Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The last day we went through the Mont Blanc tunnel into Italy to see the most wonderful views of the valleys and the mountains including Mont Blanc. The chocolate at Bonnati Lodge is legendary - and now we know why!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Simon who was excellent. Efficient, confident and reliable in everything he did. He had a few challenges with our group as not everyone was able to, or wanted to go as fast the fastest - but he calmly dealt with the issues showing care and patience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Chamonix is excellent, clean, tidy, thriving, interesting. Get out and look, talk to the people - most speak English. Prepare for the walking - the fitter you are the better you will enjoy it, and some of the slopes are pretty steep.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery and the biking

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pablo was good leader and a good person.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some hill training would be helpful.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of Mt Toubkall, the food- how do the cooks come up with such fantastic food, the general landscape

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, very cheerfull and always there. And I hope Hamid gets the leader of the year award

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't worry to much about purification tablets, you can buy bottled water very easily on the trek. It was very hot during the day, but got a bit chilly at night, so take appropriate clothing, (it was very windy at the top of Mt Toubkall)

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking towards and reaching the summit was my most inspirational moment.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was amazingly supportive and knowledgeable. The whole trip he managed the group through every situation with absolute calm. I would recommend him as a leader to anyone.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The route can be quite steep and rocky so hiking poles would be essential. You get the opportunity to gain some additional altitude the day before the summit, I strongly recommend taking this so your body has a better chance of acclimatising before the summit day.

Most Inspirational Moment

Waking up in Matera with kestrels flying outside the window

Thoughts on Group Leader

Letizia was a really knowledgeable good guide with quiet organisational skills and a great compassion for the history of the area

Advice for Potential Travellers

The landscape is stunning but not pretty so enjoy it for what it is. The cave rooms at the hotel in Matera are unique

Most Inspirational Moment

The rainforest - it would have been great to have had another day there and Chimborazo.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Awesome! Very personable and witty and really helped make the holiday come alive! Our driver Mauricio was also great - some of the driving must have been quite challenging and he just managed everything with ease.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take fleeces, waterproof, warm base layers, warm hat and gloves for Chimborazo - it was pretty cold! Take clothes that wick away sweat and keep you cool in the rainforest and on the coast. You need layers for all seasons and I would recommend taking hiking boots and/or trainers/ walking shoes in addition to sandals or regular trainers. I stuck mainly to long sleeved cool base layers and walking trousers and a couple of pairs of jeans - less skin to put deet on, and sometimes a t-shirt came out! Also swimming cossie useful for hot springs ( which are also great) and a swim in the sea.

Most Inspirational Moment

The mountains in the north (Theth and Valbone region ) flora , clear water , hospitality , traditional food . Variety of itinary (walks in the mountains, history, seaside .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dorian had the trip well prepared , very knowledgeable , nothing was too much for him. Excellent minibus and safe driver .

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travers the pass Theth to Valbone = strenuous but possible = 7 hours .

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Gorges du Verdon for the first time, a truly jaw dropping sight and the endless fields of Lavender on the Valensole Plateaux.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Yves was just brilliant. Friendly, enthusiastic, experienced, prepared to go that extra mile for his clients and obviously passionate about the outdoors , this approach made all the difference to my first overseas hiking holiday. Many thanks!

Advice for Potential Travellers

It gets very hot hiking in June! Obvious advice I know but slap plenty of high factor sun cream on and reapply regularly... I think hiking poles, especially when descending down some of the inclines would be useful for that bit of extra stability , it's very rocky and loose underfoot.

Most Inspirational Moment

prizren mountains pellumbas cave

Thoughts on Group Leader

very knowlegable and attentive to everybodys requirements

Advice for Potential Travellers

do not take too much luggage as it is not required

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through the trellis.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was capable, caring, warm, funny, and she made the extra effort to tell us the history of various locations and sites.