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97% of our customers rated their holiday Good or Excellent

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★

An outstanding, memorable trip, despite an unusual amount of bad luck.

K2, Concordia and the Gondogoro La

Firstly, let’s deal with the bad luck, none of which were due to KE or the local trekking company. They’re simply a result of the ‘adventure’ in KE Adventure Travel – i.e. trips such as this will always be at the whim of events. Most significantly, both inbound and outbound local flights from Islamabad to / from Skardu were cancelled at short notice, resulting in 16-18 hour bus journeys. These were mostly on the Karokoram Highway – a road of many bends and poor surfaces, but definite ly not one conducive to a restful trip. Recent flight records showed that 15-20 % of flights do not take place, so we were indeed unlucky. These delays used up some contingency time. Outbound we did the trip overnight, and the return with an overnight stop in a poor hotel. Both were less than ideal, but were organised efficiently. Further to this, most of the trekkers had a fair degree of illnesses – either coughs / throat infections or gastro-intestinal problems. We were also unfortunate in that we had some rain at Concordia that would have been fresh snow on the Gondogora La pass, meaning this was unwise to attempt on the following days. This did tie in with a period of illness so returning back from Concordia was very disappointing, but the only sensible option. Having declared the bad luck, it’s worth reflecting on the positives. I found the jeep rides exhilarating, and a great experience, but note they take a day each way. The Karakoram is a truly breath-taking place. Innumerable 5/6000m peaks are passed on the approach to Concordia where you are surrounded by the magnificent 7000m and awe inspiring 8000m peaks. Any of these peaks without exception would be a stunning destination on its own merits anywhere else in the world. Fine weather is rewarded with incredible scenery. Poor weather shows how brutal, harsh and equally impressive the landscape can be. Then there are the sunsets, sunrises, dark sky views of the milky way and much more. The trip is not for the faint hearted. The heat at lower altitudes can be intense, the moraine was hard work together with the altitude. Sanitation is less than ideal, due to local custom and constraints in some of the more popular camping sites. As mentioned by other trekkers, non-pack animals make a one-way trip – so chickens, goats and the odd bullock are led up the trail and then slaughtered discretely. Even as a non-meat eater, this did not concern me, but be prepared for the realities of different cultures. Our trek leader, Tom, was knowledgeable and a calm head. The support crew from porters to caterers were excellent, with good quality food on offer. Because of the reversal down from Concordia, supplies were a little constrained ( as some were the ‘wrong’ side of the pass ), but the local agent readjusted the logistics well. In summary, a highly recommended trip, exceptionally rewarding and utterly unmatched. Just imagine what I’d be writing if I’d had good luck.

By Charles From Ashbourne | 08 August 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Wonderful

Family Adventures in the Algarve

We had a lovely relaxing stay at Jonathan and Violetta’s amazing eco rustic paradise. Nothing was too much trouble for the hosts; food was plentiful and excellent. All done with a smile. Activities great fun and pitched perfectly for all abilities. Extra care provided for the less able, whilst challenging for the more sporty amongst us. One of our best holidays ever!

By Rachel From Oxford | 08 August 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Great , challenging hike

Traverse of the Jotunheimen

Harder than expected due to all paths being awkward , rocky , boulder fields or snow fields . The guides were great and had plenty of local knowledge including flora and fauna. The vegetarian food was poor ( inedible) in one hut and totally absent in another. They promised to bring omelette after they’d served everyone’s dessert but didn’t. Advice to bring a large lunchbox would be good as you need to take lots of food as the day’s walk are very long and lots of energy is needed for the difficult terrain a/a ,steep ascents and difficult descents. Walking poles should be listed as essential as the river crossing are very difficult without them.

By Jennifer From Cheadle | 06 August 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Superb walking holiday

Walking Salzburg’s 10 Lakes

Cannot recommend this holiday enough. The Austrian alps and lakes are wonderful. Great family holiday not too much effort but not too little either. Just the right balance.

