Naturetrek Traveller Reviews

Stayed at 3 lodges in Ecuador specialising in birdwatching but with excellent food and comfortable accommodation. One had pleasant thermal spring baths also. They were in the highland cloud forests to the East and West of Quito. Included in the holiday was a side-trip to Sacha Lodge in the Amazon lowlands, including boat transportation along the Napo River. This was an all-round jungle experience complete with monkeys, sloth, anaconda and many birds. Despite the remote location the food and accommodation were very good. Naturetrek provided an expert naturalist guide and a driver (except for the Sacha Lodge part - they have their own guides). The guide was a world class expert ornithologist, with detailed knowledge of the 1650 species of birds in Ecuador and their calls and songs.

This was our second trip with Naturetrek. The first was a scheduled group tour of Romania (also excellent). This was our first custom tour, assembled to our requirements and using the expertise of an expat Ecuadorian who now works for Naturetrek in the UK. It was arranged by the custom holiday unit at Naturetrek. All the arrangements went smoothly and the daily schedules were well aligned with our preferences (e.g. lunches were in hostels rather than in the field - we are too old to go birdwatching all day.

A very packed weekend but so absorbing that we couldn't bare to miss any of the optional outings. Before breakfast in the early morning sunlight was delightful and much was added by the expert forestry knowledge of one of the group. The highlight of the day was the sighting of two little stripy boar piglets in full sunshine. That night we didn't spot the boar but we tripped over them on our way back on the second night. Sadly it was really too dark to see them properly. The highlight for me on day two was a basking female adder. Naturally there were lots of birds and I nows know a lot more about flycatchers and other things. The hotel was very good and also central which meant no long journeys in the van. The food was good as was our cottage room though some members had rather small rooms. Service was a bit slow but as they were coping with a wedding that was not surprising. Lastly Marcus John ,our leader,was excellent,always cheerfully encouraging. We left for home exhausted but enthralled

Efficient,helpful,definitely to be recommended. Particularly good on the telephone and the Open Days are inspired.

It was a week travelling in Eastern Polands forests and wetlands seeking (and mainly finding) a numerous amount of bird species rarely seen in the rest of Europe.

Ideal company to go with on such a trip with an expert leader and local guides, whose knowledge made for a thrilling and enjoyable trip.

A wonderful introduction to the Somerset levels which could be quite daunting without a guide.we were based in Wells-a delight in itself and requiring an extra night at The Swan..Our days out were varied and very informative with an enjoyable stop at a local hostelry for lunch -such fun getting to know all the other birders.Then back to the hotel for a frenetic up and trip to the bar for a gin and tonic be fofore an excellent dinner in the dining room.Altogether a wonderful few days.

We have travelled with Naturetrek on many occasions to Austria,Umbria Tunisia France,Spain and others and on every time we have had such good fun.Naturetrek have excellent brochures,booking ,choice of venues,friendly staff, experienced and knowable leaders who take great care that everyone at whatever level gets the best out of the trip..I would not bird with any other group.

Excellent schedule, using a hotel that had real character of place, with tasty local food. Very helpful guides and good company. We saw lots of interesting birds without too much effort - some were right outside the hotel - and the nightingales could be heard inside!

Provided very helpful guides and a good schedule, pre trip information was very good without being overwhelming.

A great bird watching adventure

Very well organised and first class guides

Dramatic scenery in a part of France I did not know. Pleasant hotel well-run - but too much food in the evening. Guides good, other members of the group very pleasant. Possibly too much emphasis on wild flowers (which were spectacular) as opposed to birds, but this is a minor point. Altogether a trip which I would recommend - my 5th with Naturetrek

Arrangements good this time. Slight blip in a previous tour but this time none

We took two Naturetrek one-week trips, both in France: the Vercors, and the Cevennes. Coming independently from Australia, as we have in the past, we met each group at their point of entry to France. We had been with each leader on previous Naturetrek trips so fell easily in with the very pleasant small group company. Everything ran smoothly in both cases, with each day filled with interesting excursions to sites of botanical and scenic beauty and the possibility of bird observing. Naturetrek chooses small, friendly hotels out of large towns where the service, accommodation and food is very good, the small groups work very well under experienced leadership both for the nature and for people management. Daily picnic lunches are a highlight and overall, we can't think of any better way to experience nature in places we couldn't imagine finding for ourselves.

From point of first contact, handling inquiries and bookings, information and pre-travel briefing, through to the exceptional way in which our leader and office staff handled a tricky situation where we left property behind and great trouble has been taken to return it to us in the most expeditious ways, we are extremely impressed with, and grateful to Naturetrek. We have previously travelled with the operator on four occasions and have been completely satisfied each time. They are people and environment friendly, considerate, and innovative with their itineraries, planning and implementing their tours.

Well-organised holiday with excellent leaders whose enthusiasm and expertise was second to none. This was an active holiday for those who are keen to walk and see and learn about plants and animals in their natural habitat in the magnificent Abruzzo Apennines. Great for birds, butterflies, plants (including orchids), lots of deer & wild boar, plus an outside chance of seeing wolves and the Marsican bear.

Naturetrek's formula works well in providing a wide variety of outdoor holidays (this was my third), through good attention to detail at the office level,and employing great leaders on the ground. My requirement for adjusted travel coming from Scotland was handled efficiently and successfully.

This is the third nature holiday I have taken with Naturetrek and have nothing but praise for thier professionalism in organising a truly wonderful experience every time. We travelled through northern Spain to the Spanish pyrenees and enjoyed the various areas shown to us. The accommodation was first class, and the guide was very friendly and knowlegeable. I look forward to receiving the 2016 Naturetrek brochure so that I can book my next excellent holiday with them. Thanks to all the people behind the scenes who organise these remarkable holidays.

Excellent organisation throughout, cannot recommend the company enough. Look forward to joining you next year. These are not just holidays but are life experiences to be remembered for many years to come.