Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing people of all ages doing this pilgrimage, some not for the first time and some not very able.Finding volunteers in little old churches willingly sitting stamping Pilgrim Passports for hours.The peace of Samos Monastery. Seeing storks nesting on a pole in someone's garden!Seeing the famous Botafumeiro (censer) in action at Santiago Cathedral at the Pilgrim's Mass.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose Manuel Garcia was brilliant - I cannot improve on the accolades given by a previous reviewer.We missed him once he left us but he left everything in order for the rest of our stay.When he knew I was learning Spanish he made a point of asking me the time etc to help me practise.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do be very sure of your ability to walk some very long days back to back and be sure of your footwear (including socks).  The walking is not difficult but the long days make it hard on the feet. Pack blister kits etc just in case. Don't panic once your leader has gone - Jose gave us all the contact numbers we might need on a slip of paper.If you don't speak Spanish learn some basics before you go - they will be useful and much appreciated.  This is not the Costa del anywhere!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many wonderful moments every day because the scenery was stunning and our fellow walkers were interesting, enthusiastic and had a good sense of humour, as did our leaders. By the end of the week we all felt a great sense of achievement.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leaders really did bring out the best in everybody. They were very knowledgeable, good company and always attentive to our needs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take walking boots that have been tried and tested. Some might find a single mountain walking stick useful for descents.

Most Inspirational Moment

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Most Inspirational Moment

The view from the top of the cable car on the first walk set the scene for the whole holiday.Discussing the possibility of other trips with the leaders

Thoughts on Group Leader

They were both excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just enjoy

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leaders were Eric and Albert.  They modified the walks to ensure we best utilised the weather - so we did the high level walks on the sunniest days rather than risking losing the views.  They both have a good sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is a choice of menu every night - read the Italian as well as the English as sometimes the translation is a bit strange.Take small Euro denominations for the hutsProsecco was a good price at the hotel in Moena

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking on the Italian side of the Alps and visiting Courmayer.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was very good and I had confidence in his technical skills. He led the walks so everybody enjoyed the day. The staff who ran the chalet were very helpful and cooked excellent meals.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you have never been to the Alps walking before this is an excellent holiday as an introduction to walking in the Alpine peaks.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views and scenery on all of the walks. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz was a first rate tour leader - friendly but not 'in your face', well-organised and really cared about making sure the group had a good week. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do remember your waterproof - I forgot mine but fortunately someone else in the group had two. Even in the height of summer, it can rain up in the moutains!

Most Inspirational Moment

There was so much going for this trip, - a lovely group, stunning scenery, amazing flowers, challenging walking and excellent food, - that it is hard to pick any thing out. However I found reaching the summit of the Brevent on the final day very moving.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Without a doubt, Rupert is one of the most gifted leaders I have come across. Consistently aware, caring, helpful, humourous and informative, I feel privileged to have been on one of his trips. High praise too for Graham, who fed us all superbly, as well as managing all the shopping, camp transfers etc with great good humour.We owe the success of the trip to both of them. Thank you.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it

Most Inspirational Moment

The Gulf of Kotor takes your breath away and the city itself, with its ancient battlements, was awe inspiring.Walking round the Black Lake, surrounded by glorious mountains, was impressive.Driving alongside the River Piva on the way over to Bosnia was incredible. The wooded mountains, the deep green river and the miles and miles of Alpine meadows covered in flowers with not a soul around. What a contrast to our own overpopulated country. Learning about the siege of Sarajevo; so poignent when we realised that our guide, Anaid, had been imprisoned at that time. And the contrast between the old city and the more modern part. And the beautiful Venetian cafe where we indulged in amazing coffee and cakes. And climbing up at evening to witness the mortor which was fired to mark the end of that day's fast; then all the lights came on on the minarets and the people round us shared their Rhamadam bread and Turkish delight with us.The day at Lukomir. Wild roses and many other flowers grew alongside the canyon where we walked and had a picnic supplied by Anaid's mother. I'm not exactly young,and I found it fairly tough going, but I loved every minute of it.The Kravice Waterfalls: We swam in the clear, refreshing lake below the falls and thought nothing could get better than this!Fresh trout at the restaurant at the source of the Briva River, opposite a beautiful monastery. The river water was crystal clear and lovely to drink.And finally, back to Dubrovnik, to the Old City . I wish we had had time to walk round the walls ; we had to choose between that and a swim in the Adriatic.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Anaid made our holiday special. He is a historian and even the extremely complex history and politics of the Balkans came alive as he explained it.He was well organised and very personable and chatty;  a good combination. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is not a strenuous holiday, though there's a lot of fairly hairy travelling. A good job our driver was so careful and reliable.Be prepared to soak up all the information about an area which is unfamiliar to most of us. Enjoy the remoteness and the amazing terrain.