By Peter From Aberdeen | 05 August 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Wonderful and varied exploration of Lycia

Active Family Holiday on Turkey's Lycian Coast

I would highly recommend this holiday. There is a lot of variety in this holiday with watersports, visits to ancient sites, beach time, boat trips and exploration. There are a lot of opportunities to swim, and for this to be a suitable holiday you need to enjoy swimming, or at least enjoy watching your children swim. You also need to be able to tolerate the heat, we went in late July and it was mid-thirties every day. The heat does make the swimming even more pleasurable though. The scenery in b oth locations is stunning. Excursion highlights include the visit to Saklikent Canyon (I would recommend the optional ring rafting which was great fun), and the day boat trip to Kekova Island which was a real treat. Our guide Ozgur was excellent with great local knowledge. Once we had met him at the airport I felt I could relax and leave all the timings, logistics, problem solving and overcoming the language barrier to him. He really looked after us and took lots of photos which he shared with us. We ate out as a group every day bar one, the Cinarlar Pizza Garden in Kas being my favourite. In terms of difficulty the activities are not too strenuous, although you need good mobility, the toughest being the Lycian Way hike which our guide shortened from 12km to 9km because of the heat. It is a gorgeous walk though, we met not a single other hiker, and the lunch at the shepherd's hut is quite an experience, this was the only instance where fussy eaters might struggle.

By Samuel From Yateley | 02 August 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Great experience

Trekking The Transylvanian Alps

Excellent trip overall, Leader Gabriel was full of information and always made use feel completely safe. Accomadation was excellent, hotels and the mountain huts. The mountains and routes exceeded all expectations. The Romanians were very friendly hosts. Would recommend the trip very highly. Hints:- The photos on the wed page don't do the area justice! Joining location at airport could be added to trip notes.

By Sean From Naas | 02 August 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Wow, what fun,

Family Adventures in the Algarve

We have just returned from our holiday at Aqua-Ventura that as a family we will always remember as the best and most exciting time together. Jonny and Violetta, along with their family and volunteers, are the most amazing hosts and fun people to be with. Jonny’s skill, enthusiasm and expertise ensure that whatever your ability you will get the best out of each day. We were challenged to try new activities in a safe but exciting way, building confidence as the week progressed. Violetta’s cook ing is fantastic, catering for all tastes. She certainly knows what adults and children enjoy. Not only is she a great cook, she knows how to throw a party, dance and involve everyone. This is a truly magical place for excitement and relaxation in a beautiful unspoilt part of Portugal where there are plenty of opportunities for adults and children to make new friends. Our grandchildren loved the freedom to explore the farm often accompanied by the most friendly dogs you could ever meet. It’s easy to see why people return. Sophia 11yrs - I will never forget this experience, everyone there is so lovely. Everyone should experience it at least once in their lifetime. Elizabeth 8 yrs - it was very exciting and every day was an adventure. Chocolate and Alana are such friendly dogs who I loved playing with. John and Carolyn Carpenter

By John From Ashford | 31 July 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Perfect family adventure holiday

Family Adventures in the Algarve

July 2022 First trip after the Covid. Great group of random 4 single and multi parent families from Ireland, Scotland and Israel. For two of the families this was a return visit to this guest house. Wonderful hosts - Violeta and Jonathan - warm, welcome, caring, teaching. Excellent food fitting both kids and adults with plenty of local fruits and vegetables. No AC but great Atlantic breeze cools down the evenings and nights. Exciting and frequently challenging daily adventures of ocean surfing, climbing, biking, hiking, kayaking. Always super-safe, under professional patient guidance of Jonathan and his assistants who were making sure everyone feels confident and enjoys to the maximum. Relaxing evenings at the farm with great local wine and food, interesting multi National crowd: chatting, playing games, listening to music, playing ping pong, dancing. Will definitely return!

By Maria From Ramat HaSharon | 30 July 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

An unforgettable experience!

Trek the High Taurus Mountains and Cappadocia

This was a fantastic trip from beginning to end. The process with KE was smooth, with the schedule and equipment list clear, while they answered any questions we had very quickly. Our time in Turkey was superb. The local agency provided a flawless set of guides (Tolga and Jahit) and a supporting crew of cooks, mule-drivers and others. The walking in the Taurus Mountains was spectacular, with breaktaking scenery. Tolga and Jahit were crucial to our enjoyment, as they paced the walk well while dis playing a flawless knowledge of the area, be it birdwatching, geology, or history. They ensured that the camps were well organised, with tents always set up on time for our arrival and meals prepared too. Cappadocia was a more relaxed time, as we hiked around the fairy chimneys, went to an esteemed pottery shop, and enjoyed the local cuisine in restaurants. Tolga, Jahit and the rest of the agency were indispensable to the success of the trip - truly princes among men. We had a fantastic time, and will definitely visit Turkey again.

