Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Friday spent in Funchal

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bruno was funny, experienced, knowledgable and helpful.  He had a lot of responsibility looking after people who hadn't ever walked in the moutains before.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Please read the details of the walks carefully and decide if it is suitable for you.  Remember to take into consideration the temperatures.  Don't forget to take a fruit knife as you nearly always take a pack lunch.  If you don't like changing accommodation every other day read the details carefully.

Most Inspirational Moment

The visit to Vesuvius, Pompei and Ercolano.

Most Inspirational Moment

In a trip filled with so many experiences, it seems churlish to pick just one.  So, I'll pick three and even that's difficult: cycling through the villages in the jungle meeting locals, visiting the family who live in the Exodus built house and sunset at Sigiriya rock.My daughter's favourite three were: visiting the turtle hatchery, going elephant riding and snorkelling in the Indian Ocean. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was brilliant.  He was very well informed and worked tirelessly to make sure our trip was a success.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If the elephant orphange trip is still just an option when you do this trip, take it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching dead woman's pass for me and other's was the highlight as the hours to reach it seemed relentless (then we remembered we had to go back down the other side)!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Filamina was very knowledgeable about all things Inca and was happy to share her culture with our group.  Everyone walked at their different pace, sometimes up front, othertimes at back or somewhere inbetween and either she or Davide made sure everyone was okay and not left behind.  Everything was very well organised and fell into place from the briefing the night before to our final night group meal in Cusco.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're not used to walking, then practice.  Some in our group (including me) had never really hiked before and although we all got through it, we weren't expecting it to be quite as challenging.  The altitude will hit you, not necessarily with altitude sickness but you will notice it so just stop, drink and take in the scenery.  Apart from minor headaches from some in our group, none of us really experienced altitude sickness.  Physically this was the hardest challenge many of us in our group had ever done.  Every day you will be climbing, then going down, then back up again.  It was a great experience and we were very lucky with the weather as I really can't imagine doing let alone enjoying this trip in the pouring rain.  Our group was fairly large at 14, and for the most part got along extremely well.  Lots of laughing in the dining tents at meal times and encouragement on the walk itself.  Toilet facilities are pretty basic, but we all got over the embarrasment fairly quickly.  Keep a sense of humour!Finally when reaching the Sun Gate, don't be suprised if you're a little underwhelmed.  It's not because Machu Pichu isn't stunning, it is and the scale of the site is breathtaking...but for me and others we were kind of relieved that all the hiking was nearly over (45-60mins away)!

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the view of Kang Yangtse from above Nimerling . Well worth the effort of the optional walk from camp .There were amazing views from the top of both high passes .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was great and gave us so much information about the area and the people and lots of information about Buddism . She always made sure everyone was well first thing in the morning and looked after us all throughout the day .

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want to walk in a little populated area then do this trip . You will be at altitude so take it easy in Leh and drink lots of water .

Most Inspirational Moment

The true story of the Giant Marmots gold.. told with all seriousness by our leader at Pragser Wildsee.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic - informative, knowledgable, entertaining - the complete package!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking poles might be advisable...

Most Inspirational Moment

So many of different kinds! Seeing the lepoard in its tree with its kill, an antelope, on the next branch. A cheetah trotting across the plains. Lions with their coats stained red from a recent kill. The colours of the birds. Visiting a medical clinic offering free health care to the local Masai

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chris was superb - extremely knowledgeable and very ready to share his knowledge with all of us. Equally willing to help us spot birds. A wonderful sense of humour shared by all 3 staff - especially when the hyena ran off with the bin! 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Head torch is essential.  The sleeping mats provided were exceptional - we had taken extra air beds but never needed them.  Heed the warnings about cold nights - they are cold!  remember it can rain!  Hot showers do not always materialise.

Most Inspirational Moment

The final day up to Lake Blanc was amazing and a wonderful experience. The views were stunning and the weather and company perfect.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Graham Hickman has a love for the mountains and a passion to share it that is obvious to everyone. His knowledge, wit and experience, together with a few little extra trips thrown in made this a special trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, double check everything you get told by the admin team, unfortunately the opinion of their accuracy was not high!

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved all of the walking, expecially the trip to Mount Vesuvius.  Took the additional trip to walk the rim which was unbelievable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader, Albert, was very knowledgable and everything ran smoothly.  He briefed us each evening with the agenda, pick up times etc for the next day.  He had a great sense of humour and made the walks very enjoyable.  He knew some great places to eat and drink in Amalfi also.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For this particular holiday it is important to have a good pair of walking shoes.  Also a micro towel would be good to take as we end a few of the walks on the beach.  Saves taking a bulky beach towel with you on the walks.  Most of the walks are around 9k, so not too far but there is quite a lot of climbing up and walking down, so if you have troublesome knees some walking poles would be beneficial! 

Most Inspirational Moment

It is difficult to pinpoint any one inspirational moment, it was all good! Maybe seeing the Indian Ocean for the first time.  The houseboat was a lovely way to relax as well, with some stunning scenery. The landscape and people were fabulous - there always was something interesting to look at. Varkala was a great place to end on as well.

Thoughts on Group Leader

All of them were very good. Shibu was excellent company on the day I was ill (due to a massive cold, not 'Delhi Belly'! and both Saffi and Joseph were excellent cyclists. Joseph in particular was very kind and patient!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be relatively fit....it is easy to think that this is a holiday, how tough can it be?...It wasn't that difficult and I don't cycle regularly, but I couldn't have done it without gym/spin sessions etc.  Even with that, I didn't bother cycling up Ooty Hill...gave it a go and then ended up walking, which was a slightly easier option! Be prepared to chat to people as you are cycling, especially motorcyclists...and the endless kids!