Please leave some feedback about your holiday, do you have any story’s to tell or any feedback to those considering booking!!
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Thanks Steve, we had a lovely holiday. We stayed in mid September 2011 and there was a heatwave. Fab! We came back feeling refreshed and a lot healthier. I think I might have even lost a little weight! The bikes were great, we had very little difficulty with the maps and really enjoyed the relaxing country-side. It was nice to eat and meet people at the accommodation too and we particularly enjoyed the local wine
We’ve submitted a review to responsible travel too. Please don’t publish our names – I’m a bit paranoid about being on the web!
Thanks again.
M & B
Maria and Steve thank you again for a memorable holiday in Catalan. The itinerary was challenging and scenic the accommodations were charming and the hosts gracious. The food was wonderful and gave us a glimpse of the local cuisine. The wine was tasty, plentiful and inexpensive- hard to beat! One suggestion – a stop at the COOP in Palau Severdera at the beginning of the trip would be a crowd pleaser for anyone fond of Vino.
Thanks Steve and Maria for a great holiday. I enjoyed the varied accommodation and loved seeing places I would not otherwise have visited. The scenery on the walks was superb and the organisation very good. Both of you were so helpful it really made the holiday special.
Thanks again Steve and Maria for organising a lovely holiday. It was great to have all the background work and planning done for us. Then, all we had to do was to enjoy the sun, sea and scenery! The accommodation was lovely and varied. Your walk directions were helpful and clear. It was good to know we could ring you when we needed to. All the very best to you both
Hi Maria & Steve
Hope you are both well. We had an absolutely fantastic week on our walking holiday. We enjoyed each of the planned walks and the beautiful scenery along the ways plus all our breaks swimming in the bays. We also loved the variety of accommodation which we were very well catered for and made feel extremely welcome. We were looking for a holiday that gave us adventure.challenge and leisure time , Catalan Adventure certainly ticks all the boxes.
Thanks for looking after us and I’m sure we will be back.
This was a wonderful trip! The well documented itinerary guided us on a variety of hikes to great swimming coves, stunning views, and delightful towns. Charming hotels and dinners were included that gave us a taste of different parts of Catalonia – from a view of a Medieval wedding to fresh paella on the beach. Steve did a wonderful job organizing and introducing us to the route; the information packet also provided archeological and historical references along the way.
Hi Steve
Thanks for all your help last week…Fiona and I had a brilliant walking holiday and everything went absolutely like clockwork. The Catalonian countryside was beautiful , the weather great and the standard of accommodation and food were all we hoped for. 10/10 but I would have expected no less from a fellow Scotsman ! Hope to see you again soon.
Hi Steve, Many thanks for a fantastic holiday. We enjoyed every minute of it. We loved the cycle routes and getting to see real Spain. Accomodation, bikes, organisation was brilliant. Can’t wait until we get back!
This is rather late feedback for our May 7-night walking holiday. It’s difficult to add much to the previous reviews – but we wholeheartedly agree with them. We loved the variety of the holiday, both in terms of the walks and the lovely accommodation, and the organisation was impeccable.
We arrived by train – with Steve there to meet us off the sleeper at 6.30am!
The weather was unseasonably hot for May. Rather hotter than we wished for walking, but we couldn’t really complain because everything was just so beautiful in the non-stop sunshine. We just took everything at a very leisurely pace making lots of stops in every bit of shade and/or cafe we found. The temperature also meant the the air was filled with the most amazing scents of all the aromatic plants along the footpaths. These included rosemary, pine, broom, sage, lavender and oregano. Bird song was also incredible, although trying to spot which bird was making the sound was really difficult! We did see lots of birds though, with highlights including storks (and ‘storklets’ in nests at the top of trees and on poles), rufus nightingales, bee-eaters and golden oreols.
At Cadaques we enjoyed a visit to Dali’s house which was well worthwhile. Also, as it was one of the ‘recommended’ restaurants we decided to visit Casa Anita to eat one night which was a slightly scary (there is no menu to look at so we didn’t quite know what we were letting ourselves in for) but delicious experience!
As the temperature had reached the high 30s for the final walk we bottled out of the climb up to the monastry and caught a taxi for €15 instead (this was a holiday after all!). We figured that we would then be able to make the final climb up to the view point from the castle on the top. This was definately the right decision as the 360 degree views are incredible!
We finished the holiday with a few nights in Barcelona, which was a lovely contrast. We recommend Hostal Goya – small, friendly and central.
Thanks again for such a great holiday.
Sue & Richard
Hi Sam & Celine
Thank you for you kind words, we try really hard to make sure everyone has a great time and your feedback makes all that effort worthwhile!
Good luck for your next adventure.
Thanks
Steve & Maria
Hi Ian & Liz
Thanks for the feedback, I’m glad you enjoyed your cycling holiday!!
