In general the cycle tour experience has always been fantastic: the pre-tour notes are very helpful, the tour organisation is professionel, the tour guides and support crew are always friendly, helpful and supportive of our requests and questions about the people, history and nature; the food selection is always supportive of the local cuisine which we found always palatable and delicious. We always felt safe on the road and within the local communities. If , during the tour, some aspects did not work out, the tour guides did handle such instances professionally and in a considerate, non-confrontational manner. Since the Grasshopper organisation has to collaborate in some countries with local tour operators, who do not necessarily possess the anticipated professionalism, which in turn can have a negative impact on the participants overall tour satisfaction levels; if such a tour is the first Grasshopper experience of a participant - the Grasshopper image and perceived tour value is impacted - which in turn does endanger the positive " word of mouth " advertising !