Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

For me it was being in Herculaneum.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suzy went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure we were all happy (particularly in my case). She was on hand 24/7, always smiling, always making time for a chat regardless of her schedule. I struggled during the week with various issues and Suzy was an absolute rock, making arrangements to ensure I didn't miss out on anything.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't make my mistake and assume this is a strolling holiday with easy walks and lots of café breaks. This is a holiday for seasoned walkers!

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably the good nature of the pilgrims, it’s a tough walk some had been on the road for weeks, they were always friendly, willing to let us pass and wishing us a good trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danny and Alfonso were excellent, always positive, available and they offered first class support along the way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Having read the reviews of this trip regarding the grade of cycling before departing I got the impression that the grading was a bit complicated, some clients saying it was challenging and some saying it was moderate, so I was not sure what to expect. In truth It’s a little problematical as it comes down to a number of factors such as fitness, cycling ability and weather conditions. What is certain is that this is no simple moderate itinerary, there is too much variety in the cycling (climbs, off road, rough track, technical sections) but it’s also far from challenging the majority of the time (unless it rains all day) so the moderate/challenging grade is probably appropriate but in good weather closer to moderate than challenging.

Most Inspirational Moment

The entire trip was amazingly organized, the sites we visited were very special. Can't tell what was the best.

Thoughts on Group Leader

In addition to what I already said about our tour leader in the summary, she also gave us a ton of most interesting information regarding history of the place, cuisine, background, etc. Made walking easier and more fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you bring waterproof clothes and shoes. May come in handy !

Most Inspirational Moment

No single thing... Just loved every minute... Even in the rain!!! Loved Matera- such an unusual place and yet so sophisticated. Loved the farmhouse in Ostuni- such a quaint place Loved the wild flowers everywhere... Loved the trulli in Alberobello and the dinner on the last night to Marinella's friends' farmhouse - what a feast!! Lecce is definitely worth a visit and quite nice to have a day off from walking!

Thoughts on Group Leader

How many superlatives do I have space for? Incredible, friendly, funny, caring, organised, informative...I will miss her- Marinella absolutely made our holiday!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take walking poles Take a proper waterproof jacket

Most Inspirational Moment

I can see why the first view of Machu Pichu as you come through the sun Gate is often given as the stand out moment of the 4 day Ica Trail ... and it IS pretty amazing!! HOWEVER, there are two other key moments for me: 1: Reaching the summit of Dead Women's Peak. By lunchtime of the 2nd day ( after 4 hours of tough trek ) I was beginning to doubt my resolve in reaching the peak but after a good lunch and plenty of encouragement I pushed on to reach the top. Then of course there was still the 1 3/4 hr trek down the other side to camp ! 2: The afternoon of Day 3. Such marvellous views in glorious sun which was then rounded off by coming to camp looking out across the mountain tops ( and the back of Machu Pichu, in the distance ) and the clouds below

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wilmer was excellent. He gave us plenty of information while in Cusco to prepare for the main Inca trek. He had a great manner - a good balance of informal / friendly / informative. He made sure that everything ran smoothly at each campsite and with the porters and was always able to provide detailed information on not just the Inca history ( and various sites that we came to on the trek ) but also flora and fauna. His English was very good and he was supportive of those of us not charging on at the front of the group !

Advice for Potential Travellers

Firstly. TAKE trekking poles. Not only do they ease the impact on your knees but they offer confidence when coming up and down the big stone steps of the trail ( which are far from even and could easily lead to trips or falls ) Secondly. GO FOR IT. I am only moderately fit and completing the trail was a huge sense of achievement. I did do some longer trek practise in UK and that was useful as you are walking for long periods each day. Mosquito repellent: There was me thinking this was only needed for the amazon but the little blighters are around on the Inca trail as well !

Most Inspirational Moment

Handling the climbs - I was a bit worried about those beforehand as I've never been on a cycling holiday before and don't go out with a cycling club at home

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent leader, very patient and attentive.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go for it .

Most Inspirational Moment

The first days cycling with fantastic views of the Dolomites and the final walking tour of venice.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michelle was first class. Gave 110% from the moment he met us at the airport to the last day of the trip. Although leading a large group he managed to ensure his approach was person centred. Organised excellent group meals (lunch and dinner), ensuring we were fully briefed on the local delicacies on the menu. Extremely competent as a cycle leader ensuring 100% safety on the the roads and cohesion of the group throughout the whole trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Nice relaxing trip, not too arduous so don't worry unnecessarily if you feel you are not fit enough.

Most Inspirational Moment

Tha dragon house at the highest point of the island.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Perfect for the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many inspirational moments from climbing my last hill - my legs insisted I start there - to the complete effort by Raluca & Radu to show us 'their Romania' and trying to help us understand the complex 1000 year history of Transylvania and the effects of Communism on the whole of the country from 1947 to 1990.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Radu was our principal leader in that he was 'on the ground' day by day. He was very professional but with a twinkle in his eye, very knowledgeable about the area and his English is very good. Raluca as one of the principle architects of the Cycle Romania experience, was along on this first trip to make certain all the logistics were covered. Her passion for her country, her historical comment & her never shying away from tough questions were most appreciated. For some of our fellow travellers her inability to create - magically - wifi where none existed or a hair dryer - a must it seemed for some - might have been a problem but for me these were non issues. She did a great job.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You will be travelling in rural villages in beautiful countryside. Roll with the punches and look for the positives. You'll be back to the 'necessities' of your world soon.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of the mountain will certainly be something I won't forget.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was very hospitable and was very funny to be around, he also made the group feel safe