Maybe we’ll see you both here again one day!
Thanks
Steve
Hi Steve and Maria
What a wonderful Cycling trip we had in early June. Everything abiout the trip was first class, bikes, routes , directions , accommodations etc. We could go on for ever. It was exactly what we hoped for and more – so we are already spreading the word in Canada among our friends. Your caring attitude added to the experience. Many many thenks
Celine and Sam Gilmore – Canada
Thanks for an excellent 7 day cycling holiday. The bikes were great; the routes interesting, with a good balance between road & off road; the instructions extremely clear. The hotels were very good and the owners were very helpful. Plus excellent food in hotels & nearby restaurants. A thoroughly relaxing & enjoyable week.
Hi Mary & Rachel
I’m glad you enjoyed your cycling holiday with us. Rachel said in an email that you’ve done a bit in Scotland, however the weather has not always been good, hopefully you will have a great Scottish summer of cycling this year.
Thanks for sending your photos too, they look great, especially the one with the flowers.
Anyway, thanks for taking the time to post some feedback and good luck to you both for the future.
Thanks
Steve & Maria
Dear Steve and Maria
My daughter and I really enjoyed our week cycling in Catalonia. After 3 full days in Barcelona it was great to get on a train, be met by you at Figueres , taken to a beautiful guest house, given our bikes and easy maps, and be left to go our own way, with any texted query instantly answered by you. Bikes were great – never knew cycling on rough roads could be so comfy, and maps so detailed that GPS not needed. Ana and Miguel’s guesthouse was a joy to cycle on to. 20 miles a day was just our mileage. Homely evening meals, and freedom to cycle all the routes given, or have a lazy day off. Think you’ve got a really good package for people who want to go their own way, with the benefit of all your local knowledge. It was just the holiday we needed. Many thanks
All the best
Mary
Hi Frank & Bonz (Bernadette)
Thank you for your kind feedback, it was really nice to meet you both and I’m glad you enjoyed your walking holiday and your beach holiday in Cadaques.
Hopefully we will see you back here on our cycling holiday next year.
Anyway take care and good luck for the future.
Thanks
Steve & Maria
Hi Jim & Wendy
Hope you are both well. Thank you for your feedback, I´m glad you both enjoyed your walking holiday with us.
I hope your enjoy your next walking holiday as much, we’re planning to launch several new holidays soon, so we will let you know when that happens.
Take care
Thanks
Steve & Maria
Thank you Steve & Maria for a wonderful walking holiday in some of the most beautiful Spanish countryside…we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The hikes, accommodation – particularly Mas de Joncar & Niu de Sol – & informative directions ensured we had a memorable time. It was great to know you were only a phonecall away & your warm, attentive care was second to none. We shall be spreading the news of Catalan Adventures!
We had a fantastic holiday following the detailed walks along the Catalan Mountain & Coast Trail. Superbly organised, the luggage arrangements were faultless and the hotels were varied and interesting. The first pension, although clean and comfortable, was more basic; the others were varied from very good to superb! Many thanks to the organisers, Steve and Marie, who were very helpful and friendly. The walks were very varied and at this time of year the beaches were empty and the National Parks were full of flowers and nesting birds – a truly memorable holiday! Can’t wait to try another trek holiday and we can certainly recommend this organisation and this trek to anyone who enjoys walking and the countryside.
Hi Geoff
Thanks for taking the time to add some feedback. We want all our customers to have great time, so we feel the “personal involvement” and “attention to detail” is really important .
I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy the meal at El port de la Selva, although not the best food on the holiday, normally the food there is pretty good, they must have been having an off day.
Anyway, thanks again and good luck for the future.
Thanks
Steve
Steve, Great holiday. Thank you so much. Attention to detail was very impressive and we had a really wonderful holiday. Accommodation was good, food included was excellent (perhaps with one exception in El Port De La Selva). Walking notes were thorough. Great walks, deserted beaches, fantastic scenery.
I can’t overemphasise how important your personal involvement was; from meeting us at the airport, being on the end of a phone if needed, to being keen and receptive to face-to-face feedback at the end of the holiday. This is something you just don’t get with larger outfits.
A couple of hot tips for those following on. The ‘Menu’ at the Hotel Rocamar in Cadaques is good quality at a fair price (22 E) and compares favourably to anything in town. If you can, do the walk to Cap De Creus (Steve a copy of the route map in the handout could be useful). Its easy to follow and very rewarding. If walking up to Sant Pere de Rodes continue on and walk up the remaining 170 metres (height) or so and get to Castell de Sant Salvador. The views are truely stunning.
Thanks Steve for a great holiday.
Hi Elaine & Sandy, Susan & Jock
Thank you!! Your great feedback makes all our hard work worthwhile. Thank you for being such easy guests to look after and I’m glad you all had a great time, it was really nice to meet you all!!
