Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Crossing into austria and cycling round Vienna all on the same day was great!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very competent and managed some strong willed people in the group very well.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the sunrise every morning from above the clouds was fantastic. Climbing out of the tent at night in freezing temperatures to go to the toliet was not so great.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was experienced (he had been a guide on the mountain for more than 12 years), friendly, calm, funny and helped the trip run smoothly. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Most people in our group found the walking most days to be relatively easy and we were lucky with the weather as it didn't rain once. However, don't let the fact this walk is so accessible deceive you as you ascend fairly rapidly and people in our group were starting to feel the effects of altitude by the second and third day - me included. Others were completely fine however. Listen to your guides advice, who will also be on hand to offer medicine, but ultimately it is your decision on whether you continue. If you've never been to altitude before and you have the time and money I would probably recommend opting for a longer 7 day route. On a completely separate note, the food is fantastic and there's plenty of it so don't worry about going hungry on this trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

For me it was the wonderful scenery, the view from the hill just climbed just made the hard work so worthwhile!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was very knowledgeable though he did have a thing about 'red breasted shrikes'  and other avian treasures, our minbus braking unexpectedly to point out this wonder or that. And we were lucky that we did see a good number of interesting things. But not only did he know his local area but also his local history which was shared with us and made it all so much more meaningful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Grab every opportunity offered, you will enjoy it!

Most Inspirational Moment

The col climbs were often very tough with 1,000m of height gain in 3 - 4 hours! As well as this the weather was very changeable and we had a number of rainy days which meant making sure waterproofs were close to hand and that things didn't get to wet.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alison was knowledgable and friendly and seemed to have a lot of mountain walking experience which was very reassuring. A very good leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack as light as possible and certainly don't take more than a 35 litre pack, it is unlikely you would use all the stuff in a bigger pack and you will really appreciate the lighter load as you carry it day after day across the trip. Our leader showed us what she was taking and it was minimal my advice would be ask yourself if you really need it before packing it in your pack for the main trek.  

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching Sun Gate and looking down on the prize of the trip....the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu.

Thoughts on Group Leader

First class - friendly, knowledgable, funny, motivational.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Good camera.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Mont Blanc when it finally appeared out of the bits of cloud that always seem to be on it's summit Scoffing myrtle tart surrounded by lovely flowers and enormous mountains Watching the Mont Blanc marathon competitors dragging themselves up the Col de Posettes - might be back one day to do it myself

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oliver is an excellent leader - very knowledgeable about the mountains, the wildlife and the local area. We had to change a couple of the planned routes due to thunder storms, Oliver came up with really nice lower level safer walks to avoid the worst of the weather.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack all your gear for hot weather and also wet weather, we had everything over the week!

Most Inspirational Moment

The solitude and amazing views in the Ferret valley. The wild flowers were particularly stunning there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oliver behaves in a very professional manner. As an experienced leader safety was paramount and was very reassuring in some tricky weather conditions. He endeavoured to make each day enjoyable and educational.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Remember this is a group holiday, not a competition.Be prepared for all weather conditions, and be flexible.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking up the summit on the final ascent, at 3 o'clock in the night, watching the stars above our heads and listening to a quiet yet very powerful song sang by a tour guide and hearing my own heart biting to the rhythm.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abraham was simply stunning - very friendly yet extremaly professional, he immediately gained deep genuine respect and fondness of the whole group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

While preparing for the trip, I would recommend focusing not only on general fitness and improving your stamina, but also on increasing the lungs capacity and possibly trying some breathing exercises, to minimalize the problems with luck of oxygen.

Most Inspirational Moment

The view from Aiguillette du Brevent on the last day was spectacular. But the whole week was filled with inspirational moments. We were all taking photos uncontrollably.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oliver is fantastic! He is knowledgable, fun, funny, and very responsible. He went out of his way to make sure we all feel comfortable. I also thought he was really great at gauging the group's aggregate fitness. His wife Elaine should be mentioned as well. She manages the Chalet and cooks all the delicious meals throughout the week.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring wet-proofs as it does rain on occasion, even in the summer! I found walking poles to be really useful. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking with constant views & spectacular viewpoints.Profusion of flowers against magnificent backdrops.Paragliding alongside  Mont Blanc.Views from the hot tub.Views from L`Aiguille du Midi on a good day.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Everything you would hope for - well organised, people skills, knowledgeable(local conditions, geography/geology, flowers, guiding) experienced leader, clear expectations, sense of humour, joyful, calm,  considerate & supportive, helpful, willingness to share, mindful & informative of potential difficulties, mindful of the whole group, to be trusted. Oliver & wife Elaine were central to a warm, comfortable, much enjoyed house party.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

Crocs or similar to walk to & from the hot tub unless you prefer bare feet on gravel.Walking poles are so helpful.The trip notes include everything you need to know especially clothing & walking days.The walks have achievable challenges which add to the enjoyment.Need to be able to carry up to 2 litres of water.No need for Swiss francs.