Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There was the moment when we heard a choir singing the most transcendent Armenian sacred music in a chapel carved out of rock at the Geghard Monastery. That was my moment for Armenia. In Georgia the moment would have to be the walk up from Stepantsminda to Holy Trinity church and the view over the High Caucasus mountains.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Armenia: Rafik Santrosyan - a brilliant young man who really enriched our experience throughout the trip. He gave us fascinating and often hilarious insights into all aspects of Armenian history, politics, language and culture and kept us all entertained and fully briefed and informed all the time we were with him. Georgia: Anna Koriphadze - a very different personality but wonderfully thorough, conscientious and reliable. She was highly organised and took great pains to help us with all kinds of things throughout the time we were with her in Georgia. She kept us very well informed throughout the trip and was excellent in ensuring that we were safe at all times. I would very highly commend both these guides.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take some good walking shoes or trainers. Do spend as much time as possible on your free evenings exploring Yerevan and Tbilisi by foot. There is a huge amount to see in both cities.

Most Inspirational Moment

Wonderful moments in shady spots alongside the waterways, after hiking up the hot hillsides. Seeing the beautiful oleanders growing wild, so much colour in the landscape. The friendliness of the locals. Roman columns left half-carved in the marble quarry, exposed for 2,000 years.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cecile is delightful and very very energetic.

Most Inspirational Moment

I'll share three with you, all slightly different.... 1) Swimming in the waterfall at La Fortuna, after a long walk down the steps to get there. The refreshing water was certainly welcomed after the humid day! 2) Sloths - Spotting a sloth with her baby clinging on (for dear life it seemed!) slowly moving from tree to tree. The second sloth encounter at the side of the road as we were driving past was just a fantastic sight and one we were so lucky to see. 3) The beaches - Although the beach at Tortuguero was not the most picturesque with its black sand, it was still a beautiful sight and only a stones throw away from the village. It was also lovely to spend a couple of hours at the beach at Manuel Antonio with its white sand and crystal clear waters.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gustavo was very knowledgeable about everything! Plants, birds, wildlife, you name it and he could give us some information about it! Anything he didn't know he looked up as he was so keen to please and ensure we had an answer. Gustavo was always very professional and wanted to make sure everyone enjoyed the trip. He arranged some very nice meals at local restaurants and even ensured we got back to watch the Olympics opening ceremony in San Jose on our last day!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Costa Rica is certainly not a cheap country but do not worry about taking local currency. Take a lot of US Dollars and you will be given the change in local currency (Colones). Even in the markets, stallholders were able to quote prices in and accept US Dollars. Just be sure to find the ATMs that dispense Dollars as not all do! It is a very hot and humid country, particularly in the cloud forest and rainforest regions. I only wore my waterproof a couple of times, preferring in these areas to wear a cheap plastic poncho to cover my rucksack, camera and me. A small umbrella also wouldn't go amiss! I went in the 'wet season' and as such we did have a fair amount of rain. Luckily this was usually confined to times when we were on the bus, or of an afternoon or evening when we had reached our hotel or lodge. However you might wish to carry a poncho or small umbrella with you at all times as the rain does come in quickly! You do spend a reasonable amount of time on the bus. It is air conditioned and has wifi however! The travelling time is broken up with lots of stops so keep your camera handy in case your leader spots some elusive wildlife en route! Food is good to excellent - some places it is a set menu, others you order from a small choice and a couple of places have a buffet. No-one will starve but you may need to be a little flexible if the set meal is not to your liking. Most hotels have a laundry service and have a speedy turnaround (often drop off before 8am means return by 5pm). Check whether the cost is per item or per bag as we got stung with a $15 bill for 4 items as the charge was per bag!

Most Inspirational Moment

their are many but having lunch on the terraces at pinchaunuyoc absolutely stunning , lunch and seeing condors at parador abra san juan. valentine and achillies prepared the most amazing food. every day something different macho picchu

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rolando saico excellent new his country and the history of the sites has a real passion for his country . this really came across then speaking with him. nothing was to much trouble. made the difference of this being not a good holiday but a brilliant holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