I hope you all have a great time with your next adventure!
Good luck in the future and perhaps we will see you all here again one day.
Thanks
Steve & Maria
Hello Steve and Maria, Thanks again to you both for making our first experience of a walking holiday, so enjoyable. Just the best.! You were both so welcoming and helpful. The Catalan country side was SO beautiful with wild flowers in abundance, your walks enjoyably varied with beach & coastal paths, mountain tracks & woods, bird / wildlife sanctuary etc. Your walks were well planned & the written routes a doddle to follow! One of the favourites, from Rosas to Cadaques, a long one, but wow ‘that view’ as we reached the top of the hill with the fantastic view below down to beautiful Cadaques, blue sky blue sea and all the white buildings below…stupendous. Nature prize went to Sandy, first to spot a family of wild boar on one of our hill walks
The accommodation you organised was excellent throughout – Each night a treat as we arrived at another surprise hotel. We enjoyed the variety of carefully chosen accommodation for various different reasons. The Rosser in L’Escala for its Spanish-ness, and best breakfast. Castello D’Empuries excellent food & beautiful room in the heart of the medieval village, and the Wonderful hospitality , perfect accommodation and cuisine at Palau Saverdera for our last night .
Tired but happy and fighting fit at the end of the walking week.. Think we’ve got the bug. We will certainly be recommending your company to our friends .
Elaine & Sandy
Susan and Jock
Hi Jackie
Thank you so much for your feedback, we’ve had three BLOG postings today with great feedback so we are very happy. I’m glad you enjoyed your cycling holiday!!
Merce’s accommodation and food is very popular, especially the freshly baked cake her mum makes everyday.
Good luck and perhaps we will see you here again sometime in the future.
Thanks
Steve
Dear Steve
A fantastically organised self cycling holiday, only regret is that we couldnt stay for longer. Bikes were great on the tracks, routes well thought out and very accurate. Niu de Sol , run by the wonderful Mercedes and her mother was perfect, loved the whole vibe of the place. A hard one to leave. On to Miguel and Anna ‘s Casa with its fantastic outdoor spaces and brilliant breakfast.
We will be back!
Hi Charlotte and Dave
Thanks for your feedback, I’m glad you enjoyed your cycling holiday and it’s good to know all our hard work pays off.
Good luck with your next adventure!!
Thanks
Steve
Hi Fem & Noel
Thanks for the feedback, I’m glad you enjoyed your cycling holiday. The advice about the cycling shorts is good, although the bikes have front and rear suspension with gel seats, if your not used to spending a long time on a bike, then a pair of cycling shorts is a really good idea.
Again, thanks for taking the time to post on our BLOG and for your feedback on RT.
Take care.
Steve
Dear Steve,
Just to say that we have had a wonderful cycling holiday . We know this was because of all the planning and organising you have done to make sure we had the best experience possible.
The bikes were great and really fit for purpose and well maintained. The routes you suggested were full of lovely spring countryside and great things to see. We felt that we had begun to see the Spanish countryside properly, away from the big tourist stuff and it was great!
The hotels too were small, friendly and very comfortable.
We are both of retirement age and feel that we should let other ‘older’ cyclists know of these holiday options. Your routes were very ‘do able ‘ and had the potential to shorten or lengthen very easily. Also with the map you provided it was easy to change the balance of off/on road cycling.
We would love to visit the area again, there is lots to see still and the cycling was great!
Charlotte and Dave Town
Hi Steve,
Thanks for organising a great holiday!
Although we’ve been to Barcelona before it is safe to say that we’d never really seen this part of Spain before and seeing it from the seat of a bike provided a perfect perspective to take it all in from. From a logistical point of view I don’t think we could have asked for more (especially when I consider how close it was to the bank holiday that we actually booked), with the bikes and maps being completely fit for purpose.
This was the first cycling trip that Fem and I have done together and provided a good mix of being able to dawdle along taking it all in and get the heart rate up a little bit as well. On top of this the first town that we stayed in was exactly how we had imagined it and don’t think we could have stayed anywhere nicer.
Fem and Noel
Hi Astrid, Stefan & Percy.
Thank you for your kind words and taking the time to add some feedback, I’m glad you enjoyed your cycling holiday with us!!
I think the couple of days you spent in Cadaques at the end of the holiday was a great idea, it’s a beautiful seaside village.
Anyway, take care and good luck in the future.
Steve
Hi Steve,
it‘s hard to pick the best moments from this most wonderful cycling trip. Was it the first views of the Pyrenees with their snow covered peaks? The warm welcome in our first Bed &B by the owner? Probably the cycling itself. First of all, you invested into really good bikes, and the equipment, including a preprogrammed GPS, was all in the best state. Thanks to your detailed maps and descriptions we always knew where we were and could just enjoy the gorgeous countryside. My favourite part was certainly the Aiguamolls Natural Park where dozens of storks were breeding and wandering about in the swamps on their long legs, looking for frogs.
