Where Adventure Holidays Begin

Such a worthwhile trip, including because of our fantastic guide Valerie Parkinson. Valerie’s knowledge and passion for the region and its people is palpable and she is also an engaging person with interesting stories about her own exploits over the years. Yes the hiking is not easy, the creature comforts are lacking and the food is (though better than expected) simple and repetitive; however, it is all part of the amazing experience of trekking to EBC. If you think you have the stamina, fitness and willingness to poop in a hole, then do this trek! And do it with Valerie if you can as having a native English-speaking guide who understands your own cultural context is so much better than a local guide.

Jim Patti Everest Base Camp Trek – Expedition Departures

Everything about the week was exceptional and memorable. The hikes were different every day and highlighted the special and significant features of the area. Our group leader, Miquel/Mike, was an endless source of information on the human and natural history, and the flora and fauna, making a point to include what the group was interested in. Our group bonded well right from the first day, as we tackled a rainy hike and then the ensuing mud the next day. Mike was constantly aware of and concerned for everyone’s safety and adapted the speed of the walk to accommodate all of us. His pleasant demeanor, sense of humor, punctuality, and attention to detail made the week a pleasure for all. We could not have asked for a better leader!

Kenneth Crutchfield Walking in Andalucia

Our trip leaders Francisco and Rafael were amazing, they genuinely wanted the best experience for us. For me, however, some of the food was not so great… Maybe it was just the time of year that there wasn’t much produce available. Ham and cheese sandwiches every day… And I don’t eat processed ham. Some of the restaurants weren’t so great either. So my only real complaint is the quality of the food… The first night in Monchique dinner was almost inedible with the only a choice of three items and one being tofu which was quickly ruled out, lol. I found it very disappointing as I’ve heard from others that Portugal has such great food… One night I ordered the local prawns and they were these tiny teeny little shrimp that I couldn’t even peel and very mushy… I wish there would’ve been an option that I did not have to go to the wine tasting because it was very late before we got to dinner… I would’ve liked to have just gone off on my own and had dinner a little earlier instead of it 9 o’clock at night and getting in so late and having to get up early the next morning. It didn’t help that that dinner that night was not very good, steak very tough and being overcooked was not even edible….and by then the rest of the food was cold… I try not to think of the food because everything else was incredible except that food is a really big thing for me.

Mandy Alepin Walking Portugal's Wild Algarve

I joined this itinerary in April 2025 and was utterly blown away by the locations visited. Matera was stunning, Lecce’s winding streets were beautiful with gems hidden round every corner, We stayed in a traditional Trulli house which was a personal highlight for me!

Dean Harman Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy

There are many beautiful temples and shrines along the way, each with its own character and all are surrounded by gardens or woods. The cherry blossom (still plenty even though not at its peak season) and other flowers decorate the buildings and make the already scenic landscape stand out more. People are polite, things are organized, trains are always on schedule, hotels are clean and nice, and food is delicious. Really enjoyed the trip.

Chenbei Chang Highlights of Japan

Thanks again for another excellent trip. Yet again the guides are the local knowledge and the key to all the knowledge. They went out of their way to show us places that you would never find on your own , explained local customs and took us to local restaurants.

Joshua Brown Walking Portugal's Wild Algarve