Reviewed 11 Sep 2009 by Rachael Clements
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
One long walk where we came across two dogs - lost on a mountain in low could/mist - who clearly knew Kent (our guide) and so joined us on the remaining 7 miles back to their home. They added entertainment to the climb! Another day out, one member of our group commented that the morning session was a bit ‘touristy’. This led to a significant additional looped-leg in the afternoon! Kent’s knowledge of the hills was certainly able to add or subtract to the days’ activity as required. I think we felt we were all developing in stamina through the week – which is what we wanted – without feeling we were on an endurance exercise.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I believe Kent and Michelle are perfectly set-up to offer visitors what they want – just let them get a clear sense of what you are after and I am sure they can oblige.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Throughout this trip it was clear Kent had amassed a strong knowledge of the area and so whether driving from A-to-B or visiting a site we could be sure of interesting facts and explanations of what, why and who. Indeed it was clear that in their time out there, Kent and Michelle have, in my view, integrated very well with their community. They are fluent with the language but more than that are clearly welcomed and invited to help celebrate key town events (such as the ‘stirring of the polenta’!) by the locals. If you are active, any hope of shedding body-mass may be confounded by Michelle who makes sure you are superbly fuelled for the day ahead with tasty and copious amounts of food. Of course you could say ‘no’ – but to do that would be to miss out on some excellent Italian meals using locally sourced ingredients.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We love rural Italy and the mountains and so may well return in another season. The type of scene Kent and Michelle offer is certainly our taste.
Reviewed 22 Aug 2008 by Peter Wilkinson
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Brilliant walking, excellent guide, superb hospitality.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't hesitate.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Perfect.
Reviewed 08 Aug 2008 by Nilesh Parmar
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The location and the views.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take a hire car, so they can get around easily.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes it did as the local restaurants and shops benefit, and as it is so clean and friendly there, people respect the environment.
Reviewed 02 Aug 2007 by Sean Sherlock
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
This was a real surprise find and am absolutely delighted I signed up for fours days of rest and recreation in the Alps with Kent, Michelle and George. They were extremely helpful, flexible and made this a very memorable experience. I recommend a sojourn with them for any one that wants to spend a few days in the mountains. I started to wind down the minute I got there.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Once you get there, George and Michelle will look after all your needs. They are that accommodating. Go with the flow. You won’t be disappointed.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Absolutely, I spent my few days walking along the alpine trails. All food cooked by Michelle (which is excellent) is sourced locally. Try the local red wine and take a trip to the Refugio Selleries... Excellent local produce at high altitude but low prices.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I had a great time and hope to get back there for a winter week for some snow-showing. Collection from Turin Airport is provided and this really allows you to relax knowing you don’t have to hire a car. If you really want to get away from it all and you want simplicity and beauty and a good chill-out this is the place to go.
Reviewed 06 Jun 2007 by David Ullmann
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing wild boar and deer almost at the same time. The alpine spring flowers, the clouds...
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take some waterproofs, spend time planning the route... and try to get a bit fit first..
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Trade in local shops, mostly walked from guest house, very little cat travel.. Visited a local attraction. It sounded as though the locals have not really woken up to the potential of their valley. By going there and wandering around obscure places perhaps we helped them to realise how their valley could be gently developed without being ruined.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was really good, we wished that we had more time. The two people running it made such a huge effort to look after us. We felt it was good value for money, and would happily go again.
