Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Daily treks out of the Neltner Refuge into stunning mountains. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Hassan and Mohammed were excellent leaders and guides.  Very friendly, informative, helpful and supportive.  Very good at setting a pace appropriate for all members of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have good quality boots that allow crampons to be fitted to them.  Boots with good ankle support is, I think, essential.  Remember to include clothing appropriate for a layer system as even though you may be in a cold environment intially, you will quickly warm up once trekking in the sunshine.  Carry some antibiotics in case of travellers diahrroea.  I was ill only for a day but was glad I had some Ciprofloxacin to hand!  Make sure you drink plenty of water each day - aim for your urine to be clear (this may sound rather crude but it's an easy way of seeing how well hydrated you are).  Wet-wipes / toilet roll are good to pack for when you are at the gite and at the refuge.  I found having two trekking poles to be very helpful on ascent and descent.  The Neltner refuge can get quite busy and crowded but there is not too much to do there so make sure you bring some music to listen to / DVDs to watch if you have a means of watching them / playing cards / travel games / good books etc.  If you smoke then buy cigarettes in Imlil or Marrakech as you can't buy them at the refuge or in Armoud.  On your last night in Marrakech, ask the guides about the excellent Berber restauraunt not far from Djemaa al-Fna.

Most Inspirational Moment

Pompei.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader got the balance just right between organizing everything so we didn't have to, but not nannying us too much.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't miss the Cimberola gardens in Ravello on your rest day.

Most Inspirational Moment

All of the hill climbs!  Going down the Tizi-n-Test pass was terrifying but I was happy to make it through.  The long descent on day three or four into Tarfroute was awesome.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alex was a great group leader - very helpful, fun, and on top of everything.  No complaints!

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are a lot of long climbs on this - it would definitely have been helpful to practice hill climbs ahead of time.  Bring some warm clothes even in April.  Bring waterproof gear in case it rains!  I was nervous ahead of time about being on really busy roads, but for the most part there was not much traffic where we were riding, which was great.  When there is traffic, be careful, because there are some crazy drivers.  The first hotel we stayed in after leaving Marrakech was a bit bare bones, but they are all better after that.  Sometimes there is no hot water, but it's Morocco, so you just have to accept that, and most of the time there was hot water.

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing together on the edge, seemingly of the universe itself, at the Macchu Pichu site as the misty early morning clouds dissipated, gazing down at the Urubamba River far below and the many surrounding mountain peaks above was a truly awe-inspiring experience. Mother Earth put us all in our proper place.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour guide, Juan Cardenas of Cusc,o was an absolutely outstanding group leader. He was extremely knowledgeable about Peru's history, culture and current society, and has a wonderful way of working with a group to support, facilitate and harmonize. He constantly attended to our needs (health, technical, social etc) and was able to share his own personal and family experience of Peru in a way that was both genuine and uplifting. We all felt very fortunate to have such a talented guide on this legendary and intense tour of Peru.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not underestimate the effects of altitude sickness after cumulative exposure at 3000m+. If you aren't sure you can avoid it, take the medicines prescribed, stay well hydrated and don't over-exert yourself. This trip is too precious to waste time while you are on it recovering from unnecessary illness.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the huskies for the first time, feeling their excitement and joy and the fact that they were so friendly. Riding the sled through the snowy wilderness and marvelling at the incredible scenery, nothing but snow and trees for miles. Seeing the Northern Lights, if only faintly and briefly. The snow shoe walk on the Little Bear Trail was wonderful, so peaceful and remote.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eki was brilliant. It was the first time this trip had been run, with the 3 day husky sledding and he coped admirably with the complications of the numerous optional excursions he offered for the times we weren't with the huskies. The rest of the staff at Basecamp were also really friendly and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although beanie hats are supplied, I took my own warm hat, as on the husky ride your ears and neck can get really cold. Otherwise the thermals and other gear supplied were excellent. When first starting off with the huskies REMEMBER to keep your foot on the brake! To the amusement of my fellow sledders, I was a bit slow on the brake and for a moment both sled and I left the ground! Also try not to demolish the sled by wrapping it around a tree!

