybe the most inspirational part of the trip was the walks themselves and just being out in nature and enjoying the quiet. Sometimes getting off the beaten path is exactly what you need.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bob Mason was our tour leader and he was really great. Extremely well organized and really on top of things. I think our group really tested his patience from time to time but all in good fun. He rolled with the punches and kept us all right on track. I give him an A +++.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for an adventure. Spend time getting to know your fellow group members and just let all the outside distractions melt away and focus on what you are doing that day. Also, be prepared with sunscreen, rain gear, walking gear as in back pack, poles, hat etc. Bring your appetite! Lots of great food and prosecco!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching summit of Mt Toubkal

Thoughts on Group Leader

Good

Advice for Potential Travellers

Prepare for altitude

Most Inspirational Moment

I had inspirational moments throughout the week as every day is a new adventure! You discover different types of trails and little towns along the way to the more popular cities of Amalfi, Ravello and Positano. It's great to hike/walk while chatting with different people in the group and developing a nice camaraderie with everyone, especially when comparing sore leg muscles! And of course, the views will take your breath away: stunning!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Martin, our group leader, was a very pleasant person to have as our guide. He has a very charming and lovely energy which sets a good tone for the group. He told us stories of particular places and people in history to give us a bit of a background of where we were. He also did his best to help and accommodate people in the group if they had specific requests. I would say he was a fun and caring leader to have during the week.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I wouldn't say it's a beginners level, but if you're reasonably fit, you can do this trip. I hesitated to book it at first not being sure I was up for the challenge, but I'm very glad I did. I can see why it is so popular! I would say to for sure have hiking poles unless you know you don't need them. Not only do they help the joints, they also provide stability at some parts. The pace is leisurely but sometimes certain sections could also be a bit challenging. Regarding the latter, you're stronger than you think and by the end of the week, you become a real mountain goat! I would also mention that the summer months may be a bit too hot for some. I went end May/early June and it was a perfect time to go weather-wise.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me it was the cathedral at Monreale. Such beauty and skill. Some of the 'old ruins' were pretty awe inspiring too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Milena was great, really enthusiastic about her home island and very knowledgeable about the landscape.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a lot of steps! Also remember it is only a taste of Sicily, a tantalising glimpse.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing from sea level to 1000m + on the final day was really rewarding.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Junid was an extremely professional, helpful and knowledgeable group leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just enjoy it! The cycling on some days is at the more challenging end of moderate. However, I am not a regular cyclist, and I coped with the more challenging rides fine.

Most Inspirational Moment

Impossible to say, there are too many, but our first glimpse of Machu Picchu, indescribable in its beauty, size and location surrounded by stunning mountains and deep valleys would be one. Isla Genovesa, with its frigate birds, boobies, short-eared owls and huge density of birds and other wildlife would be another, together with. swimming in various locations with turtles, sea lions and stunning fish. including three hammerhead sharks (optional!). Mention must also be made of the waved albatross on Espanola courting, sitting on nests or flying along the cliffs, amazing..

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had three, in Peru, Quito and the Galapagos. All did an excellent job. Wilmer was warm, welcoming, enthusiatic and helpful as well as patient. Gloria in Quito again welcomed us warmly, was very knowledgable on the excellent tour and terrific in helping when one of our party injured themselves. Similarly David in the Galapagos gave us a terrific tour. He is both very knowledgable and passionate about the islands and their unique wildlife. He ran efficiently to time without ever rushing us and worked well with the captain and crew of the Cahalote. When snorkelling, with the help of the Panga drivers, he guided us well and ensured our safety. Because we were with David for a week on the boat he wins the prize but we cannot find fault in any of our guides.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't be surpised by the altitude in Cusco. Just take things slowly. If you don't do the one day Inca trail walk and the weather is O.K., go up to Macchu Picchu that afternoon. Expensive but well worth it. It is quieter in the afternoon and it then gives you two sessions to enjoy this astonishing place at your own pace. The morning tour is excellent but only covers a small area. If you snorkel in a swimming costume (i.e. not wet suit) be sure to wear a tee shirt - I didn't the first day, big mistake! Mastercard works at ATM's almost always, debit and visa cards often don't, especially in the Galapagos. Preferably make sure you have plenty of dlooars for tips, drinks and small souvenirs, cards etc. before you leave Quito or even better, Peru.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching a kettle of vultures (just looked up the collective noun!) circling around a hilltop while we stopped for our lunch. Or reaching a lovely little village hotel at the end of a walk just after a cloudburst where we dried off in the sunshine and sampled the local cider. Or sitting gazing out of the hotel restaurant window at the stunning mountain views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alvaro really is one of the best. Knew everyone's name by the first morning and took care to get them right ("Caroline or Carolyn?"). Really knowledgeable about his country and its history and clearly as enthusiastic about the area and the walking as we were. Unfailingly cheerful and helpful and a wonderful grasp of English and its idioms.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for all extremes of weather especially heat. Do the optional walk along the coast to Llanes on the free day if offered, and take a swimming cossie for a dip in the sea on the way.

Most Inspirational Moment

The boat trip to the blue lagoon and empty beach was delightful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alessandro was a fantastic guide. His passion for that part of Italy clearly showed in his knowledge and love for the area. He was a thoughtful, kind leader where nothing was too much trouble.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take more money than you think you might need as drinks more costly. There are very few flat parts to this cycle holiday. I do not feel the trip notes accurately reflected the hill.

Most Inspirational Moment

- The northern Estonian coast - Riding along the beach

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent! And excellent again!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with an open mind. Don't expect fine hotels - they are OK, comfortable and well situated. If you want 5 star this is not for you.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving at the beautiful shady camp after the first day's climb.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabulous. I felt safe with him. I really enjoyed hearing him talk about Morocco and his family and he took us for tea at his house which was a real privilege.