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Reviews
An Unforgettable Adventure Cycling Across Costa Rica
We started our bike ride across Costa Rica with an add-on of a two-day white-water rafting trip on the Pacuare River. The rafting, food and overnight at the secluded Pacuare River Campsite with just the sounds of the birds, cicadas and howler monkeys was an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend.
After the rafting we started our cycling journey across Costa Rica. It was nothing short of spectacular. The routes chosen were a perfect mix of gravel and dirt roads. Many of the routes we followed took us off the beaten track which allowed us to truly appreciate the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Each day brought a new adventure, from biking along the ocean, to crossing rivers in small boats, to biking along quiet country roads and paths and of course, climbing hills. Every day brought a different challenge, and a wonderful sense of achievement at the end.
The logistics were handled seamlessly from start to finish - from the initial planning and logistics by Meghan and Trish to the accommodations, snacks and meals (some of the meals cooked by our amazing guide, Christopher). Christopher was an excellent guide – he was very knowledgeable and encouraging and was able to move quickly to a plan “b” if necessary.
I cannot recommend BikeHike and the Costa Rica Cycle Challenge enough to anyone looking for an adventure that combines physical challenge with the opportunity to connect with nature and some of the less travelled parts of Costa Rica.
We started our bike ride across Costa Rica with an add-on of a two-day white-water rafting trip on the Pacuare River. The rafting, food and overnight at the secluded Pacuare River Campsite with just the sounds of the birds, cicadas and howler monkeys was an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend.
After the rafting we started our cycling journey across Costa Rica. It was nothing short of spectacular. The routes chosen were a perfect mix of gravel and dirt roads. Many of the routes we followed took us off the beaten track which allowed us to truly appreciate the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Each day brought a new adventure, from biking along the ocean, to crossing rivers in small boats, to biking along quiet country roads and paths and of course, climbing hills. Every day brought a different challenge, and a wonderful sense of achievement at the end.
The logistics were handled seamlessly from start to finish - from the initial planning and logistics by Meghan and Trish to the accommodations, snacks and meals (some of the meals cooked by our amazing guide, Christopher). Christopher was an excellent guide – he was very knowledgeable and encouraging and was able to move quickly to a plan “b” if necessary.
I cannot recommend BikeHike and the Costa Rica Cycle Challenge enough to anyone looking for an adventure that combines physical challenge with the opportunity to connect with nature and some of the less travelled parts of Costa Rica.
Had the joy to work with Paul and team during our time in Vancouver this past summer for a private bike tour. If you have the opportunity to book with Into The Wild - you're in the best of hands. Top notch service and an unforgettable experience!!
Recently, we went on a ski trip to Manning Park, provided by Into the Wild, as a group of over 30 university students. It was absolutely amazing from start to finish. Our tour guide, Paul, with his easy-going and friendly disposition, instantly put everyone at ease. He was also very easy to talk to, and any last-minute changes were not a problem at all. Despite the size of our group, Paul effortlessly managed to create a warm and inclusive atmosphere, ensuring that each participant felt valued and looked after throughout the journey. Whether it was providing guidance on the slopes or offering assistance with equipment, Paul was always there to help. Highly recommend their services to anyone seeking a top-notch travel adventure! Our ski trip was an unforgettable adventure filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a cherished memories for all of us. Thank you Paul :)
Our GAA Club organized a club ski trip through Paul and his service was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we stepped onto the bus en route to Sun Peaks to the moment we landed home back in Vancouver, it was brilliant. If anyone is looking to organize a trip, Paul is your best option.
Our football team recently had the pleasure of going on a weekend ski/snowboard tour to Sun Peaks, led by the exceptional guide, Paul, from "Into the Wild." The entire experience was nothing short of incredible, and I feel compelled to share my positive experience with others.
From the outset, Paul showcased an unparalleled level of knowledge and professionalism throughout the tour. His expertise in guiding us through the ski tour, along with his attention to detail, made the entire trip seamless and enjoyable.
What truly sets "Into the Wild" apart is not just their ability to check all the boxes on paper for their professional competence, but the personal touches and geniune passion that they bring to the experience. It's evident that they go above and beyond to ensure every participant has an amazing time.
If you're seeking an adventure with a touch of excellence, knowledge, and passion, look no further than Into the Wild. They've truly set the bar high, and I can't recommend them enough.
Thank you Into the Wild for an unforgettable weekend!
From the outset, Paul showcased an unparalleled level of knowledge and professionalism throughout the tour. His expertise in guiding us through the ski tour, along with his attention to detail, made the entire trip seamless and enjoyable.
What truly sets "Into the Wild" apart is not just their ability to check all the boxes on paper for their professional competence, but the personal touches and geniune passion that they bring to the experience. It's evident that they go above and beyond to ensure every participant has an amazing time.
If you're seeking an adventure with a touch of excellence, knowledge, and passion, look no further than Into the Wild. They've truly set the bar high, and I can't recommend them enough.
Thank you Into the Wild for an unforgettable weekend!
My wife and I are avid cyclists and have done over 25 trips across Europe, North America and Chile. We did our first trip with Randonnee (Great Explorations sister company for self guided trips) many years ago, and most recently did their Classic group trip in Turkey. We are hooked ! Their attention to detail, amazing routes, great accommodation and unrelenting focus on customer satisfaction is outstanding. What fabulous experiences, excellent value and great people ! We can’t recommend them more highly, and have already reserved our trips for 2024 😀.