We usually prefer to discover different countries on our own – and this was a perfect mixture: Being taken care of so well in advance, all our questions answered within a couple of hours, and after being welcomed by Maria and you, we always knew you would be there if we needed assistance of any kind – but would proceed on our own.
We discovered a faboulous restaurant at Cinclaus from which we rode home in the dark on our bikes through the peaceful countryside. We had so many beautiful impressions, it would be impossible to pick the best!
Thanks for all the care and circumspection!
Astrid, Stefan and Percy from Hanover, Germany
Hi Maggie & Mick
Thanks for taking the time to add feedback to our BLOG about your cycling holiday and thank you for sending Responsible Travel feedback too!
I’m glad all had a good time in Girona, hopefully not to many Cervezas
Thanks again!
Steve
Just back from a weeks gentle self guided cycling holiday with friends. Everything was as described on the website. Steve runs a professional, friendly and very helful business. The bikes were in good repair and fit for purpose and Mick loved the GPS- now looking to buy one for our own cycling and walking-beats getting maps blown away or totally soggy in the Lake district! We had a restful, fun holiday getting a taste of what Catalunya can offer. Weather was kind to us except for one day when the heavens opened and Steve went the extra mile. He offered & provided transport into Figueres so we could visit the Dali museum (fantastic). To ensure we didn’t miss out on the cycling he also changed his plans so we could cycle the next day prior to transfer back to Girona where we spent a very pleasant 24hrs before returning home.
Hi Matt and Jodie
Thanks for taking the time to post some feedback. I’m glad the weather was good for you, well apart from the walk up to the Monastery on day 7.
Anyway good luck and I hope you both have a great time on your next holiday.
Thanks
Steve
We’ve just returned from a fantastic weeks walking ‘the wild coast’ route. Some great sunny weather (18c in March) and a great blend of low line coastal paths, fauna and flora through the nature reserves and up and over the hills from coastal villages to rural retreats.
The accommodation you booked really gave us a taste of Catalonia life – great food, wine, walking, weather and people. All in all a first class holiday. Until next time all the best.
Hi Deb & Steve
Thank you for your feedback, I’m glad you enjoyed your cycling holiday and great to know that all our hard work pays off. Your right the weather was fantastic, probably the nicest week of the year so far! I hope it’s not to cold back in New York and I hope you both have a great time in the Netherlands for your next cycling holiday.
Thanks
Steve
Steve,
We just arrived home from one of our best vacations! Although we had to depend on luck for the perfect weather, your efforts in planning every aspect of our cycling tour really made it a perfect week. Our accomodations were great with wonderful rooms and delicious breakfasts. The full-suspension mountain bikes (equipped with a Garmin GPS) were perfect for the terrain that we covered, which was mostly unpaved farm roads. And your attention to detail on the directions, along with pictures at most of the turns kept us on track all the way. And one more thing to mention was knowing that if we did need your help anywhere along our route, we could call your mobile, tell you where we were on the route directions and you would be there within 30 minutes. Just knowing that made our bike tour that much more enjoyable. Well done!
Thanks!
Debbie & Steve
Hi Maila & Erkki
I’m glad you enjoyed your cycling holiday! I love the pork cheeks too, Miquel cooks them just perfectly, he will be delighted to hear you enjoyed them. I guess it’s very cold for you now back home, if it’s any consolation, it’s a bit cooler here now too, although I did spot several people swimming in the sea few days ago
Anyway take care and I hope you both have a great time with your next adventure.
Thanks
Steve
Hi, Steve!
We’d like to thank you for organising an excellent cycling holiday. This was one of those occasions when all pieces fit perfectly together. Weather was just perfect for cycling – the wind was a bit strong the first day but it only added the excitement. The hotels were comfortable, people friendly and local food just unbelievable. We’ll remember the braised pork cheeks for a long time, maybe come back one day to San Pere Pescador for more. The routes were well planned: we had them completely to ourselves and they took us to into the middle of real countryside. It was really a week to remember.
Maila & Erkki
Hi Arthur & Ann
Thank you for taking the time to add some feedback. I’m glad you both enjoyed the holiday, well apart from the windy day, it was a really strong wind from the North which made it a bit chilly, we’ve had quite a few windy days lately so hopefully we’ve had our share now
I’m glad you both had a good time in Girona, Girona is a beautiful city. The best thing about Girona is you can hit the ground running really quickly there, so if you only have one or two days you don’t waste time trying to get your bearings.
Anyway it was great meeting you both and good luck for the future.
