Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the Monastery de Luc. Very impressive and beautiful building.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Couldn’t fault the group leader. Eduardo was so knowledgable about Mallorca’s culture, food, wildlife, people and geography. I felt educated each time we went out. He is very keen to please and looked after us so well. He had patience and humour and it was a rap pleasure to have him as a guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware of mosquitoes! Be sure you can cope with long days in the sun. Take a waterproof jacket. The ice cream in Sóller is lovely!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking the Path of the Gods

Thoughts on Group Leader

Stefano was an inspiring and considerate guide making sure that we all enjoyed the experience - quite tricky sometimes as we were all had different levels of experience with hiking.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some challenging sections which are made harder when the weather is hot

Most Inspirational Moment

Each day really! if it wasn't just getting to the top of the hill , it was turning a corner and being in awe of some really great picture moments of the Cinque Terre.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic leader! It's not an easy task keeping every one happy and in order. Michela always made sure we had options. Options if someone wasn't well, or wasn't comfortable with the hike. Options for restaurants and suggestions on our free day. She also constantly checked in with everyone as we hiked and kept us updated as to how much longer or what to expect along the way. Thank you Michela!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't underestimate the walks. Up is up and down is down.!! If the heat bothers you, try for a cooler season. Hiking boots are a must.

Most Inspirational Moment

Several moments stick out ... excellent views especially for our scenic picnic stops, suspension bridge across the white-water river before the Bionnassay glacier, hearing rockfall on the glacier while we relaxed in the meadow nearby and the beautiful colours of autumn in the undergrowth.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shaun is very competent as a leader but a little quieter than some. We felt very safe with him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Mer de Glace is definitely worthwhile on the free day. We can recommend eating in the Aiguilles BBQ restaurant near Chalet Chocolat which has delicious food cooked over the outdoor wood fire. Be aware that some of the lifts close around mid September and the walks are amended accordingly.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scrambling walking route up to Tiscali

Thoughts on Group Leader

Albert was an excellent leader, very organised with good knowledge of Sardinia. He was also very good at accommodating the varied needs and walking abilities of members of the group. He responded well to provide an alternative walk when the sea conditions prevented us from landing along the coast on our final walk.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hiking to the top of mountains and cherishing the peace, tranquility and majesty of stunning 360° views... while enjoying a picnic lunch :-)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Karl was very good. Having been a leader of this trip for many years, he has a wealth of knowledge of the area, mountains and trails and the history that goes with them. With this experience, Karl was aware of timing and watchful of the weather but the pace of the walks was never rushed. He also has a great sense of humour that can be ‘playful’ at times 😀 and is genuinely keen to make sure you are enjoying the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking poles are always useful for this type of trip but were invaluable for the trickier parts of some of the trails.

Most Inspirational Moment

Not necessarily ‘inspirational’, but so many unforgettable memories for different reasons! Herculaneum, Pompeii, and Vesuvius (optional trip on the free day) had long been on my wishlist; the walk on The Path of the Gods was amazing and not as difficult as I’d feared (and our delicious lunch was a totally unexpected delight!); medieval Ravello was my favourite of the towns we visited (not overly touristy - don’t miss the duomo and its museum); the chairlift ride up Monte Solaro on Capri (so peaceful and awesome views at the top); the two cookery demos in the hotel kitchen; the visit to the cheese maker in Bomerano before the walk on ‘The Path of the Gods’; ....

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eduardo is one of the best! We were a good group in terms of timekeeping but his organizational skills are excellent and his friendliness, humour, and sense of fun all helped to make the trip extra-special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The optional trip to Vesuvius (with delicious wine tasting and lunch afterwards) was great despite the fact that the rim and crater were shrouded in mist. Do make sure you get a guide when you reach the rim - ours was a mine of helpful information. Only 6 of our group did this option - Eduardo had told us that Sorrento was even more touristy than Amalfi and Positano, so we were happy to give it a miss. The paper mill/museum (optional) in Amalfi is well worth a visit if you have an interest in the history of fine papermaking. Even if it looks a bit scary, the chairlift (single seats) on Capri is amazing (15 min up, 15 min down with as long at the top as you want. Do try a limoncello spritz at the hotel bar - it’s very refreshing and also addictive!!

Most Inspirational Moment

I was fully expecting to be blown away by the Gorillas (and they did not disappoint !) but as someone who has done safari before, I was not expecting the spectacular sightings that we had at the Masai Mara! We had a mind blowing first few days! So many big cats in such close proximity - including the ever elusive leopard ! 😍 We also saw wildebeest crossing and a kill which was bittersweet. Seeing the chimps in their natural habitat carrying on their business was also awe inspiring . When they start calling to each other and drumming the trees, it’s really quite intimidating but in the best possible way.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gilbert was our Group leader and I thought he was fantastic! As well as being incredibly witty and good humoured throughout the trip, Gilbert was always explaining local culture, history, knowledge of the wildlife etc. I always felt very well informed and in safe hands! A very knowledgeable guy! Incredibly patient with a big group of big personalities! He and the broader team had a great bond and worked so well together!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The only consideration I would raise with potential travellers is around the camping. For me, I’m not a regular camper and so was a little out of my comfort zone at times. In saying that, whilst not all camps had hot water all the time, all of the campsites were lovely and indeed, I think my favourite nights were in the wild / unfenced camps. Truly an experience! I don’t at all regret the camping option as it was great fun but I did very much take advantage of the upgrade options, which were a nice break for a city girl at times (but i still felt part of the group and experience). I also thought upgrade prices were generally reasonable. Tents were clean and the team were very efficient with taking them up and down, but for a single traveller, I’d consider single supplement next time just due to personal space. In saying that, a number of single travellers and couples alike stayed in dual occupancy tents for the whole trip and loved it, so just personal choice. It’s nice to have the option of both though .

Most Inspirational Moment

The freedom of cycling along the coast

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent Alan was friendly open and helpful but still in control

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you do plenty of hills in prep I wasn’t quite fit enough or get an e bike

Most Inspirational Moment

Coming around corners to the most breathtaking scenery in the world

Thoughts on Group Leader

Louise and Veriano enthusiastic guides, Veriano had lots of local knowledge. It was best when they could break the group up to walk at their own pace

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get hills and steps in your legs before trip and wear light clothing that can breathe, I love my woollen T-shirt