Scenic Holidays

I have recently returned from my Rockies tour of Western Canada. It was great to have such a good party to travel with, and nice to have someone to organise everything while we were away. It took all of the worry out of travelling. The scenery was breathtaking, and Canadian people so friendly.

We stayed at some beautiful places. One I will never forget is the Rimrock Hotel, Banff, with its spectacular views from the restaurant. Everything went just as planned, and I have to pass on my thanks for all of your help. Well done.

Mrs Ayers - Brighton

Lesley recently arranged the following trip to California and Mexico for guests of a corporate client. We were pleased to receive the following comments from them.

Thanks for a Fantastic holiday! We had a wonderful time. California is so beautiful and diverse we feel that we've only touched the surface and hope to return as soon as we can!

In L.A we took in Sunset Boulevard, saw the Hollywood sign, did Beverley Hills,then we drove the 'Coast Road' route 1, all through Santa Barbara, Carmel, the amazing Big Sur National Park and stopped at Monterrey for lunch(Clam chowder of course).There we saw the huge sea lions under the pier. A couple of brief stops here and there at interesting places, then on to Santa Cruz and its dutch influenced houses and late evening to San Francisco.

San Fran' was a challenge with its one way system and we drove around for about an hour and a half trying to get to the hotel, but it gave us a great tour of the city and we really felt we knew the place by the time we'd finished.

The cable cars are great aren't they? We took them to Fisherman's Wharf and back, which was lovely. We couldn't see much of the Golden Gate though as a storm came in bringing very heavy mists and driving rain. Lovely weather again though to drive to Yosemite. We stopped at Oakhurst for a late lunch, which was a lovely little town.

Tenaya Lodge was absolutely wonderful! The National Park, truly amazing, we trekked in beautiful sunshine, to the Giant Sequoias (as the road was closed due to a heavy snowfall) and saw Mule eared deer, bear tracks (but no bears, fortunately) and some of the most spectacular trees on the planet! Then back to the spa for some pampering - devine.

Nigel had to buy snow chains for the car, a Chevy SUV, as a blizzard came in overnight and instantly turned everything into a 'Winter wonderland'..

On the drive back to L.A we stopped at Selma the 'Raisin Capital of The World',. passed through Fresno and on to L.A again, where it was Oscar weekend so everyhing was buzzing and Glitzy.

Club Cantamar Diving Lodge, Mexico was excellent. The weather constantly in the low 80s, so just gorgeous, warm and sunny.  The diving was amazing! Some of it, like the Hammerhead dives were a bit too challenging for me, due to the strong currents and very cold cold water (just14/16 degrees at 30+ meters deep), but Nigel did them and was totally blown away by the Giant Mantas/sharks etc. I sat on the boat and watched the Pacific dolphins playing around the bow.

I stuck to the shallower dives, going to 26.4 m at deepest and enjoyed the wreck of the Fang Ming particularly. It has to be said though, that the most memorable dives for me were with the wild sea lions at Los Islotes.

On the last dive I took a photo of a particularly bold and curious female sea lion who kept swimming right up to me and gnawing playfully on my dive watch.

All went very smoothly with the return flights and we got a few good hours sleep on the plane home from L.A. We got in at around 5p.m tired but very, very happy to have had three wonderful, exciting and challenging weeks in California/Mexico thanks to you and your organisation.
Once again a Great Big Thank-you!

Angela and Nigel Vause

Dear Sue,

I must share with you my enthusiasm for the holiday in China you arranged for me. It was just gob-smackingly different!

We were met by our rep opposite the Virgin Atlantic check in desks at Heathrow terminal 3, taken to the Virgin's Upper Class lounge which is amazingly well equipped, including a beauty salon, shower facilities, a library, business facilities, a large bar, televisions and comfortable seating. They also offer a waiter service where you can order anything from a small snack to a 3 course meal. What a way to begin the trip of a lifetime! It began as it continued, and although it was a 12 hour flight, we were really made very comfortable (flat beds included) and arrived feeling surprisingly fresh.