Thanks
Steve
Steve,
We had a great week of walking in mid-October on your self-guided walk in Catalonia. Although the scenery was beautiful, what was really surprising was that on most days we were walking completely by ourselves,even though these are such popular walking routes. We found the walks to be easy, possibly because the weather was ideal – pleasantly cool. Our only challenge was the tramontana – the northeastern wind – which made walking tricky one day when it whipped dust in our faces at over 50 km/hr. I would definitely recommend bringing a sock hat, since it was quite cold at times due to the wind.
Your organization was professional, and you were extremely accommodating when we requested small changes in our route. It was a nice contrast to spend a day in Girona at the end of the walk.
All-in-all a restful, scenic, cultural, and delicious exposure to Catalonia.
Thanks,
Arthur and Ann
Hi Nick & Jill
Thanks for the feedback! I missed the wine festival in Figueres this year, my wife went though, she really enjoyed it too, hopefully I’ll make it next year.
Anyway I’m glad you both had a good time and it was really nice meeting you both.
Good luck for the future.
Thanks
Steve
This is belated feedback from a holiday with Catalan Adventures in early September. We were walking self-guided and enjoyed it very much. We thought you had a very good formula, with varied and often beautiful walking and nice places to stay and the food was great–a paradise for fish and seafood lovers. All the hotels/guest houses were well chosen. The length of the walks was also fine, with a good balance between activity and rest.
We had a couple of bonus moments. We came upon a Sardana festival that was happening in the Roman forum in the Empuries ruins, and on our last day in Figueres (10 Sep)in addition to the Dali musuem we had the excellent experience of the Figueres wine festival (taking place 9-12 Sep), which is accompanied by various musical and other activities going on in addition to the wine tasting itself.
A memorable few days–the Mediterranean at its best and well away from that other Spain of massed British holdiday makers.
Hi Bernie & Fiachra
I’m glad you enjoyed your cycling holiday with us and thank you for taking the time to give us some feedback.
Oh and for anyone else reading this, our cycling holiday routes range from 16 to 25 miles, Bernie and Fiachra had loads of energy so they extended their routes
Well done with the swimming, I don’t think I’m brave enough to swim in the sea here at the end of October, must be getting soft!
Thanks again and good luck for the future.
Steve
My friend and I have just returned from a great three day cycling holiday in Catalunya. From the moment we met Steve we knew we were in good hands and every detail was dealt with. Thankfully we never had any bother at all with the bikes, but we had all the kit should it be required.
Our accomodation was at Casa Clara and this was superb. The welcome and warmth of the team there was just what you need to make a holiday truly relaxing. Great food, great wine, great company.
Our short holiday was perfect for us as we managed to cycle about 40 miles a day, get a sea swim in and picnic in the orchards or by the sea. Neither Fiachra nor I were expecting to see so many wonderful aspects of life in this corner of the globe. We had windfall Granny Smiths, Galas, Golden Delicious, persimmons and of course the sweetest of grapes! Hedgerow food always tastes especially good!
Go if you get the opportunity.
Hi David and Irene
Thanks for your feedback. I’m sorry about the weather for the first couple of days, not something you would expect in Spain in October, in fact in the four years I’ve lived here I have never seen so much rain in such a short period of time! Hopefully we won’t see that again for a long time.
I’m glad you both enjoyed the walks and the accommodation and hopefully we’ll see you again once we launch our high Pyrenees walking holiday.
Thanks
Steve
Hi Steve just a quick hello to say thanks for the very interesting holiday. Despite the initial weather condidtions,floods ,high winds and rain we had a great time.We especially enjoyed the last few days which took us into the mountains – we looked towards the snow capped Pyrenees fom the hills above Selva and thought that’s for us next.We especially welcomed the thoughtful considerations of Cassa Clara when we arrived wet and cold. We really enjoyed the time we spent looking round the Art Exhibitions there too which added another dimension to the holiday. I think our interest in taking a second holiday with you this summer is testimony to our high estmation on your accommodation choices for the holiday and your selected walking routes. Hope to see you in the near future. Regards Irene and David McCulloch
Hi Alan and Joy
Thanks for the feedback and I’m glad you both a great time! I’ve always thought we are a little bias here when we say we believe this to be the most beautiful part of Spain, so it’s nice having someone impartial giving that feedback
Take care and I hope you have many more fantastic holidays in the future!
Thanks
Steve
Hello Steve,
We need to thank you for a really great “adventure” in Catalonia last week. Your conscientious planning and care made our holiday a challenge that was so rewarding. We have travelled throughout North West,Mid and Southern Spain but the areas of Catalonia we experienced last week were breathtaking and unforgetable.Thank you so much! Every hotel had differing aspects that enhanced each stay…. Excellent food, views, and always … genuine hospitality.
Best wishes, Alan and Joy.
