Holiday Reviews
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same trip can have different views!
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Catalonia self guided walking holidays, independent reviews
 Reviewed 11 Feb 2009 by Sylvia Butler |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Flamingos etc. at Aiguamolls natural park, superb. The views over the bay of Roses seen from the coastal walks.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The terrain can be a little unpredictable and uneven in places, make sure you have good walking boots. The route notes were excellent and we didn’t need to use the Garmin.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, the accommodation was in small locally owned places with good food sourced locally, giving those people an income especially outside normal tourist months. By keeping to the footpaths the impact on the environment is kept to a minimum.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Having done several similar walking trips in the past, I would rate this one very highly. Steve and Maria were excellent.
| Reviewed 11 Nov 2009 by Roger Jones | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were many highlights – during the walks, at the places we stayed, people we met. Difficult to single out any particular item. But, as a keen walker, if I was pushed I would say the landscapes and seascapes on sections of the walks will stay with me most.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don’t go too quickly – savour the variety. Take time to enjoy your packed lunch in inpsiring surroundings. The walking is not particularly easy in parts, especially in hot and windy conditions. The coast path immediately after leaving Roses is rough in places, very up and down and not recommended for anyone who suffers from vertigo. But you will be rewarded with some spectacular views and a sense of achievement. Take a hat but make sure it won’t easily blow off your head!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes and yes, how could it be otherwise when staying in owner-run accommodation and tourists who merely walk rather than drive. And we travelled by train to Figueres and Barcelona, so feel very smug.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. We enjoyed the great variety – the landscapes, natural life, bays, beaches and places we overnighted. It is a very well thought out itinerary, if occasionally quite demanding, especially in certain weather conditions. We did it in the second half of September and I felt we had ideal conditions. The directions provided were clear and comprehensive. Steve and Maria could not have been more helpful. All in all it was a very good experience and I would not hesitate in booking another holiday with this operator, perhaps in another area of Catalonia, though this holiday has given us an incentive to explore other parts of Spain, like Asturias and Galicia.
| Reviewed 10 Oct 2009 by Alison Pope | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Enjoying snorkelling and swimming in the sea along the route. The views from the castle ruins on the final day were breathtaking - well worth the climb.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Invest in a cheap snorkelling kit when you're out there. There are several days with opportunities to take a dip. Take the extra day in Cadaques - Dali's house is well worth a visit. The route directions provided are fantastic - no need for a GPS.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, the accommodation was mostly in small rural hostels/B&Bs which were all fantastic. This also gives you the chance to try lots of local, traditional food (and wine!).
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was more than just a walking holiday as there are plenty of interesting things to do on the way (and Steve has planned the walks to ensure you have time to enjoy the sights). The food and accommodation were excellent. Overall the holiday far exceeded our expectations and we would describe this as a unique and worthwhile walking holiday.
| Reviewed 2 Oct 2009 by Peter Sparks | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Swimming in the pool of a residence after a long hot dusty mountain walk
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for some rough terrain underfoot
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, we spent £300 locally
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very enjoyable - some of the walks were quite challenging
| Reviewed 11 Jul 2009 by Oksana Teicholz | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The beauty and variety of the hikes were wonderful, ranging from hiking along the gorgeous Mediterranean, walking through remarkable Roman and Greek ruins, birdwatching in a nature preserve, to climbing a mountain to see Spain's oldest monastery. We also stayed in two lovely family-run casas that served incredible meals.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We thought it was more fun to buy our own picnic lunches than to eat the ones that were provided for us.
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?
It was a very beautiful refreshing trip. We all felt invigorated by it. Steve is a very thoughtful and kind person to work with.
| Reviewed 4 Jul 2009 by Becky Graham | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Stunning coastline and beautiful water for swimming. The walk from Roses to Cadaques was both the most challenging and memorable, lovely coves to swim and fantastic views along the coastline. You'll visit sites and towns rich in history and culture - Dali's house in Port Lligat and museum in Figueres are well worth a visit if you have time. The food great, fresh and particularly well cooked in the Sant Pere Pescador and Palau Saverdera accomodation.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take a wide-brimmed hat! First couple of walks are easy and flat. The others are more challenging; more up and down and uneven terrain. We needed our boots and walking poles for these. We went late June and the heat was a little too much for the more difficult walks. We extended the 7 night holiday to two weeks and stayed extra nights in Cadaques, El Port de la Selva and Girona. This worked really well as we wanted a few lazy days. A minor point that in no way spoilt the holiday but if you wanted to prolong your stay in Port de la Selva, would suggest that you have a B&B arrangement rather than half board - although the food in the hotel-linked restaurant was good it restricted us somewhat.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The company used locally run accommodation and businesses.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very good and successful. Well thought out and planned by Steve who runs the tour operator. Steve was really helpful and approachable and made every effort that our holiday ran smoothly.
| Reviewed 22 Jun 2009 by Alan Scarff | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I couldn't really pinpoint a highlight because everyday brought something new to the holiday either in the terrain or the food we were given. I suppose managing to complete all of the walks gave us a sense of achievement - and relief!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Wear good boots, a hat, long trousers and carry plenty of water. Also take frequent restbreaks, it’s not a race. Anyone considering this holiday should be aware that parts of this trail are steep and very close to the edge of cliffs.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, we ate at small, local restaurants and purchased gifts from small shops. Our impact on the environment was minimal because we walked on narrow paths and carried our rubbish with us.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. Steve of the tour company was very considerate and had organised the holiday extremely well. All the accommodations were excellent and the owners made us very welcome. The food was very good.
| Reviewed 18 Jun 2009 by Giulia Vincenzi Morris | |
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Definitely go for the 7 day if you can, we were disappointed not to have more time in Cadaques.
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?
Really enjoyable, great food and very comfortable, friendly accommodation. Walking was beautiful and very varied, completely different walks on each day, not too strenuous but enough to feel you've had to put in a bit of effort! Steve was really helpful and the information provided was excellent, leaving you to just enjoy the scenery and not have to worry about finding your way.