Holiday Testimonials 2017

'Thoroughly enjoyable holiday. Credit to Balkan Trek and Julian that the whole trip was well structured and everything had a logical sequence and went to plan. Well-structured talks about bear’s evolution, habitat, food, breeding, hibernation, without overloading the facts.’

J.M.

'Without Julian’s in-depth understanding of bears and other wildlife in the Rodopi Mountains, as well as the local people, their culture and language, we wouldn’t have got half as much enjoyment from the trip or appreciation for the region. His talks and stories were interesting and entertaining. Everything went smoothly thanks to his organisation and careful planning.'

N.S.

'Really well-organized. I enjoyed every minute. Being in an authentic hide viewing the bears and other animals was pure magic.'

E.B.

'Really enjoyed the structure of the week, the variation from day to day. Felt we were walking with a purpose, not on a route march, and the stops and starts gave time to enjoy the surroundings as well as learning opportunities. Highlights were visits to the bear hide, finding bear tracks, views over wooded gorges and walking in fabulous countryside. Thank you and congratulations to all involved in putting it together and organising it.'

S.B.

‘Seeing bears at the hide twice; a fantastic experience. Julian was excellent - charming, knowledgeable, helpful. One of the best tour leaders I've had.'

V.R

'All the walks were wonderful for me. Seeing the mother bear and cubs was unforgettable!'

S.B

'The accommodation was excellent. Beautifully clean, comfortable, good food with generous portions. Smiling, friendly staff. Julian's knowledge and passion for his subject and his superb organisation made this trip.'

R.B.

'Julian is brilliant. Very knowledgeable and keen to share. He has a great sense of humour and was always smiling. He paced the walks well and made sure everyone was okay and looked after. Overall it has been a great trip and a very enjoyable holiday.'

D.O.

'The tour was awesome; exceeded my expectations. I loved every second! The leader was lovely, very knowledgeable and looked after us all very well.'

H.T.

'Julian is excellent in knowledge, patience and care for the group. - a super leader. Possibly exceeded expectations. I was sad to leave such an uplifting place.'

A.P.

'The leader was brilliant, very supportive and helpful. Knew the trails well.'

L.T.

'Svetoslava was 100% brilliant! Perfect English, great sense of humour, lots of information about the mountains in particular and Bulgaria in general. Knew the paths well, set a perfect pace. Really excellent leader!'

L.G

'Svetla was friendly, knowledgeable, patient, unfailingly goo-humoured. Her knowledge of the area added hugely to my enjoyment of the tour.'

J.W.

'I enjoyed the holiday and would recommend it. Evening meals were excellent. The leader was excellent. He was very informative, well organised and interesting. He also went out of his way to help me when I hurt my knee.

M.C.

'This tour exceeded my expectations. I had a great time. All walks were brilliant. Vladi was very very good. He knew the walks very well. He had great stories: talked about plants, animals...but also about the history of Bulgaria.'

D.G.

'Nelly was wonderful. Fantastic knowledge of the area and the flora and fauna. And so warm and relaxed. Her love of the Rhodope was genuine and infectious.'

J.H.

'A beautiful country with beautiful scenery and mountains. Every day was different with its own challenges, but every walk has special memories. Cannot speak highly enough of Vladimir. A true gentleman who really cares about your holiday experience. Went out of his way to explain local history, and help me up and down the mountains.'

K.H.

'Our guide Valdimir was excellent. He is enthusiastic and motivating with a wide knowledge of the mountains, their ecology and of Bulgarian history and culture.'

A.F.

'Good introduction to snowshoe walking and Bulgaria. Allowed time to see sights, good exercise and not exhausted afterwards. Excellent tour leader. Very enthusiastic, helpful and knowledgeable.'

D.V.

'The tour more than met my expectations, and was an excellent introduction to winter walking and snowshoes. Nelly was an excellent leader, very informative about the local wildlife, fauna, history and general information. Very happy and a pleasure to be with.'

R.V.

'Nelly was friendly, enthusiastic and very knowledgeable, with almost perfect English. Hope to join another tour next year.'

S.S.