Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to say - there were so many great moments! I loved being there in spring and loved the variety of the different places we visited from the contrasting cities of Kyoto and Tokyo to the days in the mountain towns with the outdoor pool at the Onsen a special highlight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Akemi was great - nothing was too much trouble and she organised everything very efficiently. She took us to a variety of places to eat so that we could experience different local foods and her spreadsheet to cope with all the different pricing and cash involved was amazing. She has a wonderful smile and an excellent personality for this demanding position.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would recommend some reading in advance of the tour as because the trip is all on public transport there is not a lot of opportunity to ask questions that are other than fairly superficial

Most Inspirational Moment

The group leader was perhaps the most inspirational part of the trip (which is high praise because it was such a great tour) because of her professionalism. She is a young woman who put her utmost into ensuring we all had a great time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Akemi was the best group leader i have had on a tour. She was clear and informative, very generous with her time, extremely well organised, and went out of her way to deal with any problem or answer any question. She created an excellent atmosphere in the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is quite a bit of walking, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. Having a light bag is very helpful.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra, Petra, Petra. It's a long walk from the entrance, down the Siq and to the Treasury, but the reward is worth it! The Treasury lit up by the morning sun is simply stunning and takes your breath away. Seeing it lit up in different colours at night was also a highlight of my trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Sami Itmeh was fantastic throughout. He was kind, funny, knowledgable and so so proud of his country and heritage. Our driver Khalid was also brilliant, making sure we were all ok, even though he didn't speak much English.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're looking at this trip and wondering if it's safe; if your friends and relative are joking about you being kidnapped by Isis/beheaded/becoming a Jihadi bride, DON'T LISTEN TO THEM! There is no trouble over there, I felt completely safe at all times, even more than I do at home (I live in London). The locals are proud of their country and it's tragic that so many are struggling because tourism has dropped by 75%. I even met one local who wanted Donald Trump to become the next US President because he thought he'd sort out a lot of the problems in the Middle East! Before going on this trip, I started to worry about what clothes to pack. There was so much conflicting advice on the internet - you can wear shorts, you can't wear shorts, you should keep your arms covered, you don't need to keep your arms covered. One even said you should keep your wrists, ankles and neck covered. I am a 35 year old woman and I wore 3/4 length trousers and short sleeved t-shirts everyday. I didn't notice anyone looking at me like I was dressed inappropriately and I never felt underdressed or uncomfortable. I carried a shirt with me everyday just in case, but I didn't wear it once.

Most Inspirational Moment

Completing a 74km ride, climbing the Llogara Pass at 1000m above sea level and not stopping on very steep inclines at 15%. Long 16km downhill rides. Stunning, beautiful mountain scenery. Meeting a great mix of folk who all got on well with no group nutter (unless it was me???) I hope to ride with some again.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Junid was a safe, quietly knowledgeable group leader who gave clear instructions. Who had the confidence to say enjoy your ride and not stopping to re-group every 30mins. His daily colour printed map of the route with km, elevations and inclines was superb. Junid was passionate about Albania and imparted information in a timely manner. He was a fit and skilful rider flitting from front to back to make sure we (at the back) were ok. He was always helpful, patient and considerate, working quietly away in the background to ensure we had a safe and enjoyable trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