On arrival at Shanghai's Pu Dong International Airport we were meet at the airport by our tour guide "Fan Lei" and transferred to the JC Mandarin Hotel, a 5 star property in the very heart of Shanghai, along Nan Jing Xi Lu which is the busy shopping and commercial district. After a quick freshen up, we were then taken on an escorted trip to the Bund (an area on the old side of the river Huangpu). We walked along the river and looked across at some of the fantastic high rise buildings on the new Pu Dong side of the city which has only been developed in the last 15 years.

The following morning we had a very early start, but it was well worth it! We went to Remin Park in the centre of the city to see The Shanghai Museum, and look at the large Bronze and Jasmine collection. On the way we watched the locals practice Tai Chi. This was fascinating and also quite amusing as one group were dancing to the Venga Boys!!

Later we went to Suzhou (pronounced Suh - joe), a 2500 year old city, about one and a half hours from Shanghai. There we saw the number 1 Silk Factory in the area and walked through the factory seeing how they turn the silk worms' cocoons into beautiful fabric. Of course, afterwards, we succumbed to the temptation to buy the factory's lovely and reasonably priced products!.
Our hotel that evening was The Sheraton Suzhou - the only 5* hotel in the city. The buildings were all very low and looked very traditional, the gardens were very beautiful and included an indoor and outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts.

We went to a traditional Chinese restaurant called Old Suzhou, and our tour guide ordered all the food for us so that we were able to try what the local people would eat. The meal was lovely, although not at all like my local Chinese take away!

We were really glad to have a tour guide with us, as very few people speak English and it can be very hard to do simple things, like order a meal.

Our next stop was a small town called Tongli, an age-old water township with a history of more than 1000 years. This little town was again very different, with its little huts and very peaceful atmosphere. We were able to wonder around and look at the many souvenir shops and also take a boat ride on the narrow canals which were all around the town. I really enjoyed Tongli as it was a very traditional and gave us the opportunity to see how the locals really lived.

I wont bore you with a detailed record of the rest of my three week trip, but I think you will see from these initial experiences that the whole experience was fabulous and quite unforgetable. Even the transfer back to Pu Dong Airport on our way home was unforgetable. We went on Shanghai's new Magnetic Levitation Train. The train runs from the business district in Pu Dong directly to the airport terminal. It is the world's fastest train and reaches speeds of 300km per hour in just 2 minutes. It really emphasised how advanced the city is.

So all I can do is recommend a trip to China for any of Medway Travel's clients, and I guarantee they will become similarly overwhelmed by the history, variety and beauty they will experience!

Katie Garnish
Canterbury

When we told people that we were heading off to Iceland we were met with some very puzzled looks. Why, we were asked, were we not spending an August weekend enjoying the summer somewhere in the sun? However, not only is Iceland actually not as cold as its name implies (average max July temp 11C, and winters warmer than New York), but it is also one of the most fascinating countries in the world, with such a wealth of natural wonders, it could be described as the ultimate nature trip.

As there are so many places to see, having only four days to make the most of, it was very difficult to decide which excursions to choose. With the help of Medway Travel who gave us a great selection of tours, we picked the ones we felt would give us the broadest view of the country in the short time we had.

Our first sight of Iceland certainly did not disappoint us - as we flew over the country we could see the huge Vatnajokull glacier spread out beneath us, and then as we came closer to the airport, the landscape changed as miles and miles of eerie lava strewn plains came into view.

We spent our first evening exploring the centre of Reykjavik, which was only a couple of minutes from our comfortable hotel. For such a cosmopolitan city, it has a surprisingly intimate feel, probably as not only is it very small for a capital city, but due to frequent earthquakes (on average once every eight minutes - although they are not big enough to be felt very often) there are no high buildings, The shops were great to browse around - but due to the very high prices, our shopping was more of the window variety!

The high prices extend to all goods, as just about everything is imported. Fortunately we had been warned about the high costs of eating out, and especially about the exorbitant price of alcohol, so it didn't come as too much of a shock! It does make you savour every mouthful though!

A lot of fish is eaten in Iceland, as is lamb, which is extremely tasty since the sheep spend their lives roaming the countryside eating mountain thyme. We tried some of the traditional delicacies too, such as puffin and skyr (a dessert made with skimmed milk), but we would have drawn the line at trying 'rotten shark' had we come across this Icelandic speciality!

