15 independent reviews for Spanish Pyrenees guided walking vacation
Reviews for Spanish Pyrenees guided walking vacation
Maggie Robinson review 21 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Difficult to say what was most memorable about the vacation - the hiking was fabulous and the hosts and their food and accommodation were faultless!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Nothing really - everything was taken care of.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely!!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fabulous!!Yani Sinanoglou review 9 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The mountains of the Ordesa-Monte Perdido National Park are exciting and memorable. The high quality of hosting, guiding and care for guests is an outstanding and memorable feature of the operator.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Travelers need to prepare for some mountainous terrain. Their reward will be unforgettable views and the camaraderie of a small, well-guided and expertly supported group.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The company operates in a way that integrates the use of local produce--grown and harvested by the founders--with other aspects of this exemplary enterprise, which uses stored rainwater along with geothermal and electrovoltaic sources of energy. Recycled materials and local labor were used throughout the four-year construction process. The operator employs local mountain guides. The presence of this family enterprise benefits a depopulated region. Simon and Lucy are firmly grounded in the local culture, deeply knowledgeable about its history, its geology as well as local flora and fauna. There is a moral integrity to everything they do, whether in relation to their community or as custodians of the natural environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
My experience was excellent in every respect, well beyond any expectations I might have from walking vacations that I have enjoyed over some thirty-four years.Jill MacBain review 7 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The beauty of Albella and the house itself. It's a very special place.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Spend a couple of days in Zaragoza old town if possible. Great vibe with lots of tapas bars and cafes, museums, galleries and the cathedral is stunning. Albella is remote so it was good to experience some of the local culture of Aragon. The operators website has information on Zaragoza and Lucy recommended a very good hotel at a reasonable price.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, although Simon and Lucy have excellent local knowledge, we also had local guides on the longer days out and they actively support conservation of the bearded vultures we saw during one of our walks. The house has lots of lovely upcycled furniture restored by Simon and Lucy and during the rebuild they obviously took great care to use traditional building methods as well as the latest technology to make the house energy efficient. They also have a magnificent veggie garden supplying many ingredients of our meals which were complimented with excellent local wines.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Exceptional thanks to the hospitality of Simon and Lucy. An extraordinary amount of hard work, dedication and love has gone into creating Casa Allue as it is now. It was a week of fantastic food, beautiful walks and lovely company with the group.Yvonne Barlow review 23 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The owners Lucy and Simon were excellent hosts. Everything went very smoothly because they paid attention to all the details and ensured everyone had a brilliant vacation. Each walk was different with diverse flora and fauna. All guides gave us a lot of information about the locality, the history, geology etc. It made it so interesting. The location was stunning, the rooms very comfortable and the food was superb.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Give Simon and Lucy a ring directly and chat to them. They are very approachable and will keep you absolutely right. Above all they want you to enjoy their time with them.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Lucy and Simon support local conservation projects. Their accommodation has green energy sources and they have water conservation at the heart of what they do. They also employ local guides and other staff.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Absolutely five stars on every count. Book it. You will have a fantastic time.Jeff Hacon review 6 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The sightings of Bearded and Egyptian vultures were first class. I have never had my breath taken away by a plant before but Ladies Slipper Orchid is stunning. So that pushes Spanish moon moth down to third place which is not fair to such a stunning insect2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Come hungry - the food is delicious3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Simon and Lucy made every effort to support local businesses. They employed local guides and on the final day took us to a deli stocking local foods for us to take home. Their home, where we stayed, has solar PV and water heating, harvests rain water and grows much of the food we ate.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentCheryl Sellors review 13 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Our last activity day of the vacation was likely the most memorable & exciting part as our wonderful guide took us on a bit of a detour that ended up on a less used trail, so we were climbing rocks, navigating overgrown vegetation, and basically putting all our hiking skills to use. Back on the trail, we were on sections of trail where we had to use chains! But all worth it as we saw spectacular waterfalls, lots of beautiful cows, a glacier & other wonderful scenery in Ordesa National Park.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
While this is described as a walking vacation, any North Americans looking to book this should know that walking is a term used by Europeans to describe what we call hiking. If you are an experienced North American hiker than this vacation will suit you. The levels of difficulty described are quite accurate. And Simon & Lucy can tailor any day of the trip to suit you, but it is worthwhile to do all of the scheduled “walks” as the scenery is spectacular. As we have done other walking vacations in Europe including the TMB & Scottish Highlands, Simon & Lucy’s guided Spanish Pyrenees walking trip suited us as we based out of their beautiful home & didn’t have to live out of a suitcase in a different inn every night.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Simon is very supportive of the endangered vultures in the area & we very much enjoyed our bird watching day with Simon. Lucy is very knowledgeable on the geology of the area as is Alberto, our guide. Environmental impact was reduced with reusable sandwich wraps made from beeswax. Simon & Lucy’s garden was at its peak so fresh fruits & vegetables were used in all the delicious dinners.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Simon, Lucy & their daughter Sophie were amazing hosts and made us feel welcome & comfortable immediately. This trip definitely exceeded all our expectations (the perfect weather certainly helped). Would definitely consider another of their trip offerings.Cristina Stoica review 27 May 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The hiking was stunningly beautiful. The home cooked food afterwards was one of the best I ever had.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Wear sturdy, good hiking boots.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Exceptional. I cannot say enough good things. We will be coming back.Rachel Miles review 20 May 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
