Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top on day 2 and making an offering to the gods was really special especially as I really struggled with the altitude . So it was great that our group leader had waited and didn't rush us and allowed us to have this special moment. Obviously being in Machu pichu was very special too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Smithy was really lovely and his partner Xavier was an absolute star. He was so patient when I struggled with the altitude. Only comment I would add is as we were slow we sometimes missed out on the commentary but his knowledge was incredible and so passionate about his country and its wonderful historical sites.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you follow the fitness guide and bring warm clothes.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top on day 2 and making an offering to the gods was really special especially as I really struggled with the altitude . So it was great that our group leader had waited and didn't rush us and allowed us to have this special moment. Obviously being in Machu pichu was very special too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Smithy was really lovely and his partner Xavier was an absolute star. He was so patient when I struggled with the altitude. Only comment I would add is as we were slow we sometimes missed out on the commentary but his knowledge was incredible and so passionate about his country and its wonderful historical sites.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you follow the fitness guide and bring warm clothes.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving at the airport in Pisa to a welcome and then meeting others in the group. I knew it would be a good week. Looking down on Florence from the car park enjoying good food, wine and company

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader Mark was well organised, knowledgeable and made everything interesting and great fun. his attention to detail was second to none and he knew where to find the best coffee, cakes, wine, ice cream everywhere we went!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walking is not flat so be prepared to walk up and down hills! Mosquitos and insects abound, so some insect repellant and bit cream is a must! A liking for red wine and good food certainly helps, as does enjoying breakfast outside looking over the beautiful Tuscan hills.

Most Inspirational Moment

Going up mount Etna, an optional extra but well worth it! Going to buy lunch in the local market was a great experience and visiting the different producers was very interesting. The Etna wine tasting with food pairings was really fun. There were so many great bits, it's hard to pick only one!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rosario was very good! Got us from a-b, fed and watered us. He was very knowledgeable about the local areas and answered any questions or querys with the patience of a saint! What more could you ask for :)

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a larger suitcase or sacrificial clothes! There was so many things we wanted to bring home. Nothing too unwieldly though, as there was a few short walks to some of the hotels with some uneven surfaces.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the wide expanse of the mountains and the family run hotel in berchules was just perfect, the staff could not do enough, so friendly and lots of lovely home made food. Granada is a wonderful city to explore, churches and Alhambra amazing

Thoughts on Group Leader

Knew the mountains well

Advice for Potential Travellers

Many of the walks involve rivers and river crossings, so waterproof boots and some agility needed. Food is very plentiful so be hungry! Well worth extending stay in Granada we stayed in same hotel. Perfect

Most Inspirational Moment

Making it to base camp

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for night time climbing

Most Inspirational Moment

hiking the Walk of the Gods and seeing thr incredible views down to the Amalfi Coast.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eduardo is wonderful, he's funny and he made us all laugh. He knew everything about where we were going and everyone there.

Advice for Potential Travellers

go on this trip! bring hiking shoes or boots if you want to do the walks and hikes which I highly recommend

Most Inspirational Moment

Happy Jordanians singing on the tractor train

Thoughts on Group Leader

Good organiser who treated us all empathetically and could not have been more attentive and helpful. Some times didn’t allow enough free time at attractions. Very interesting to hear her family war experiences.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Beware of very slippery cobble stones.

Most Inspirational Moment

Homestay on Lake great opportunity to meet the community and learn how they are developing island

Advice for Potential Travellers

Presents for homestay, more options by bringing from UK and the thought is appreciated Our group had minor altitude impacts only, but if you are worried ask your GP for drugs in UK as the guides do not recommend buying locally. Having said that if you did get ill the local guides were great to arrange doctors to visit hotel.

Most Inspirational Moment

For both of us, the Langa township tour. The Democratic Alliance here in Cape Province (unlike the ANC in other parts of SA) is making a real difference to the lives of all the people starting from the bottom up with structured layers of building which provides incentive. We were impressed (nay, humbled) by the way people of all colours seem to be pulling together to advance the lot of all after the dreadful years of apartheid. Using two individual hand-picked locals found by our tour guide rather than just going to a tour sub-contractor again allowed us to get ' beneath the surface'. The passion they all showed was truly heartening and the lack of resentment, often commented on, was (again) humbling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Read the comments already given. In addition, Justin said he was 24 hours on duty for us. He had a chest infection needing medication but he didn't allow that to get him down or detract from his level of care to us. What more can we say? One in a million.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If Justin is your leader, listen carefully to all his advice e.g. 'Do not go on the Waterfall Trail in Tsitsikamma, it is too dangerous'. Be sensible - we aborted the Suspension Bridge walk in that park as we felt under-fit and too 'frail' to complete it - Take personal responsibility and don't end up embarrassing your Tour Leader. Go to South Africa with an open mind and this trip and this leader will open your eyes . We have had so much comment (starting with the taxi driver home from Heathrow) that 'You're one of the very few people who have come home with a positive view of South Africa; most people think it dangerous and going smartly downhill'. No preconceptions, please - If you go looking for the negative, you'll certainly find it in the poverty and the history; the future looks bright for SA to us provided the Democratic Alliance wins and the ANC go to the wall. There is enormous potential in this berautiful land and in the people.