On our first full day, we set off for a morning's whale watching trip, which was fantastic. We had a minibus collect us promptly from the hotel and take us to the harbour, where we had time for a short visit to the whale centre, before we set off into the bay. Our guide was excellent and so enthusiastic, and although it was very chilly on the deck, we were able to warm up inside with a drink and sit on the comfortable seats to watch the action from the huge windows. Even though we were told there were no guarantees of sightings, we saw so many minke whales that we stopped counting!

In the evening we went on the 'Golden Circle Tour', driven by a most knowledgeable and interesting guide. This 'must -do' trip for visitors to Reykjavik includes one of the most powerful waterfalls in Iceland, the fissure scarred plain at Pingvellir where the American and European tectonic plates are diverging, and the amazing geyser at Geysir which spouts every seven or eight minutes, so there is no chance for disappointment!

The following day we had booked a trip to Porsmork ('Thors's Forest'), one of Iceland's most spectacular, but inaccessible wilderness areas, surrounded by three glaciers and only possible to reach by oversized 4 wheel drive vehicles. As we held our breath, our driver managed very skilfully to navigate the many rivers we had to cross, as we made our way up the valley, where we were rewarded with fantastic views of the glaciers, fields of wild flowers and icebergs breaking off into a stunning glacial lagoon. Our group, again of only six, enjoyed several walks where we were shown hidden waterfalls and lava strewn ice hills.

Of course, we couldn't have left without experiencing a dip in the mineral rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. As this was situated just a short distance from the airport, we decided to spend our last morning here before catching our flight home. Bathing in the geothermally heated lagoon surrounded by moss covered lava fields was such as surreal experience we felt as though we could have been on a different planet altogether!

Medway Travel was very thorough and helpful in researching and organising the details of the various excursions; without their help we would have spent precious hours of our break investigating the trips available. However, our visit has merely whetted our appetite to return to, and learn more about, this extraordinary land of fire and ice.

One hour and twenty minutes flying from Buenos Aires you will find one of the Wonders of the Modern World. Iguaza Falls is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Iguazu River splits Argentina from Brazil and at points is some 1.5 kilometers wide. The falls line the rim of a crescent-shaped cliff about 2.5 miles long. Around 275 individual cascades and waterfalls plummet up to 269 feet into the gorge below. The thunderous roaring of Iguazu can be heard from miles away.

This stunning natural beauty has to be seen to be believed. Most tours recommend that you visit the Brazilian Side of the Falls first. This gives you a panoramic view of the falls. Your second visit should be on the Argentinean side of the falls where you can get really close to the cascading water. As the locals say 'On the Brazilian side you can see them, on the Argentinean side you feel them'.

After my flight I checked in to the Iguazu Grand Hotel, the only true 5 star hotel in the area. This is a stunning retreat with a triple swimming pool and spa facility. All rooms have either Garden or Pool Views and all have private balconies.

My first day was to visit the Brazilian Side of the falls. I was prepared for a lot of walking and having crossed the border into Brazil arrived at the National Park for the start of my walk. You should also be prepared to get a little wet as the spray from the falls, which creates masses of rainbows along the 2.5mile crescent, does create a bit of a shower in places.

The walking on this side of the falls is quite easy and on the way you will be accompanied by the local wildlife.

The Coati is a hungry and cheeky member of the Racoon family which will quite happily search through your bag for food if you bend down too close. Though not vicious you are advised not to feed them.

From this side the falls are awe inspiring. The cascades seem to go on and on.

There are two hotels on the Brazilian side at the falls, the first is the Sheraton. This is the only hotel to have a view of the falls and as such is expensive. The second hotel here is the Cataras Hotel. Both are four star properties.

It took a morning to see this side of the falls and after taking innumerable photographs returned to my hotel for an afternoon relax by the pool.

My second day was to experience the Argentinean side of the falls. The first stage of this is to take the Green Way through the forest to the train station.

This jungle walk is fascinating and you will find a profusion of birds and butterflies along the way.

The forest train then takes you on a slow journey through the forest to the Devils Throat Station. This is the largest and main part of the falls and is best seen first thing in the morning before the crowds of tourists arrive. From the train station there is a 1.5km walk across the Iguazu River. This you do on metal walkways above the river and these give you a chance to experience the wildlife that abounds in and around the river areas. The whole of the falls area is a genius in engineering with walkways that take you right up and above the falls

La Garganta del Diablo (the Devil's Throat) was made famous in the film 'The Mission' and is truly spectacular. The noise is immense as gallons of water thunder over the rocks into the abyss below.