By Callum From Harpenden | 28 July 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Family adventure

Family Adventures in the Algarve

Our family visited Jonny and Violetta’s farmhouse in July this year for a “Family Adventure” week. First things first. This is an amazing family holiday. Ten out of ten. We have travelled far and wide with our 2 children (aged 10 and 13) and have experienced many types of holidays but we all wholeheartedly agreed that our week in the Western Algarve with was one of the best, if not the best of them all. It really deserves every possible accolade for providing an action packed week, with Jo nny and his son Dylan and nephew Pau, constructively challenging the children (and adults!) to a wide variety of daily activities followed by an evening of wonderful food and hospitality served up by Violeta and her mother. This is a family run affair, which makes the holiday all the more special as you really feel you are welcomed into their home as opposed to some random holiday accommodation. If Jonny and Violeta could bottle the secret sauce in arranging this type of holiday and replicate it throughout Europe, I’m sure they’d be very wealthy people. But this is not the essence of what they are about. They are caring family-minded people, who are very tuned into their mental well-being, their environmental impact and really understand the finer details which make a family holiday really special. Indeed, I believe the family adventure week is currently something which they only offer for a small number of weeks of the year so by the end of our week we really felt one of the lucky ones who were fortunate enough to experience a type of holiday which they strongly advocate (without pushing it down your throat). This was our first time and we really didn’t know what to expect but we’ll be definitely back for another week. Indeed, it is very apparent from some of the other guests who we met that most of their clientele are repeat guests who have attended on multiple occasions. Our experience was also definitely made all the better by enjoying the company of like-minded guests who were happy to have a couple of beers or enjoy a glass of wine after a hard day surfing or rock-climbing or kayaking. A few things to keep in mind before choosing this holiday - if the items below are critical to your holiday enjoyment, this is not the holiday for you: Lounging by the pool: Whereas there was always a couple of hours each day of relaxation (typically at a beautiful beach), you are pretty much on the go from 10am to 5pm each day. Hotel luxuries: the accommodation has all you need but at the same time would not be luxurious. You just need to approach it with a positive mindset and recognise that you’re staying in a remote farmhouse which has very strong eco-credentials. Digital access: for us, the limited connectivity was a real bonus as opposed to being an issue. The week was a real digital detox for the children and whereas they could get WiFi access in the lounge room, there was so much going on that they hardly missed their phones or consoles. Remote location: the farmhouse is quite remote so walking to the nearest village for a change of scenery is not really an option. Again, we didn’t find this an issue as the scenery at the farmhouse is stunning and we were only more than happy to wind down on the veranda with the other guests after a nice shower and freshen-up. All-in-all, this is a really special holiday and we felt a little melancholic leaving the farmhouse, even though we were heading on to the Eastern Algarve for the second week of our holiday. Our 2 boys were particularly sad to be leaving Dylan and Pau who provided hours of entertainment to the children (from swimming in the pool, to card games to treasure hunts to ping-pong to disco dancing to treasure hunts….). Hats off to Jonny, Violeta and the family, they have really nailed this type of holiday. It’s just a shame it’s not available in other parts of the Mediterranean. Just means we’ll have to go back for more!

