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Testimonials
We take great pride in the fact that a large proportion of our clients have travelled with us on previous tours. For us, repeat business is the greatest accolade. We read the feedback forms that our customers fill in and work to improve every tour accordingly. You can read some of the comments from our clients below.
| Ecuador and the Galapagos - Medicine, Darwin and the Origin of Species 'The trip was unforgettable, truly the holiday of a lifetime. Ecuador was a revelation - sights, people and experiences to remember. The Galapagos have a lot to live up to but comfortably exceed all expectations. I would have no hesitation in recommending Jon Baines Tours in general, and the Galapagos in particular.' Edward Farnan, Ecuador and Galapagos 2009 'An experience of a lifetime. Felt very privileged to be able to visit the Galapagos Islands. The lectures were of a high standard.' Anita Rampling, Ecuador and Galapagos 2009 'An excellent tour and well beyond expectations, thank you.' Sean and Felicity Hughes, Ecuador and Galapagos 2008 'The tour was a huge success, put together with imagination and flair.' Participant on Ecuador and Galapagos 2008
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| Care of the Elderly and Palliative Care in South India 'This great adventure exceeded my wildest dreams - and we feel so privileged to have been part of it. Overall - a great trip. Thank you. I would recommend it to others.' Dorothy Anderson, Care of the Elderly and Palliative Care South India 2010 'Trichur Palliative Ward was fascinating. The home visits were fascinating and I was touched that the patients would welcome us into their homes.' Sally Lawton, Care of the Elderly and Palliative Care South India 2010 'Lived up to expectations and beyond.' Janet Squire, Care of the Elderly and Palliative Care South India 2010 '(The professional visits) to the villages were incredible...Jagannath Babu was an exceptionally good guide. Can't imagine a better one. He worked very hard with a brilliant attitude. He gave us good and unusual information about India and the places we visited. I had a wonderful unforgettable time.' Holly Mayhew, Palliative Care in South India Jan 2008 'Gilly Burn (tour leader) was amazing; fun, knowledgeable, her stories of India inspired me to go back. I will share the experience with colleagues and highly recommend it. For me it was the holiday experience of a lifetime.' Lindsay Kingett, Palliative Care in South India Jan 2008 '(The visits were) all very interesting and stimulating - especially the visit to the neighbourhood volunteer scheme - a definite highlight. All in all a most enjoyable and stimulating experience, thank you. Gilly and Babu were both absolutely excellent and made the trip.' Dr David Bird, Palliative Care in South India Jan 2008 'Hospital and hospice visits excellent - the community day in a 4WD in Calicut the highlight. Babu was excellent with extensive general knowledge - very professional and courteous and gave us wonderful insight into his country. Gilly was excellent - wonderful sense of humour, an inspirational person with lots of stories to put it all into perspective. Her past experiences in India - not only medical but cultural - gave us all a greater understanding of this unique country's diversity. You would not find a better tour leader if you tried!' Suzy Fenger, Palliative Care in South India, Jan 2008 'Gilly Burn was fantastic as a tour leader. Bright lovely lady with incredible knowledge of Palliative Care in India and lots of contacts. Her personality and enthusiasm got the group to gel very quickly and she, with our local guide, met our every request.' Robert Kingkit, Palliative Care in South India, Jan 2008
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| Therapy and Rehabilitation in South India “A wonderful holiday.” Ann and Ian Douglas, Therapy and Rehabilitation in South India, Feb 2008
“A fantastic experience and better than my expectations.
Babu...the guide was excellent, very knowledgeable, good sense of humour, flexible and helpful. He got to know us as individuals rather than just a group.” Enid Feather, Therapy and Rehabilitation in South India, Feb 2008
“All our meals, especially the homestays were delicious and a most enjoyable experience.” Mary Desch, Therapy and Rehabilitation in South India, Feb 2008
“Vidya Sagar, The Community Out Reach, Mobility India, Vellore CMC, Ayurvedic Hospital and Martial Arts were all very interesting. We were given a wonderful welcome and the sessions were very interactive and well prepared.