You have the same walk back to the train station and again a short train journey back before taking the stunning Upper Level Walkway along the tops of the falls. Here you will experience the feel of the immense power of these falls. Butterflies, birds and flowers abound on the walk. Upon completion you take the Lower Level Walk again giving you a fantastic view of the falls as they cascade down onto the rocks below.

From the end of this walk you then have the option to join in the Iguazu Adventure. This is a speedboat ride to the head of the falls, but be warned - you will get wet. Here you are taken up to and into the falls for an original white knuckle ride after which you are whisked down river and eventually driven by truck back through the forest to the main station and restaurant, where you can change into something dry and enjoy a barbeque lunch.

If you wish to spend more time here there are trekking trails and safari rides that you can take into the jungle as well as an adventure camp for the kids.

Myself I felt it time to head back to my hotel and sample the delights of the spa before an enjoyable meal in the restaurant and evening beneath the southern cross and milky way.

Superb.

Stephen Cresswell - Medway Travel

Thank you Medway Travel for arranging our trip to Madeira, which for a long time we have wanted to visit.

Your advice about staying outside Funchal was so right - you understood our preferences really well. The self-catering villa you arranged for us - set in the grounds of the Villa Alfonso Hotel at Estreito de Camara de Lobos - some thirty minutes drive west of Funchal, had wonderful views, was quiet, well equipped and clean.

The hotel had a swimming pool with a glass sliding roof and huge patio doors, whilst breakfasts were served on a terrace surrounded by flowering shrubs and with an enormous view over the coastline and sea,

We were glad the car you advised us to have was a small one, as the roads are indeed narrow and parking quite "confined", but we found the standard of driving was good.

Most of the holiday was spent exploring the island. Whilst the roads are steep and narrow there are fairly frequent stopping points from which to admire the spectacular scenery. Unless one is in a hurry it is better to avoid using the road tunnels (the terrain is so precipitous that the EU funded tunnel building must be a godsend for the locals!) as you could almost succeed in driving right round the island without seeing anything at all!

We walked several lavas - the water courses built over the last 200 - 300 years to irrigate the drier most fertile parts of the island using water from the mountains. These cling precariously to the contours and the paths beside them are often the only way to get into the remoter areas. Funchal is a clean, green and attractive town and has several well-known sub-tropical gardens. Whilst these are worth a visit we were surprised they were not as well kept as those in England owned by the National Trust.

We do not put much store by haute cuisine whilst on holiday, but we did have some good meals, one of which was at the Churchill - a small hotel down by our local harbour. Winston Churchill is reputed to have spent a holiday there from which he painted a number of landscapes.

We were surprised and a bit disappointed by how densely populated the south coast area is, now that the roads have opened up parts which, until the tunnels were built, would have been tedious for the locals to reach from Funchal.

We are glad to have been, and are now planning our next exploration!

Kathy and James Groves, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

When we decided to explore Morocco, we frankly did not know where to begin. So I write to say how pleased we are with the advice you gave us and the arrangements you made, as they provided us with a really exciting trip and the most amazingly varied scenery and experiences.

In (not so brief) summary, Marrakech was well worth the two days at the start and the further two days at the end of our 12 day holiday, that you recommended. We enjoyed the Palaces, souks, gardens, fabulous restaurants, friendly people and our small riad hotel, which was a delightful oases of calm right in the heart of the busy city.

We then went off into the mountains to a luxurious hotel in beautiful and extensive gardens – the roses were quite breathtaking – and enjoyed chilling out in splendour and acclimatising to the sun by their superb pools, after walking in the local mountains.

Then on, over the fantastic, Tizi-n-Test pass (7,000 feet) to a bijoux four bedroomed hotel on a mountainside with its breakfast terrace overlooking a village and its green oasis. The roads were excellent but we were glad of our 4 x 4 as we approached the desert next day beyond Zagora. There we hired a guide and went right into the desert seeing a wonderful sunset from the top of a sand dune. The Kasbah Hotel was quite an experience, and dinner in the gardens surrounded by flowering bougainvilleas and date palms all around us, was so romantic! A vocal cuckoo in the palms made the whole ambience quite unforgettable!