By Mark From Dublin 7 | 27 July 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Balkan Borderlands Adventure

Walking in the Balkan Borderlands

We have travelled with KE Adventure a couple of times before and had a great time on both occasions. Initially we had been booked on to a trip taking in Moldova and the Ukraine. This had been cancelled twice due to Covid and was cancelled again due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Not wanting to miss out on a trip altogether we decided this one would be an ideal replacement and we were not disappointed. After a stressful experience at Heathrow we were delighted to arrive in Pristina and be gr eeted by our wonderful guide Niti. I must say that whilst we really enjoyed every aspect of the trip what made it so memorable was Niti himself. He was personable, charming, thoughtful and went above and beyond what was expected to make sure everyone in the group of nine had the best experience possible. The walking element of the trip was pretty tough and easily deserves its 5 grading. One of our party was really struggling with the walking and Niti took it upon himself to carry his bag every day as well as his own rucksack. This is only one small example of the many thoughtful things he did to make our trip so memorable. I would highly recommend this trip for its variety. It was a real pleasure experiencing the delights of Kosovo, Montenegro and Albania. This is a region with a troubled history but you would not know that from the warmth of the reception we received from local people. All the logistical arrangements ran very smoothly despite being quite complicated at times particularly as this was a linear trip. Generally the accommodation was reasonable to good though it was variable. The food was excellent and plentiful throughout. It was a real privilege gaining such a detailed insight into the lives of the people who live in this region. If you do decide to take this trip you will not regret it especially if you get Niti as your tour leader.

By Martyn From WAKEFIELD | 26 July 2022

Bike Jordan Dead 2 Red

By Markus From Eschen | 03 July 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lovely walking that exceeded expectations

Walking Wild Tuscany

More than a holiday, this week provided a warm welcome into a region by those who love it and know it, both on the walks led by Stefano and Laura, and at the accommodation. Jamie and Ailsa are superb hosts, providing personal hospitality and outstanding meals while running their farm. The holiday is accurately described in the brochure / website, but it would be hard to capture the way the excellent leadership of the walks, personal hospitality and the setting combine to exceed expectations.

By Robert From Manchester | 28 June 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A spectacular holiday in a stunning location

Walking Wild Tuscany

I have just returned from this trip which was my first time abroad since the pandemic - it was an excellent return to international adventure. The farm is absolutely idyllic with beautiful views of the mountains together with the different trees and plants on the farm itself. There is plenty of lavender which attracts many bees and butterflies and the smell of jasmine adds to the experience. Jamie and Ailsa are excellent hosts and nothing is too much trouble for them. The food, cooked by Ailsa, was varied and superb and made from many of the fresh products grown on the farm. Stefano, assisted by Laura, was a very professional and personable guide who loved sharing his knowledge of the local area with the group. The walks were varied and most enjoyable and usually ended with a beer in the sun at a local bar. I could happily have stayed longer as the farm and accommodation were truly idyllic and so incredibly relaxing and peaceful and the food was simply amazing. There were 10 of us in the group and we all got on very well, which all added to the positive experience. I would highly recommend this holiday to anyone who loves tranquility, nature, walking and has an appreciation of excellent home-cooked food. Thank you to everyone.

By Linda From Preston | 28 June 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Turkey…….top trip !

Trek the High Taurus Mountains and Cappadocia

Our initial trip itinerary was changed due to unseasonable snow however the revised version ensured that we still got the most from our trip. We had an exceptional guide in Orhan who made sure our needs were catered for and his sympathetic handling of a mixed ability group was great. The walking is rugged on established paths and the ascent of Mt Emler was a definite highlight. The ascent was longer than normal due to not being able to establish a high camp but the pace set by Orhan made sure it was achievable for most of the group. The food everywhere on this trip was exceptional, including our camp meals, however the food in our hotel base in Cappadocia was distinctly average and was our only point of criticism. The high walking was excellent and our time at the end of our trip in Cappadocia was wonderful and hugely interesting. The gorge walking was at times breathtaking in a landscape that continually surprised. Overall a great trip with lovely people and a brilliant guide.

By Stuart From Glasgow | 27 June 2022

★ ★ ★ ★

Excellent hiking holiday, should be graded higher

Walking the Wild and Untamed Lofoten Islands

The Lofotens are a marvelous summer destination, with no nighttime and usually good hiking weather (but be prepared for wind and cold). Guides, food, and accommodations were first-rate and everything was run efficiently and safely. Based upon my limited KE experience I thought the trip should have had a higher difficulty rating. The hikes aren't long but several are very steep and all are over rocky terrain. A 6 or 7 would be more appropriate.

