Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

As we scaled the summit of Macondiu we finally rose above the clouds. On an overcast day we had emerged into brilliant sunshine looking down on a sea of clouds with the peaks protruding like islands.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alvaro Saiz was a superb group leader for this type of trip. He was concerned for the well-being of every member of the group and keen to ensure that everyone was safe and enjoying their holiday. He was well informed about the geology, flora, fauna, and history of the region and was able to share his knowledge with us. He was extremely diligent, working long hours to worry about the next day's weather and to consider the alternatives and fall-back plans if we should need them. He should go far.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would highly recommend this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably the trip to the Italian side with the views and wild flower meadows.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Not only was he very knowledgeable, he could also tell a good joke. Natural leader and helped make the holiday. I am going to book the Tour of Mont Blanc next year, mostly because of his information about it and, of course, the taster I have had.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You need less clothes than you think!

Most Inspirational Moment

The panoramic view of the mountain ranges all around from the first summit we climbed. The final day spent climbing Tuscany's highest mountain.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was an absolute star organising, guiding and caring for us, enabling us to achieve our aims in safety, comfort and good spirits. She was also a fount of knowledge about the area and everything we might want to do.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you like walking through woodland up to mountain ridges and enjoy beautiful scenery do not hesitate to choose this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

I am not sure that the right word is inspirational, but Plokstine was the most memorable impression of the trip and very enlightening.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jolita was excellent, friendly and helpful, made sure the group stayed cohesive and she was fun too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring warm clothes, waterproof shoes and clothes!

Most Inspirational Moment

Although all the walks were good, my preference was the Ilhara valley. One of the reasons for this was the wildlife we saw beside the river that gave an additional dimension. I also very much enjoyed seeing the hot air balloons passing over our hotel and getting up early on a couple of mornings to photograph them.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ilhan was great. He managed the group and individuals very well and even managed to teach us some Turkish. We enjoyed his information about the area and specifically the places we visited. We also enjoyed his stories and jokes on the bus. There was some heavy rain during our week. Ilhan changed the itinerary around so that it did not spoil any of the walks and even found us a tea house to shelter in during a particularly heavy downpour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

No - the description in the brochure was clear. The walking was not arduous at all. Moderate was the rating and that described it well.

Most Inspirational Moment

What made this trip special were the other people on it. All twelve seemed to have something in common with the others. No loners, losers, or weirdos. Add to that a hotel staff that pulled out all the stops to ensure we enjoyed our stay, and a group leader who was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and witty ensured it was a holiday to remember.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alvaro, the group leader, is a man in right the job. Brilliant

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you suffer from insect bites. Take antihistamine tablets, and anti mosquito spray with you.

Most Inspirational Moment

Turning a corner whilst walking the ridge of Monte Prado, we came upon a small snowfield, in June! The view from a lookout point down the valley was a little piece of Via Ferrata; not for the vertigo-challenged!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lizz was a mine of information about the area, and was a help whenever necessary, without imposing too much on the group's own chemistry; she got the mix just right. The farm's two dogs, Elvis & Dora came along for some of the walks, and their company was very much enjoyed by everyone; you always knew when Elvis had left the building!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Moderate fitness required for the trip, as some of the walks were steep, but no scrambling required. If you use poles (I don't), then should you forget your own, there are spares available. We had one or two wet interludes during the week, but nothing a waterproof jacket couldn't deal with. We met a huge (nearly 30) party of Poles of varying ages & abilities on one trip, just as the weather was breaking, and were very grateful for our group being of a much more manageable size (around 10) on what could have been a tricky, slippery descent.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking around the crater of Stromboli with steam and sulphur from fumaroles and breathtaking views over the islands. Climbing Stromboli at dusk listening to the thunder of eruptions and watching the explosions and lava fountains in the dark and then descending ash slopes by moonlight. Wine and antipasti evening at Gilberto and Eva in Lipari Descent of Etna and snow covered black ash craters with amazing thunder and lightening show! Watching dolphins leaping off the Bow of the boat on the way to Stromboli lovely coastal walk on the free day with superb views

Thoughts on Group Leader

Maria was excellent, she managed expectations from the start but delivered well above them. She watched the whole group and gave as much or as little attention as people wanted. She was attentive without being smothering. she had lots of suggestions for free time and good recommendations for eating. i think she did a very good job and gave up her free time in catania to eat with the group at a local restaurant on the last night.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A lot of this trip is weather dependent. if the wind is in the wrong direction then its not safe to walk all the way round the rim of vulcano and if the sea is rough the boats cant cross so be prepared for changes of plan. Walking is quite challenging due to heat rather than difficulty, i found poles a great help. The beaches are all volcanic and sharp stones so water shoes are advisable. sicily is chaotic and timetables can be rather flexible so be warned patience is required on this trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

It was all good

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not go in mid summer. Too Hot

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to choose. The Cares Gorge was what I'd been looking forward to and was breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alvado really understood how to be a good leader. He knew the area well, he recognised whenever someone needed an extra bit of support, he had an excellent sense of humour and could laugh at himself too!