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We had 2 Explore Leaders both were very knowledgable and helpful. But I think our Cambodian Leader was more experienced and this came across in his over all engagement with us

On this Explore trip, a friend and I travelled around Belize and popped into Guatemala. My friend had never done an organized tour like this before but had been curious to try one. She loved the way that the group quickly melded into a large family-type gathering of like minded people. I found Belize to be a small but interesting country, with its British roots and Caribbean influences. Most people know it for the scuba or snorkeling, but we ventured inland to hike and swim in a cooling waterfall, and to visit a 'baboon sanctuary' where howler monkeys let their voices be heard. We were able to explore and climb Mayan ruins and learn about the different cultures ... and how the winner was killed at the culmination of pok ta pok games!. Some of our group were avid bird watchers and a dawn boat ride at Crooked Tree was filled with wildlife, including sightings of a manatee and male green iguanas (who are actually orange during mating season). We did have a few days of very heavy rain at San Ignacio, but usually the rain fell while we were in the van moving from one place to another. Guatamala is Spanish speaking, with a more Latin American feel. We enjoyed being in the jungle at Tikal and on the lake at Flores, where the houses have decorative doors just asking to be photographed. We saw a toucan enjoying a breakfast of dates at the hotel, just outside the open air restaurant. Our final day together was spent on Caye Caulker. It was magical to be out on a boat, snorkeling with nurse sharks and watching the captain's "pet" jack fish follow him closely as he pointed out eels, lobster and colorful fish. It was a day that will stay in my memory as a perfect day. Our guide Tarik was informative and well organized. But most of all - Tarik was a lot of fun and could make the dullest drives a pleasure, as he read from his junior school book in the local dialect. Our group had people of varying ages and physical abilities, but Tarik managed to keep everybody in mind as we toured the Mayan sites. He had great recommendations and spent time getting to know each person a bit more over meals and during walks, or evening drinks.

This trip was really well run by our guide Bee and our driver Riyaan who were helpful, enthusiastic and fun. There was a very good mix of activities and choices which meant that we could opt out of the ones which were beyond us. The hotels were in general very good - we particularly liked Karoo Art Hotel in Barrydale and the Stellenbosch Hotel - but the Addo homestay was spoiled by the powerful external lights being on all night making our room almost like daylight (and we had to get up at 4.30). The hotel in our extended holiday in Victoria Falls, Pioneer Lodge, was flawless. We would not recommend the flights we took from (and return to) Manchester - both with Ethiopian Airlines. The route via Addis Ababa meant that we were travelling for more than 24 hours point to point and the food on the aircraft was generally very poor. Our flights on South Africa Airlines to Victoria Falls were very much better. We think the tour would be enhanced by one extra day in Cape Town.

First and foremost the success of this cycling holiday was down to the Leader LAM NGUYEN and his support , the back marker doubling up as mechanic and the bus support driver . We were without doubt in safe hands . We were kept fully informed as to what was happening during the day and the following day . Lam gave us written details each day in the format “Daily Ride Plans” This was so useful as there was a lot to take in , could refer to these when saving our ride on Strava and even now , a month after , I use when describing our holiday to friends. The hotels were all of a good and high standard The trip notes were very thorough giving lots of information The daily rides were planned well visiting many interesting places , giving us a good appreciation of the areas we were cycling and the distances cycled were good and achievable The bike that I had was good , just right for the roads we were travelling on ( I normally use a road bike but the mountain bike worked well) The stops during the ride were well thought out and worked well The snacks that were provided during the ride were excellent and plentiful During the rides Lam , the tour leader , stopped where necessary to give us more information at the right locations Also , importantly , many happy bushes were found !!! All in all a fantastic holiday in a fantastic Country

A most enjoyable trip. It was quite full on but thats OK for me. It was well organised. The ancient sites were amazing and brought to life by our very good leader Mohammed who told excellent stories which made it interesting. I was disappointed with the pollution we experienced on the Nile cruise, not just on the water but the diesel fumes from the many cruise ships which all seem to move at the same time. The train journey was an adventure as many people mention, but thankfully its only one night and it gave us plenty to talk about. Take dollars if you can, otherwise you need to take out thousands of (Egyptian) pounds from the cashpoints to cover all the extras.

Jordan did not disappoint. Having two full days in Petra allowed good exploration. This included a visit to little Petra. Make sure you go to the Monastery. It’s well worth all the steps. A night in Wadi Rum was enjoyable. Cold in December but plenty of blankets. No one had to use the communal tent. We were the only group at the camp. This may not always be the case. The optional camel ride is fun and I’d recommend it. The jeep rides are bumpy but again good fun and the only way to take in the vast scenery. Make sure you embrace the mud at the Dead Sea. The hotels were all very good. Buffet breakfasts. Food at Wadi Rum was particularly good. Restaurant meals for dinner were about 15 dinar (including drinks). Food good and plentiful. The bus was a little cramped for 15 of us but the driver was excellent and very safe. The guide was very good and passionate about his country. He knows everyone. Jordan felt very safe. An Explore representative meets you in the airport and takes you through immigration. We were lucky with good weather. Sunny and dry all week. Good group of people to share this experience with. I would definitely recommend this trip.