Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

On our first walk, out of a cloudy Switzerland onto the Col de Balme, when the cloud lifted and we had our first views of the Mont Blanc Massif and the Chamonix Valley. Thereafter, apart from one cloudy day, the chance to see the mountains, glaciers and valleys on all the walks was inspirational. The flower meadows were pretty spectacular as well.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oliver was an excellent guide and companion. He is very knowledgable and a fund of absolutely awful, but very funny, puns and jokes.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As Exodus warn, be prepared for all weathers in the hills. We had everything from 5 degrees in sleet to 28 degrees in bright sunshine, and used all our various layers on several occasions. If you are used to hotel accommodation, the chalet rooms are a little smaller - clean and comfortable, but smaller. We had previously done the walks on Classic Dolomites and White Villages of the Sierra Nevada, and this provided a similar degree of challenge, perhaps a little more challenging on the one day when the  temperature was 28 degrees - enough for us.

Most Inspirational Moment

An amazing opportunity to walk in the Alps and enjoy the views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mel was a fabulous guide. She was very knowledgable about the route (having done the route over the last 4 years), managed the group dynamics very well, supporting us on the 'tough' days and with her extensive knowledge of botany and geology was always able to show us something new regularly and answer our questions. She carried a small plastic digger (and some Snicker bars) to explain glaciation - far better than any geography lesson i have ever had before).

Advice for Potential Travellers

It can be wet in early Spring but worth it for the flowers.The two rough camps are just that! Not really very nice. The other 'comfortable' camps were all great.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing a total of 6 beavers swimming in a river so near a townWalking amongst beautiful and sometimes rare/protected flowers in a dramatic landscape 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent - I am so impressed by his ability to explain not just all the fauna and nearly all the flora but also the complicated history of Transylvania in English.Despite a lot of rain and the varied abilities/aptitudes of the group, not to mention a great deal of driving,  he remained cheerful, unflappable, endlessly helpful and considerate.One small example - I was particularly keen to see alpine plants, especially the rare Dianthus which I understand is native only to the national park we were in but the leader took time and effort to explain to me that in the weather conditions it was not possible to get high enough to do so.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go as soon as you can in case EU food regulations, the need for modernisation of the economy and changing aspirations of young locals change it forever.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The guide was very knowledgeable (I wasn't keen on his sense of humour) and went beyond the call of duty in looking after us.  However, we're even thinking of doing the snow shoe trip in October with the same guide. The staff were fantastic.   

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walking was strenuous (I haven't done much exercise this year so did suffer from stiff legs by day 2) which is what we wanted and the Antipodean mountain goats that we had as company were more than satisfied. 

Most Inspirational Moment

1.  Being in these beautiful Romanian national park mountains with fresh air, fresh food cooked by Katherine and family at the inn, and hiking every day in a different direction and meeting the people of the mountains, villages, and cities.2.  The dedication of our terrific guide Cosmos Dan and our hostess Katherine and her husband Hermann, and friends, to protecting and promoting the beauty of Romanian countryside and wildlife.  I was particularly moved by our visit to the bear sanctuary where rescued bears (captive & often wounded or abused for performances) are healed, rehabilitated to living in the woods, and protected for life.  3. Eating the best fresh cheese I've ever had in my 57 years at the shepherd's hut high in the mountains.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cosmos Dan is an inspiration himself with his dedication to protecting his national heritage environment for future generations and seeking to share the beauty of the land and wildlife with visitors.  He is a native of the area, knows every square inch of the land and the hidden trails and all about the wildlife).  As a former National Park ranger, he is particularly well suited to guide people with an interest in the ecosystems and wildlife of the area, but being a native of the region, he also knows everyone and has insights and answers to any and all questions.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring an appetite for delicious Romanian home cooking and energy and a walking stick for the mountains and enjoy a wonderful vacation.  You will be very reluctant to leave.

Most Inspirational Moment

The constantly changing views of the mountains, valleys and villages were stunning. The late Spring flowers that changed as we progressed were a marvel. The "day off" exploring the (ancient Roman) city of Aosta in NW Italy was an easy excursion and well worth it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Frank Hibbert was excellent. He is hugely experienced; knows the route like the back of his hand and was excellent with the group. It is difficult to think how he could be improved upon.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you can spend a whole day walking, are reasonably fit, especially have a good pair of knees, go for it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Well on return home I've been inspired to buy a dutch oven and fire pit and recreate campfire cooking in my back garden... but that probably was not what you had in mind!  Zion National Park was just lovely, an unexpected and delightful stop on the tour. The Grand Canyon is on everyone's must do list and didn't dissapoint, but on a personal note, seeing the sun rise over the Grand Canyon on my 40th birthday was pretty special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rebecca and Mandy were fun and caring women.  They made it their business to ensure we had a good time, with lots of little extras like: visiting the best pie shop in Utah; wearing the grizzly bear hat to ensure we saw one; visiting the funniest milkshake stop on Route 66, getting us up early to avoid walking in the heat of the day and creating culinary masterpieces on the campfire.  But seriously women, you've gotta get 'viva las vegas' on the ipod for that final drive down the strip!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack insect repellent and have the quarters ready for the showers.

Most Inspirational Moment

Camel trekking in the Wadi Rum early in the morning and the majesty of Petra glowing pink in the sun.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic:  extremely knowledgeable, patient, with a fabulous sense of humour and - with 5 of his own children - great with the kids.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't stress about any part of the trip - it is well organised, well paced, interesting, diverse and fun.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing a family of leopards including a cub feeding on a freshly caught Topi in a low lying tree with hopeful Hyenas inches below.

Thoughts on Group Leader

A unique specimen! He surely needs intensive therapy but I am in awe of the man. His enthusiasm is palpable to the degree where on occasions I thought he might spontaneously explode! He clearly wants to get the best shots for his guests and will attempt to overcome any odds to get results. He has a striking committment to the local community and behaves responsibly to the wildlife which sets an example to others.  A great raconteur, as well as a fantastic photogapher, who made the holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring a thick skin, camoflague camera gear (as good as you can get), plenty of enthusiasm and some good dirty jokes.

Most Inspirational Moment

The time spent with the mountain gorillas. We trekked for almost two hours as they fed then kept moving so that we caught tantalising glimpses before coming across a clearing. We watched as the silverback (Charles) speed up a tree. The rest of his family followed and we stood below slighly disappointed that we did not get to see them up close. Finally they came down and moved directly in front of us, the silverback in the lead. His family gathered around him and sudddenly the group was only feet away from us, the young playing, mothers cuddling the younger siblings and to cap it all the silverback then made a display of his strength to put a younger member in his place. He beat his chest then charged at the younger gorilla in a tree, bending the small tree over and then shaking it madly. Satisfied he had made his point he abruptly stopped then lay down. It was truly amazing even if sl;ightly scary to see. The guides had warned us it was about to happen they read the situation perfectly. The hour with the gorillas flew by.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chris was excellent. Cool, relaxed, knowledgeable and always in control. He allowed everyone to relax on the trip, gave excellent advice and clear instructions. His casual approach makes it really feel like a lesiurely trip, he looked out for everyone, took care of any problems and was very perceptive. This is a full service trip and Chris and his colleagues are the reason why it is worth booking if you want a holiday expereince which also allows you to simply chill out.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

I have been on many trips but this one stands out. It really is something special and I am so glad that I did it. If thinking about this trip I would strongly urge you to book and guarantee you will neither regret nor forget this one.