Hi Jeanne Marie
Thank you for taking the time out to add some feedback to our blog! It’s nice to meet someone with so much passion for history and culture and I’m glad the holiday gave you the opportunity to experience both.
Again, thanks for the in-depth feedback and good luck for the future.
Thanks
Steve
Steve, I must thank you for a fantastic holiday from start to finish! The drive from Girona airport to L’Escala in the teeming rain (and me in my barely literate, jet-lagged state) was soon forgotten when the first day dawned with brilliant sunshine. The first day’s walk led through impressive Greco-Roman ruins at Empuries, followed by the charming village of Sant Marti de Empuries, and then the first night’s accommodation at the peaceful Mas de Joncar in Sant Pere Pescador where I swam in the refreshing pool and lovely hosts presented me a luscious Catalán meal…And that was just the first day! The second day, walking through a large nature preserve by the River Fluvia, brought an entirely different flavour, with orange butterflies, cormorants, snails on dill and fennel and a profusion of birds making the landscape a veritable treasure trove for the naturalist. Then the medieval town of Castelló, the Dali museum in Figueres, followed by a spectacular coastal walk to the picturesque town of Cadaqués, where I stayed on an extra day to take in Dalí’s house at Port Lligat, a walk to the Cap de Creus, and the not-to-be-missed meal at Casa Anita. The last walk, from Port de la Selva to Palau Saverdora, was a dramatic finale, with the (Romanesque) Monasterio de Sant Pere de Roda and the Castell de Sant Salvador providing breathtaking views of the monastery and surrounding countryside. All of the walks were scenic and interesting, the directions very clear with photopoints showing crucial landmarks so as to make no errors (which this space cadet is prone to do!). I spent a final day in Girona where I took in 5 museums (with little “museum fatigue afterwards) that are as impressive for their collections as for the medieval buildings that house them. The holiday ended too quickly but my memories of sunny Catalonia remain.
Hi Ian & Lesley
I’m lost for words really, which isn’t normally like me……..I guess to start, thank you so much for taking the time to write such an in-depth Blog post!! I couldn’t stop laughing at your left leaning gait, I think you were only joking, however the thought of you walking through Cadaques with a left leaning gait made me laugh, especially the look on the locals faces.
I’m glad you had a good time in Girona, I haven’t had a day out there for a while, I think a visit is in order in the near future, minus the shopping
Anyway, thank you again, it was great meeting you both and I’m glad you enjoyed your holiday with us.
Thanks
Steve
This was a holiday to remember. A self guided walk offering better support and more value than the competition. The notes and directions left no room for argument and for a long standing couple in their sixties this was some achievement. The cliff top walks were stunningly beautiful to a degree that conquered vertigo but at the cost of a left leaning gait that lasted several days.
In Castello D’Empuries we were warped from a boutique hotel into the middle of the 14th Century via a festival where Euros meant little as we bartered in groats. Hi-tech walking gear and digital cameras aside we had found a niche.
We thought we had peaked early but then … Cadaques. The breath-taking walk ended in a dream. Dali’s house was a must, the old town intriguing and Casa Anita was an eating and linguistic experience. We stayed an extra night and pondered emigration.
The monastery and the castle ruins at Sant Salvador were well worth the climb as the views are spectacular to a level that detracts from ill fitting boots. The descent to Palau Saverdera kept us on our toes and was rewarded by a welcome and hospitality second to none.
We ended the trip with three nights in Girona – a delightful discovery where we celebrated the anniversary of the defeat of Napoleon, laughed with General Bum Bum and covered more miles shopping than the coastal walks.
Steve we love you.
Ian & Lesley.
Hi Anne & Andrew
Thanks for the feedback, we work really hard to make sure everyone has a great time and good feedback makes it all worthwhile.
Hopefully this will be the first of many walking holidays for you, there are some beautiful places in Europe and beyond to visit!
All the best
Steve
Thanks again Steve for making our first venture into self – guided walking holidays a true success. Your attention to detail was very reassuring and we very much enjoyed the variety of both the walking & the accommodation, a surprise each day! This will be the first of many such holidays but a hard act to follow
Hi Fiona, Jean, Linda & Helen
I’m glad you all had a good time!! You mentioned you were all “time served grannies” well I hope that I’m as fit an active as you all if I ever became a “time served grandad!”
Thank you for being such nice guests and maybe we’ll see you here again in sunny Catalonia sometime in the future.
Thanks
Steve
Dear Steve, we had the most enjoyable walking holiday from start to finish – our first abroad. We were a little apprehensive before we started but this soon disappeared. Your attention to detail was excellent, the accomodation and food wonderful, and the walks each day very interesting and varied. The scenery was quite breathtaking on occasions and visits to Dali’s house and the monastery added some culture, not forgetting the mediaeval experience in Castillo and Catalan festivities in Cadaques!
