Walking Holiday Reviews
It's the opinion of those who travel with us that really counts. We invite you to take a moment to read through our guest reviews to discover what makes our specialist walking holidays so uniquely rewarding.
" Fabulous week of walking led by Jonathan and Myriam, who have found a great formula integrating walking with points of interest and history, leisure time including swimming, and wonderful lunches tasting the local cuisines. Always aware of local entertainments gave us exposure to the cultures of the region. We were also grateful to our local rep, Clair, who was a great support going beyond the call of duty."
Elizabeth Shanley, October 2024
" Our walking tour guided by Jonathan Peat and his wife, Myriam, was fantastic. The choice of routes, the variety of walk, the taverna lunches could not have been bettered!. Jonathan’s knowledge of fauna, flora, history, ancient and modern added hugely to our enjoyment. They took very good care of us!"
Maggie Johnston, October 2024
" Amazing walking week with Jonathan and Myriam. A well planned and organised trip which was interesting and totally enjoyable - with the added benefits of good accommodation (Artemis), delicious food and a very friendly group of fellow walkers. Myriam set the standard for future picnics! Jonathan’s knowledge of Crete, its geography, history, flora and fauna is encyclopaedic. They are a brilliant team and a huge asset to any walking tour."
Mary Black, October 2024
" Our holiday was made particularly special by Jonathan and Myriam Peat who who made us feel very welcome and were so knowledgeable about the locality. They led us on some wonderful walks around the area... and to some fantastic tavernas! We will definitely want to come on one of their walking tours again and will recommend others to do the same."
Peter Martin, October 2024
" Jonathan and Myriam Peat were brilliant. Friendly, caring and very organised, making the holiday really spectacular, especially the memorable walks."
Helen Othen, July 2023
"This was a walking holiday led by Jonathan and Myriam Peat on Andros. The experience was exceptional. They selected some beautiful walks, which were nicely paced, took us through very attractive and interesting countryside, with lots of variety - Jonathan provided a nice amount of historical and cultural background throughout and never rushed us."
William Downs, June 2023
"The walks were wonderful and our lunches in various taverns, restaurants excellent. We love their knowledge of the history and culture, plus the readings and poetry. They are a joy to be with and alway ensuring we are safe and well looked after. BRAVO!!"
Julia Upton, June 2023
"Our Eastern Crete holiday was of superlative hikes along beautiful terrain, guided with pertinent poetic, historical, floral, arboreal and literary elucidation, delicious local lunches in atmospheric taverns, sumptuous evening meals, all informed by enthusiastic, engaging, erudite hosts, in a small convivial group, an oasis of pleasure, whole heartedly endorsed for everyone of all ages. So summing that all up… we can’t wait to book our next walking trip with Jonathan! "
Melinda Purdy, June 2023
"We have had a super week. The key has been Jonathan, Myriam and Marco Peat. The insights about our surroundings, its history, the botanical knowledge, the personal care for our group has been outstanding - Myriam's picnics are sublime"
Susan and Roger Taylor, May 2023
"We have had a wonderful week, with a combination of Arosmari and Jonathan's walks. Everyone has been helpful and very friendly, enabling us to share this beautiful village for a week. I'm looking forward to returning shortly for the bridge week"
Rosie and Graham, May 2023
" 14 of us spent an amazing week in Arosmari Village on a walking holiday with Jonathan Peat as our guide. Absolutely perfect formula, with walks taking us off the beaten track, delightful tavernas selected for our lunches and evening meals. A glorious picnic lunch on the last day, provided for us by Myriam and Marco ( Jonathan’s wife, and 17 year old son). The accommodation in Arosmari Village was excellent and in such a beautiful setting."
" Looking after us on our walking holiday in Eastern Crete Jonathan Peat and his wife Myriam made the perfect team - Jonathan guiding us on treks up mountains, down gorges and along coastlines with his extensive knowledge of the flora and fauna; and arranging wonderful meals at carefully chosen tavernas where he is well known and loved. Myriam, meanwhile, as well as taking us to starting points and collecting us afterwards, on one occasion was waiting for us at the end of our walk in a beautiful spot where she had prepared the most delicious picnic. Unbeatable."
" The tour by Jonathan and Myriam Peat was excellent - we felt as if we experienced the range of landscapes and cuisines of Crete, and met so many friendly people along the way. Jonathan's knowledge, expertise, and kindness were outstanding, and Myriam's meals were a highlight. Highly recommended! "
" This was our first holiday with Simpson Travel and it won’t be our last. From start to finish the service and attention to detail have been excellent. Our local guide was superb. Jonathan was knowledgeable and adaptable, arranging our walks to suit the participants and the weather conditions. We have had a wonderful holiday, thank you."
" Thanks to Jonathan, Myriam and Marcos, this holiday is so much more than the itinerary suggests. Not only did the walks show us the Cretan countryside at its best but we learned so much about the history and the people. The structure of the itinerary means that we were able to eat and enjoy more traditional Cretan cuisine than normally possible. We were privileged to meet some fascinating local people who were both hospitable and willing to share their and their families' stories.This was only possible through Jonathan's expertise and knowledge."
"What can I say, other than simply amazing! If you want to really experience Crete then Jonathan offers you the most authentic journey through his walking tours. Full of knowledge, walking with Jonathan is both a history lesson and a spiritual experience being one with natures beauty. Would follow Jonathan wherever he walked and can’t wait to return!"
"The walks themselves were well planned, pitched at just the right level, and packed with interest, whether it was regarding the local flora, the countryside in general or the history of the places visited. Every day brought new revelations, quirky details and warm hospitality..."
" I was on a walking holiday led by Jonathan Peat, and it was a brilliant experience- Jonathan is so knowledgeable, helpful and caring, both for us as guests and for the success of the programme. The chosen walks gave us the best of the scenery and history, and the lunches were so fresh and delicious, especially the picnic organised by Miriam. I would love to come back next year and do it all again!"
"The walking holiday in Western Crete was everything we could have wished for. The guide and his wife were not only brilliant leaders and organisers but also inspiring, as were our fellow guests. We hope to return"
"All the staff were friendly, courteous and professional. Jonathan Peat who lead the walks, supported by his wife Myriam made the holiday. His knowledge of the island and the language was invaluable and he was keen to ensure all were included and were enjoying the holiday. Myriam’s picnic was fantastic as were the lunchtime tavernas. Alexia was also a delightful host. On the whole it was a wonderful week's holiday."
"Fabulous venue...a labour of love. Was on the walking trip which exceeded expectations. I would happily return.."