Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting up those hill climbs in Costa Rica! Admittedly, I'm not the fittest person, and my lack of cycling experience was not a great contributing factor. But I had so many positive vibes from everyone, and really enjoyed overcoming the challenging climbs (even if I did take a few moments to get off the bike and push it up the hill!)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto was absolutely fantastic. He is like a duck on water. He makes everything run so smoothly for not only the group, but for his tour team and the hotel staff. Yet it is evident that he is managing a thousand different things behind the scenes! He is very dedicated and passionate and became a really good mate. Also need to mention that the support crew (driver and mechanics) were amazing too. There were never issues with the bus, they helped with getting bikes up and down from the bus, and ensured our equipment was well maintained. They all possessed a great deal of patience, and I loved listening to them have a few good hearty laughs at he front of the bus on some of the long bus legs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring gloves! And a sweat band for your head would be a good idea too. There are a lot of rides where you are exposed to the blaring sun. Having sweat mixed with sunscreen drip into your eyes is not a pleasant experience! Don't worry if you are not cycle fit. There are some intimidatingly good cyclists in the group, but the support and encouragement you get from everyone will not make you feel inadequate! Also I'd highly recommend zip lining in Fortuna.

Most Inspirational Moment

party in Antonio's bar; totally unexpected, a very generous end to the first day showing us the produce and edible weeds in his garden, his home made wine etc and local cheese. Apart from that, the glorious views and the beautiful walk through Val Ferriere with its old papermills, iron workings and waterfalls.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent; very supportive, and nothing was too much trouble for Martin.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moments of our trip were Macchu Picchu, Amantani Island home stay, the floating reed islands, viewing the condors in Colca Canyon........and many more.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Aleks, our group leader, was passionate about his country and the people. He was an excellent guide. He was knowledgable, kind and someone who went out of his way to ensure that everyone was getting the best out of the trip. He was very caring when necessary and had a good sense of fun. We could not have asked for a better guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The coach journeys are long, so early nights to ensure you do not miss the spectacular scenery! The head torch could be essential for the home stay! We onlyX had a candle in the bedroom!

Most Inspirational Moment

At several locations, sitting quietly outside our lodge, and seeing the wildlife around us, without having to go and find it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

An excellent leader, well organised and with a wide knowledge of the birds and animals that we saw, as well as the country itself.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We took too much clothing for the 'cool' mountain locations, you can get by with just a few layers.

Most Inspirational Moment

I cannot pin point this to only 1 moment. Both of the walks to Mt Fitzroy and Towers of Paine were truly incredible. They are not easy but they are worth every single step as you are constantly surrounded by breath taking scenery! Also our visit to the Moreno Glacier was brilliant and we were lucky to see giant parts of the glacier falling into the water. The thunderous sounds were so impressive.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Xavier was a brilliant tour leader all the way through. Not only was he extremely passionate and knowledgeable he was also a lot of fun and kept us laughing throughout. Even on the long bus journeys he kept us smiling! He was also spot on with recommending the best wine to go with our dinner.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walks are not easy so I would really recommend making sure you have a good level of fitness before you travel. The first walk to Mt Fitzroy is a full days walk and is 21 kms and the walk in Torres Del Paine is 18 kms. There is quite a steep climb to reach both viewing points for about an hour or so but there is no rush and everyone went at their own pace. I recommend coming prepared with some entertainment for the long journeys. Although if you finish your book like I did the scenery you drive through never gets boring! If you like wine in the evening I recommend buying some in Argentina before you travel to the refuges in Torres Del Paine as it is really expensive there.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to choose from but the school visit has to be near the top of the list.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto and his team were true professionals and really made the trip run smoothly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just be aware of the heat especially whilst cycling. Coming from a UK winter was quite a contrast.

Most Inspirational Moment

Some of the highlights were all the sites in the sacred valley, the archaeological site of Raqchi and the condors in flight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader Aleks was excellent, his knowledge of the country and explanation of the sites visited and his attention to the well being of the group members was absolutely exceptional. His time keeping and daily preparation were very good. Thanks Aleks for such a wonderful trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

High Altitude Sickness which I was worried about prior to the journey turned out to be easily manageable due to the very sensible instructions we got from our group leader: breath more often, drink lots of water, cola tea and sweets (chocolate) and perhaps INKA Cola help enormously. You can also get tablets (Zerodol-P) in the Chemists once you are over there.

Most Inspirational Moment

Interesting tours of Historic sites. Cultural details and sights made the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

A great guide: always smiling and made the best of a snow storm on Mount Etna also dealing with other difficulties with ease. Giving out maps at every location with information to help. Always willing to talk further and well organised.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Busy trip with only a few hours to rest and for travellers who want to see and do.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling in to Na Trang in the middle of evening motorbike mayhem. It was a complete rush but yet very safe as Lee who acted as sweeper watched out for everyone

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was very patient and did an amazing job from early morning to late at night.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just Do it. Vietnam is an amazing country

Most Inspirational Moment

So many to choose from but probably the walk of the gods which ended in Positano and a swim in the beautiful if slightly chilly Mediterranean Sea.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Paul and Martin were excellent, full of enthusiasm and knowledge of the local area and considerate of peoples individual requirements.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't let the moment pass you by (Just go and enjoy)