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved many things about the trip and it is hard to put my finger on one, i loved the walk on Korcula from the village of Pupnat to the town of Korcula; the breathtaking views while walking on the island of Mljet up to the peak of Montokuc; the day trip to Mostar was such a special experience and Dubrovnik... I was not disappointed...i found it as stunning as i'd heard it was...the view from the top of the hill (by cable car) and walking around the walls of the old town.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Krsto was fantastic, he was very knowledgeable and was never stuck for an answer with all the many questions we asked him. He knew so much about Croatia and its surroundings. He was extremely patient with us all, very kind and made sure everyone was included and enjoying themselves. He truly made my great holiday even better.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It was cold even though it was April, the evenings especially but even during the day, the wind was cold, except on the walks on the sunny days so take lots of layers and a jacket for the evening. The day in Mostar is worth the trip even though it is a 3hr drive there x 2, so don't let that put you off. Always have your camera available, the views and scenery are worth capturing. Take sunscreen even if it is not that hot...it was definitely needed on the sunny days. There are a few early morning starts so don't party the night away every night if you want to enjoy the next day.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the porters at work carrying their huge loads up the mountains made our efforts seem quite paltry as we were only carrying day rucksacks. Also, the cheerful attitude of our guides who could not have been more helpful in ensuring that we had a good time and all made it Everest Base Camp.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Pasang, could not have been a better leader. From the moment he met us at the airport until he left us there at the end he worked to ensure we all had a great time and achieved our goal. He was very observant noticing who may be feeling unwell and offering support and encouragement. His local knowledge and experience ensured that we still did the trip even with bad weather at Lukla preventing flights taking off for 2 days. Above all he was great fun and a central figure in ensuring that the group gelled as a team. Pasang's team of guides, Hymanda, Nima and Soraj, were also fantastic. They greeted everyone in the morning with some cheery words and a welcome hot drink and remained cheerful all day carrying bags for people who were unwell and keeping us all going at a sensible pace. A highlight of the trip was the end night party with the fantastic dancing and singing of the guides and the yakmen, Ratna and Tanzing, finishing off our holiday in great style.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't underestimate how hard this trip is especially in the last 3 days when sleeping at altitude becomes difficult. Pack lots of throat lozenges for the Khumbu cough and as many warm clothes as you can fit in your kitbag.Take an alternative bag to carry your kit on the way home, the kitbags take some beating on the yaks and some of ours were not in a fit state at the end of the holiday for the flight home.Be prepared for extra expense - we had to fly to Lukla by helicopter in order to complete the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

An experienced group leader, who prepared well. He had exactly the right balance of leading and supporting, helping the group to have an enjoyable week.

Most Inspirational Moment

I believe we found the Totukuji Temple (not sure correct spelling -  name)   in Kyoto - where the red gates wind up and up and up  the hill - with many steps leading up - to be absolutely spectactular. However I must say that the  Cherry Blossom trees that we saw in Tokyo - in various parks - were also fantastic.  I believe that this will remain an everlasting memory for me.  Could not stop taking photos of these.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I believe our leader did her best to accommodate the various needs of a diverse group.  She was casual in her approach in leading us which suited us. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do a lot of research on the major areas you visit - so you can plan your free days and just go and enjoy it. The weather in late March - April is also a little unpredictable - probably a lot colder than  we thought it would be -  we were glad of good coats - umbrellas needed at times - cheaply available everywhere.  We also made the most of every moment to the point of at times exhaustion.  But  you are only here for a short time so make the most of and enjoy it.   Also we found good cheap food in the Kyoto Station - where some locals ate.  Also in department stores - in food areas - fresh good and cheap with markdowns towards the closing times.  

Most Inspirational Moment

Trekking on the second day with the local guide behind Petra and then making our way down into Petra from on high; the usual route is not to be missed, but the views on the second day were exceptional - think Utah's Canyonlands with temples and tombs.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was interested and interesting, for he displayed courtesy and expertise throughout and his local knowledge was invaluable. In short he took good care of us and was good company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a camera!