Naturetrek Traveller Reviews

Essentially but not limited to experiencing the natural world of the Shetland Islands. Magic moments with Red-necked Phalarope puddling along the edge of a loch just 20 feet or so in front of my toes, watching an otter grooming herself in the sunlight, the view of Muckle Flugga - the northernmost point of the British Isles - cake fridges, Jarlshof, great coffee and the best cinnamon whirls ever in the lighthouse cafe, Storm Petrels 'talking' on their nests in the stone walls of a Bronze Age Broch, puffins... And a guide who not only showed us all these things, but thought about us, too, and remembered the need for things like comfort stops.

I have travelled with Naturetrek many times now, since my first trip with them in 2007. I have always found their organisation excellent. I live in the NE of Scotland, so joining trips is not always the easiest of things for me, but they help me by making my flights 'through trips' when possible, even if that means my travelling on a different carrier from others on the same trip. Their guides are always very knowledgeable and helpful, and make sure everyone gets the most from their holiday.

A nature holiday involving daily walks from our home base hotel around the island led by 2 experienced guides from Naturetrek. Also included was a boat trip around the island to see the sea birds and mammals.

Organisation good, accommodation good, very good guides.

Lovely 7 days walking with a knowledgeable and personable guide in the foothills of the Pyrenees. We were 8 group members and being likeminded had a very stimulating and rewarding time. The accommodation and meals were excellent down to the tableclothed lunch picnics!

Received informative mailings well in advance and a number of questions relating to my personal situation sympathetically dealt with. The touring transport provided was comfortable and driving by the host/guide left me with no worries. The guides and checklists to the flora and fauna we could encounter were useful and the evening gathering to do a check list and compare notes for the days experiences was helpful to those of us new with the Pyrenees.

An all round naturalist holiday looking a birds, flowers and everything else. We had an excellent all round guide who knew the island intimately. One of the days was spent looking for dolphins and whales and we stopped at one of the Treshnish islands to look at a wide range of sea birds including puffins.

I have been on many Naturetrek tours over the years. The tours are very well planned and the leaders are experts in their field. As I have got older I rely on their grading to make sure that the tour is within my capability. However the tour leaders are always ready with a helping hand when required. Naturetrek always sends out a pre-departure briefing which is always excellent. and the itinerary is always well planned and detailed. We also get a trip report written by the tour leader which details all the birds etc. that we have seen as well as a daily report.

Excellent organisation of the Trip by our 2 leaders David and Sergio, who catered well for all of the different abilities amongst the Clients in our group. The accommodation was clean, with a lovely warm welcome from the hosts, and beautiful french food. Every day was a new adventure of soul fulfilling, spectacular scenery, and nature finds. We saw, endemic plant species, birds, insects, Butterflies and mammals. We immersed ourselves fully, whilst walking, in the pure mountain air. Wonderful.

The choice of trips available are numerous, varied and diverse, so this can mean some consideration and time involved before choosing the right one. Naturetrek always follow up any queries one may have regarding the trips such as travel arrangements, and with their informative prompt replies, one has the assurance needed before placing a deposit for a Trip. They are also keen for clients to review trips, so you feel they want to get things right for the client, which is not always the case with other Travel Operators.

Tom Mabbett planned us a wonderful extension onto the main tour- from the minute we started to the end- everything was planned and arranged for us- fantastic places to stay- and the guides were amazing and could not have tried harder to find us a wide range of wildlife- we were so lucky. Creating once in a lifetime memories

As above- always on hand to answer any questions- and planned our extension for us perfectly with wonderful places to stay and guides along the way.

We achieved our aim of seeing between 90-100 species of butterflies in diverse montane habitats within a week.. For me some 35 were species I had not seen before. This was for me a great success. Our naturalist leader was superb, knowing exactly where to take us, being patient In answering our questions and very knowledgeable in all matters of natural history

Very efficient and polite service in every respect.

The holiday was to Sardinia to see dragonflies. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and went out of his way to ensure we saw and photographed all kinds of wildlife but especially dragonflies. Our food and accommodation was good in all three locations. Absolutely no complaints and would certainly go on another Naturetrek holiday.

This was my first holiday with Naturetrek and I was very impressed with the amount of information they provided me with prior to departure. They were also extremely helpful and friendly when I called for booking advice. Having accommodation and food all included took the stress out of the holiday and enabled our group to enjoy the whole experience.

We had a lovely time circling Sark on a boat and then out walking every day around the island watching for birds, moths, butterflies, and examining plants and lichens.

Naturetrek has been a reliable tour operator going to many destinations (one of us traveled with them twice before).

Excellent. We got most of species we wanted plus butterflies and birds . The butterfly that stood out for me was a nettle tree butterfly a new species for me. Plus at least ten species of dragonflies new to me .bird highlights was definitely the great spotted cuckoo sitting on the wall six feet from us. The guide Nicola was great very passionate that we saw as many species as possible.

I have traveled with Naturetrek a number of times now , they keep you informed on all aspects of your holiday, and there is always someone on the end of phone if you have any questions.