Thank you very much for making our visit so memorable
Fiona
Thanks Lydia and Rich
Thanks for the feedback, I hope you had a good time in Girona, it´s a beautiful city! I hope you got some sleep on the train to Paris. Anyway good luck for the future and don´t work to hard!!
Thanks
Steve
Hi Steve,
Thanks for a lovely holiday. We really enjoyed the walks and the spectacular scenery. We didn’t even get lost! It was great that the self guided holiday is so flexible, so that we could do a few days hiking alongside some time in the city. Support and pick ups were all great.
Thanks again,
Lydia and Rich
Steve,
A fantastic holiday, great break for us both as the time spend on the bikes meant the blackbery had to be packed away. The area is great for cycling, not too challenging for the more leisurely cyclist, but with enough lumps & bumps to get the heart rate going at times for those wanting a bit more. Routes allowed lots of flexibility to where and when to stop, the beaches were lovely, well worth time allowed for enroute.
Your help with pick-up & transfers were great, thanks for accommodating us.
A lovely part of the world to visit and on a bicycle was a fun way to see it!
Hi Ellen
Thanks for the feedback. You both were a pleasure to look after and I’m glad you had a good time with us!!! Sorry about the weather in France, I believe they’ve had some really bad weather. Anyway take care and enjoy your next walking/cycling adventure!
Thanks
Steve
Dear Steve,
I just wanted to send a personal thank you for a wonderful trip. We felt so well taken care of: from the introductory pick-up and information meeting, to the goodbye at Figueres train station — and of course, the great itinerary and foolproof instructions. It’s such a beautiful and interesting corner of the world, and the walking tour was a fantastic way to get a sense of the diversity of this part of Catalonia. I also really appreciated the cultural highlights included in a trip with so much scenic beauty. We went to a rainy France afterwards for a bike trip, so we were very glad we had the sun in Catalonia. Best wishes, Ellen
Hi Ruthie
I’m glad you all made it home safely and had a good time, sorry to here about the Boston Celtics result, better luck next year!!
Thanks
Steve
Hello Steve,
We came away with very special thoughts and memories of our
adventure in Spain. How lucky we were with the weather and
such a good time of the year before the summer heat and perhaps crowds. We had a satisfying sense of accomplishment
and enjoyed all the scenic views. Thanks for all the directions and prompt help w/bags and transfers. We enjoyed
it all.
Ruthie Broughton
Hi Mark and Kate
I’m glad you both made it home to sunny France safely and enjoyed your holiday with us. I hope you enjoy the wine you bought at Garriguella, we buy our wine from the vineyard there too, it’s really good quality and a very good price. We work really hard to make sure all our customers have a fantastic time, so it’s really nice to get feedback that lets us know that all that hard work is worth it. Anyway good luck and thanks again! Steve
Hi Steve,
Thanks again for a truly great holiday. We think its a wonderful format that you have created. It’s hard to believe that we did so much and saw so many places in just one week. It just wouldn’t be feasible, to try and do it yourselves. It needs committed, reliable people like yourselves working quietly behind the scenes to make it work. We love walking, good food, and seeing new sights, so for us it was perfect, and we brought some great wines back too. If you open any other routes, let us know and we’ll be there.
Many thanks again,
Mark and Kate
Thanks Maeve, I’m glad you all had a good time, your groups enthusiasm for walking is infectious! I hope you all have a great time on your next walking holiday!! Thanks Steve
Hello Steve,
Thank you for a very enjoyable trip. Your customer care is excellent. From pick-up at the airport to accommodation to notes and routes and lunches everything has been meticulously planned. We have done several trips of this type in Spain, Italy and the UK and your route notes are by far the best.
I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to try a ‘walking holiday’.
Best of luck in the future and thanks again.
Maeve Kingston
Hi Brian & Mary
Thanks for your kind words and taking the time to post some feedback on our blog. Good luck with your next adventure! Thanks Steve
Steve
We had a great holiday which lived up to and even exceeded many of our expectations. The walks were extremely varied and interesting and we enjoyed them all. The spring flowers everywhere were wonderful. The accomodation was good, we particularly enjoyed Mas del Joncar and Niu de Sol. Thanks again for looking after us and making sure every thing went smoothly.
Hi Dianne & Sarah
I’m glad you made it home safely, I hope you both had a great time in Barcelona! Thanks for your blog posting, I’m happy you both enjoyed the holiday. I had a look at your website, the paintings look fantastic, I especially like the Maryland Farmhouse painting. Anyway perhaps we’ll see you both here again one day, even if your just passing through, give us a call and perhaps we could meet up for a coffee. Oh and good luck with your exams Sarah, Thanks Steve
Hi Steve,
Sarah, my granddaughter, and I had a wonderful time hiking along the stony paths north and almost to the French border. Sarah was introduced to many new aspects of a different culture…octopus for dinner, the separatist opinions of some Catalonians, a multitude of different flowers and birds than we know in the USA, and even an ancient abandoned house in which we found interesting painted tiles and artistic graffiti. Watching the wind surfers along the beach was exciting as was the Dali house with its exotic artifacts and unusual room arrangements. Only problem now is that all the grandkids want to hike abroad!