We then headed across to Tinerhir and, with the help of a map, hand drawn for us by a kind village shopkeeper, we took the 4 x 4 off on to a 30 kilometre rough track as a short cut across the mountains to avoid several more hours of semi desert driving. This was really exciting, crossing dry wadis and climbing a high pass – we never saw a vehicle for the 2.5 hours it took us - and the scenery was breathtaking and so different from Europe! On arrival we found that our hotel was another traditional three story kasbah built of pise (basically mud and straw) but very comfortable, with quite adequate en-suite bathrooms (it took a long warm shower to get rid of all the dust from that day's drive!).

The Todra and Daddes Gorges were really awe-inspiring and we enjoyed a long mountain walk on tracks used by colourful nomad mule trains, which passed us every now and again. The rivers around here were still flowing and the oases were green and colourful in welcome contrast to the surrounding arid mountains. Further down, however, the river had already dried up (late April) and sadly, the oasis were dying. We were told that this was due to climate change, causing the locals great hardship.

Our next major adventure was another “off highway” trip of some 50 kms, for which this time, we had a local guide to help with the directions. We were really glad he came with us, as the track was very rough and mountainous (in places, low first was necessary in our 4 x 4) going through isolated villages and over another 7,000 foot pass. Apart from meeting two small “convoys” of safari tour land cruisers coming in the opposite direction (which certainly exercised our guide's experience and caused us some nervous moments!), we thankfully had the track to ourselves during the whole of the three hour drive. However, a peaceful picnic lunch by a small mountain stream, in a meadow full of wild orchids, calmed our nerves before we set off again for Telouet where the track reverted to metal road. There, our guide gave us a tour of a deserted Palace (again built of pise) with the most ornately decorated public rooms.

Then, back to Marrakech and our lovely riad hotel over the Tiz-n-Tickka pass with snow still visible on the mountains, quite close by.

As you can see we were all thrilled by the adventures and the experiences we had, and I would highly recommend this trip, its itinerary and your advice, to any of your clients looking for an adventurous and scenic holiday, not too far from home.

Caroline McBride - Purley

Having been to Portugal once, some time ago, I wanted to see more of the country.

On approaching Medway Leisure Travel, we had a good discussion about my ideas.

They came back to me with a proposal of a two-week self drive tour, staying at a number of historic Pousadas.

My wife felt touring for two weeks was a bit over the top, so they produced a new proposal, including a few days stay in a beautiful self-catering cottage in wonderful surroundings situated in a national park, at the end of a somewhat shorter tour.

We found this holiday to be one of the most memorable, varied and enjoyable that we have had for many years. I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone who, like us, is a little adventurous, but no longer as young as we used to be! It fitted our wishes exactly so thank you Medway Travel!

Mr Philip Noble, Faversham, Kent

Leaving an itinerary and other arrangements in the hands of others always lends itself to a certain amount of concern. However we were even relaxed at the outset of planning when we were assured "yes, leave it to us we will sort something out" and that is just what happened.

Medway Travel came up with the goods and off we went.

Lucca

First stop Pisa Airport, pick up hire care and drive to Lucca. We should have taken note of Medway's travel directions rather than rely on local knowledge but we eventually arrived safely at Hotel La Luna very conveniently situated just inside the city walls, with nearby garage to park up the car for a couple of days. Lucca as with similar towns is best placed to explore on foot (or you could hire a bike). The summer sun was still with us so what a better way to enjoy a day around the town, up the tower for a bird's eye view, a visit to Puccini's home (a must), casual lunch, a walk around the walls and an evening concert (free!) provided by local college students. Accommodation at the hotel was excellent, a very adequate breakfast, sumptuous room and just look at the frescoes on the bedroom ceilings!

Siena

The autoroute was recommended by the Hotel rather than over the hills and round the bends so we took their advice and were soon on our way to Siena. However we decided to break our journey by lunch in a wayside bar and then travel to San Gimignano, the town of fair towers. Accepting the inevitable presence of tourists (and we were no different) the town has a fascination of towers, narrow streets, churches, squares and an air of romance.

On to Siena to the Hotel Athena, as with Lucca the hotel is easily located just inside the city walls and has garage parking. Our room was well situated with a view over the countryside and only a flight of stairs to a roof top terrace for wine at sun set. No city stress here!

