Naturetrek Traveller Reviews

An outstanding expedition in the Arctic circle staying on the MV Ortelius. The accommodation is lovely, and all the crew and staff ensure everyone is well looked after. The expedition staff are extremely knowledgeable and ensure all guests get the most out of the trip. The wildlife viewing, indeed the whole perience, was truly amazing. To be out of reach of the outside world was very liberating - no phone, email, Internet, television, or even newspapers. This all adds to the experience and removes distractions so you can really appreciate this stunning corner of the world.

We booked fairly late for this holiday and Naturetrk ensured that we were ready for our departure. They look after you right from check in at Heathrow to your return to the same airport over a week later. They have put together an excellent package which has something for everyone taking a trip to this part of the world. All the staff, both on the office and the reason the trip, couldn't be any more helpful and we would highly recommend them.

The leaders were very knowledgeable about all aspects of the natural world. We spent our time walking in areas of the spanish countryside, off the beaten track, looking mainly for wild flowers and birds. Some of the locations were very scenic, mountain paths and gorges, rivers and meadows. We stayed in 2 small mountain hotels which were simple but comfortable and very welcoming.

Naturetrek are a company that we have used several times before. We enjoy the type of holidays that they do and find that they are good value. We are looked after well, plenty of lovely picnics provided while out and about and always booked into comfortable clean if simple hotels that provide an authentic taste of the country we are in.

This was our first Naturetrek holiday. We have been on guided walking holidays in Europe before with other companies. This holiday was extremely well planned so that the variety of walks allowed the group to see the wide variety of alpine flowers and butterflies as well as many birds and mammals; many of which are unique the alpine environment. All of this was experienced with mostly blue skies and a backdrop of stunning snow capped mountain scenery. There were flowers everywhere from colourful alpine meadows to natural rock gardens. All with flitting butterflies where ever you looked. We also saw golden eagles, willow tits and snow finches, chamois and ibex, and much more. Our guides were expert in their knowledge. Names and differentiation of various species of flora and fauna was done with only occasional help from field guidebooks. We accessed the starts of walks by comfortable mini bus van which was driven very well by our main guide. Walks varied form 4 to 5 miles, taking most of the day, to a series of shorter walks, some not leaving sight of the minibus. All at a leisurely pace, frequently stopping to look at the nature. Each day a wonderful picnic spread was provided, using fresh local produce including local cheeses. The hotels were half board and were comfortable 2* family run businesses. The meals reflected local cuisine and generally very good. The group varied from the keen amateur flower spotter to the novice nature lover. All were friendly and the leaders helped the group gel. A thoroughly enjoyable activity holiday, which we would highly recommend for the moderately fit of all ages who like nature.

Naturetrek were efficient and professional. They have obviously put a lot of thought into the planning and organisation of their holidays. They uses expert guides who look after the guests well.

Well planned and managed. Spitsbergen is an amazing destination. The ship was a delight. The staff and crew were friendly, courteous and helpful. Food was of a very high quality (5 star). Spitsbergen itself, the scenery is unique, the wildlife amazing, and overall such a wonderful and unforgettable experience. We were privileged to be a part of it.

All contact was handled in a courteous and professional manner. Information we received was detailed and timely. On the tour the guides took the time to answer questions and generally became part of our group. Very approachable and professional and amply qualified. Would recommend Naturetrek and will be booking with them again.

It was absolutely amazing. We boarded the 'Ortelius', a converted ice breaker, at Longyearbyen and spent the next 8 days exploring the west side, sometimes on the ship and sometimes being transported to land by zodiacs so that we could see the lovely alpine flowers and some of the history of the area. When we got into the ice we were all looking for Polar Bears, and certainly one of the highlights for me was seeing 3 adult males eating a seal. We managed to achieve 80 degrees 50.6 minutes before thick pack ice stopped us. Other highlights were seeing Blue Whale, Walrus, Arctic Fox and the seabird colonies. The ship was very comfortable and the staff and leaders couldn't have been more helpful. It was without doubt, the holiday of a lifetime.

My wife and I have travelled with Naturetrek on many occasions and have always been very satisfied. On the rare occasions that we have raised an issue, they have always been quick to acknowledge and thank us.

A holiday of a lifetime cruising northwards along the coast of Spitsbergen into the pack ice. The magnificent team of internationally recognized wildlife experts guided us to sightings of polar bears, arctic fox, walrus, seals and birds. Zodiac cruises took us to nesting colonies of sea birds and allowed us to land for walks across the tundra to search out the arctic flora. The ship was very comfortable with good food and excellent, friendly service.

The fact that this was our 10th holiday with Naturetrek says most things. They are always friendly, adaptable, efficient and reliable.

Peaceful, informative, highly professional with access to privately owned sites due to the Guides contacts. Good food, lovely area, many lovely butterflies. Itinery tailored to our needs. Very inclusive

Naturetrek cater for all types of traveller from the highly experienced birder/mammal hunter to the novice travelling solo. Their standard of accommodation is usually the best available and their local guides command respect. Their own guides are charming and caring.

When I was asked to go on a holiday to see butterflies I had no idea what to expect and was a little unsure. However the travel was well organised and we were greeted from the Station by our guide who was welcoming and informative from the off. I never knew that there were so many different butterflies or that people could show such enthusiasm for seeking out so many varied species. It was not just the butterflies it was the birds plants animals and nature itself that kept the varied groups interest What an amazing way to spend a few days in the company of such interesting people with their vast and varied knowledge of the countryside not to mention the guide who knew the area inside out and with his enthusiasm and super lunches made the trip.

Well organised,friendly, informative, quick to respond to queries and nothing was too much trouble.

Really well organised, and an excellent leader in Jon Stokes. The hotel was in a fantastic location, ans I couldn't have hoped for better.

Very well organised trip. Lots of information on their website

It was an eight-day wildlife holiday on the Isle of Mull and it was superb. The tour leaders were excellent, knowing exactly when and where to go to get the best sightings. We saw lots of wonderful birds and mammals, including Mull's major attractions: Long-tailed and Golden Eagles, and Otters. The itinerary was varied, too. As well as exploring the countryside of Mull, we had time in the main town, Tobermory. There were also two great boat trips: one to Staffa (Fingal's Cave) and Lunga (lots of seabirds, including fantastic Puffins) and one for whale watching. We didn't see any cetaceans, but there were lots of seals and we were able to spend time on one of the islands of the Cairns of Coll. The hotel was nice and comfortable, and well situated as a base for exploring the various habitats around Mull. I'm vegetarian and the vegetarian options at the included breakfast and dinner were very good.

I originally booked the Mull holiday in June 2014, but Naturetrek had to cancel it due to lack of subscribers, so they offered me a place in the July trip. I was unable to go then, but they let me book this year's holiday at last year's prices. They supplied me with lots of information about the trip before I went, which was very useful, and kept me informed about changes to the holiday, such as the details of a new co-leader when the original fell ill. The initial plan was for the participants to meet up in Oban and get the ferry to Mull, but this year we were offered a pick-up from Glasgow, which made the trip much, much easier for me.