Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk above Moustieres St Marie was spectacular. The village was extraordinarily pretty and the scenery was fantastic. We also loved Greoux les Bains as a base to return at the end of a days trip. The green gorge was beautiful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yves was personable and definitely a good talker. Kathy in particular found this exhausting and we did not find him a good listener or willing to engage with the group or find out about our experience and expectations. On occasions we found him patronising; we always welcome advice and guidance but sometimes the level of instruction failed to recognise that we are adults capable of making decisions in our lives. We found the pace of the walks frustrating at times. On the last evening Yves advised us that the intention of the walks was to go at a strolling pace. For most of the group, who were on the whole seasoned walkers this wasn't what we had wanted and too slow (to the extent on occasions that we were tripping over each other's heels. It became clear to us that he saw himself as a walking guide rather than a trip leader. The information he gave about options was very limited; there were many cultural events happening in the village and it was by chance that we found out about these. On such a short trip it is difficult to get to know what is available quickly and we would have wanted a trip leader who could give an indication of the wide variety of possible options.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you like scenery, strolling and stopping frequently to look at flowers then this is the trip for you.

Most Inspirational Moment

A frankly unbeatable moment in the Atlas Mountains was camping above the clouds with beautiful, Sparkling stars overhead. This could only be outmatched by the high standard of cooking (putting my mother to shame) and the abundance of food leaving us full many an occasion.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had hassan as a group leader. He engaged exceeding well and helped to make the trip what it is (a magical experience). He brought many a laugh to us, kept us safe and cared for us all week. He was also very organised as we reached each destination nearly perfectly on the predestined time he suggested if we didn't beat his time. Abdul was also with us, constant smiling with a warm, welcoming glow. One thing I can safely say is that u will be in safe hands!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring sun cream and prepare to sweat but it is sooo worth it!

Most Inspirational Moment

The bears were of course a highlight. Going to the bear hide and knowing that these were wild animals so close in front of us was quite something! We were very lucky and saw around 7 bears including a 21 year old female and an 18 month old cub. When they were just sitting munching on the food more lively entertainment was provided by a couple of cheeky foxes sneaking around stealing snacks, sometimes burying it a short distance away (maybe they don't know about the bear's amazing sense of smell!). The bear sanctuary was inspirational too, to know that these lovely creatures who have suffered so much have a nice and well thought out place to live out their days. I would have liked longer time there, it was quite busy and we only had a short tour. The main thing I loved though was just being outside in beautiful countryside, getting fresh air and exercise, enjoying good company and picnic lunches with stunning views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Udo is a great guide and a man of many talents! He is the go-to man for plant identification, knows all their proper names and uses, plus has a wealth of knowledge about wildlife, history, photography, shepherding, languages, and a great love and respect for the traditional Romanian way of life. He kept us entertained too and may roll down a hill if you ask him nicely/pretend that you will follow!

Advice for Potential Travellers

When you go to the bear hide you cannot use a camera that has a focusing light as it will disturb the bears. We couldn't work out how to turn ours off so we just had to use our i-pad which wasn't really up to the job given the fading evening light. So if you can work out how to turn it off in advance that would be handy, or take an SLR. We took binoculars too and they were handy on several walks but mainly at the bear hide where they enabled us to see a lot more detail. Ask Katharina if you can watch the film the BBC made about the large carnivore project and rural Romania, it gives a greater insight into where you're staying and how tough the life of the shepherds is. We took lots of snacks along - more than we needed but I hate to go hungry! There are walking poles at the Villa that you can borrow - we made us of these when one of ours broke. They do make walking a bit easier and came in useful to steady ourselves a few times on the rougher terrain. Dogs live outside in Romania - take ear plugs.

Most Inspirational Moment

I don't recall one

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very competent and knowledgeable but also very busy . I got the impression that looking after !5 people was a big task'for him. After a day's cycling he would some times lead us on interminable walks, Perhaps to a restaurant when there were adequate restaurants much nearer.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring cycling shoes you can walk in!

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day the fabulous scenery in the Dolomites. July 1 - 100 year anniversary of the Battle of the Somme and we were in the trenches in Monte Piano the front lines of Italy and Austria Hungary.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alex was extremely knowledgeable and efficient. But more than that he took care to see everyone was safe and having a good time. His video on our last evening of winter activities in the Dolomites was absolutely spectacular and an unadvertised added bonus. I would not hesitate to follow Alex on future adventures

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make full use of the Spa at the Hotel Adler. Make sure you have full wet weather gear. Most of our days the first week of July were warm and sunny. But one day a late afternoon thunderstorm caught us out and anyone without full wet weather gear would be soaked to the skin in minutes with miles more to walk down the valley.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking around the peaks on the final couple of walks.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alex was excellent, great knowledge of the area and gave friendly helpful tips on how to use poles better, and walk across scree particularly downhill.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack waterproofs, but in going in July take shorts as well.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the cave dwellings in Matera.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marinella is an exceptional guide - knowledgeable, professional and lots of fun. She makes sure everyone on her tour is having the best time possible.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the heat if you go in June/July

Most Inspirational Moment

*

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the hidden gems of Venice

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, confident, organised, knowledgeable & a very nice person. He also gave us extra cycle ride options & the walk around Venice

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ride & enjoy Italy

Most Inspirational Moment

If I had to single out a moment from the many, it would be walking up through the tropical forest in the Sierra Maestra to take coffee in a hill-top small-holding. I also really enjoyed riding a local road through a small rural community, seeing life at a gentle pace.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Erik Garcia was an excellent guide. He was supportive, looked after us very well, patiently answered endless questions and always with an engaging smile and sense of humour. His pride in being Cuban was evident as he spoke informatively about Cuba's cultural and political history and he was always willing to engage in lively discussion.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for hot conditions and try to keep your water bottle shaded as much as possible! This is a cycling holiday so don't expect to have lots of time to sight-see in the towns you pass through.