The trip exceeded my expectations. I had a wonderful time with wonderful people and I would highly recommend this tour. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the dedication, care and commitment of the medical staff and the work they carried out in the community.” Katharine Kilgour, Therapy and Rehabilitation in South India, Feb 2008
“The community based rehabilitation was a great experience, going into the village and seeing the volunteers. Babu had excellent knowledge of all the areas. I would recommend him to anyone – he was thoughtful, nothing was too much trouble and a lovely person.
This has been a wonderful coming back to India, a most memorable trip; we have done so much and enjoyed such a variety of experiences, I have loved everything.” Ruth Philpott, Therapy and Rehabilitation in South India, Feb 2008
“An unforgettable experience – thank you so very much. ” Karen Addenbrooke, Therapy and Rehabilitation in South India, Feb 2008
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| In the Footsteps of Florence Nightingale - Istanbul 'Loved all the things we visited. It was incredible to see so much in such a short period. Alp (Tour Guide in Istanbul) was fantastic - very knowledgeable and extremely patient. Pleasant and has a vast knowledge of Turkish history - he's a gem. Alex was great also - very knowledgeable on Florence and very enthusiastic.' Sally Harlow, In the Steps of Florence Nightingale, Sept 2008 'The boat trip on the Bosphorus was a delight. (The visits were) beyond expectation - including the historical sites in Istanbul and Florence Nightingale sites. Alp was A1 - he could not have given more freely and also Alex, of his knowledge, time, patience and all round expertise as a guide.' Joyce Harlow, In the Steps of Florence Nightingale, Sept 2008 'The tour was extremely well organised and I for one felt very well looked after and assisted at every turn. I liked Alex, who is clearly a master of his subject, and found Alp an outstanding guide. The in-built flexibility to take account of the weather was invaluable: I appreciated that the last minute rescheduling cannot have been easy. Personally, I appreciated too, the thought which even went into the selection of the 'best' loos. All in all, I had a very enjoyable trip and send my thanks.' Joanna Malins, In the Steps of Florence Nightingale, Sept 2008 '(Alp was) an excellent guide and a mine of useful information who knew exactly what we wanted. Full marks for rearranging the visits to suit the weather (and the NATO generals). The combination of Alex and Alp produced inspirational and thoroughly worthwhile visits.' Leslie Povey, In the Steps of Florence Nightingale, Sept 2008 'I particularly enjoyed the visit to the Seminiye Barracks, the Suleymaniye Library, and the Topkapi Palace Jewel Collection. In fact all the visits were varied and very good. Alp was an amazing fund of historical and local knowledge. He and Alex were a very good team. We enjoyed their company. I was amazed that we managed to see so much in such a short time. It was all fascinating, and the itinerary was well planned. We were so lucky to have Alex with us. He is so knowledgeable about Florence Nightingale.' Margaret Povey, In the Steps of Florence Nightingale, Sept 2008 'The visits were very good. I particularly enjoyed the library, the Cistern, the Spice Bazaar and Scutari (of course!). It was great to be able to get access to the Barracks and the Museum. Alp and Alex were both extremely knowledgeable and charming. They were flexible and good tempered and looked after everyone well. We were very fortunate to have two such well informed guides.' Professor Joan Higgins, In the Steps of Florence Nightingale, Sept 2008 'So much in such a short time, but not too much. (On the guides, Alp and Alex) - what more could we have asked for?! Knowledgeable, obliging, flexible, patient, humorous. Very pleased I came!' Jane McEldowney, In the Steps of Florence Nightingale, Sept 2008 'A fabulous trip. Just as fascinating as Florence Nightingale was fascinating Istanbul. Thank you.' Pat Smedley, In the Steps of Florence Nightingale, Sept 2008 'I appreciated how well the tourist traps were avoided and the opportunity to visit some less well known places.' Participant, In the Steps of Florence Nightingale, Sept 2008 '(Visiting) the Barracks meant a lot. To be able to walk in the footsteps of Florence was very impressive.' Kristy Peavey, In the Steps of Florence Nightingale, Sept 2008 'Alp was a wonderful guide, his knowledge on all aspects was exceptional. He was very organised, which I found extremely helpful. I have known Alex for about 10 years, so knew he would be an excellent tour leader. He is very kind and caring and looked after us all, checking that everything was going well and we had no problems. We all felt that we were in safe hands! He is a very competent lecturer and of course his knowledge of the life and times of Florence Nightingale is exceptional. We all enjoyed the experience of visiting Scutari with him.' Molly Jennings, In the Steps of Florence Nightingale, Sept 2008 | |
