Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

I really found it very hard to find a single moment which would fulfil this description. There were just too many great moments.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alvaro is a great guide. Attentive and knowledgeable of this area which he clearly loves dearly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Fitness is an absolute must. These are steep hills do not enter them lightly. There are big climbs and big descents and if the heat is up they can be punishing. Bring a good camera! Bring field glasses.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me the most inspirational part of the trip was how well the group and staff got on and we all helped each other in different ways during the trekk.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Group leader Was excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sun Cream lots of Sun cram!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting so close to wild elephants. They are so powerful but pretty gentle. Also going to the school was great. These kids don't have much but are all so happy

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader (TK) was brilliant. Very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The canoeing isn't to hard but can be a bit of a challenge if it gets windy. The wild camping is great but be prepared, it is wild camping so its basic. You get a tent and food cooked on a camp fire. Also get up a little early and sit my the fire and watch the sunrise and listen to the wildlife, such a relaxing experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking the Valbone pass, looking down one way to Thethi and the other to Valbone, under clear skies and rugged, handsome mountains in every direction.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dorien has the unique mix of skills that make for a great guide, able to move from mountain guide to city seamlessly he makes the whole experience run like clockwork, no small feat and to be appreciated no end by travellers.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In the heat of high summer the walks may be a little tougher than you might expect, consider those days the high end of moderate, but this is balanced by the other days and short walk options.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were too many such moments, but I will always remember the goats at the top of the misty mountain and the view from the piazza of Rovello.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suzy was fantastic. Always cheerful, always mindful of the group's well-being and always quick to point out the great photo opportunities and local nuances. And she always had cookies. You can never go wrong with cookies.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For the Amalfi trip, there is quite a bit of hiking with elevation changes. This is not a simple walk through town or to grandmother's house. Pace yourself ("piano piano"), bring lots of water and snacks and comfortable hiking shoes. You will be sore from this but it's managed. Some people wore over-the-ankle hiking boots and those were overkill. Our guide Suzy wore trail running-type shoes and those would be fine. Something lightweight for walking up stairs and hills and something that will absorb the shocks of going down thousands of stairs.

Most Inspirational Moment

At the end of a long, hot, hard day, walking in to the campsite at La Fouly at looking up at the incredible mountain scenery basked in the evening sunset. And taking that all in with a cold beer!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was fantastic. He worked with a very disparate group of individuals with different levels of fitness and got everyone through the Tour. He was always solicitous for anyone who was struggling, whilst at the same time making sure that the group achieved its day's objectives. I need to add a word about the camp wrangler, Andy, who set up our tents every day and prepared excellent meals. Best care anywhere.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a fun trip, but it is a big trip. You owe it to yourself to increase fitness in the weeks leading up to the trek. That way you can concentrate on enjoying yourself. Nights can be cold, so a good sleeping bag is essential.

Most Inspirational Moment

Amazing walking with a constant back drop of the Mont Blanc massif.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic leader who was knowledgeable, friendly, sociable (always ready for a beer and chat at the end of each walk and joined us for dinner and a drink in the evening), made the group feel safe on the mountains paying particular attention to people who felt uneasy on uneven and steep ground. Some members of the group were difficult to manage and didn't seem to understand that group safety was the guides priority, and even in this difficult situation the guide was professional and attentive to everyones needs. I always felt safe and well looked after on the mountains.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is some steep climbs at moderate altitude but the guides ensure that you can take your time and you never feel pressured to keep up with the group. So walk at your own pace, stop regularly to enjoy the views and you will get up and down the hills with out difficulty. This is a great taster trip if you haven't done anything like this before put are thinking of doing a trekking holiday in the future.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting Sarajevo and understanding the history. its was very moving to see first hand the hardship & how the city is recovering & now living with a mix of cultures. Brilliant! The scenery is just beautiful along with the various old towns built into hill sides. The sea was lovely to swim in & the waterfall great. The lake & river were rather chilly but worth if it you are feeling brave :)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Evelin Balta was the guide on my previous trip the Balkan Discovery too so I was pleased to find him leading this trip. He is very knowledgeable & more than happy to share lots of information about the area. Always offering to help he is the perfect host ensuring we were all ok. He never stopped! Something Ive not seen other guides do was he always kept calling the next stop/hotel/local guide to ensure they were ready for us so that we didn't have any hitches. A great extra touch to ensure our experience in his country was the best it could be. Really appreciated it. Fantastic job Evelin. Thank you.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure you have plenty of water for the walking in the heat. For some of the mosque visits shorts had to be covered up so be prepared gents to put on a skirt! These have been some of the best countries I have visited, very accommodating for visitors. English is widely spoken & the range of food available will cover even the fussiest eaters. There is tons to do in your spare time, lots of places to explore or relax having a swim.

Most Inspirational Moment

Asborg ,our group leader, was outstanding he made many moments inspirational

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention, from snow capped mountains to beautiful alpine flowers and meadows!

Thoughts on Group Leader

John Briggs was a great group leader, professional, full of information (I now know how to identify the larch,spruce and fir trees!!), sharing useful walking tips and always there as a support to some members of the group who were maybe not as confident on certain types of terrain.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you love the outdoors, appreciate beautiful scenery, are reasonably fit and have a sense of adventure then just go for it!! (a bit of advice - the purchase of a small umbrella is an essential bit of kit!!!)