I cannot give any higher recommendation to this company that I’ve used exclusively for all my vacations since 2019. I’ve been around the world with them and thoroughly appreciated all the excellent local resources they have from the friendly patient tour guides to the choices they make on how to spend our time. I enjoy the most doing the non-tourist things like what the locals do. My passion is cycling, so I almost always am riding road bikes or mountain bikes in Europe, Thailand & South America, but I’ve also kayaked and hiked and taken my daughter for her post college graduation trip. Not only will you have fun memorable times, but you’ll learn about the community too.
I recently returned from my first trip to Thailand and cannot say enough about the guides. They went above and beyond in my personal opinion, to help me. For example, I treated myself to some custom tailored clothing and after a long day, my guide stayed with me, late into the evening in my hotel lobby addressing the misunderstanding and miscommunication with the language barrier. I am extremely grateful and will use them again and again. They have totally earned my loyalty.
I recently returned from my first trip to Thailand and cannot say enough about the guides. They went above and beyond in my personal opinion, to help me. For example, I treated myself to some custom tailored clothing and after a long day, my guide stayed with me, late into the evening in my hotel lobby addressing the misunderstanding and miscommunication with the language barrier. I am extremely grateful and will use them again and again. They have totally earned my loyalty.
My wife and I, both in our mid-60s, just returned from Peru after completing the Classic Peru Adventure operated by BikeHike Adventures. We had a wonderful time. Great travel experience is always rooted in the people you meet. And the people were outstanding, from Megan and Trish in the office at BikeHike to Henry, Miguel, and Juan Carlos, our guides, to our drivers and all various folks we met in Peru. All were friendly and very helpful. The activities were just what we had hoped for, from the one-day Inca Trail hike to Maccu Piccu to ebiking the Peruvian backroads to kayaking on Lake Titicaca. There was just enough exercise but not too much. The visit to an indigenous school one day to cooking classes in Cuzco on another were equally enjoyable and memorable. The story of Peru is fascinating. And I don't want to forget our food. Our meals were always a treat. We loved it. Thanks so much BikeHike Adventures. 5-stars all around.
This company is truly amazing. My husband and I went on a trip with them 20 years ago for our honeymoon. We finally were able to go on another bike trip for our 20th anniversary. Best vacations we ever had. Our friends who are not bikers came with us and had an amazing time. The hotels are amazing with most having pools to swim in after riding, meals are yummy. Plan to go again soon.
OH MY! I wanted to travel and bike to a totally foreign culture where religion, people, food, livelihood, and geography would expand my perspectives on the world and the Great Explorations biking trip to Morocco delivered BIG TIME! The biggest souvenir was the people - in the midst of the aftermath of an earthquake ALL of the people were kind, friendly, welcoming, inclusive and SO grateful that we came on our adventure (so many are dependent on tourism). I now know SO MUCH about Islam (Sunni and Shiites), North African and Moroccan history, and how there are many ways to make a living and connect with others in this world, all while biking the backroads of Moroccan deserts, mountains, high plateaus and coasts. It wouldn't have happened without the amazing work of our guides to connect us with knowledgable and stellar guides (history, culinary, Berber lunch...). Also, the attention the guides paid to our comfort and fit on our rented bicycles was constant and paid off.
And our guide performed magic card tricks! Did I mention that I so wanted to learn how to play Moroccan castannettes - and they got me a personalized lesson! It took me a while to get used to the A+ accommodations but I survived all of the tea, gourmet cuisine and swimming pools without too much guilt. Next bike trip - I'm going with Great Explorations.
Thank You. Molly
And our guide performed magic card tricks! Did I mention that I so wanted to learn how to play Moroccan castannettes - and they got me a personalized lesson! It took me a while to get used to the A+ accommodations but I survived all of the tea, gourmet cuisine and swimming pools without too much guilt. Next bike trip - I'm going with Great Explorations.
Thank You. Molly
My husband and I have enjoyed two self guided hiking trips with Randonnée in the last two years, one in the Dordogne Valley of France and then, this September, in Ireland. From start to finish, both trips were well organized and thought out with clear route instructions ( both print and electronic) and helpful area managers and guides to keep us on track! The accommodations are definitely a reason we used Randonnée a second time: every spot we have stayed has been awesome - charming, and authentic. Our biggest shout out goes to the Randonnée staff who are always available to answer your questions while preparing for the trip.
We would definitely use Randonnée again.
We would definitely use Randonnée again.
Thank you so much for your efforts at pulling together our privately guided 7 day trip to Greece. We are truly appreciative and had a wonderful, WONDERFUL time. Our guide Susana was absolutely great and guided us through all the activities, check ins , ferries, transfers and schedules with seamless synchronized finesse. She truly couldn’t have been nicer. The Athens official historical guide Iliana, (on day one) was informative, engaging fun and extremely knowledgeable .
This is our fourth trip with this company. The adventures never disappoint !
This is our fourth trip with this company. The adventures never disappoint !
