2012

'The highlights of this tour were the alpine meadows, flowers, butterflies and birds, and a knowledgeable guide to help us identify them. Wonderful scenery that was remote and unspoilt.'S.J. & M.J.

'All walks were beautiful….We had time to look at the wildflowers, birds and other fauna/flora and tracks. Saw bear prints but no bears!' J.C.

'I thought Svetla our tour leader was brilliant, she was the model tour leader, leading without you realizing it with her soft demeanour yet forthright when required to tell us important information…I really thought it was a memorable holiday, a full-rounded experience offering hidden surprises in terms of wildlife, amazing hospitality and interesting walks.'A.N.

'The holiday was superb. Beautiful nature and wonderful guide. Neli was superb. Fantastic English, good knowledge of area, history, and nature.'B.G.

'I cannot speak highly enough of the leader Neli, she was excellent in every way, a true star.' D.C.

'Svetoslava was the perfect guide, knowledgeable, encouraging, patient, polite, warm and had a great sense of humour. She was always smiling.'A.H.

'I really enjoyed this week's walking and the whole package. It was very well organized. Our guide was excellent; well informed, responsive, patient and cheerful.'J.T.

'The leader was brilliant as she really took account of the group and paced the walks excellently.' M.M

2011

'The tour leader was excellent, friendly, helpful and funny.'K.M.

'I enjoyed it very much. The Rodopi are spectacular because they are so unspoilt. I hope they stay that way.' C.R.

'Wildflowers, especially the orchids, and butterflies were fantastic.'J.M.

'It was great to see the farming and way of life in the remote villages. The meadows were fantastic - beautiful wildflowers…..It was one of the very best trips I have done. I will recommend it to others.'J.D.

'Variety of the walks was pleasing. The flower meadows and some of the rare woodland species were exceptional; also enjoyed seeing bats at close quarters.' H.N.

'The tour leader was excellent; good English, excellent local knowledge, friendly, considerate, helpful.'R.N.

'There was something unique about each walk. We saw ghost orchids, buzzards and lots of butterflies. On our last night we watched some Bulgarian folk dancing and singing and joined in with some local ladies.'F.E.

'All the walks were fabulous with great views. I particularly enjoyed the meadows…It was lovely to be in an area that is unspoilt by mass tourism.' F.C.

'The tour leader is excellent, knowledgeable, calm and professional. She shared her love of the Rodopi region with us…The food was also excellent - great to try so many regional dishes.'A.H.

'All walks were good and got better as the week went on. The pacing was well thought out with good choice of lunch stops.'S.F.

'Svetla was knowledgeable about the area, calm and paced the walks well.' J.H.

'I had no idea the Rodopi Mountains were so beautiful.'S.M.

2010

'I felt that this tour exceeded my expectations and I think that I will definetely come back again.'N.W.

'A very pleasant walking holiday. A really lovely, quiet area - good enthusiacti local guide.' C.B.

'Very good walking tour, with advantage of food being all-inclusive, and of very good quality.'M.C.

2009

'Our leader, Neli Radkova, was an excellent and enthusiastic ambassador for her region (the Rodopi mountains) and Bulgaria in general. Neli obviously has a great love of the local Rodopi area, its wildlife, nature, people, culture and traditional Bulgarian customs. Anyone in her company for even a short space of time would know this from the way in which she spoke from her heart!'N.R.

'Nellie is one of the best leaders in about 20 group holidays that I have been on.'A.P.

'One of the best group holidays I have been on (quite a lot!). Scenary was far more beautiful than expected; veggie food was great...Nelly's love for her country and in particular the mountains was so strong, you couldn't help sharing it with her' A.D.

'Everything I hoped for, and more...Nellie is a treasure - she was never without a smile and was great at helping the group to bond. No one felt under pressure to have to keep up or wait for others in the group. She has a great passion for her country which she passed on to us.'E.S.