The Duomo here is magnificent and how choice to visit in September when marbled mosaic floors protected from human feet for much of the year are opened up for display. The hand held audio guide more than adequately explains history, reasoning and the tale that exists behind each fresco, painting and work of art. The main square, Piazza del Campo is the magnet for all, harbouring cafes and bars where dinner al fresco is accompanied by strolling minstrels. On the evening of our arrival it was a feast day of the contrada with street celebrations for children in the open squares, streets lined with flags and carved wooden lamps in contrada colours. Our first night evening meal in a local osteria, typical food (don't go for the tourist menu, but be adventurous) and a super atmosphere.

Florence

You cannot really visit this part of Italy without sampling Chianti country, so rather than fast motorways, off we went to the hills, small pretty villages, quiet roads (yes even in Italy) vineyards and wonderful air. We have vowed to return.
The route to Florence was uneventful but the challenge is getting off the autoroute to the airport where we were to drop off the car. Make use of your navigator, she is really very useful. After dropping off the car, it is a short and easy taxi ride into Florence. Our Hotel Corona D'Italia, where we were to spend 3 nights, was just 10 minutes walk from the heart of Florence, the Duomo. As with our other hotels, the location was spot on for sightseeing and just a short walk to the main line railway station which we were to use for our return to Pisa.

Well, where do you start in Florence (because for sure it's difficult to finish). So with a little planning we took in the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery (prior booking worthwhile to miss the queues), Santa Groce, San Marco, Accademia,Gallery and the whole atmosphere of the Florence piazzas, markets, trattoria and of course the Ponte Vecchia. To have a breather from the hustle and bustle of the city we crossed over the River Arno, to picnic in the Boboli Gardens and for a splendid view of Florence the walk up the hill to Piazzale Michaelangelo was very worthwhile.
The train back from Florence to Pisa took us right into Pisa Airport, a last pizza and homeward bound to the UK.

So much in so few days, but also so much left to do - we must return.

The jigsaw completed by Medway Travel was perfect, with nothing out of place, so we really must say Bene Grazie to you all

M S & Mrs S M Phillips
24 September 2004

I have just returned from a visit to this marvellous facility courtesy of Wildlife Worldwide and had to write to say what a fascinating and informative visit it was. Having never experienced staying in a Rain Forest before it was with some trepidation that I arrived at Iguazu airport ready for my experience.

After a two hour journey through the forest (this would normally be done by boat when water levels in the Iguazu River allow) I arrived at the Lodge to find a very warm welcome and was immediately taken to my cabin.

All cabins are double or triple occupancy (single occupancy is available on application) and have 24hour hot and cold water and showers. Electricity is available only between the hours of 6.30 to 7.30 in the morning and 6 and 11pm.

Walking down to your cabin you are immediately struck by the beauty of the flora, masses of striking butterflies and irds (tucans, parrots and hummingbirds).

After an excellent lunch, my first afternoon was a walk through the forest with one of the very knowledgeable guides who explained the layering of the forest in between pointing out the various flora and fauna that we encountered. Dinner in the evening was again an excellent experience.

The second day took the form of a float downstream from the lodge in an indian canoe to see the forest from the water. We encountered monkeys, kingfishers and eagles on route finally entering the Iguazu river (some 1.5km wide) and landing at one of the lodges' ports to take a steady walk back through the forest on a different trail, again encountering monkeys and many species of birds.

On my last day we walked down towards the swamp to see the Capybaras rebreeding station. The Capybaras is the biggest rodent in the world and can weigh up to 80 kilos. Although this mammal is not a threatened species, its population in the area has been decreased substantially due to hunting pressure. Finally I planted a Palmito tree as an aid to regenerating the forest.

The accommodation was very comfortable and staff very friendly. The food is prepared by local people and is exceptional - in fact better than many four star hotels.

I would recommend this facility to anyone looking for something a little different, someone interested in environmental issues, bird watchers, or plant enthusiasts. Special Interest groups can be accommodated and activities are flexible and can be organized to suit the requirements for the group.

This would certainly make an excellent add on to a visit to Buenos Aires. (See my reports on Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls )

Stephen Cresswell, Medway Travel