| Cuba: Medicine and Society 'Thank you so much for arranging such a good tour with an excellent leader. It was full of wonders and delight.' Hilary Armitage, Cuba: Medicine and Society, Feb-March 2009 'Anne was an excellent tour leader, who managed to keep the group together! It was a great treat to go on such an interesting, well organised and varied trip!' Flavia Leslie, Cuba: Medicine and Society, Feb-March 2009 'Ludwig and Maria (National Guides) were real 'gems'. Both were extremely helpful and supportive and had a brilliant sense of humour! Ludwig was brilliant - very knowledgable, an excellent source of information. Anne McAllister (UK Tour Guide) was excellent, very supportive! Had all situations under control...and so much fun to be with! Altogether we had such a marvellous time - we are already thinking about doing it all again next year!' Dr Susanne Buttner and Martin Murphy, Cuba: Medicine and Society, Feb-March 2009 'This has been our first Jon Baines trip and we have thoroughly enjoyed it. Excellent balance between specialist visits and general tourism and all to a very high standard. We really appreciated the extras on this tour - eg Dr Guevara, Professor Orestes del Castillo and the doctors we talked to. Organisation and hotels to a very high standard.' Dr Marian and Dr Colin Kenyon, Cuba: Medicine and Society, Feb-March 2009 'When I read the brochure for this trip, I knew it was going to be the perfect combination of professional visits and tourism. I had been waiting to find such a trip for several years. I was not disappointed. It really was perfect from start to finish. It couldn't have been better.' Professor Joan Higgins, Cuba: Medicine and Society, Feb 2008 'The last night - Buena Vista Social Club - was fantastic. The best last night I have ever had on any trip!' Jennifer Hurstfield, Cuba: Medicine and Society Feb 2008 'Cuba was lovely, music excellent, the polyclinic, local GP and eco tour were wonderful.' Dr Tony Rowlinson, Cuba: Medicine and Society, Feb 2008 | |
| Vietnam and Cambodia: Culture and Society 'Visits were many and varied and all extremely interesting and memorable. Impossible to choose a favourite - each impressive in their own way, whether the tranquility of Halong Ba, or the magnficent temples of Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm. An amazing trip - looking back at my photos it's hard to believe we covered so much.' Jill Haran, Vietnam and Cambodia: Culture and Society, Jan-Feb 2009 'What an absolutely brilliant trip - each day was amazing and I had such a wonderful time. Aidan was magnificent - his insider knowledge of Vietnam and his ability to speak the language obviously helped.' Annie Dixon, Vietnam and Cambodia: Culture and Society, Jan-Feb 2009 'The food is unique to the area, and delicious. Fresh fish is plentiful and herbs are included in greater quantities and variety than other cuisines in the area. Most of the restaurants we visited were local and small with specialty dishes. Do not travel with the hope of losing weight!' Heather Bouchier Hayes, Vietnam and Cambodia: Culture and Society, Jan-Feb 2009 | |
| History of Medicine Cruise 'My wife and I wish to tell you how much we enjoyed the cruise that exceeded our expectations...the itinerary was ideal and the on-shore excursions were very interesting...the programme of talks, the speakers and transporation were well-planned and created a relaxed yet focused trip. Our problem is whether we can ever find again a cruise as good as this one and such compatible fellow travellers.' Dr Robert N Smith, History of Medicine cruise, October 2010 'This was our first cruise experience - I think we started at the top!' Stephen Palczynski and Angela Hester, History of Medicine cruise 2009 'The shore excursions were first class and very relevant.' David Forsyth, History of Medicine Cruise 2009 'Sue Weir is a marvellous tour leader and could not be bettered.' Raymond Hurt, History of Medicine Cruise 2009 'The lectures were excellent and enthusiastic.' William and Ann Edwards, History of Medicine Cruise 2009 ‘The shore excursions were all very interesting and well thought out with good preparation and very helpful specialist lecturers. The Sevastopol day was a wonderful experience.’ Joan Towers, History of Medicine cruise, September 2008 ‘Sue Weir was simply wonderful at organising us all, being helpful as well as extremely knowledgeable.’ Dorothy Vollum, History of Medicine cruise, September 2008 ‘The lectures were first class and the short papers from volunteers were very good.’ Gordon Chambers, History of Medicine cruise, September 2008 ‘A very special and memorable cruise. I have come back bursting with enthusiasm. It was all brilliant’. Anne Carvosso, History of Medicine cruise, September 2008
