Kate Darby review 28 Jun 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The kayaking was fantastic.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Relax and enjoy it! The canyoning is the most extreme activity but it's actually enjoyable, it's not worth getting too worried about.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, the local economy really relies on tourism and you will be made to feel very welcome.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Really good, a real difference from the norm in stunning surroundings.
Joe Masterson review 28 Jun 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
To wake every morning surrounded by such wonderful nature on our doorstep, was a real treat. It was one of those holidays, that just got better and better. The daily stresses of routine life, vanished upon arriving in the tranquil town of Tolmin. We were made to feel warmly welcome by the guides, and they looked after us in the hotel and on our adventure days out. Most memorable for me, would be the white water rafting and canyoning. I’m looking forward to the next adventure now.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Relax and go for it! I can’t remember a single time when I have met more likable families and groups of people. Everyone is on a happy pill in Tolmin, it’s fabulous! Being sensible - get travel insurance and monitor weather conditions, but this is true to all travel. Slovenia has very nice summer temperatures, and much more reliable than England. Personally, I would fly Easy Jet to Ljubljana and enjoy 1or 2 nights in the Slovenian Capital, and then get picked up in the city centre. I probably packed too much, little is needed for this holiday, which is great. All equipment is provided for and of a very high standard. Oh, the transfer from Ljubljana takes about 2 hours, 20 minutes, its a scenic drive, but I still recommend your ipod or reading book.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I read the full policy review on responsible travel. And kept this in mind, whilst I was there. I did quiz the guides about their attitudes and views, of adventure tourism in general conversation. I think I best describe them, as ‘very caring’.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Finding the balance of aqua sports and land based adventure is very hard, especially hard to find a company that can deliver both. I’m happy to report my high expectations were met by the staff, hotel and activities. Even better, my expectations of Slovenian and more specifically of Tolmin, were blown away. Do not miss the opportunity to fall in love with the Soca Valley.
Francesca Pert review 10 Sep 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I am constantly thinking about jumping and swimming in pure clear, clean rivers and of the stunning surroundings, so I think they stand out. Also the instructors who provided a really personal approach and cared about each person’s enjoyment of the trip - thank you to all of them and especially Klemen for amusing us and making us smile...and for the long hours he put in.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't hesitate, Slovenia is a gem! Take a waterproof camera and a thermal top for the occasional day when it rains.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Definitely, I'm guessing that the hotel we stayed in would have been much emptier without us there and our hosts were fantastic. We were constantly reminded to consider the environment when out on activities.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I would give it a 9.5 out of 10. Everything was just the right standard and everyone made us feel like nothing was too much to ask.
Lesley Finlayson review 26 Jul 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We had the most enjoyable time taking part in mainly water-based activities in the most beautiful surroundings. Slovenia is one of the most moving places I have visited with amazing scenery and wonderful, helpful people who are tremendously proud of their country. This pride comes across in many ways but basically the Slovenes are happy to see 'outsiders' enjoying their countryside and activities therein
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
....ENJOY......
Be open to the beauty around you…Take back with you all that you bring plus the most amazing memories!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I must admit that I totally visiting places where there are not many tourists though I understand that the local economy would grow with more visitors. The whole place is clean and tidy and the respect shown by the locals to their countryside is contagious - so everyone respects their surroundings....rightly so!
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely wonderful - I have already recommended it to many friends and would hope someday to return. It comes second only to trekking in Nepal as my favourite holiday ever!
Karen Li review 3 Jun 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Rafting and Canyons were the most memorable. Also, the downhill bike rides, soaking in the sun and views was rather special. The soca valley has many sides and personalities, I enjoyed them all.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't forget sun cream! lol
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Our group was less than 8 people and I felt we had little negative impact on the nature we enjoyed. Our adventure Guides were very nice and reminded us of our responsibility to the local region and natural habitats. I think all our guides were from Tolmin or nearby villages/towns - so it must help employment.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I'm not new to adventure break experiences and this ranks amongst the best. The people are warm and friendly, hotel was very comfortable, generous amounts of food and thrilling activities each day.
Shaun Frazer review 24 May 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The outdoors centre & all the sports activities are based around the most spectacular river i've ever seen. It's an emerald green colour and blows your mind when you see it. The water is clean enough to drink and makes for the perfect cooling device after a day of sport. All the activities were guided, I felt well instructed and safe, and very much loved the canyoning. I saw this canyon on a holiday program some time back, and promised myself I would do it sometime. Now I have! What a feeling!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Everything is pretty much included within the itinerary. I spent very little in Tolmin (Slovenia is Euros) and felt food & drink was very affordable. I would say, only go if you love to be active & love the outdoors. The staff & guests I came into contact with, were very nice, a very sociable atmosphere of like minded people. If you are unsure of anything, someone was always there to answer questions and make you feel good.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I did. All the guides were from Slovenia and from the local area. Groups were small and litter was not of any issue. Everyone respected the nature. The guides did make a point of asking us to respect the area, in an informative way, without being too strict.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A lovely time was had. Some of the best memories I’ll have for years to come. I've made new friends and would recommend this trip to anyone reading this.
