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I travelled to the Galapagos Islands during a holiday to Ecuador last year and it was the highlight of my trip. Being an animal lover, I’ve always been intrigued to see them and I certainly wasn’t left disappointed. In just three days I saw more wildlife than I would have expected to see in three weeks. The biggest surprise though was how confident the animals were with humans - birds land more or less on your feet and iguanas laze on the beach, not even flinching when people walk by them.  One sea-front hotel is even frequented by a sea lion who’s a regular around the pool, and takes it upon himself to spend most of his days lazing on a sun-bed next to the guests!

While on Santa Cruz I met the famous Lonesome George – the last tortoise of his kind, as well as a host of other Giant Tortoise species whose shells vary from island to island and are what helped Charles Darwin develop his theory of evolution. It’s really interesting to see how the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands has evolved. I also managed to spot some blue-footed boobies which really are beautiful birds.

It’s not just the wildlife above the water that’s endemic to the Galapagos Islands. I had the fantastic opportunity to join a boat trip to Santa Fe, where I went snorkelling with sea lions, sharks and turtles. I also spotted marine iguanas which have evolved to swim for prolonged lengths of time underwater while they search for food which is sparse inland. Snorkelling off the coast of Santa Fe was a truly unforgettable experience and to top it all off, a humpback whale jumped out of the water about 200 metres away from me while I was in the water, an experience that you really couldn’t plan.

The Galapagos Islands are one of the most amazing places I have ever visited and I would recommend everyone takes a trip to them at some point in their lives. I definitely hope to return one day to see what other unique wildlife I can find in these enchanting islands.

Experience this all for youselve with our Galapagos Islands Cruise or Ecuador Wildlife Tour

Louise Ponting PR Executive

This was my first trip to Turkey and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I know people often associate Turkey with package beach holidays and sun-soaked touristy resorts but this was an Explore holiday. What really appealed to me about this tour was the fact that it allows you to get away from the beach and see ‘real’ Turkey. 

The tour started in Istanbul - gateway to Asia; here we were able to explore the Blue Mosque, one of the most spectacular buildings I have ever seen. Another fantastic marvel was Hagia Sofia, a Byzantine church, built in the 6^th Century. 

Istanbul, with its numerous street café’s, markets and bazaars had a great buzz about it. We had the opportunity to take a ferry over the Bosporus. This is by far the best place to see the city from both the Asian and European sides and there was also a great selection of markets for that all-important souvenir shopping 

The journey inland from Istanbul was along a modern four-lane highway through stunning scenery to the capital - Ankara. Ankara is largely a modern city; it was founded by Ataturk in the 1920s. Here we were able to see his mausoleum and the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations. This is a very interesting place and particularly focuses on the history of the Hittites, who lived in Turkey years before Christ. 

Travelling south from Ankara, the scenery changed as we moved more inland to the region of Cappadocia. The moonlike landscapes were stunning and very different to anything I have experienced before. Here we were able to explore the subterranean city of Kaymakli. This amazing collection of underground caves was inhabited by Christians who were escaping Arab persecution during the 6-7^th Century. There were also the beautiful churches of Gerome built into volcanic rock. This made a great impression on me. 

From here we travelled on to Konya, one of the holiest cities in Turkey. Here we were able to visit some of the most beautiful mosques and learn about the Whirling Dervishes, an old Islamic sect that was evident in Turkey before the Modern secular state was established.

Another major highlight for me was the town of Kas. This charming harbour town has many nice restaurants overlooking the harbour which serve both Turkish and Western food. It’s a sheer delight to sip a nice glass of wine while watching the sun set over the beautiful turquoise waters of the Eastern Mediterranean. From Kas, the group had a gulet trip out to sea, cruising along the stunning coastline and around numerous Islands. This was a great way to relax and soak up the sun and enjoy a swim in the tranquil, warm waters.

Following on from Kas, the trip took much more of a historic and cultural turn. We were able to visit many of the ancient Roman and Greek sites. For me the best ones were Aphrodisias with its impressive amphitheatre, Caunos with its Citadel which dates back to 400BC and of course Ephesus. The good thing about this trip was that we were able to visit the sites early, before they became too crowded and too hot.

The frozen waterfall at Pamukkale was another great aspect of the tour. This was by far one of the most impressive natural wonders I have seen. Here we could absorb the atmosphere, take pictures and bath in the spa waters which many claim have healing powers.