This was the best hiking company I have ever hiked with. Our guides Brad,Tara,Erica,and Jacob were knowledgeable, experienced and made sure we were all safe. All details were taken care of, right from the boxed lunches to pick up times.Our driver Dylan was a capable driver and great story teller. The accommodation was excellent with a friendly staff, and the meals were amazing! We were treated to a ferry ride, lighthouse tour and time at the Discovery Centre. And live music at the Legion! Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, we were Screeched in by our great guide Brad, and each given a handwritten thank you note with a box of chocolates made locally!
If you are thinking of a hiking trip in Gros Morne, this is the company to book!
If you are thinking of a hiking trip in Gros Morne, this is the company to book!
This bike tour was outstanding. Jeremy was our tour guide and he was awesome. Easy pace through the west end, and Shoreline and Stanley Park. Jeremy was a wealth of knowledge and very fun and entertaining. What a way to see the city!
The sky wheel was absolutely beautiful. Highly recommend going at night if you can. You will be able to catch the fireworks over Niagara falls as well as the night light up of the falls in the changing of the color. It's also a great opportunity to view Niagara falls from all angles and you get a couple of go around so we really enjoyed it.
Long line but worth it!! It’s odd you buy your tickets online and still have to check in at the Kiosk, there is no scan mobile ticket at the line.
It’s a bit overpriced, $50 for a family of 4 (2 toddlers), but the scenery is worth it.
Our unit was air conditioned and that was great! We really enjoyed it.
It’s a bit overpriced, $50 for a family of 4 (2 toddlers), but the scenery is worth it.
Our unit was air conditioned and that was great! We really enjoyed it.
Niagara has been my backyard growing up in Hamilton Ontario. I always wanted to try the wheel but they always had massive line ups waiting for hours. The day we visited Niagara Falls was busy but the line at the wheel was short so me and the wife decided to try it out. 15$ admission ticket and it’s a quick 10 minutes ride. Price is fair and the view is pretty nice depending on when you are taking the ride. We had a sunset view from the sky wheel. Good experience overall and good worth for the money for the 350 Niagara Falls views!
Absolutely beautiful view, you get a good time on the wheel itself as you get about 4-5 full spins before being let off. Hundreds of photos opportunities and you're able to get a great view of the volcano at the Dino Golf which occasionally spits out fire! (It'll probably go off about 4 times during your time on the wheel)
It costs $15 standard (13+) and $7 for children (12 and under)
It costs $15 standard (13+) and $7 for children (12 and under)
It's first come first serve so unless you think you can get a discount buying in advance, I see no advantage doing so. Great views! Good thing to do early to get a lay of the land in Clifton Hill Park.
The pods are air conditioned. Also a great way to rest and cool off if needed. No need to bring a towel!
The pods are air conditioned. Also a great way to rest and cool off if needed. No need to bring a towel!
My wife & I visited B.C from Ireland for 3 weeks in July’23. Paul, from ‘IntotheWild’ arranged a bespoke 5 day, self-guided, bike-packing trip on Vancouver Island, followed by a road trip (via rental car) through the Rockies to Calgary. This was a bucket list holiday and no stone was left unturned to ensure we had a fantastic trip. He supplied us top of the range Norco gravel bikes, bike bags & essential kit for the Vancouver Island trip. We kept these gravel bikes to the end of the road trip. The overall planning, expert advice (& encouragement), daily bike routings, variety of accommodation (Hotels, B&B’s, Hiker Huts etc.), recommendations for eateries & bars, hikes & trail rides were faultless. Throughout, Paul stayed in touch, ensuring all was well and we had a blast ! Paul’s enthusiasm and shared excitement for our adventure was infectious and this trip (and Paul) will live long in our memory. Gearoid & Mary
Fantastic tour! Jeremy led our group through a relaxed pace tour of several unique neighborhoods providing both current and historical perspectives of challenges and opportunities facing the city. Our family of five (3 teens) really enjoyed it, especially stopping for gelato and seeing Granville Island. We didn’t have much time in Vancouver so appreciated seeing so much in a short period of time.
My name is Cara and I am 10 years old. My family and I went on a wonderful adventure with Paul from Into the wild. We had an absolute blast. I loved every moment of it, especially hiking through Lynn Canyon Park and the bike ride over Lions gate bridge into Stanley Park. What really made this day amazing was that Paul was so kind and nice to me. He encouraged me when it got tough. Kept us all smiling throughout the day. And we learned a lot about the history and culture of Vancouver. Such a fun experience highly recommend into the wild for a family fun adventure. I will never forget this Amazing day.
Did a fantastic shore tour, fun energetic host with lots of interesting things to teach as you experience it first hand.
I'm actually scared of ferris wheels but this one is very good! Amazing views of the falls, and the ride feels safe and smooth. It rotates about 3 full times around and the ride lasts about 10 minutes. Overall, it's a nice way to see the falls, and definitely recommend it!
Also, we got this with a bundle to see other attractions. I think it's a good deal!
Also, we got this with a bundle to see other attractions. I think it's a good deal!
This was a tailor made trip as I had only less than week to spend in Alaska. Nevertheless, the choice of itinerary was perfect as well as the associated activities. It allowed me to see almost all things expected to be seen in Alaska.