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| The Golden Road to Samarkand 'The tour was first class.' Michael Walford, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan 2009 "I particularly enjoyed Samarkand and the visit to the carpet factory. Fascinating. I enjoyed the whole trip immensely. So much to see, good group friendship, a very different holiday.' Sheila Attenborough, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan 2009 'I appreciated the wide variety that accompanied the Silk Road heritage; the Sufi clinic, the pottery, the wine tasting, the Golden Horse stables and the memorable trip to the desert at night.' Mary Campbell, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan 2009 'Excellent day trips which gave us a sense of adventure. I enjoyed Tajikistan and loved Merv along with the night in the desert.' Francoise Hivernel, Uzbekistan and Turmenistan 2009 'Fantastic trip - we learned a lot about the history of the countries, the Silk Road and archaeological sites.' Diane Semark Varian, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan 2009 'I will never forget the evening visit to the Registan in Samarkand; it was magical. The old town of Khiva with its living history was wonderful.' Irene Taylor, The Golden Road to Samarkand, September 2007 'Breakfasts were excellent, and I enjoyed lunches and dinners and the home cooking at the village house.' Yasmin Meghani, The Golden Road to Samarkand, September 2007 | |
| Namibia: Landscapes, Wildlife and Cultures 'A really great trip – Namibia is definitely the place to visit.' Dr Jean McMillan, Namibia: Landscapes, Wildlife and Cultures, February 2008 'The ultimate experience - Namibia’s amazing landscape, a land of contrasts, variety in their cultures. Meeting local people, tribes and bushmen. Biodiversity and natural history – magical. Indeed an African extravaganza, the country left me wanting more.' Sheila Bettridge, Namibia: Landscapes, Wildlife and Cultures, February 2008 'One spectacular visit after another – Fish River Canyon, the ghost diamond town, the Namib desert, the boat trip from Walvis Bay, the game at Etosha.' Leslie Baxter, Namibia: Landscapes, Wildlife and Cultures, February 2008 'We were pleasantly surprised at the high quality of food and service.' Ron and Betty Hoy, Namibia: Landscapes, Wildlife and Cultures, February 2008 | |
| Syria and Jordan: Historical and Contemporary "Thank you for a wonderful tour; interesting, inspiring and very well researched. Lavinia has a passion for Syria past and present which she conveys in her researched talks. Petra, a hidden gem brought to life by a knowledgable local guide.' Lesley Laxton, Syria and Jordan October 2010 "We very much enjoyed Lavinia's talks which were thought-provoking and well prepared.' Charles and Helen Derry, Syria and Jordan October 2010
'Sincere thanks to (Lavinia) and Jill for a memorable tour...I appreciated your generosity in sharing your interest and knowledge of Syria and Jordan and its peoples - it certainly gave depth to the tour.' Margaret McKinnon, Syria and Jordan October 2010
'A wonderful set of visits - thank you to Lavinia for her superb talks.' Liz Tothill, Syria and Jordan, October 2008 'All the visits were fascinating and worthwhile.' Jess Hegarty and Michale Balaam, Syria and Jordan, October 2008 'Lavinia's talks were excellent: engaging, entertaining and also thought provoking. Hussein (the national guide) was outstanding.' Elizabeth Mowbray, Syria and Jordan, October 2008 'The trip was well planned, the guides were excellent, the sites were beautiful - a wonderful visit.' Eric and Gae Andreae, Syria and Jordan, November 2007 'My hopes of the depth and insight Lavinia would give were more than fulfilled as she shared our encounters with the different places, peoples and faiths.' Charlotte Elvey, Syria and Jordan, November 2007 'This excellent trip was greatly enhanced by the quality of the speakers.' B.G. Holiday, Syria and Jordan, November 2007 ''I was very impressed by the choice of places and how balanced this choice was. I was blown away by the richness of Syria's past.' Annette Elliot, Syria and Jordan, October 2008 | |
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