'A beautiful place & charming local people who made us very welcome. The walking is varied & for many, challenging but we were able to take the hard bits at our own pace...Neli is an excellent ambassador for Bulgaria; she fulfilled all our requirements & more being caring, considerate, full of information and generally sharing her love of her country with us all. Make sure that she is used again & again! This holiday produces all it says on the packet - go and enjoy yourselves.'C.B.

2008

'Overall an excellent trip, well described in the brochure, and met all of our expectations... The bird watchers had lots to look out for, but we were there mainly for the scenery and the remoteness- this did not disappoint... Julian's knowledge of the area, his commitment to the ecology, his encyclopaedic knowledge of the flora and fauna were outstanding. The ability to keep a varied ability group together on the longer trips is a skill indeed.' R.A.

'The group leader, Julian, was very knowledgeable about all aspects of the trip, such as flora, fauna and the general culture and was willing to tell us names of things time and again, with ultimate patience. I learnt a lot in one week.' E.C.

2006

'Best guide ever - would recommend highly. Holiday was excellent - good variety. Excellent use of local facilities. Would recommend this to others.' C.W.

'Walks really well planned...Lots of interest with new things every day.' S.W.

'A really excellent trip thanks to the passion and enthusiasm displayed by the guide. We were very lucky to have had such a knowledgeable guide. He tried to accommodate our every need and was very responsive to the dynamics of the group. Our driver also was kind and courteous, yet displayed a sense of good fun. He always had a smile on his face….All in all it was a fantastic trip and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.' J.D.

'I cannot fault this holiday. Julian is a superb leader and clearly his preparation is meticulous. He has just the right mix of information, giving encouragement, humour, and is clearly respected by everyone in the region. Walking through villages the locals greet him warmly so he is an excellent ambassador…We have learnt a lot and had fun all the way.' L.W.

'You have incredible knowledge of the area and a charming way of putting things across to your group.' J.A.

'A brilliant holiday - can't thank you enough.' E.V.

'Thanks for a memorable holiday - you have given us that real sense of people and place.'A.W.

'Thanks for a brilliant holiday - a real education in nature.' P.L.

'Thank you so much for everything. Your passion for the Rhodope Mountains has been inspiring. Thank you for sharing it.' J.D.

'Thanks for a lovely holiday. It has been brilliant.' L.D

2005

'The hotel, food, countryside and hospitality have been wonderful - crowned by a superb tour leader. A very enjoyable holiday. Thanks very much.' H.B.

'Your professionalism and enthusiasm made this a fantastic trip! Thank you for your introduction to a wonderful part of the world.' S.M.

'I really admire you for your genuine passion towards Bulgaria, its culture and its people. I will have no hesitation recommending you/your company to anyone!' C.M.

'I have had a wonderful time and may come back in the spring one year for a different view.' S.L.

'Everything has been superb. A wonderful introduction to Bulgaria, especially the Rhodope Mountains and their wildlife and folk. Better watch out -
I might be back!' P.B.

'Fantastic trip, made even better by your enthusiasm, knowledge and professionalism!' L.A.

'It was one of the best holidays I have had, with all aspects joining forces to bring about a rare sort of perfection.' S.P.

'We all found it an enticing experience to share some of the delights of your mountains.' H.M.

'I have superb memories of the 10 days in the Rodopi and it still ranks as one of my best holidays ever.' P.B.

2004

'The Rhodope trip is the first trip I have ever taken and it was excellent - thank you! I have to say that I am sure that a considerable element of the enjoyment of the trip is down to your enthusiasm, as well as of course, your extensive knowledge of the country and the people and the cultures.' J.L.

'Many thanks for a wonderful trip. How privileged I am to have been on your tour and visited such wonderful places under such expert guidance. We could so easily have spent all day, at any little part of the holiday - watching lizards, landscapes, or learning about history and culture. May your trips inspire many others, and also protect Bulgaria!' T.C.