My husband and I had a fantastic hike with Ian, the owner! We booked the green gardens hike, something not too challenging but still beautiful views along the coast, and really enjoyed it! Ian was extremely knowledgeable about the park and area and we loved chatting with him. Not to mention the provided lunch was delicious!
“Happy Days!” That’s the expression you will hear from Paul time and time again! And it’s true. I just came back from doing my 4th cycling trip with Paul and I can’t wait to plan my next adventure with him. You will likely never meet a nicer fellow. Must be that Irish charm! So professional, fantastic bikes, fantastic tunes in the vehicle, always the best restaurants and treats you so well. Always gives you options and always makes every adventure so fun. I highly recommend planning any type of adventure with Paul, whether it be one of his cycling trips or any other adventure he offers. And I’m not just writing this review because he promised me a custom Into the Wild jersey!!! Thanks Paul for everything!!
You should try it
Brought some friends visiting from Spain on a Thursday evening. We got our tickets and seats really quickly. Admission was $17 per adult. I would say the ride lasted about 12-15 minutes. We got 4 full rotations, so there were lots of opportunities to take photos. The last 2 rotations went slowly as they let off other passengers. We got a great view of Clifton Hill and the dinosaur mini putt lit up at night. The view of the falls lit up is much better than in my photos.
Brought some friends visiting from Spain on a Thursday evening. We got our tickets and seats really quickly. Admission was $17 per adult. I would say the ride lasted about 12-15 minutes. We got 4 full rotations, so there were lots of opportunities to take photos. The last 2 rotations went slowly as they let off other passengers. We got a great view of Clifton Hill and the dinosaur mini putt lit up at night. The view of the falls lit up is much better than in my photos.
We loved our bike tour with Jeremy. Super knowledgeable of Vancouver and I appreciated that he discussed the beauty of the area and also talked frankly about the challenges facing the city. The pace of the ride was terrific and he gave us ample opportunities to take photos and ask questions. Bravo ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Just got back from a 5 day bike trip thru the Okanagan Valley. 250km over 5 days and I'm not a cyclist. We cycled on mountains, tunnels, thru wineries oh my!There were 9 of us in total plus Paul, the tour operator. We ranged in age from our mid 40's to mid 60's. I loved this trip. The people were great. The atmosphere was great. Paul was a great leader. Generous. Easy to get along with. We had alot of laughs. My wife and I are planning to do another trip with Paul next year! Maybe Victoria Island!
Excellent, wonderful, unforgettable trip!!! If you are looking to have a fantastic time hiking in Newfoundland this is the company. Highly recommend the 7 day hiking trip, guides were amazing, itinerary was perfect and adjustable based on weather. Food outstanding and worth the upgrade to stay at beautiful Gros Morne Inn. Cannot say enough good things about Ian, Erika, Jacob and Brad. They all helped to make our trip outstanding. Thank you so very much.
Fun day bike touring Vancouver city! Jeremy was absolutely fun and made our day enjoyable at every turn! Nicely paced, informative, engaging! Thank you!
4 of us completed the 8 day Normandy bike trip and were thrilled with every aspect of the tour. Randonnee prepared us before the trip with detailed itineraries, preparation suggestions and route maps to download so there was no need to use data. The accomodations were diverse and lovely, and in perfect locations to explore our surroundings. The Normandy area is filled with WW1 & WW 2 history and the route we followed covered so many highlights. The bikes were great for all of us, 2 ebikes and 2 hybrids to meet our needs. We would certainly choose Randonnee again for a cycle trip.
Thank you Lisa Wigmore on a fantastic Alaska trip plan to Anchorage, Whittier, Homer, Denali National Park. We are back, very reluctantly. We are grateful and appreciative to you for the outstanding thinking, planning, and itinerary you prepared for us two couples. We had a great time on each leg of the journey via road, tunnel, scenic trains, event sites, beautiful views, and many more. You even took a live call from us immediately on a question a ranger had at a wild life park - and said "go to page 19 of the details and show to ranger" and you saved us US$80 - immediately.
We built good memories and took many photos which we forwarded to our relatives in India, Africa, Europe and throughout the US. And you are part of this memory.
We will be sure to reach out for future plans.
Patel and Gill family
We built good memories and took many photos which we forwarded to our relatives in India, Africa, Europe and throughout the US. And you are part of this memory.
We will be sure to reach out for future plans.
Patel and Gill family
3.5/5 I was really looking forward to riding the Niagara Sky Wheel as I had missed out on it during my previous visit to Niagara. It seemed like an iconic activity that shouldn't be missed. However, once I got on it, I realized how high it actually was. I didn't anticipate feeling a bit fearful of the heights, so if you have a fear of heights, I would advise against going on this ride. The first two rounds on the Sky Wheel were enjoyable and provided a nice ride. I felt like we got a good view of the surroundings. However, by the third round, it started to feel repetitive, and we already knew what to expect. It would have been more exciting if there was some tour guide narration during the ride experience. I must admit that the price of the ride was a little steep. If the ticket price were closer to $10 or even under $15, it would have felt like a better value for money. Nevertheless, I'm still glad I got the opportunity to ride it, considering it is such a staple activity in Niagara.