Lani Watson review 18 Sep 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
So much of the weekend was memorable and exciting! Canyoning was probably my favourite activity, getting kitted out and jumping and sliding down the waterfalls until you reach the final 27m challenge (ropes included!) which is literally a high point and a truly exhilarating experience! The rafting and kayaking were also brilliant and i loved the combination of taking on the rapids and then having time in between to drift down the river and absorb the spectacular scenery. Getting close to capsizing and managing to stay upright was also pretty exciting although i expect going under would have been fun too! The whole weekend is perfectly designed to be memorable and exciting and that is exactly what it is with two adrenaline fuelled activities each day and lots of fun in the evenings. Not to mention the place itself, Tolmin, with its lush green mountain surroundings and the all important turquoise river. That has definitely left an imprint in my memory.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Tips for this holiday would be to read the itinerary beforehand and scare yourself a bit about some of the big challenges. Getting really psyched up for everything is definitely the best way to approach it and will mean you get the most out of your experiences! Once you've done that then just go for it and push yourself as much as possible. The guides are absolutely fantastic and there is never any reason to feel under pressure or unsafe because you are always in such good hands. With that in mind it is down to you to have an awesome time and feel really satisfied that you've done things you never would have before. Other tips, stock up on some crisps or chocolate for post activities snacks and go to the loo as close to leaving as you can because once you're in a wetsuit there is no going back! :)
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, the guides were all keen to talk about the local area and Slovenia at large and they were all local Slovenians. They were very aware of both the positive and potentially negative impacts of tourism. Environmentally the trip didn't have negative impacts on the beautiful surroundings because all the activities are out in the open using only the natural speed of the river! The area and the river itself were very clean and the guides were committed to keeping it that way.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely brilliant! So much is packed in and you really feel looked after. The company went out of their way to make our trip as fun-filled and exciting as possible and I came back feeling completely invigorated! I would love to do something like this again and would definitely choose to travel with these guys as they were so professional and such good value :)
Jerrine Barnett review 9 Sep 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Ah, so many! The night canoe on the first night was really memorable, the water was eerily calm, the moon was full and there was a heavy mist settled on the river... it was totally beautiful and so different to anything else I’ve ever done. I think the canyoning was my favourite experience. I suffer from vertigo and had been a bit of a wuss on the Adrenalin Park (a 10m high-rope course) the day before so really had a challenge with the canyoning. I enjoyed jumping into rocks pools and sliding down streams but the last challenge, being lowered down a 30m high waterfall really tested my nerves, but I’m proud to say that I did it! With a little help from the always-patient staff that is...
The water was unusually strong when I went so it made the kayaking (yes, I capsized!) and white water rafting even more exciting.
Tolmin itself, and the surrounding region, is absolutely beautiful, with its tree covered mountains and chocolate-box wooden chalets. I enjoyed the drives to and from the activities almost as much at the activities themselves!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just go for it. The whole point of these trips, in my opinion, is to try new things and have a good time doing them! You don't feel pressurized into doing anything that you don't want to, and you may even surprise yourself by doing something that you never thought you'd be able to (like me and my vertigo issues). Even if you're a little nervous about doing something just go for it, the staff would never put you in a situation in which jeopardizes your safety, and you'll feel so good if you push yourself to do something. You get out of this trip what you put in.
Be aware that things don't go always go according to plan. When I arrived they had more rain then they'd had in 10 years the night I arrived so it made hydrospeeding, our final activity, unsafe. So we were given other options and the staff went out of their way to juggle activities around for us so that we didn't miss out on anything else.
In terms of things to bring you literally only need a costume, a towel, some changes of clothes and maybe some trainers. All gear, including waterproof boots, are provided. Perhaps some nice clothes if you go out in the evening. I also recommend bringing an appetite! The portion sizes in Slovenia are BIG and the kind lady in our hotel was also more than generous with her portion sizes, on all three courses, so be warned!! Hopefully if you really get stuck in to the activities then you'll need all the extra food :)
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
All of the staff were local, we ate locally and spent time in and around Tolmin. So I felt that we were contributing to the local economy as much as possible.
I didn't see any environmental impact at all. We walked to all activities that were within walking distance. When we did the activities themselves I didn't see any impact on the river, we took away whatever we brought with us, including litter.
The guides were keen to educate us on the history of the region and of Slovenia itself, and also to show us the local flora and natural attractions of the area.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I had a fantastic time, I’d been looking to do an activity holiday for ages and am happy with the one that I choose. Slovenia is not an obvious choice for many but it is such a beautiful country and the area we were in especially was stunning. I feel like I’ve been gone for a week rather than just a weekend and had a nice balance of being super busy and active and chilling out soaking up the scenery. I have to mention how fantastic the guides were, they really went out of their way to make us feel safe and that we got the most out of our time there. I feel like they treated us more like friends then tourists and would be happy to go back and see them all again.
