Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Truly detaching from the world and getting out to explore very remote areas of the country. I appreciated that it felt we were on our own journey, where very few people had gone before - did not feel touristy, and I appreciated that. Experiences felt unique and tailored to our group and what we were interested in or how we operated. Our guide - Jean Pierre - really made the trip so much richer with all of his knowledge, passion for the culture and history, and overall positive outlook. He was quick to help however he could and really showed each of us how much he cared about us and our experience along the way. This trip wouldn't have been possible without him and his leadership, along with the other staff - the chefs delighted us with amazing meals all along the way, and horsemen and porters all really cared for us too. Also, just the overall itinerary. I felt like it was very full without being too full & challenged us but in the best way - never more than expectations that had been set. Allowed us to see and do so much - it was an unforgettable, very rich experience & I am very happy with it overall.

Thoughts on Group Leader

JP really made the trip so much richer with all of his knowledge, passion for the culture and history, and overall positive outlook. He was quick to help however he could and really showed each of us how much he cared about us and our experience along the way.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many! Visiting an incredible country with like-minded people and we all got on so well together. At each place we visited there was a local guide who was very knowledgeable and spoke good English, happy to answer any questions we had. Visiting the busy souks, Mosques, medinas, palaces and kasbah were all fascinating, watching sunrises and sunsets were incredible but riding on a camel across the desert and sleeping in a tent has to be one of the very best highlights and also visiting the family high in the mountains was an absolute treat and privilege.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdellah was attentive throughout the tour. He was so organised and set up a wattsapp group so that we all had detailed information relating to the next day programme, items we needed to take, what time we had to be where etc. He checked ahead to local tour guides so that they were there to meet us. He always had water to fill our water bottles even when we were settling into our accommodation for the evening. He explained throughout each day interesting facts about places we were passing, was happy to answer questions, explained where suitable toilets were (!) and made suggestions about where we might eat if we were not eating as a group in the evening.

Most Inspirational Moment

The 16 km hike on Wednesday and the river valley hike on Friday - such beauty! varied terrain and interesting to see how nomads live

Thoughts on Group Leader

We have travelled with many hiking companies over the past 10 years and Aissam was at the top of the list for the quality of trip leader! He was excellent! He was organized (e.g. daily WhatsApp with every detail), deeply committed to sharing his local culture with us in a manner that was very engaging, fun to be with, did extra to add to our enjoyment (organized group dinner on last evening to celebrate the end of the trip) and so much more!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The hiking. The food that was provided - it was really delicious. The quality of the accommodation. The sociability of the guide.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The guide was just wonderful. In particular I appreciated his local knowledge - about nature and local communities/history. He was also very sociable which made things really fun. He couldn't have worked harder to make sure we had a good time.

Most Inspirational Moment

Historical visits, being part of a small group, learning about Malta from our guides.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Stephania was always warm, enthusiastic and fun, but also professional. Ian had fantastic historical knowledge, gave lots of interesting and entertaining information and answered questions very fully. They complemented each other very well. They were both very considerate of the group's needs, especially of one member who had some mobility issues. We especially enjoyed being introduced to local foods and eateries.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were a few but I think meeting Sandra, the owner of Podere Il Casale (day 6) and hearing how she ended up with a dilapidated farm in the early '90s and built it to a successful ethical and sustainable business with her family that we find today. She was a brilliant character who had the whole group laughing throughout our tour at her stories. Aside from the jokes, it was probably the most thought provoking in terms of how we source our food and the lifestyles we lead. Also, special mention for the lunch her team prepared, all sourced from her farm, including the meats, cheeses, oils and wines (of course)!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ambra was excellent, she got the measure of our group quickly, where our interests were and tailored her insights and guidance through the trip to keep us engaged and curious for more. At times, we tended to chat over meals probably for longer than the itinerary schedule allowed, just enjoying the food and ambiance but Ambra managed our time so we had those moments to relax and not rush through the whole trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is a fair amount of walking up stone steps and around hilly medieval towns. A good level of mobility and stamina is required on some days, particularly when we visit Siena and Volterra. Sensible, comfortable shoes for walking around are essential. I travelled in early May and the weather wasn't ideal, we had a couple of very rainy days and in the Tuscan hills it could be chilly. When it was sunny, it was glorious but I'd recommend travelling with an umbrella in case of showers and some warmer layers for departures earlier in the season (Jan-May).

Most Inspirational Moment

All the Ancient Sites, but also the other historical sites. All were brought to life by our excellent guide!

Thoughts on Group Leader

An excellent tour leader!

Most Inspirational Moment

The masserias were amazing, staying in the trulli at that awesome hotel and staying at the Masseria. The wine tasting and olive oil tasting were also great.

Thoughts on Group Leader

She was excellent! She was friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable of the area since she was from that area. She went above and beyond to make sure that we all had a great time.

Most Inspirational Moment

Some of the lunches were in lovely venues with good food. The visit to Berat was great as was the extended stay in Tirana.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was very professional and hard working - helpful next day briefing W/App circulated every night; was up early to ensure all went well with our cab for the early departure airport pick-up are 2 examples.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery was amazing and varied, particularly the wonderful beaches. I enjoyed cycling over the different terrain, bike paths, boardwalks, quiet roads. The restaurants suggested by our guide were very enjoyable, I don't think we'd have found them on our own. Our group got on well with each other and were supportive of each other. A sense of accomplishment in completing the whole ride.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was an excellent leader. We liked the daily briefing which prepared us really well for the next day without being laborious. Joao made great recommendations for local restaurants and bars and made sure we had reservations for them, he also, along with Tony, provided excellent lunches. We found him to be a very gentle yet strong leader with a good sense of humour. He clearly took our safety very seriously and made sure everyone in the group was happy and their needs were met. He is obviously, rightfully, very proud of his beautiful country and this shone through.