The Italian Dolomites

The food was particularly excellent. The abundance of orchids and gentians in the beautiful landscape was amazing. The highlight was the patch of lady slipper orchids in perfect condition. 

R. S, Birmingham, Jun '25

Well organised and thoroughly enjoyable trip to the Fassa Valley in the Dolomites with Nature Trek. The guides were extremely knowledgeable of the area and its flora and fauna. They were very mindful of individuals' needs and the daily walks were beautiful and informative. The range of flowers we saw was exceptional and we even managed to get out at night to look for glow worms and to detect bats. We stayed at a wonderful hotel with extremely high quality food and very friendly, helpful staff. From beginning to end all our needs were met, wonderful. I have travelled abroad with Naturetrek only twice so far and both times the trip has been very well organised with excellent pre-trip information and a person at the end of a phone if need be. The locations are always well research with very experienced guides who obviously know the area and its people well. The accommodation and food are of a very high standard.

T.C. Worcestershire, Jun 24

Ours was primarily a botany focussed holiday with birds and butterflies added in. We enjoyed the excellent organisational skills of the tour leader and co leader. Their knowledge of all flora and fauna was incredible. The family owned and managed hotel was superb with a Michelin Star chef part of the family! Each day we drove short distances up and down the Fassa Valley in Italy enjoying the stunning scenery with friendly like minded new friends.

G.T. New Zealand, Jun 23

No praise could be too high for the tour leader, Jessica Turner, who did everything to make the holiday worthwhile.

MD, Cheshire, June 19

Jessica, our leader, was outstanding in every way. Her knowledge of plants is astounding, as is her desire to impart that knowledge to others. The hotel made us feel very welcome and fed us well. The rooms and facilities were excellent. The range of beautiful flowers that we saw could not be bettered anywhere else in my experience.  This is the best Naturetrek holiday we have been on!

RL, Suffolk, June 19

Su is an excellent leader, very well organised, extremely knowledgeable, patient and good company. We saw so much and the holiday exceeded (already high) expectations. The hotel was very good, quiet, friendly and with excellent meals.

R.C. Midlands

The holiday was absolutely splendid and I loved every minute of it.

M.R. Cambridgeshire

This was one of the best holidays we have ever enjoyed and could hardly have been improved on.

Mr & Mrs G. Gloucestershire

Invigorating days spent seeking high altitude plants with knowledgeable guides in a group small that shares the passion. Naturetrek has selected superb, remote trails among jagged peaks, inspiring us with their familiarity of botanical, ornithological, and lepidopterological discoveries along the way. On top of all that, the food and accommodations were outstanding. I'd love to head back tomorrow.

T.H. New York

From start to finish everything went smoothly with regard to planning and organisation by the Naturetrek team. The holiday location was beautiful with wonderful views surrounding the hotel. The three Naturetrek tour leaders were excellent, nothing was too much trouble, their patience was incredible, their knowledge of all subjects studied in the 'field' I'm not sure could be bettered. They all worked very hard to ensure it was a great holiday. We have already started looking at venues covered by Naturetrek for our next holiday. The scenery and walks were stunning, there was something of interest to be seen and studied even when it rained on the first two days. As you can guess, yes it was a successful holiday and would thoroughly recommend to anybody who has an interest in Plants, Butterflies, Moths and Birds. My husband and I learnt so much over one week.

V.R. West Midlands, July 18

The scenery, plants and hotel were all superb, and all the leaders worked tirelessly, somehow managing to please everyone's differing wishes every day. Jessica in particular looked after us in a wonderfully caring way at all times.

P.V. Surrey

I had no problem going on my own. It was a lovely holiday with a friendly group and top class leaders. The days were packed with so much choice, bird watching, wild flowers, butterflies and moths. The Italian Dolomite's were amazing.

E.S.B. Hampshire, June 18

From the time of planning the holiday with the Naturetrek office to the travelling there and back and the seven days enjoying the itinerary, I felt comfortable and reassured that all would go well and there would be no hitches or disappointments. I was right, as usual! The flowers and butterflies in these upland areas were wonderful and gave me great happiness and enjoyment, especially the day walking with new made friends in the upland meadows with the cows and their bells ringing. The mountain scenery was a highlight.

M.C. Buckinghamshire, June 18

The hotels were all good. I did not expect the Great Bear Lodge (3 night stay) to be as good (because of the situation!) but the standard was just as high and the cooking was superb! The staff there deserve a special mention. They were very caring and hardworking and were a most efficient team.

E.W. Cheshire

Paul and Chris deserve the highest price for their skills, and the effort they put in to ensure we all had a magnificent holiday.

C.W. Cheshire

This is my third holiday with Naturetrek and it was excellent. Both guides were very knowledgeable and helpful. Nothing was rushed and I saw plants I had not seen before. I am particularly interested in high alpine plants and was delighted to see so many.

S.J. West Midlands

Paul and Jessica are startlingly good botanists (and birds, butterflies too!), easy going and very personable. The staff at Hotel Lwga were charming and very helpful/attentive. The food was really exceptionally creative and delicious. The Dolomites themselves are stunning as are the plants and animal life they harbour. Our last hike through high alpine meadows with cowbells and running water for accompaniment was priceless. Bravissimo!

C.S. Northamptonshire

We had a fabulous holiday which did which did include 3 nights in Venice prior and a further 5 nights, with a car, in the Dolomites, doing our own thing. The hotel Gran Mugon was fantastic. Stefano and his family were attentive and friendly. The atmosphere was relaxed. The food was good everyday but at times it was excellent. Our team leader, Jessica Turner was brilliant. Her knowledge and enthusiasm was infectious. She had patience for these two novices. The picnics were memorable, all thanks to her. She worked hard and constant throughout our stay. She carried a selection of books etc on long walks to help our knowledge. The rest of the group were stimulating and great company. What a holiday!

Mr & Mrs L. Cumbria

The Hotel Gran Mugon in Tamion was superlative - accommodation, meals and personal treatment by the owners and staff. Lovely! We were pleased that the itinerary contained a decent amount of walking.

Dr & Mrs H. Surrey

A really excellent trip - tuition, leaders, hotel were all superb. Jessica Turner in particular took time to cater for all levels of knowledge/ interest - she was a fantastic leader! Her co-leader Byron Palacios was also superb, both are very knowledgeable and superb and nothing was too much trouble! I will certainly book again!

Ms H. Switzerland

I was particularly impressed with the three leaders who were so helpful and enthusiastic with their knowledge and organisation.

P.S. Nottinghamshire

Leaders were excellent. Endlessly patient and so enthusiastic about the plants and birds. Very conscientious. Leaders made for such a marvellous holiday.

M.K. Yorkshire

The trip was obviously well planned and organised but it was the leader, whose confidence and flexibility, personality and knowledge, enthusiasm, care and concern, who brought it all to fruition so successfully. The beautiful rugged environment and its social and natural history did the rest! Excellent!

V.S. New Zealand