However, based on my experience, I don't think I would choose to ride the Sky Wheel again in the future. The initial excitement and novelty wore off quickly, and considering the price and lack of variation, I don't feel it's worth a repeat visit. Overall, if you haven't experienced it before, it might be worth a try, but don't expect to be blown away
However, based on my experience, I don't think I would choose to ride the Sky Wheel again in the future. The initial excitement and novelty wore off quickly, and considering the price and lack of variation, I don't feel it's worth a repeat visit. Overall, if you haven't experienced it before, it might be worth a try, but don't expect to be blown away
The trip put together by Lisa exceeded all our expectations. With limited time and not wanting to be part of a tour group, the itinerary was perfect.
Their use of " first class " suppliers made for reliable and comfortable transportation, adventures and accommodation.
We can't recommend these folks highly enough.
Their use of " first class " suppliers made for reliable and comfortable transportation, adventures and accommodation.
We can't recommend these folks highly enough.
An amazing experience! I’d highly recommend this for couples and families, you get to have an intimate experience through this type of rock climbing!
Jeremy is a warm, friendly and very knowledgeable tour guide! I loved how he dropped small fun facts about Vancouver along the way. I had a much better understanding and appreciation for the city after the tour and got to see almost all attractions in the few hours of biking!
I would definitely recommend his tours especially if you have a limited amount of time in the city or do this at the start of your trip to find out which places you’d like to revisit afterwards.
Thank you Jeremy for the fun bike tour!
I would definitely recommend his tours especially if you have a limited amount of time in the city or do this at the start of your trip to find out which places you’d like to revisit afterwards.
Thank you Jeremy for the fun bike tour!
This has got to be one of the best tours I’ve taken! It was so much fun, I felt like I was out on a bike ride with a really good friend who just happens to know a lot of interesting facts about Vancouver. We ride all over Vancouver and Jeremy was super knowledgeable, and he kind of tailored the ride to me since I had already seen some of the places in the tour…we visited places I know I had never heard about, much less would have found on my own, and best of all it was all by bike (which by the way was a really good bike). It really was a was a wonderful experience, and next time I’m in town I’ll be sure to take it again!
Jeremy C. was the best bike guide we have ever had the pleasure of touring with. He was extremely knowledgeable, funny and accommodating giving us a tour in below freezing temperatures. We learned so much during our time together & have a deeper appreciation for the city. From the city streets through the forest park and down by the water, I highly recommend as a do not miss experience while in Vancouver. Many thanks Jeremy!
We brought a huge group of girls, all under 13 and the staff were INCREDIBLE with them!!! They all had a fabulous time, but I really can't say enough about the staff! So encouraging, patient and helpful! They even learned each of the girls names!
Thank you so much Rock and Rope, you've made these girls first climbing experience a great one!!!!
Thank you so much Rock and Rope, you've made these girls first climbing experience a great one!!!!
We went to The Galapagos and Easter Island with Bike Hike Adventures. These were two legs of one very magical trip.
In Ecuador we had the pleasure of touring with Jörgen. He knew everything, from how to get us through the airport checkpoints as quickly as possible to the tours that allowed us to get up close and personal with the wildlife and the locals. (Jörgen introduced us to an adorable couple in Santa Cruz who runs a neighborhood store, which was one of the many highlights of our trip.)
Josie was our guide in Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Not only did she know all the spots to visit, but she knew how to time it so we didn’t get lost in a crowd.
All in all, we had a wonderful time and it was all thanks to the Bike Hike Adventures crew.
In Ecuador we had the pleasure of touring with Jörgen. He knew everything, from how to get us through the airport checkpoints as quickly as possible to the tours that allowed us to get up close and personal with the wildlife and the locals. (Jörgen introduced us to an adorable couple in Santa Cruz who runs a neighborhood store, which was one of the many highlights of our trip.)
Josie was our guide in Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Not only did she know all the spots to visit, but she knew how to time it so we didn’t get lost in a crowd.
All in all, we had a wonderful time and it was all thanks to the Bike Hike Adventures crew.
We had an amazing trip to Croatia! We rode our bikes across Korčula, Hvar and Brač. The crew were very helpful, and all hotels were nice! I highly recommend this adventure!
Great Explorations is excellent at considering all details when planning guided trips; to ensure the very best experience for their customers! We cycled through Slovenia into Italy and LOVED it. Our guide was absolutely the best, the bikes were in very good condition, the places we stayed were wonderful, and the scenery was breathtaking. We highly recommend!
We completed our 3rd and 4th trips with Great Explorations this summer. The first trip was to France with our family. What a great trip! The guides were excellent and knowledgeable; the bike rides well thought out and sometimes very challenging. We enjoyed every hotel and all the meals were delicious. The hotels are always unique and we looked forward to seeing what our next stop would bring. Our favorite lunch was a picnic lunch next to a stream. The guides had quite a spread with fresh figs, meat, cheese and wine. We were able to cool down in the stream, and continue our ride after lunch. These bike trips are our family's favorite trips. It's the whole package: great guides, wonderful hotels and fabulous food.
Our second trip was a trip to Sweden and Denmark. We have never been to this part of the world before and enjoyed the scenery, friendly people and relaxing rides. It was just the two of us on this trip. Each hotel was unique and different; and the food, of course, delicious. We had one of the same guides, who was very knowledgeable about the area and we enjoyed all the trails and bike paths throughout the area. We didn't have a van on trip but it was no problem at all. We would definitely recommend Great Explorations. We have had four exceptional trips with them and look forward to more in the future.