1) Albania is not flat! Expect some pretty cheeky climbs. Some days yes the 'moderate' riding grade was entirely appropriate however other days and due to local conditions I would say it was occasionally to the tougher end of 'moderate' So one day started with an 14km potholed road (being re-built), road surface was variable from smooth tarmac to gravel bumpy track. Pretty steep sections that were >10% but only for short stretches. My hired bike was fine some had punctures and chain problems. I brought my own pedals / shoes and a softie gel seat - a blessing. 2) Pack some snacks/treats. Snacks are not common in Albania and after a 30km morning ride when you stop for a coffee to find it is 'only' coffee that can trigger a 'hangry' moment. Breakfasts were fine but basic, consisting of eggs, bread and cheese occasionally some cereal. (If your coeliac do bring your own) Lunch and dinner is simple with salads, breads, meat or fish. 3) I went in May... However pack for full Alpine weather. So yes... those thermals, gloves, waterproofs and certainly a jumper as it got pretty cold in the evening. Junid did say this was unusual weather - the worst in 5 years! 4) You ride on the right!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were two inspirational moments. The first was the moment on the Inca Trail when we walked through the Sun Gate and a truly splendid, totally unexpected, panoramic view of Machu Picchu came into sight for the first time. The second was watching a newly hatched turtle make its precarious way towards the sea in daylight with a Magnificent Frigate bird only a hundred metres away. Our group broke into spontaneous applause as it entered the sea while the bird missed out on an easy meal.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The Peruvian group leader was friendly, always available to impart his extensive knowledge of Inca culture and architecture, and was keen and unhurried in accompanying just three of us on the day walk up to the inca trail and the Sun Gate. The Galapagos group leader/naturalist was extremely enthusiastic and his knowledge of the wildlife and the geology of the islands was highly impressive. All day and every day he filled our time with walks and snorkeling to see every aspect of life on the islands and surrounding coastlines and at the end of the holiday copied all of his own videos and photos to each of the Group's memory sticks. This Group Leader was superb.

Advice for Potential Travellers

1. Take a spare memory stick for the Galapagos if there is any chance that your group leader is as good as the one we had. 2. Only pack essential things into one bag for the yacht around the Galapagos. Leave the rest on mainland Ecuador. 3. If you are reasonably fit then you must do the optional day walk up to the Inca trail and the Sun Gate for maximum impact on seeing Machu Picchu for the first time.

Most Inspirational Moment

Lovely day, hard slog, the summit superb experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hassan experience leader & humble man.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Mt Toubkal Climb, go for it !!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Aproaching the 'first dessert of my live' on a bike

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sammy has a great sense of humor. He also has a great way of collecting extra money for himself ; he asks 50euro per person for 'snacks' on the way. In this way he earns 30 euro per person. 30x16members = 480euro in a week. Comes with an extra 30euro 'tips' per person. Camel ride in the dessert was 4 times!! more expensive that was is seen as official. Guess who's getting the profit. Exotical : Sammy is a great fan of the sharia and explains this with passion why the istallation of this system shouls happen as quickly as possible. The walking led by Sammy in Petra, was perfect and impossible without him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Follow the leader , but don't be afraid to take own initiative. Going to the center of the capital for exemple. Instead of going to 'the best restaurant of jordan' , where Sammy gets some ....

Most Inspirational Moment

Whole group completing the Path of the Gods.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Severiano was excellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to pick, but the gentle, patient encouragement of Ali, our mechanic and experienced competitive cyclist, who more or less dragged us up the last hill, and made us feel like champions for finishing. The dynamics of the group, much enhanced by our group leader, made every shared experience a highlight in some way or another. We came away, each with a dozen new friends from around the globe.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Freddy was excellent. His depth of knowledge was vast, and imparted with a humour that made the facts more memorable. His outlook on the exciting future of Cuba at present, was measured, sensible and very informative. He 'shepherded us' brilliantly, providing appropriate warnings of, and then encouragement through the tougher cycling, and added to everyone's sense of accomplishment at the end of each day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Relax, and enjoy the ride. You will be well taken care of, all 'hitches' easily dealt with, and don't stress yourself about the speed or keeping up with the front riders. This is everyone's holiday to be enjoyed. Practically, some 'once daily' sunblock and some cool long sleeves if you can find them are useful. Also, give yourself a couple of extra days to see more of Havana if you can.

Most Inspirational Moment

see below

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eric Garcia was excellent and enthusiastic and took really good care of us. If dinner was not included, he gave us restaurant options and made reservations for those of us who wanted to go. He have us insights into daily life in Cuba which was so revealing. He shared his pride in being a Cuban. He knew the route and described it accurately and concisely. He let us bike at our own pace which is essential to me. Eric made sure everything was OK with us. I cannot say enough good things about him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring UV arm protectors. Keen sandals with cleat attachment and the pedals could be good (but a pricey investment). Cipro in case of stomach issues. Might want to bring t-shirts, pens to give away. A benedryl (anti-histamine) or over-the-counter steroid creme for heat rash.