if your thinking about this trip do it now . I thin with new infrastructure going on this trail is going to get a whole lot busier. insect repellent don't forget it. their not about most of the time, but make up for it when they are.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many to mention. The sunrise at Dune 45, seeing the Milky Way and shooting stars at night, for me the flight over the desert. But the waterhole in Etosho was undoubtedly the most special thing for me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ronney was our leader and he was a star. Unflustered, level headed, knowledgable, great with the kids. He took all the hassle out of the trip and enabled us all to just follow and have a holiday. Jonas was the cook and I've already mentioned his culinary skills. He was also a really lovely guy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There was a cold snap just as we arrived. Temperatures were really cold. Make sure you have enough cold weather gear. We did - just about. Be prepared to relax and be led. Not everything is going to be perfect but it was invariably good enough. The less polished bits are part of the adventure. Bring a light for inside your tent. Prepared to be dusty and dirty and don't overpack. Bring lots of moisturiser - it's really dry in August.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of the Col Ferret in a snow storm was a highlight for me, and watching the clouds clear as we descended the other side. Actually, making it to the top of all the cols we climbed was pretty impressive! But most inspiring for me was meeting the other people in my group. There was only 5 of us but we all got along really well and each one was an inspiration to me in different ways!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Frank was brilliant. He knows the TMB so well having done it many times. He was very thorough in advising us what to expect each day and understood the ability of our group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't under estimate this trek - it is challenging! There are some big ascents and descents so fitness is important. It is worth getting a few practise walks in before you go. Be prepared for all sorts of weather. We got a bit of everything! Sun, rain and snow. Take layers and a good waterproof. I would also recommend a good pair of walking boots with ankle support as some of the trails are rocky.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention. I loved all of the walks and in particular the decent into Les Chapieux via the brand new path. Tons of butterflies and marmots to gawp at. The breathtaking view from the Grand Col Ferret, as well as the rewarding scenery at the top of Brevent after the demanding ascent on the last walking day were also favourites. The cable car on day 7 to see the views of Mont Blanc and surroundings were incredible.

Thoughts on Group Leader

John was amazing - the best mountain leader I've experienced. I learnt so much and the pace he set, particularly for the steep ascents, meant that our legs could withstand the full tour, without too much strain. I personally was pleased to find that I didn't find it as challenging as I thought I would and I think that was mainly due to the 'fairy-steps' approach we used when ascending and descending. He offered extra challenges for those who were keen and I will try and always remember the 'Tent Commandments' - our invaluable group/John-led 'rules' for hiking. He always kept good humour and his knowledge of the mountains, rocks and trees was brilliant. Clare, the campsite leader was so lovely, as was her cooking! Brilliant and creative cooking, as well as huge amounts of patience and composure - especially when the heavens opened frequently during the evenings. John and Clare are a brilliant team and I can't thank them enough.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Use walking poles. I never had before and I definitely needed them on the descents. Get as fit as you can prior to the trip. Bring lots of Compede just in case. A lightweight umbrella is useful in the campsites. Anti-bac too. If you like to eat protein bars on a hike, bring them from home as they are much more expensive on the tour (as as is Compede). Waterproofs obviously. For me, bringing a map and going over what we'd done every night, was really rewarding. Highlights in camp were the endless games of UNO, Monopololy Deal and other card games. Lots of laughter and camoraderie when the weather wasn't so great.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our favourite day was Ankor Wat by mountain bike, but we were particularly struck by the warm, gentle nature of the Cambodian people throughout our time there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kim was absolutely fantastic - a wonderful person and great ambassador for his country and culture. Ant in Bangkok and Nuan in Vietnam both deserve mention.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hiking up to the summit at Lineham Ridge in Waterton Lakes national park towards the end of the hike - the most breathtaking view, and it just our group at the top! We stopped to have lunch at the summit and I was completely lost for words. Definitely one of the most memorable moments of our trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mac was the best leader! You'll be lucky if you have Mac or M.P with you on the trip - they really worked hard to make sure everyone was looked after. Mac cooked us a different delicious breakfast almost every morning, and there was also always a really fantastic vegetarian option for me. He was a passionate guide and always considerate of each person in the group, making sure we all felt comfortable on the hikes. I couldn't fault the guides, they really made the trip!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack insect repellant and sun cream, and make sure you remember a warm jacket for the evenings and early mornings. Plastic bags are also really useful for damp or wet clothing, and for packing the lunch boxes in your backpack. I also wished I had brought some waterproof trousers for when it rained while we were in the middle of a hike, but they're not absolutely essential. The guides do a fantastic job of looking after you, and there are outdoor stores at regular intervals if you need or forget anything.

Most Inspirational Moment

The camaraderie of the group we traveled with made every moment one to remember. We went to see the country and experience the culture and by cycling we certainly did that by getting into some of the more remote areas.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was very good, He made sure everyone was aware of the day's plans, any potential hazards or problems. We learnt about daily life in Cuba, past and present. He was also very quick to resolve a couple of medical situations that arose. Praise must also go to the support staff, who probably don't get the same recognition as the group leader. With out them he would not be able to do his job. On our trip both Jerado (passenger driver) and Ariel (cycle bus driver) contributed in a major way. Ariel also taught us all to dance. We would like to see that the support staff get the opportunity for appraisal alongside the group leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Consider the heat factor in your preparation. There will be some very proficient cyclists but don't be deterred if you feel you aren't an experienced cyclist as the support is always there. Be aware that although the accommodation is satisfactory you will encounter less than satisfactory sanitary conditions, so take appropriate action. Go with an open mind and you will love it.