Our second trip was a trip to Sweden and Denmark. We have never been to this part of the world before and enjoyed the scenery, friendly people and relaxing rides. It was just the two of us on this trip. Each hotel was unique and different; and the food, of course, delicious. We had one of the same guides, who was very knowledgeable about the area and we enjoyed all the trails and bike paths throughout the area. We didn't have a van on trip but it was no problem at all. We would definitely recommend Great Explorations. We have had four exceptional trips with them and look forward to more in the future.
i have done many cycle trips ( pre pandemic ) and I started with Great Explorations and did several trips with them that I loved. Since then I tried several other companies, TREK, EXPERIENCE PLUS, CYCLISMO. and all of these companies were good and had their own things that they were good at. But now that I have tried all of those I am back with Robin and Great Explorations. I find that the hotels are a little bit more intimate, the chosen restaurants are a bit off the beaten path, and their relationships with the locals are authentic and heartfelt. I would recommend them to any level of cyclist and food lover. I am glad I am returning to Great Explorations. I think there is a value there that I appreciate.
We’ve been on several trips with BikeHike including Ecuador, Galápagos Islands, Chile and Bolivia. We just recently completed a trip through Argentina that they custom built for us (see photos). It was an amazing trip! We were so impressed with how every detail was taken care of. We didn’t run into a single glitch, which is impressive in the times of COVID. We’ve always found BikeHike to be incredibly responsive and they adjust itineraries to match our desires. We look forward to booking more established and custom trips with them in the future!
We just had such a wonderful experience cycling the Camino de Santiago!! This was more then a cycling trip, it was a pilgrimage that was restorative. The people, food, accommodation, Spain - all of it was more then we had hoped for and we were hoping high. So many stories and memories that will be ours for a very long time.
My spouse and I both loved this bike tour! Jeremy was warm, engaging and knowledgeable. The pace was comfortable and I loved hearing about the history of the various buildings, monuments and art in the city (and of course, the lovely Stanley Park). The temperate rainforest section was a highlight!
As introverts, we appreciated Jeremy’s gentle communication style and his careful attention to bike safety throughout the tour. Highly recommend this tour; honestly the best way to see the city, with an awesome guide. You won’t regret it!
As introverts, we appreciated Jeremy’s gentle communication style and his careful attention to bike safety throughout the tour. Highly recommend this tour; honestly the best way to see the city, with an awesome guide. You won’t regret it!
We booked 4 nights with this company at the beginning of Sept and had a great time. There were many things that contributed to this. During the planning stage, the owner, Ian, was very flexible. Because of Covid, we wanted a cabin to ourselves. Not an issue – they booked us into Gros Morne Cabins, asked us what we wanted for breakfast and then stocked our fridge with a generous supply of food. For the same reason, we asked if we could focus on hikes and minimize indoor activities. Again, not a problem. Ian also kept an eye on the weather forecasts and reorganized our plans to be appropriate for the conditions. When a boat trip on Western Pond got cancelled due to high winds, other hikes were substituted and the ticket charges removed from our bill.
For the hikes, we had two guides who were knowledgeable about NL and the specifics of the Gros Morne area. Thanks to Noah who was patient as we slogged our way around the Gros Morne Mountain trail. The beautiful views were only made better when we discovered that we were not the last car in parking lot at end of day. On subsequent days, we had Tara who was actually able to make geology interesting and also confirmed that Jam Jams were not the result of the collision of two tectonic plates. When the tour was booked, our lunch preferences were requested and the guides brought these freshly made each day. Thanks to Sophie (who we never met) for creating plentiful and delicious trail food.
Ian is currently renovating an inn. Based on our experience with them this year, I wouldn’t hesitate to book there once it opens.
For the hikes, we had two guides who were knowledgeable about NL and the specifics of the Gros Morne area. Thanks to Noah who was patient as we slogged our way around the Gros Morne Mountain trail. The beautiful views were only made better when we discovered that we were not the last car in parking lot at end of day. On subsequent days, we had Tara who was actually able to make geology interesting and also confirmed that Jam Jams were not the result of the collision of two tectonic plates. When the tour was booked, our lunch preferences were requested and the guides brought these freshly made each day. Thanks to Sophie (who we never met) for creating plentiful and delicious trail food.
Ian is currently renovating an inn. Based on our experience with them this year, I wouldn’t hesitate to book there once it opens.
My mom and I had the best week with Tour Gros Morne! The staff were fantastic, so knowledgeable and passionate! Ian, the owner was very accommodating and adjusted our schedule to best fit the weather while we were there- Late August. Tour gros morne was always right on time and super prepared for the day (guides brought extra water bottles and hiking poles for us). We stayed 4 nights and did the gros morne mountain and lookout trails and really enjoyed both hikes! The views were insane and our guides (Tara, Noah and Emily) really elevated our experience! We stayed in the cutest cabin right on the ocean and walked across the road to breakfast each day. Tour gros morne took care of all our meals which was so helpful after a long day of hiking! Our lunches were unreal, they were super yummy (the best homemade cookies, sandwiches, and granola bars!) and really filled you up for the rest of the hike! Gros morne is absolutely beautiful and Tour Gros Morne really made our trip so fun and special! Cannot recommend enough!!