An incredible week in an unspoilt region of Spain. Lucy and Simon were the perfect hosts: genuine, generous, and with amazing attention to detail. Keeping group sizes small results in a personal touch which is nowadays all too rare. The accommodation was extremely comfortable and spacious, and the food was plentiful and delicious, with a focus on fresh local ingredients where available. The walks had an amazing ratio of effort to reward, and our guides were extremely knowledgeable, with infectious enthusiasm. On the day we were rained off, Simon and Lucy went out of their way to make our day just as interesting with an emphasis on local culture. Simon and Lucy are clearly passionate about sharing what they have with their guests, and it shows in everything they do.Roger Bayliss review 18 Sep 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The stunning scenic beauty of the Spanish Pyrenees and the wildlife found there.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Get some hiking training in your legs before you go so you can really enjoy the walks and the scenery they provide.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It certainly benefited local people as our walking guide was local and we used a local restaurant. Environmental impact was kept to a minimum by ensuring we carried out any litter etc we took with us and picked up some left by others.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. The accommodation and hosting were of the highest standard, the planned walks and wildlife viewing were well thought out and were carried out perfectly. Everyone made great efforts to make sure we enjoyed the vacation.Judy Miles review 2 Jun 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Walking in the beautiful mountains of Aragon with excellent guides and seeing lammageier vultures.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make sure you are in good walking condition to get the best out of your vacation - this is mountain walking - and bring your binoculars.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The vacation provided work for local guides and supported the education of people in appreciating and caring for our environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I had a wonderful week, with good company in comfortable accommodation with delicious meals.Annapurna Chilukuri review 8 Oct 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Every bit of it was amazing. The mountains, our hosts Lucy and Simon, the food.... I could go on.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Train a little before going. Some of the treks are moderate grade so would be more enjoyable if you're ready.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
10 out of 10Mary Winterborn review 29 May 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Scenery, our hosts, the food.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take the advice sent in advance by Lucy and Simon.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
All 3 without doubt.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Just great.Meg Whelan review 16 Aug 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
This has to be the best walking vacation I've ever had. The walking was incredible. The landscapes were all different and all stunningly beautiful. I will never forget walking in Ordesa, Añisclo and the Sierra de Guara. Our guides were knowledgeable about geology, flora, fauna, history and folklore and were fantastic company. Lucy and Simon were tireless as hosts, making sure everything was completely perfect. The food was amazing, the farmhouse charming and the weather (end of April, beginning of May) was ideal for walking in the mountains.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Just go!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely. We walked with local guides. Although we didn't eat out often (why would we when the food in the farmhouse was so good!), all meals were cooked using local ingredients.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Can't fault it. I really hope to return to Casa Allué.Jane Berrisford review 2 Apr 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Every day was a different adventure ! At each bend in the track I marvelled at the scenery, it was breath taking. So many magical moments - walking in golden light through a beech forest, dipping my toes in turquoise water in a mountain river and gasping at the sight of the bearded vultures soaring high above. So many wonderful memories of a truly fantastic walking vacation.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Simon and Lucy looked after us so well and ensured we were extremely well catered for. I was so glad that I bought my binoculars - a must ! We were provided with all the information prior to arrival to ensure we were well equipped. Even walking poles were provided by our lovely Guide so no need to burden yourself with them. The one tip I would give to anyone considering this vacation is to say - just book it - you won't be disappointed !3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Lucy & Simon are passionate about the environment and we made use when we were out and about to stop en route to dispose of the recycling. We replenished food stocks from the local shop. On one walk we visited a derelict village where the occupants are trying to raise money to rebuild their homes. The group made contribution to this worthy cause. We supported some local eateries on the walks and I purchased excellent quality locally made souvenirs when we visited some villages. The local people definitely benefit from the support of the family and vacation makers visiting this area.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was everything and more I could have hoped for and would recommend this vacation to anyone. From beginning to end I was extremely well catered for. Simon and Lucy are wonderful hosts and made everyone in the Group feel at home in their beautiful house Casa Allué. I have fabulous memories of the best walking vacation I have ever had and hope to return !Lynne Arnold review 25 Sep 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Super well organised, a beautiful spot and everything at the farmhouse was perfect. Best of all the amazing area and fabulous guides2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - the couple who run the vacation are totally committed to the community and use local guides, local produce and are passionate about this beautiful area4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
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