Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The long day on which we encountered some significant hills, stretches of dirt road and river crossings along with ancient and disused mine sites culminating in a long climb to our serene agritourismo accommodation, was really memorable. We were lucky to have a fantastic group of people with varied backgrounds and cycling experience. The group displayed good humour, patience and collegiality and this was what made the trip more memorable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was an excellent tour leader. It is clearly not a job that suits everyone but his positive attitude and enthusiasm for his work was infectious. He managed group dynamics with patience, humour and energy whilst working hard to iron out the inevitable problems which occurred throughout the trip. He remained encouraging for all ability levels and was key in creating a good group atmosphere. He should be congratulated because it is the attitude and experience of the personnel which ensures the success of this type of operation. Michele also had a good working relationship with his assistant Alessandro and together they formed a great team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Obviously there is a choice to be made when tossing up between a guided versus a self- guided trip however from our experience it is the knowledge of the guides which provides the real opportunity to learn more about local customs, history, geography etc which makes all the difference. It would be easy enough to navigate ourselves but without the insights of our leaders we would have had a less meaningful experience. I would highly recommend this trip and our guides to all who are considering it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the sunrise over the hills with the cuckoo calling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alex was the perfect group leader. He was charming considerate, very informative & shared his love of nature with us. We were a happy group had lots of fun & laughed a lot. Thanks to Alex for making it so special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to be pleasantly surprised when visiting this quiet corner of Spain. It has so much to explore & enjoy. A real delight for nature lovers.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Wow moment was the Roman theatre at Aspendos,

Thoughts on Group Leader

Aysenur Geng was excellent, her depth of knowledge was incredible and her organisational skill very good. Personally I did have some problems with her pronunciation of English

Advice for Potential Travellers

be prepared for anything

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the blue Rodopi mountains for the first time

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent leader, good people skills, kind and knowledgeable, passionate about his interest in the wildlife and local culture.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I found a walking pole useful on the steeper slopes. I think a good level of physical fitness is required for this trip if you want to do all the walks. The distances are not long, but we had quite a lot to cover during the day and then the bear watches at night.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the blue Rodopi mountains for the first time

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent leader, good people skills, kind and knowledgeable, passionate about his interest in the wildlife and local culture.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I found a walking pole useful on the steeper slopes. I think a good level of physical fitness is required for this trip if you want to do all the walks. The distances are not long, but we had quite a lot to cover during the day and then the bear watches at night.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the bears from the hide. The views were a close second

Thoughts on Group Leader

Friendly and well informed and a good communicator

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take good boots and a walking pole for on the screed.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several moments along the trip which were amazing but I really enjoyed the lovely little town of Portomarin, dinnner at O Mirador restaurant and the views of the reservoir below.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was just amazing. He was full of energy, always smiling and really took care of us all on the trip. I can't imagine we were an easy group to manage as we had different paces and abilities but Jose always knew where we were and kept us in check. He was also very kind and caring looking after our blisters to make sure we made it to the end!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are going to bring a book, just bring the one. You are pretty tired each evening and after dinner most nights, it was straight to bed! Bring two pairs of walking socks for each day so you can change them and keep your feet dry.

Most Inspirational Moment

My first real life sighting of brown bears in the wild. A lovely introduction to Bulgaria too. I knew so little about the country and its history and certainly hope to return.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Julian is incredibly knowledeable, and thoughtful group leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Worthwhile adding a coupel of nights in Sofia if you can. It's not quite your average capital city and it gives some historical context. The airport is at the end of a train line so meeting the group there is easy.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walls of Dubrovnik, and Ston...and Mjlet

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was great. Dino did everything possible to make the trip what we wanted it to be. His first trip too, our group will be forever emblazoned across his memory!

Advice for Potential Travellers

OK, see above re walking poles and trainers.

Most Inspirational Moment

The beautiful desert scenes that we woke up to every day. The sunsets over the sandstone rocks every evening. Money is of no consequence in the desert.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Issa was a fabulous tour guide there was nothing he did not know and he handled every situation (some unexpected) we came across with ease, confidence and a friendly nature.