Martin Long review 22 Sep 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
No real wow factors on this trip (I wasn't expecting any), just a very pleasant trip in a civilised easy going location. The tour leader (Ros) was excellent. Good at leading walks and sorting problems (hotel was changed on arrival!) to satisfaction of all present.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Probably go in the spring. Tour leader showed photos of when the flowers are out and it looked lovely. Scenery at this time of year is very dry and arid with little colour. Not really much chance to get in the sea on the trip so little down side that the sea would be colder in the spring.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Apart from spending money there, not really. But not a problem as North Cyprus is tourist based country.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very pleasant, although lot of travel (1.5 hr transfer from hotel to airport), all went smoothly whilst on the holiday. Demonstrates the importance of a good tour leader.
Daphne Steer review 10 Apr 2005
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The best part for me was the final day's walk where we finished with a paddle in the sea at Turtle Beach. I was impressed by the fact that all the walks were so varied - never the same type of scenery and all of it so beautiful!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't forget to take some tea bags! The accommodation was excellent and everything you needed was there but they did not provide any drinks in the rooms.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes I think it did benefit the locals, having local guides and transport made a big difference, they were all so friendly and knowledgeable. Also the recommendations to different restaurants were useful and meant we got a real taste of the local food etc. My only criticism (and it was not a major problem) would be that Giza our rep tried a little too hard to arrange the evenings out and when people didn't want what he had arranged (the evening with belly-dancing/music) he re-booked somewhere else but it was not very successful as they were not able to cope with such a large group at such short notice and it meant the holiday did not end on such a high note as it might have, I think this is a difficult thing as our group really bonded and were happy off on our own in small groups but of course other groups may need more direction.
4. Any other comments?
I had a fantastic holiday, it was my first holiday on my own since my husband died so I was a little apprehensive! I need not have been as everyone was very friendly and being on my own was never a problem. Overall I would give the holiday 4 stars, it was certainly memorable, overall I was very impressed with the quality and organisation and will certainly travel with you again - my only problem is deciding just which holiday to go on! I especially appreciated the efficient friendly service I experienced when I rang you. Big thank you to all concerned.
Hilary Allen review 10 Apr 2005
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The mountaintop castles: St Hilarion and Kyrenia, and the wild flowers at this time of year (early April). Also - the local guide was brilliant - so knowledgeable and interesting, he added an extra dimension to the experience, which made it very special. (All the group agreed with this.)
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Break in your walking boots and take a trekking pole - invaluable! Don't worry about taking drinking water - it is all provided on the way by the support vehicle .
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Minimal impact on the environment and had some very 'local' experiences, e.g. Turkish coffee in a remote house/cafe(?). Seemed to benefit local traders without becoming too intrusive.
Robert James Maclagan review 3 Apr 2005
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most memorable part was the final day - a long walk ( which stretched us) over beautiful countryside, followed by a gala evening.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take some walks at home prior to the holiday.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I believe this holiday benefited quite a few Turkish Cypriots because they received foreign currency and were given the opportunity to "sell" their picturesque & historic country. The local staff were most helpful and supportive.
4. Any other comments?
I grade this a **** holiday, which I will store for my grandchildren, should any appear on the scene! I am grateful to your Company for providing me (and others) with such a lovely Eastertime.
