Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There are several contenders: watching the ceremony at sunset at the Sri Meenakshi Temple in Madurai;  the houseboat cruise; all aspects of the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race at Alappuzha (Alleppey) and sunrise at Kanyakumari - plus sunset at Varkala and the wild seas at Kovalam! I knew we were going to see the Sri Meenakshi Temple, but returning at sunset was memorable. Similarly I'd not realised we'd go to Kanyakumari to see sunrise over the end point of India. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Charls Gnanaraj was absolutely brilliant. He was unfailingly cheerful and helpful (even when monsoon conditions attempted to undermine the schedule). At the beginning of the holiday he checked out everyone's interests and found we shared a lot of things (eg photography, animals and birds, sights of interest, local culture, food, gin) - and also that we weren't interested in (eg gold jewellry). He was very sociable and also mindful of individual needs and preferences. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

The day walk in the tea plantations and jungle walk at Periyar Sanctuary require you to wear leech socks. They are necessary: there are lots of leeches. If you've got swollen feet due to the heat to start with, you'll never get leech socks AND normal socks into your boots. However leech socks and walking sandles (provided you don't mind getting them wet and muddy) are fine. I'd suggest not bothering to take walking shoes at all: stick with sandles.   

Most Inspirational Moment

Camping on the ridge above Phuyupatamarca was fabulous. Although this one of the rare times that we saw other campers it was idyllic to watch the sunset and rise over the mountains, whilst throwing an eye back to Mt Salcantay, where we'd come from. This is also a site which will always make me laugh- I got involuntarily up close and personal with a bunch of llamas, which was quite an experience!!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wilbert was a fun guide who was very knowledgeable about the history and culture of the Incas- and always up for a laugh!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do read the trip notes - if you like your comforts then enter this in the knowledge that there will be days without showering- but you are well looked after with daily bowls of hot water, if you want them.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing all the amazing holy sites spread across the whole country and realising the amount of effort and money the Soviet regime had expended in restoring them to something like their former glory.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dilshod, our tour guide was amazing.  His knowledge of the culture and history of his lovely country was encyclopaedic and almost made our guide book unnecessary.  He was friendly and helpful whenever we needed his support, which was quite often.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Check see if there are any upcoming festivals which might impact on your holiday dates, either positively or negatively.  Also, bear in mind that the 'average' temperatures in August are just that, average.  Be prepared for temperatures in the mid 30s Celsius and even higher in early August.  But the heat is a dry heat so it is quite bearable and makes for a great time!

Most Inspirational Moment

An awe-inspiring walk around the crater of vesuvius with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Friendly and engaging group leader, who did a great job on his first lead on the Amalfi coast.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Put your valuables into watertight containers on the walks, the weather is unpredictable and your phone/camera could be damaged.

Most Inspirational Moment

Denali grizzlies, glacier hiking, a wildlife cruise around Prince William Sound and flying over the Cook Inlet in a float plane all take some beating!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leaders were very well organised with the camping equipment and campfire cooking. They provided a nice variety of meals and opportunities to visit supermarkets when necessary. They were friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about Alaska and organised activities efficiently. There were a couple of long travelling days which they made comfortable by stopping off at viewpoints and short walk opportunities and they were happy to stop at any time for wildlife viewing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take advantage of the laundry facilities throughout the tour, take waterproof clothing, and a pair of binoculars and a good camera are a must!

Most Inspirational Moment

Each day was inspirational, you feel as of you are running out of superlatives to describe the views that appear as you climb into the mountains.  Hiking and camping in the countryside really does get you into the heart of the land, wild life encounters and spectacular scenery happen every day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Renee and her accomplice Catherine were amazing.  Nothing was too much trouble, they both went out of their way to ensure that everyone was having a superb holiday.  We all agreed that all the meals they effortlessly produced on a 2 ring burner were stupendous.  Breakfast, was often cooked, lunches were interesting and healthy and the dinners fulsome and creative.  Not a single day was repeated.  Both girls were fun and chatty, Renee in particular was a wealth of information about everything Rockie related! 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for cold!  There is no such thing as the wrong sort of weather, but without the right clothing you can be uncomfortable.  The nights and early mornings especially can be cold.  Layers, hats gloves, long-johns all required No real need to bring extra food as all kinds of trail snacks are provided and the meals are substantial.  Although the campsites are in the wild, there are frequent opportunities to shop on the way home from a days excursion. 2 weeks in a small tent may not be to everyone's taste, but except for 2 nights there are flush toilets and warm showers, so the "roughing it" aspect is fairly gentle. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting up ridiculously early to see a sunrise that didn't seem like it wanted to appear, then suddenly did so. The mountain tops peeked through the mist and cloud and set us up for a great final day of the trek.Having pretty much exclusive access to many deserted Inca sites on the way that Machu Picchu could almost have been a disappointment. It wasn't of course!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabricio seemed very laid back - almost too relaxed at first - but actually had everything under control and was very knowledgable about the Incas and the natural features, especially the plants of the cloud forest. He was joined by Edwin as assistant leader on the trek and he was brilliant - setting a really good pace for the group and always having an extra bit of information up his sleeve.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather can change within minutes and it rained a lot - even in the supposed dry season - so buying one of the cheap coloured ponchos was essential (we made a rainbow group). Lots of warm clothes for the evening and a good hat.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing a cheetah at such close range, she was just wandering by the side of the road.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Davis and his assistant Kenneth were brilliant. Their knowledge of the area, culture and wildlife were amazing!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure your camera is working correctly so you don't miss a shot.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing the mountain above the village and looking down on the Sorrento peninsula Naples and Vesuvius.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Christine was excellent, knowledgeable and welcoming. She had an enthusiasm for her subjects, was extremely well read and knew the local ways and problems, especially with transport to and from the village!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure your legs are ready for downward steps of 2 to 3 thousand in one day!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Amalfi coastline from the Walk of the Gods.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Christine was really good, spoke fluent Italian and seem to know half the locals. She's nice and friendly and managed the trip expertly.