Thanks for your wonderful help all the way from the detailed notes and photos to explanations about local customs.
Thanks Sheila and Russell, I´m glad you enjoyed your time here with us! Good luck with Kinder Scout, Snowdon, Helvellyn, The Pennine Way and the Cornish Coast and all they other adventures you´ve got lined up for the future
We had a brilliant week. The route notes were excellent, impossible to get lost.
The walks were just right and allowed time to stop and enjoy the wonderful scenery.
The accomodations were perfect and the people all very friendly and helpful.
Thanks Steve for your organisation and attention to every small detail.
Hi Steve, Thanks for a really enjoyable holiday. Maybe the best thing about it was the wide variety – whether of the scenery, the types of walking or the accommodation – we were never quite sure what to expect next! The hotels (both for accommodation and food) were generally very good, especially Mas del Joncar in Sant Pere Pescador, Casa Clara in Castello d’Empuires and Niu de Sol-Hotel in Palau Saverdera. We thought the walks would benefit from a stylised cross section (like you see in magazines like Trail) just to give a clearer idea of what to expect over each day in terms of ascents/descents etc. But the route descriptions are very detailed and the photos kept us reassured we were on the right road! Overall, good value for money and we look forward to trying out your proposed Pyrenees walk soon!
Thanks Don/Monica, I’m glad you all had a good time and I bet you’re all glad you missed the Volcano! I had a look at your website Don, it looks very good! Anyway it was a pleasure meeting you all and good luck with any future family adventures!!
This holiday more than lived up to its expectations. The walks all had their own points of interest and we enjoyed the variety they offered. For those thinking of taking the kids on a walking holiday, the coastal walk is just about right in terms of length. The accommodation was all very good with added bonus of jacuzzi in Hotel Canet in Castello. Thank you Steve for your attention – always reassuring to know that you were at the end of a phone.
As vegetarians we wondered how we would fair (we usually self-cater). All the hotels made an effort to accommodate us and we generally found enough choice.
Dali’s house was a treat and the hotel in Cadaques was almost as good as staying in it.
By the way, for any future visitors to Girona, we happened across a lovely restaurant, “El Pou de Call”, corner of Pujada de la Catedral & Carrer de la Forca, we can thoroughly recommend it.
Hi Nicola, thanks for your comments, I’m glad you both enjoyed yourself in Girona, it’s a beautiful city! Enjoy your cycling holiday in Scotland and watch out for the Midges and wild Haggis
Thanks for a brilliant week! The 6 day coast walk is an excellent choice for anyone who likes a mix of great walks (the coast to Cadaques & the last one over the ridge via castle & monastery were my favourites) in stunning scenery, with loads of interest en route- archaeology, charming medieval & seaside villages, historic buildings, Salvador Dali’s house/museum, & lots of unusual bird life. The places to stay are lovely, people friendly, food excellent, routes a doddle to follow, & Steve’s care just right. We had perfect weather in March-early April & couldn’t fault it as a week’s break. Make time to see Girona if you are going, it’s a fascinating old town especially the cathedral, history museum & old city walls.
Thank Sarah, it was very nice to meet you and I’m glad you enjoyed your holiday with us, I like your own blog site by the way, looks really good!
Thanks Pat, I’m glad you and Harry had a great time! I hope you have a great time with your next adventure, I’m sure Wainwright’s coast to coast will be loads of fun
We’ve just completed the Wild Coast hike and had a truly wonderful time. Steve was extremely helpful and informative, and the accommodations were excellent. The scenery couldn’t have been better, and the instructions were so detailed and clear that it was hard to get lost (and we didn’t!). This was our first trip to Spain and we enjoyed it so much that I’m sure we’ll be back. Some of the hikes were strenuous, but as reasonably fit 60+ year olds, they were within our capability. Our favorite parts– the stays at the two casas rurales and the hike down into Cadaques. Thanks, Steve, for your thoughtfulness and attention to detail.
Thanks again, Steve, for creating the space for a fabulous holiday.
I felt totally looked after but at a distance that meant I was exploring under my own steam and interests. And what interests! I was very lucky to witness the coming of spring in the week I was walking. From bare branches and deserted beaches on the first day to violets, mimosa blossom and sweet chestnuts buds on the last, this corner of Catalunya unfurled before me.
And that’s not even mentioning the warmth and generosity of the hosts you’d sent me to. Great hotels, especially the hotels rurales, meant it was a holiday of luxury as well as tired feet.
Happy, Lancaster