Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Schloss Neuschwanstein in all its fairytale glory - like a film set brought into the real world. Riding the Kolben carousel - a cross between a bobsleigh and a roller-coaster, a 2.6 km long thrill ride down the mountain going as fast as you dare!  The intimate splendour of Schloss Linderhof - another of King Ludwig II's fantasy creations.

Thoughts on Group Leader

N/A - self guided. The hotel owners and staff were always willing to help explain local arrangements.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Schloss Neuschwanstein - 1.6 million visitors a year mean long queues despite the Teutonic efficiency of the guided tour system -  book online before you go or a couple of days beforehand to get a guided tour at a convenient time. I took the direct bus, arrived at the back of the queue for non-reserved tickets at 11:45. 50 minutes later at the ticket counter I was offered a place on the 17:55 english-speaking tour. Fortunately I was on my own, so they squeezed me in on an earlier tour.Don't be afraid to assemble your own route from the parts of the described walks - the frequent and accessible local transport make this easy

Most Inspirational Moment

It is hard to pick out any one particular moment because there were many great experiences.   The walks through the Carpathian mountains were awe inspiring; walking through meadows of wildflowers and witnessing rural life in action.  Of course, seeing wild bears at the bear hide was a special experience.  I actually also really enjoyed the short night walk through the forest at the end of visiting the bear hide. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cosmin was excellent.  He led the group with a calm confidence.  I was really grateful for the fact that, without any fuss, he was able to assess the appropriate pace for the walks.  He walked at a steady pace and took breaks at appropriate times.  He had a great knowledge of the environment, the history of the area and the wildlife.   I felt that we were in good hands with Cosmin. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

It would be a good idea to prepare in advance for the walks.  On the day when you walk up to the Shepherd's camp, they give you the option (which I nearly took) of returning early to the hotel by backing tracking through the gorge.   If you are pondering doing so, I strongly recommend that you continue on the walk, as the views are awesome and the shepherd's camp was very interesting (even if a bit confronting - you will see why when you visit).   Make sure you take good walking shoes.  I took old boots and the sole fell off on the first day!  Fortunately, the amazing Katarina at the hotel came to my rescue with a pair of shoes for me to wear.  The village where you stay in Magura has no facilities at all (no shops etc) but you really don't need anything because Katarina at the hotel looks after everyone so well that you want for nothing. 

Most Inspirational Moment

It is very difficult to single out one highlight for this trip. They occur on a daily basis; however, the group’s summiting of the Brevent on the final walking day of the trip was a particularly poignant occasion.

Thoughts on Group Leader

When one has a good leader the walk is made all the more enjoyable. A very good leader notices the little things that matter and when one has an outstanding leader you know that you are in the care of a highly trained professional person. Rupert, our leader was all of these things ... and more. He is the most gifted, enthusiastic and inspiring leader I have met. It was a privilege to have walked with him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure that you have completed substantial pre-walk preparation. This is a more demanding walk than some might expect and if you are to enjoy the experience you owe it to yourself to do substantial pre-trip training. Don’t expect sunshine every day — there will be occasions when it pours and depending upon conditions there could be long stretches of snow to cross. Good boots and walking poles are a must.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing people of all ages doing this pilgrimage, some not for the first time and some not very able.Finding volunteers in little old churches willingly sitting stamping Pilgrim Passports for hours.The peace of Samos Monastery. Seeing storks nesting on a pole in someone's garden!Seeing the famous Botafumeiro (censer) in action at Santiago Cathedral at the Pilgrim's Mass.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose Manuel Garcia was brilliant - I cannot improve on the accolades given by a previous reviewer.We missed him once he left us but he left everything in order for the rest of our stay.When he knew I was learning Spanish he made a point of asking me the time etc to help me practise.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do be very sure of your ability to walk some very long days back to back and be sure of your footwear (including socks).  The walking is not difficult but the long days make it hard on the feet. Pack blister kits etc just in case. Don't panic once your leader has gone - Jose gave us all the contact numbers we might need on a slip of paper.If you don't speak Spanish learn some basics before you go - they will be useful and much appreciated.  This is not the Costa del anywhere!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many wonderful moments every day because the scenery was stunning and our fellow walkers were interesting, enthusiastic and had a good sense of humour, as did our leaders. By the end of the week we all felt a great sense of achievement.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leaders really did bring out the best in everybody. They were very knowledgeable, good company and always attentive to our needs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take walking boots that have been tried and tested. Some might find a single mountain walking stick useful for descents.

Most Inspirational Moment

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Most Inspirational Moment

The view from the top of the cable car on the first walk set the scene for the whole holiday.Discussing the possibility of other trips with the leaders

Thoughts on Group Leader

They were both excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just enjoy

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leaders were Eric and Albert.  They modified the walks to ensure we best utilised the weather - so we did the high level walks on the sunniest days rather than risking losing the views.  They both have a good sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is a choice of menu every night - read the Italian as well as the English as sometimes the translation is a bit strange.Take small Euro denominations for the hutsProsecco was a good price at the hotel in Moena

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking on the Italian side of the Alps and visiting Courmayer.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was very good and I had confidence in his technical skills. He led the walks so everybody enjoyed the day. The staff who ran the chalet were very helpful and cooked excellent meals.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you have never been to the Alps walking before this is an excellent holiday as an introduction to walking in the Alpine peaks.