Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

First site of a tiger when we where just driving through Bandhavgarh NP.Taja Mahal was an amazing sight and experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He couldn't have been better. Arranging activities (indian weddings, cooking in the hotels) above and beyond the call of duty. Sympathetic beyond expectation when we were not seeing any tigers. Joining in your joy and amazement when you did. Handling what could have been a difficult situation with professionalism when the train to Delhi was delayed by 8 hours, he kept us fully informed of what was happening from the moment he new there could be a problem - 3 days prior to the delay.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A very full on tour, lots of early mornings, and long days of travelling. Do not expect any luxury on the trains, they are very basic with little privacy, but are an experience not to be missed. Tigers are a rarity to be seen and expect to spend alot of time on safari not seeing much especially tigers. But when you finally see one it is well worth the effort as you feel so privaledged to see such an amazing and elusive creature and to spend time with them.

Most Inspirational Moment

I was quite surprised by how awe inspired i was by Machupichu, its a place that you think you semi know prior to arrival as its been photographed so many times and plastered here there and everywhere, but being the last people walking in it at sun down was incredibly magical

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rene was natural charmer, managed to appease the groups uncertainties before we even knew we would have them, 10/10

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of Onapeia (excuse spelling!) was a high point in terms of views and the challenge of aiming for a summit. I equally enjoyed the off track routes dodging, or not!, the trees and overhanging branches through the forest. I had a birthday whilst on holiday and Ilse had noticed this and made an effort to make sure I felt special that day which was a lovely quite unexpected gesture.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ilse and Mary led the group. Mary's patience with technique coaching saw me get my first ski award. Ilse knows the area and local snow conditions better than the back of her hand and is a natural teacher inspiring confidence in the most fretful amateur. The morning warm ups are ridiculously fun, and worth the effort for jiggling aching muscles into action.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware that this is very much a centre that welcomes families and groups. If you want to have a quiet dinner for two, maybe book elsewhere, but we love the warm relaxed camaraderie of shared stories over the evening meal, comparing ever more exaggerated tales of the days events. Alcohol is expensive in Norway, there is opportunity to buy a beer at the lodge but you may want to consider calling into duty free before you leave the UK. You will need gaiters if you don't want boots full of melting powder snow. Take something to entertain you in the evening, if you're awake that long.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Treasury for the first time in Petra had to be the highlight of the trip. But Petra is so much more than just the Treasury it is also an amazing place to walk around in its own right. The first full day in Jerash was also a great surprise with the ancient city being discovered before our eyes. Oh and floating in the Dead Sea wasn't too bad either and sampling the local sweets, pastries and falafels.

Most Inspirational Moment

the long ride up to Nuwarya Ellya - classic challenging day with the most wonderful hotel at the end of it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Peter and his team - Ekanaike, Upali and Suresh. Great team work. Peter knows Sri Lanka like the back of his hand. Always chose different route etc and places to eat and stop to suit the group and the weather (we had lots of rain). Bikes well looked after by the rest of the team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There was lots of rain in November but apart from not taking as many photos with blue sky it did not spoil the trip very much. Trekking sandals best to bike in due to the hat and wet. Make sure your saddle is comfy - bring your own and bring chamois cream for the sore bits. Take your time. There may be faster cyclists than you - this was my first bike trip and I was at the back but never felt it was too hard.

Most Inspirational Moment

skiing all the way to Cortina  then exhausted bus back

Thoughts on Group Leader

Albert was superb given the diverse group we were with

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are a liittle bit fit before you go and take the deep heat

Most Inspirational Moment

Romania is a beautiful country and we will definitely be returning to explore more of its countryside and cultures.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cosmin was a very knowledgable and enthusiastic leader, keen to share his his knowledge of Romanian wildlife. He also interacted well with the group and was interested to learn from us as well as the other way around. Katarina's tour of Libearty was very interesting and touching - her personal involvement in the project made the trip special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take good quality binoculars for the bear hide trip and river trip. Take duct tape to mask the red light on your camera as the red light disturbs the bears at the hide. The bears also dislike bright colours - so dark clothing is required.

Most Inspirational Moment

I got up very early one morning and tackled the most arduous day of the holiday by myself.  Seeing the sun rise while bing totally alone but surrounded by all that natural grandeur and beauty was an experience I shall never forget.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ignacio (Nacho) was funny, considerate, well-informed, knowledgeable, and eager to communicate his love of the region to his little flock.  After I had my accident, he went out of his way to make sure that I had everything I needed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Tiop 1: If you have any kind of food intolerance or allergy, take your own supplies with you.  Exodus assured me that gluten intolerance wouldn't be a problem, but all they had done was alert the guide.  Fortunately, we found a supermarket that stocked gluten-free food; these are not common in Spain.  Without this, one morning I would have faced the prospect of eating raw tomatoes (only) for breakfast.Tip 2: a cycle route in Spain is not the same beast as a cycle route in the UK.  Think unmade up road, forest track, large loose boulders. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Halong bay

Thoughts on Group Leader

Amazing

Advice for Potential Travellers

Its cold in feb in the north!

Most Inspirational Moment

Gold Harbour on a sunny day with blue skies and mating elephant seals all over the place;  and Shackleton's grave

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent - the best we've had on 4 antarctic trips

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be on the first zodiac going to land, and one the last one back!  And take lots of sea-sickness tablets