By Richard From Bozeman | 27 June 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Magnificent hiking, fabulous setting

Walking Wild Tuscany

The Garfangana is a beautiful area to discover and explore, with such varied scenery and history. You could not wish for a better guide than Stefano. Experienced, enthusiastic and thoughtful, he planned each walk carefully. He knows and loves the area well, and we appreciated his insight knowledge, and sense of humour. We very much enjoyed Jamie and Ailsa's hospitality, they had truly thought of everything, and I am still dreaming of Ailsa's incredible meals... The farmhouse is in an i dyllic setting and it was a privilege to be able to spend time there. Lavender, sunshine, bird song, butterflies, and even fireflies at night, wonderful. I just hope that we can return one day!

By Ruth From CHELTENHAM | 26 June 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A fun and challenging introduction to Bulgaria

Trekking the Ridges & Summits of Bulgaria

This was my first visit to Bulgaria and I thoroughly enjoyed my introduction to this diverse and beautiful country. The mountain scenery is stunning and the relatively uncrowded walking paths are a real treat. Each day was topped off with very reasonably-priced drinks, a great meal—as a vegetarian I was particularly impressed with the quality and variety of salads that were served—and very comfortable accommodations. In comparison to other KE trips I’ve been on, I thought this trip’s dif ficulty rating was slightly too low, but I can’t be sure it wasn’t at least partially due to a lapse in my own fitness level. The terrain was quite rugged at times, which added to the challenge, but also provided interesting and fun variety to the walks. Overall, despite the demands, the hiking was some of the best I’ve experienced and I was sad for the holiday to end. Ivo, the local KE guide, is a knowledgeable and personable tour leader, and he did a fantastic and well-organized job of showcasing the highlights of Bulgaria’s Rila and Pirin Mountains. His professionalism is well-balanced with words of wisdom and good humor.

By Katherine From Washington | 26 June 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A wonderful time in the Andes

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu

This is a wonderful trek across the Andes taking in sites that are away from the more peopled routes. There is a 3 day trek to Choquequirao, which takes in a decent sized climb on day 2. From there it is another 4 days across a number of passes, and we were the first group to do this route for 2 years which made it more special. They are still discovering more of Choquequirao under the rain forest and the terraces with llama figures were only discovered. There is a great deal of restoration bein g undertaken, including restoring and planting some of the terraces, which brings the site back to life. When we were there on day 3, there were only 5 or 6 other people in the ruins and on day 4, when we went through the site again, we were the only people in the main site. The advice I read from other travelers is relevant - especially taking steps against the mosquitoes. Day one I walked in shorts and a T shirt and spent the next 6 days itching from the bites around the elbows and legs. The little blighters do not necessarily appear evident at the time, but boy are their effects felt later. The catering was truly magnificent, the kitchen team provided substantial breakfast, lunch and dinner, with snacks for the walk too. If you enjoy soup, then this is the trek for you - with a bowl at lunch and tea. The quality and variety of the food, given our remote location was excellent. Our guide Elias and his #2 Rene were excellent and really brought the history of the area to life for us. They were exceptionally attentive to everyone's needs. The guys looking after the kitchen and Mules were exceptional too. The culmination of the trek coming over a ridge opposite Machu Pichu and then the morning in Machu Pichu the day after, made it all very special.

By Ian From Leeds | 18 June 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Beautiful island, great walks, superb leader in Jorge.

Levada Trails and Peaks of Madeira

I joined a small group of 6 in early June and had a fabulous week. It was warm and humid which made the walks (for me) quite hard at times. The leader Jorge was top notch, he spent the whole week with us staying in all the hotels as we travelled round. He was supremely fit, had a a great knowledge of the walks and all the beautiful flowers and trees/forests we encountered. He also had a great sense of humour and we shared many laughs during the week (he spoke excellent English). Hotels were all fine, not as good as those I stayed at in Tenerife but all good, clean and plenty to eat at breakfast. Packed lunches were good (very good the first 4 days), dinners together at restaurants chosen by Jorge were very tasty and plenty of food on offer, especially our final meal together back in Funchal, that was really excellent local food. I enjoyed a couple of swims in the sea which was needed after hot walks. Very hard to find fault with the whole holiday and I'd highly recommend it.

By James From Wirral | 17 June 2022