My wife and I spent the day in St Andrews lead by one of my most knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guides we have ever met. Genny's passion for her job is unbelievable and she taught so many new and wonderful facts about the history of St Andrews and its marine life. This short 2 hour excursion flew by way too quickly. We recommend her guided tour for anyone new to St Andrews, and even to anyone who has been there before. Such a great experience.
We booked a private hiking day tour with Noah (our guide). He was extremely knowledgeable about everything outdoors, was so easy to talk to, and personalized the tour with what we were interested in. We definitely wouldn’t have enjoyed the hikes as much without him. Thanks again Noah and we wish you all the best! - Leanna & Enzo
Tour Gros Morne was very accommodating and patient when it came to dealing with my group of friends. We spent two days in the park with Tour Gros Morne.
The first day was a laid back touring around one side of the park. The second day we decided to hike Gros Morne Mountain.
The guide, Noah, was extremely knowledgeable, kind and very personable!
The lunch that was provided was delicious. I highly suggest the granola bars and the cookies made by Sophie! They were the cherry on top of a fantastic two days!
The first day was a laid back touring around one side of the park. The second day we decided to hike Gros Morne Mountain.
The guide, Noah, was extremely knowledgeable, kind and very personable!
The lunch that was provided was delicious. I highly suggest the granola bars and the cookies made by Sophie! They were the cherry on top of a fantastic two days!
One of the best hiking experiences ever
This place changed my life, thank you Wayne and the crew. Such great experiences at this gym, unsure of current atmosphere but I hope to return when this all blows over. The climbing community is special and it's great to have a gym in the area. Wonderful mixture of athleticism develops as one climbs more, don't be afraid to mess up or start slow. It's like a multi-coloured climbing ladder up a wall, enjoy the puzzle and enjoy the distraction from all the noise.
Jenny is a Marine Biologist and the perfect guide for this beach walk and off road Jeep tour. It was fun, fun, fun! She is like a kid on the beach with much knowledge and enthusiasm. Highly recommend.
This is a very small climbing gym. Not all routes are well set. Good for kids or a quick climb. Relaxed vibe. Same price or more as big nice climbing gyms, so doesn't seem like good value for money for a drop in. Maybe a better deal if you're a member.
Our extended family of 7 recently toured Ecuador with BikeHike Adventures on their Andes to the Amazon trip (our first experience with BikeHike). It was an excellent way to experience the true beauty of the country and its people. Our trip was very well organized, and our guide, Jorgen, and drivers (Gustavo and Edwin) were both outstanding and fun. We covered a lot of ground from the mountains to the jungle, and the wide range of activities (biking, hiking, rafting, horseback riding) were very enjoyable. Food and accommodations were great. We'd wholeheartedly recommend this trip to both nature-loving and adventurous spirits, and we look forward to our next BikeHike adventure!
These guys are super proffesional and maintain good sense of humor. They go above and beyond. The young guy with the curly hair helped us when we locked our keys in the car and took the time to find us the tools we needed to get unlocked. Highly recommend, great service.
We’ve had a number of great Randonnee Tours trips. We just returned from Spain where we did the Andalucia trip, which we really enjoyed. A highlight was the hotel in Palma Del Rio. It’s a converted monastery, with courtyards, gardens and a marvellous swimming pool. The restaurant is in the old refectory, and you feel like you’ve been taken back in time. They weren’t officially open for lunch when we arrived, but offered us a meal then, and that evening we had a very fine meal - with the room practically to ourselves. They even put a candle on the dessert for the birthday person in our party. Our room was a suite in a corner of the main patio (courtyard).
The town was also a pleasure. Not overrun with tourists, and with only a few must-see historic highlights, it was for us a place to experience something closer to the real Spain than you get in other more famous towns and cities. Our second night we happened on an impromptu guitar concert and singalong in the restaurant we went to for dinner, and when we were walking down the street back to the hotel my wife and I were invited into a birthday party just so everyone could try out their English on us. It was all completely spontaneous, and really hit the heart of why we love to travel.
The town was also a pleasure. Not overrun with tourists, and with only a few must-see historic highlights, it was for us a place to experience something closer to the real Spain than you get in other more famous towns and cities. Our second night we happened on an impromptu guitar concert and singalong in the restaurant we went to for dinner, and when we were walking down the street back to the hotel my wife and I were invited into a birthday party just so everyone could try out their English on us. It was all completely spontaneous, and really hit the heart of why we love to travel.
We had a great time here last summer. Wish we could never leave. Jenny (store owner) was very kind and knowledgeable about St. Andrews. Thx
Viva Inspired Adventures has travelled with Great Explorations to the Gulf Islands, Puglia and most recently, the magical country of Morocco. Each and every time, Great Explorations has exceeded our expectations. Their local connections on each adventure have been second to none; their guides are outstanding and consistently go above and beyond.
Notably, during our recent trip to Morocco safety was initially a concern, but with the Great Explorations team we felt very safe and secure throughout the 10 day trip. In addition, Moroccan cycling is truly spectacular but can be challenging, yet the Great Exploration guides were extremely effective in managing the wide variety of cycling capabilities among our guests.
