Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing up a steep slope to the Vaiolon pass, involving a fixed ladder on Day 2 Coming down a long and steep descent through meadows and forest on Day 4, after a stimulating walk over a couple of passes.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Albert was excellent. Sometimes a man of few words, he was always aware of where everyone was and how they were doing. I always felt comfortable in his group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This was a more expensive holiday than I had expected. last year ( in Tuscany) the daily travel to start the walks and the wine with the meal was included. Here, everything was extra and we used both bus and ski lifts in abundance because we were staying a long way down the valley from many of the walks. People should be warned about this

Most Inspirational Moment

On the final day, after an extremely steep climb, celebrating at the top of a pass with fantastic views. Finally getting a good look at marmots that we'd heard alarm-calling all week. Floating silently down a mountain in a chair lift - magical! Often, if we stopped and looked back, we could see our impressive path for miles behind. We regularly felt a sense of real pride as we realised what we had achieved.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We did not walk with Lizz's group, but she was extremely helpful, friendly and organised regarding other aspects of the holiday. We have had Albert as Group Leader on a previous trip (Espedalen, cross-country skiing) and we were delighted to discover that he was leading us again. His laid-back style engenders a really nice atmosphere in a group and he has the knack of making you work just hard enough to feel achievement without feeling pushed too hard. His selection of routes was surprisingly varied and we would love to have him leading us on future trips.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take walking poles. There were lots of long, steep descents and poles really help take the strain off knees. Take a backpack hydration system. It can be hot, hard work and regular sips of water as you go along are much better than waiting until the stops and then drinking loads. Prepare for the holiday by improving your fitness as much as you can.

Most Inspirational Moment

Dolomites !!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Eric and Albert were great.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The June trip offered a daily choice between levels 3 and 5 walks. I'm a level 5 at going up, level 3 going down. By listening to the next day's routes I was able to make a reasonable choice on which one was suitable for me. First time I used poles - they helped me and my knees down.

Most Inspirational Moment

To realise that I could still climb and walk a ridge and also do a small grade (not dangerous enough to be clipped on but thrilling nevertheless) via ferrata. I may be aging but I am no dinosaur just yet !!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eric had confidence in me...............so I had confidence in me. I thank him for the help and tips he gave me along the way.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were a number! The main highlight for myself was the Via Ferrata walk which a small group of us did on the free day. Easily the most thrilling walking/mountaineering experience of my life! Another highlight was the final walk on the Friday with a spectacular ridge and equally spectacular views. Also climbing to the highest altitude I've ever been to(just under 10,000 feet) was pretty special(done by cable car!)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Eric & Emily were brilliant leaders. Nothing was too much trouble for them and they contributed massively to my overall enjoyment of the trip. Both had a great sense of humour and they were incredibly experienced. The fact they gave up their day off on the Wednesday to take us on the amazing Via Ferrata walk summed them up perfectly. It's obvious that they both love what they do as they have such enthusiasm. Thanks guys.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure your walking fitness is good prior to departure. Also, be prepared for all weather conditions. We had a couple of very heavy showers on a couple of the walks. Walking poles are a definite advantage if you have them. Apart from that just go and enjoy a superb holiday!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking along a ridge on a sunny day with nothing to worry about except what I would have for my lunch!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eric and Emily were fantastic. They really did their utmost to make sure we all had a wonderful experience and it worked!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are reasonably fit because you will enjoy it all the more if you are.

Most Inspirational Moment

All the walks exceeded my expectations, including the scrambles and climbs.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Emily and Eric were brilliant and looked after us well, chosing the walks to fit the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Have no hesitation to book but come out fit, you'll enjoy the walking all the more.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Dolomites scenery is stunning with mountains with spiky peaks - very unusual. Very green parts too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leaders (Eric and Emily) gave me great confidence and both of them treated you as an individual, and really wanted you to have the best holiday ever! Both were very kind.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take good boots, poles and some warm clothes.

Most Inspirational Moment

The ridge walk on the last day with a powdering of snow

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it

Most Inspirational Moment

The last day when I joined the more advanced group and saw the amazing views as I made it across ridge.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Eric and Emily went out of their way to make the holiday as good as it could be. We had a bad start with the delayed flight then the accident when one of the group slipped and broke his leg. On top of these events, the weather was disappointing. Thanks to their care and attention the group overcame these difficulties and managed to have a really great holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It can be cold on the high mountains so bring a warm hat, ski type gloves and clothes to layer up as required.