On the last leg of our journey, we visited the war memorials of Gallipoli - a very moving place. This was particularly important to the Australian and New Zealand members of the group as it was here that many Anzac soldiers lost their lives attempting a landing in World War 1.

So to sum it up, I found that Turkey was one of the most interesting countries I have been to, with much to offer. It had beaches, mountains, spectacular scenery, great food and a varied history that enhanced this wonderful experience.

By Anthony Jay, Adventure Travel Consultant who travelled on Asia Minor Explorer (TU)

Not sure if a cycling holiday is right for you?  – Read about the experience of Product Manager Ali and her Mum Kathryn who cycled in Provence with Explore

Sudarshan KC was the winner of Explore's Tour Leader Awards 2011 and part of his prize was a trip to the UK. He was originally due to visit us in November of last year but fell victim to the weather in his home country of Nepal. He was one of thousands stuck in the mountain town of Lukla as the clouds closed in making flights in and out impossible. He finally made it over this week and while here we sat down to talk to him about his life as a Tour Leader, his pride in his work and what he loves about Nepal.

Sudarshan in the Explore office

Why should people travel to Nepal?
The thing many people don’t realise is that the word ‘trek’ actually started in Nepal, so people should come to the country which originated trekking! Nepal also covers a wide range of altitudes – from 67metres above sea-level to the heights of Everest - so there is a huge range of bird and flower species which people don't appreciate when they think of Nepal. We have 873 species of bird here for example.

What advice do you have for people travelling to Nepal?
Listen to the Tour Leader, even if you are a regular walker. All of us are highly experienced mountain guides and set the pace on all walks – let us! It may seem slow but take it slow and you’re more likely to enjoy the treks and successfully complete them. Plus, taking your time means you get to appreciate the beautiful surroundings more.

What is your favourite place to walk and why?
I love walking in the countryside, often away from the mountains. For me, the secrets of a country can be found in its countryside.

What top tips would you give to someone thinking of booking a trek?
I think the first thing is to know your own fitness and ability. Make sure you choose a trek which is right for you and one where you can handle the walks as this means that you’ll enjoy the holiday so much more than if you choose one too difficult for you. Also, leave you troubles and ‘real life’ at home. Just take in what’s around while you’re on trek to make sure you really appreciate it!

Do you recommend using walking poles?
Yes, definitely. They’re great when used properly, especially when walking downhill as they take the pressure off your knees. Plus, when walking in snow you can use them to help see where there is uneven ground and avoid crevices! If you don’t have any, you can pick them up in Kathmandu at the start of all our treks.

What about food in Nepal? What should people definitely try?
Rice and lentils are a staple while on trek and we try and give people a variety of things along with these. Dumplings, or ‘momos’ are good and are often steamed with meat, vegetables and spices. They’re great for energy and very tasty!

Sudarshan helping some group members with dinner

What is your favourite time of year in the mountains?
Definitely springtime. There are lots of flowers and usually good weather.

What is one thing you are never without when trekking?
Earplugs! They’re great for blocking out any heavy snorers. Plus, hand sanitiser is a also a must-have.

What are your favourite things about being an Explore tour leader?
I think the appreciation Explore has for the work we do and the trust which is put into us to do it. We are free to lead the tours and make any necessary decisions but there is also always 24 hour support in the Explore office if we need it. I also love that Explore customers like a bit of adventure, more so than most people. They don’t mind if things go wrong – in fact it often adds to the sense of adventure for them!

Tell us about an amazing moment you’ve had on tour?
It’s difficult to pick one moment – Nepal is full of amazing moments. When I receive good feedback from customers, that is the wow moment for me.

Do your groups find the treks emotional at all?
Yes, even the most experienced travellers! People always make great friends on tour. There are jokes, singing, dancing and often making fun of each other so you bond like a family very quickly. This makes leaving at the end of the trek hard – I often see tears in their eyes as we get to the airport.

Anything else you’d like to share about Nepal?
I think it’s not just the mountains which make my country special – it’s the people. The leaders and the people you meet on trek all enhance the experience. Everyone is one big family and is very welcoming – that’s how we do it in Nepal!

To find out more about trips in Nepal, read our dedicated Nepal guide, view the Everest Base Camp trip or meet more of our tour leaders in our monthly Tour Leader Spotlight.