We loved our walking trip the land of Barolo and Barbera. We learnt an enormous amount about the Piedmont and experienced firsthand the vineyards and wineries of the area. The scenery was amazing. The walk was easy to intermediate but we had some extremely hot weather which was unexpected, making the walk more challenging, but without the heat it would’ve been a very pleasant and manageable walk. Accommodation along the way was terrific. The transfers and other administrative aspects of the walk went incredibly smoothly. The last hotel was amazing with Carlo the owner of the restaurant and hotel being an amazing chef and host. But many others were wonderful as well. The accomodation and restaurant in Cissone was also worthy of special comment. The trip notes said it may be possible to buy lunch along the way but it is generally best to be prepared with your own food. Sometimes there is nothing available or open. We would highly recommend the trip. We went back over the route by car two weeks later which expanded our knowledge and understanding and love of the area.
This trip was bloody amazing woohoo!!!
We hired one normal bike and one ebike. Both bikes were adequate. Our bikes didn’t have water bottle holders which would have been nice and the phone holders don’t allow you to swipe the phone map app easily. Bring your own phone holder if possible because you do need to refer to the mapping app quite frequently. We get lost easily and we survived so I think most people could operate the map app. The hotel accomodation was mixed which we liked. Sometimes an old place, sometimes luxury, sometimes modern. Our luggage was taken from place to place without a hitch. The trail was tiring for my wife but the ebike made it doable and the majority of the trail is on dedicated cycle paths with spectacular scenery. A wonderful experience for two Australians in their 60’s.
Fantastic trip! Well organised and everything went smoothly. Would probably split the two big 30+ days if I were to have my time again. The heat adds another level of difficulty. Accommodations were all different but all clean and welcoming. Meals were varied as we walked into different regions the food changed to what was local. We never had a bad meal or a bad stay anywhere. Highly recommend this trip through France. A nice quiet Camino compared to the Frances but far more challenging. Very enjoyable.
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, The Way of St. James, Le Puy-en-Velay, Golinhac, Conques, Livinhac Le Haut, Figeac, Cajarc, Limogne En Quercy, Lalbenque, Cahors, St-Privat-d'Allier, Lascabanes, Lauzerte, Moissac, Auvillar, Flamarens, Lectoure, La Romieu, Armagnac, Montréal Du Gers, Eauze, Saugues, Nogaro, Aire Sur L'adour, Miramont-Sensacq, Fichous-Riumayou, Sauvelade, Aroue, Saint Palais, Ostabat-Asme, St Jean Pied De Port, Les Faux, Aumont-Aubrac, Nasbinals, St-Chely-d'Aubrac, Espalion, Estaing
French Camino went smoothly. The baggage transport and accommodation could not be faulted. The owners of each house we stayed in were great hosts, not to mention excellent chefs. The walk itself was well marked and the app that they provided was very accurate. Would use them again!!!!
A guided walk that explores the ancient cities, mountains and villages along Crete's southwest coast. Crete, the largest and most mountainous of the Greek islands, is the cradle of Europe's earliest civilization and the land where ancient myth and modern reality blend seamlessly against a backdrop of outstanding natural beauty. This eight day guided walking trip explores the southwest coast of Crete, with its spectacular White Mountains, the deep gorges and coastal trails that lead us to charming fishing villages and quiet beaches, accessible only by boat. Packed with highlights including an ascent of Mount Gingilos (2080m), scenic walks through numerous gorges including the longest in Europe, the Samaria Gorge, and sightings of the wild goats (Kri-kri) and griffon vultures on the Omalos plateau, the trip will appeal to lovers of coastal landscapes, history and traditional Greek culture. Whilst the focus is on walking, there is ample time to swim at unspoilt beaches, explore coastal villages and soak up the hospitality during stays at a selection of handpicked hotels
Based in two centres, starting in Padstow then spending the second half of the week in Charlestown on the South coast. Our tour leader, Will, and his colleague Gaby, were prepared to go to any lengths to make sure we were fully supported. The walking required a decent level of fitness, the rating of 3 (moderate) is an accurate assessment, and my phone recorded 51 miles during the five days of walks (and 137,700 steps!).
The hotels were both good, although don't expect a sea view, and Will was always able to find us somewhere to eat despite COVID meaning there were a lot more tourists there than usual, and staffing was challenging for many of the restaurants.
The scenery is really lovely, both on the coast and inland, and lots of photos were taken and shared.
From close-up encounters with icebergs and glaciers to the region’s plentiful wildlife, this is a voyage of non-stop highlights. Always on the lookout for wildlife that live in this polar wilderness, you’ll explore this landscape not only by ship but also on foot and via Zodiac. Roaming polar bears, lounging seals, grazing reindeer, and colonies of birds all co-exist in this harsh land we dare only to explore a few months of the year.
This holiday was made extra special for us by the professionalism and kindness of the Headwater reps - Tony & Ludmilla. The one day when we got soaked, they came to our rescue and collected us early with no no fuss whatsoever. Apart from that one day the weather was kind and the walks spectacular
Good organisation. The guide, Elie, translated everything in English for me as I was the only non-French in the group. He also prepared delicious meals everyday. Walking pace was good for all the group. Night stays had everything essential and the dinner and breakfasts were also good. Overall, a truly "rustique" adventure in the Swiss Alps, in contact with nature and the mountain.
Lace up your boots and set off along Portugal’s Rota Vicentina – arguably one of Europe’s most scenic hiking trails. A world away from the bustle of Lisbon, you’ll hike along ancient coastal paths, passing through the sunny Alentejo and Algarve regions. Look for burrows and footprints of Egyptian mongooses, beech martens and otters in the sand dunes along the ancient Fisherman's Trail. Learn about the region’s distinct biodiversity from your local leader, relax on the beautiful beaches and feast on fresh seafood in Almograve – the beauty of this corner of Portugal will stay stamped on your passport and your memory.
We walked the Camino Norte which was spectacular and challenging some days. Overall we were very satisfied with UTracks. Their accommodations were basically good, sometimes we were pleasantly surprised and sometimes they were less than we hoped. We would consider booking again with UTracks.
San Sebastian, Santiago De Compostela, Noja, Galizano, Santander, Santillana Del Mar, Comillas, San Vicente De La Barquera, Bustio, Picos De Europa NP, Ribadesella, Colunga, Getaria, Villaviciosa, Gijón, Aviles, Soto Del Barco, Soto De Luiña, Cadavedo, Luarca, Navia, Ribadeo, Deba, Mondonedo, Abadín, Vilalba, Reguela, Sobrado Dos Monxes, Arzúa, Rua, Markina-Xemein, Gernika, Lezama, Bilbao, Castro Urdiales, Liendo