Viva creates, sells and manages trips for up to 20 women. We take great pride in ensuring our itineraries meet high standards. Our guests expect high caliber adventures; and Robbin and his team do an incredible job of delivering an extraordinary experience. Each and every excursion has been interesting, well thought out and truly unique. We are always thrilled to report back that our guests couldn’t have been happier. We consider Great Explorations to be an invaluable partner in the success of our business.
Beverley Paton & Shannon Rancourt
Notably, during our recent trip to Morocco safety was initially a concern, but with the Great Explorations team we felt very safe and secure throughout the 10 day trip. In addition, Moroccan cycling is truly spectacular but can be challenging, yet the Great Exploration guides were extremely effective in managing the wide variety of cycling capabilities among our guests.
Viva creates, sells and manages trips for up to 20 women. We take great pride in ensuring our itineraries meet high standards. Our guests expect high caliber adventures; and Robbin and his team do an incredible job of delivering an extraordinary experience. Each and every excursion has been interesting, well thought out and truly unique. We are always thrilled to report back that our guests couldn’t have been happier. We consider Great Explorations to be an invaluable partner in the success of our business.
Beverley Paton & Shannon Rancourt
Great little spot for climbing in Peterborough! Staff are very friendly. The top roping walls aren't too tall, and the small bouldering area can feel crowded sometimes. Bouldering ratings feel pretty true to grade, however the top roping routes are graded a littler easier than some other gyms. Overall a great little gym!
We recently had our daughter’s birthday party here and it was to date the best birthday she has had! The staff were so friendly and patient with all the children, they informed them of all the rules and cheered them each on. We as parents got to sit back and actually enjoy the party ourselves. We can’t thank you guys enough!! We will deffinetly be back soon!
Our self-guided hiking trek through Tuscany was fantastic! Cannot say enough good things about the planning process with Randonnee and the on-the-ground support as well. The accommodations were spectacular, and the route took us through beautiful countryside that we would not have seen on a typical trip. Randonnee is prompt, professional and the value is unsurpassed. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys the outdoors, hiking, and seeing the countryside.
We have used Randonnee Tours for six self-guided bike tours in four different European countries over the last 10 years. We have been very pleased with their materials, bikes, and support. Their online information has always matched our experience (no surprises). Overall we have had wonderful trips with Randonnee.
My "Great Costa Rica Challenge" trip with BikeHike was my first with them. They have a lot of experience doing this and it shows. Everything is well organized and the accommodations and restaurant stops were fun and interesting. Everyday was challenging yet fun. I traveled alone and enjoyed the camaraderie of other adventuresome bike enthusiasts. Our first rate guide and driver took care of most every need. I'd highly recommend this trip and BikeHike.
We have had the opportunity to take several cycling trips in various countries with Great Explorations. The company does a wonderful job of arranging for guides who are knowledgeable and personable, and the trips are designed to provide the clients with wonderful cycling routes, unique ways to experience cultures and the country, amazing food, and beautiful places to stay. Some of my favorite traveling memories are from Great Explorations cycling trips, and I hope to add more cycling trips with them to the list in the years to come.
Friendly knowledgeable staff will get you climbing even if you've never done it before. Great family activity.
We did our first self guided hike with Randonnee Tours in 1997 and, since then, we have taken Randonnee's walking tours in Italy, France, Nova Scotia, the Czech Republic and, most recently, Spain. On these tours, we have stayed in interesting and charming towns, many of which are not on the normal tourist route. Randonnee's hotel choices consistently have offered us great locations, lovely accommodations and helpful services. The hikes have taken us through farmland, along coastlines, into forests and past castles, villas and towns.
We just completed the 8 day hike in Catalonia. This tour gave us everything we have liked about past Randonnee trips in terms of locations, accommodations and hikes. The coastal scenery was breathtaking - as good as or better than Cinque Terra and without the crowds. Every one of our hotels was outstanding - we enjoyed beautiful, spacious rooms with great views, generous and varied breakfasts and wonderful hospitality. The food throughout Catalonia was some of the best we've ever eaten - we found great restaurants everywhere and the hotel restaurants were especially good. Our visit to Salvador Dali's house near Cadaques was a real highlight. This trip definitely ranks as one of our favorites.
Overall, we feel Randonnee's tours are a good value and have allowed us to visit many places which we would not have found on our own. We are already looking ahead to next year's trip.
We just completed the 8 day hike in Catalonia. This tour gave us everything we have liked about past Randonnee trips in terms of locations, accommodations and hikes. The coastal scenery was breathtaking - as good as or better than Cinque Terra and without the crowds. Every one of our hotels was outstanding - we enjoyed beautiful, spacious rooms with great views, generous and varied breakfasts and wonderful hospitality. The food throughout Catalonia was some of the best we've ever eaten - we found great restaurants everywhere and the hotel restaurants were especially good. Our visit to Salvador Dali's house near Cadaques was a real highlight. This trip definitely ranks as one of our favorites.
Overall, we feel Randonnee's tours are a good value and have allowed us to visit many places which we would not have found on our own. We are already looking ahead to next year's trip.