Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Snowmobiling through the Finnish forest, taking my own team of huskies through the national park, skiing by floodlight, having a mini party in our quinzee, the staggering quiet and breathtaking beauty of the landscape.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Martti was brilliant. It's a big group and I'm sure we tried his patience at times but he was organised, clear and determined to make everything perfect for us. He worked incredibly hard, along with all the staff at Basecamp, and was friendly, approachable and had a good sense of humour. The experience and knowledge he passed on was great, we learnt new fascinating things all the time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Along with your own base layers I would recommend taking your own socks, hat and buff. The first two can be borrowed and the last purchased but it's nicer to have your own (and having your own hat makes you identifiable in pictures!). You only need one pair of shoes, which you can travel in and use for the evening. Budget for the activities not included, but the vast majority of it can go on your room bill or be paid by card at the various locations so you don't have to take much cash at all if you don't want to.

Most Inspirational Moment

Swimming in the pools at Ehlanzeni.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was not a good ambassador for South Africa. He knew little about the areas he was cycling in and he had little recent experience of the route. I don't mean that he got lost, but his expectations of the terrain was inaccurate and he had no knowledge of the sites nearby. He did not give adequate respect to our driver / cook and on a number of occasions took over the duties of his colleague with no adequate reason to do so. That said he was friendly to the guests and tried hard to make everyone feel included and to respond to their requests.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are a lot of long minibus transfers on this tour, and watch out for the actual length of the trip - you might find yourself home 2 days earlier than you expected to be.

Most Inspirational Moment

The visit to the Killing Fields and prison in Phnom Penh was the most moving moment. The Mekong Delta was a whirlwind of activity, vibrancy and colour which made an indelible impression on me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

IS was the best guide on any holiday I have been on. She inspired us with enthusiasm for all the areas we passed through, was a great cycle leader and sorted any problems we had, big or small.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get used to cycling a mountain bike.

Most Inspirational Moment

Descent from central Dalat mountains - 20 miles in cloud, heavy rain, with potholes negotiated at speed, past rushing waterfalls and slow Japanese cycle groups, it was such an exhilarating experience. Also 6-mile ascent of Hai Van Pass - fantastic views and sense of achievement. Hoi An – peaceful productive countryside, old town and favourite hotel of the trip (Hoi An Silk Village).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Danh Nguyen had a great sense of humour, and was aptly nicknamed 'the Happy Buddha' with an infectious laugh. He imparted his love for his country and great knowledge of history and culture to us, while being always professional and helpful throughout. Organised, unflappable, and with contacts everywhere, he really made the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For the best money exchange rate, buy currency when you arrive in Vietnam (ask your guide to recommend nearest bank/money changer) - much better rate than in UK. Don't over pack - laundry is very reasonable (organised by the Guide, not the hotels).

Most Inspirational Moment

Climb to Nuwara Elita was challenging (6 hours!) but awesome. Enjoyed Sigirya and final stop on beach near Galle was beautiful

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh is the hardest working leader I've ever met. He loves his country and has so many contacts en route. He secured deals for us and sent us home with gifts but above all he left us with a sense of Sri Lanka that made this a dream trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Dog-sledding on christmas day...perfect!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bjorn was excellent in every way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a pricey trip.I was tempted by all the extra optional activitites and spent more than £500 on these during the week.

Most Inspirational Moment

Enjoyed seeing the active Masaya volcano in Nicaragua, cycling by Lake Arenal, seeing toucans and sloths and (many) iguanas, beautiful boat trip to Red Frog beach in Bocas del Toro and an evening with cocktails by the beach in Las Lajas

Thoughts on Group Leader

Competent, managed border crossings with minimum fuss and got us all safely from A to B. The assistants and driver were, as ever, passionate about their country and great fun to be with

Advice for Potential Travellers

- Book Jeff (opposite the hotel) for your boat trip of choice in Bocas del Toro. He tailored a trip to exactly what we wanted and it was the best $20 we spent all holiday - Be prepared for rain (at least in December). At least it was mostly warm and didn't last for long but it rained every day. I wish I had packed a small travel hairdryer to dry my shoes - Take US$ in small denominations - there is no need to exchange money - everyone accepts US$ (though you will get change in local currency) - Food and drink are probably more expensive than you are expecting - you can easily spend $30 or more per day if you take lunch and dinner with a drink

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the sunrise on Mount Fitzroy.........or maybe hearing the thunderous cracks of the ice at Perito Moreno glacier. Very difficult to pick a single highlight.SFYUp

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great, Xavier was laid back but hit all the right spots, keeping the group working well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pay attention to the Trip Notes and don't underestimate what you are taking on.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the high point of Chapmans Peak Drive and seeing the road stretch seemingly endlessly before me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabulous. Helpful, friendly knowledgable, nothing was too much trouble.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack chamois cream! some long rides in the saddle.

Most Inspirational Moment

Old Kyoto by moonlight. The first glimpse of the golden Pavillion surrounded by exquisite autumnal trees.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had a young Japanese group leader. He made sure our travel arrangements ran smoothly which was appreciated. Taz also was very thoughtful about the dietary requirements of the vegetarians in the group and always made sure there was food they could eat. He introduced us to a range of Japanese experiences from street markets to beautiful parks and even karaoke! He was utterly reliable. We would, however have appreciated more detailed information about the attractions we viewed and the Japanese culture .

Advice for Potential Travellers

Layers of clothing as temperatures vary throughout the tour. Good shoes. A walking pole is not essential but a few of us found this helpful on the steep steps and some slopes.