Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The highlight for me was, of course, the magnificent building called The Treasury in Petra. I suspect that building is the highlight for just about everyone. I always find travelling more inspiring when I can combine the sites with cycling and hiking as the itinerary of this trip allowed.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our local group leader was ill-suited to his job, but we didn't let him get in the way of our enjoying the sites, tastes and sounds of Jordan. I think, though, that I was the only one of our group who enjoyed the sound of the call to prayer five times a day, even when it woke me up before dawn.

Most Inspirational Moment

When Zuhair our guide had us line up along the dark, narrow canyon wall in order to witness the dramatic splendor of of the shining facade of the treasury at Petra.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zuhair was everything I could hope for, informative, entertaining and attentive to individual needs. His historical perspective and anecdotal memories helped make our bus rides fly by. After all, we were there to cycle and he made sure we were well fed and hydrated. When one of our group had an accident that called for being checked by medical professionals he was rushed to the hospital nearest our destination and Zuhair kept us apprised and that was appreciated. To our collective relief he was discharged and able to rejoin us and resume that evening.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring extra layers because the temperatures can vary and on the bikes we don't always have access to our main luggage. Personally, I would have had a better experience if I had packed a wetsuit for snorkeling the Red Sea.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through the winding roads between vivid green tea plantations Dusk viewed through the tracery of Kochi's fishing nets Lunch on the family terrace in Kochi The general Indian assault of colour and light The genuine sense of welcome from schoolkids and passers by

Thoughts on Group Leader

Joseph/Shibu (not forgetting Harry the driver) were all lovely Calm, assiduous and unfailingly patient and courteous - in what could have been a v stressful and dangerous context (some of this cycling is really quite dangerous if you cease to concentrate for the wrong moment!) The one thing that was really lacking was the cultural/historical input And quite reasonably, Joseph/Shibu cannot be good at everything However, the 2/3 one off guides hired to do this in situ were all terrible - the one in Mysore took a 10 minute call to sell carpets in the middle of our Palace tour, another local guide outside Mysore at the temple was incomprehensible This could I imagine be easily sorted with some better on the spot recruitment

Advice for Potential Travellers

You WILL get ill (unless perhaps you are a v seasoned Indian traveller) Pace yrself as the combination of cycling and heat and illness can be difficult

Most Inspirational Moment

The visit to the Sloth Sanctuary where we we given a brilliant talk on the sloth. Seeing sloths in the wild, seeing the Quetzal in Savegre Cloud Forest, getting close to the birdlife on the waterways of Tortuguero.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gustavo was a friendly yet professional leader. His English was excellent and his enthusiasm and knowledge of his country and the wildlife unsurpassed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

All our group flew out the a day early on the direct BA flight. It avoided travelling through the USA and gave you time to recover from the flight and do a local tour. We just took US dollars which were accepted everywhere. The food and drink not included were quite expensive The trip notes accurately reflect the prices. None of the walks were too physically challenging although the heat and humidity were challenging at times. Insect repellent and sun screen a must.

Most Inspirational Moment

First glimpse of the Treasury at petra

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very knowledgeable and keen to help wherever possible.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do see Jordan-it is a safe and welcoming country, and currently visitor numbers are 70% down on earlier years, so you almost have the country to yourself!

Most Inspirational Moment

This trip excelled because Elly, our archaeology guide stayed with us throughout and the depth of her knowledge was amazing. She made this trip with her explanations and dedication.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lovely lady who worked constantly throughout and was very efficient in every way. Helpful and dependent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The only criticism l have is that the flights at both ends of the trip made it necessary for me to book hotels at both ends in Heathrow and having to check in at 5 am does not start a holiday well. I was too tired to enjoy our first day in Athens.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were two: Halong Bay was such an amazing experience, I didn't know too much about before my trip, but it was breathtaking. Secondly, the vibrant colours of the night time lantern displays in the super resort of Hoi An were a sight to behold, a photographers dream.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Cong, was brilliant. He was so enthusiastic and caring, nothing was too much trouble. He certainly educated me on currant & past Vietnam.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't expect a relaxing holiday lazing around! This is a full-on trip, with a huge amount of variety to experience every single day. There are some free afternoons, but mostly you're on the go.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walk of the Gods down to Postitano - for me the longest and hardest day, but worth it for the fabulous views. Vesuvius, Pompeii and Ravello - this is a well thought out trip and not a moment of it is wasted.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Severio couldn't have been better, thoughtful, warm and inclusive of the group, knowledgeable of the area, and good to have at the helm.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking poles, and a good level of fitness. The walks are not long, but the terrain definitely makes them more difficult.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling 10km up HaiVan Pass as well as completing the challenge of cycling 100km on 2 separate occasions, visiting Halong Bay including the overnight stay was just superb

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our Group Leader, Mr Linh Vo did an exceptional job. Leading a group of 14 people from the England, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand with their different cultural and social backgrounds is always going to have its challenges especially keeping all the people happy all the time!! I wouldn't care to do it! Linh managed the group extremely well, was very patient, informative, funny, organised and dealt with the inevitable individual person's concerns as best he could and appeared to resolve them. I'd be very happy to recommend him to anyone going on a tour to Vietnam in the future.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Accept the challenges that are part of these types of active, busy holidays with their full daily schedule. The mix of physical activity and exploring the countryside on a bike and in the bus allows you to see how the people live, observe how the country is developing and learn about the associated culture makes for really positive life experience

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching Everest Basecamp was very special, and a life long dream. However for me climbing to the summit of Kala Patther whilst the sun was coming up over Everest was even more special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Tenzi and his team were incredible. They thought of our every need before we did. Nothing was too much trouble for them. They did everything with a smile and were very attentive to making sure we were all ok. Incredible people - thank you!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take lots of warm clothes if you are going early in the season. Also some gaiters. A number of good base layers is handy. A portable battery charger is really handy too. Favtor 50 sunscreen is a must!