Mediterranean Tours for Experienced Travelers

It was my first trip to India and it gave a great down to earth feel of what India is all about, chaotic traffic but safe even on a bike, with the guidance of the tour leader. The people who were extremely welcoming and helpful all of the time with no pushy sales techniques.

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

As advertised, this trip is hectic. Little time to stop and reflect Not all the locations are equally appealing, or necessary it seems to me eg Puerto Montt. Even so my trip was an extremely well organised whizz through a spectacular country. The landscapes in Atacama and the Paine national park are astounding. For those who like birds and wildlife it is wonderful. The Andes are a sight to behold. So it you are content to take the travel pain for the sake of a glimpse of a spectacular country, then go for it. I was. Despite drawbacks I don't regret it.

Our leader Sam was very efficient, knowledgeable kind and totally first class I did feel that the advertising of the trip was misleading as leisurely the trip was not ! Sam guided and encouraged us all and the mechanics, drivers plus second leader first class also. Unfortunately I had a very bad accident. Sam was so kind and helpful

Great trip with Raj… excellent caring guide… great itinerary and experiencing trains, tuktuks and pleasant minibus drivers…. India is just incredible.. I’m so happy I did this trip… learnt so much more about this amazing country.. don’t try to understand it but absorb it and learn 🙏