Hiking the Historic Paths of Europe and New England
Peak Reviews: Customer Feedback Here's what some of the participants in outdoor adventure trips led by Deborah Lewis in Europe and New England have had to say: New England Trip Guest Feedback : Feedback on a family self-guided snowshoeing trip in Moosalamoo, Vermont: " Deborah, thank you so much for such a terrific trip. It just could not have been better! Except that I didn't want to come home! Thanks very much." Feedback on a guided snowshoeing trip for a couple in the Woodstock, Vermont area: "
Thank you again for guiding us through Vermont. You were excellent and we had a wonderful time. The pre-trip support was excellent and the pre-trip information packet very thorough. Both outings were excellent adventures, if you will. However the third day of backcountry snowshoeing was really something special.
I personally really appreciated how accomodiating you were as far as our start times were concerned. You understood we were on vacation. Thank you." Feedback from the "Leaf Ladies," a group of adventurous women from Iowa and beyond regarding their fall foliage hiking trip to Vermont:
Feedback on a self-guided inn-to-inn hiking trip in Stowe and Moosalamoo, Vermont: " It was wonderful. Can't thank you enough. I just wanted you to know how pleased we were with the trip you mapped out for us -- the trails, maps, instructions, details, inns, restaurants, etc. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" "Deborah is an outstanding guide in every respect." "I liked Deborah Lewis a lot. She was intelligent and "read" the group." Feedback on a hybrid (guided and self-guided) trip in Stowe and Moosalamoo, Vermont: "It was a terrific vacation. We had a wonderful time. Thank you so much for your excellent preparations and suggestions. The only downside was I put on one or two pounds despite walking every day. All the elements were flawless -- the inns, the hikes (well calibrated to our condition), the guide -- all due to your incredibly thorough preparations. A wonderful vacation. Thanks much." "Christina and I had a wonderful time in Vermont thanks to you. Thank you for our wonderful, skillfully guided tour of the Green Mountain State. The hiking, swimming, and all the various sights made this trip most enjoyable! We learned a lot and appreciate all that you did to make this such a nice trip!!" (Mother and daugher on a "girl friend" trip.) " We had a wonderful time in Vermont - many good memories! Again, I really appreciate your expertise and your friendly, energetic personality." (Guided "girlfriend" trip) "Thanks for being a wonderful guide! We truly enjoyed our visit to Vermont." "Thanks, Deborah. It was a real treat to be with someone who enjoys her calling as much as you do." "Thank you Deborah for taking care of our every need and so much more. You've helped me have a new appreciation for the beauty and rich history of Vermont." "Thank you so much for enriching our Vermont trip this past fall. Mom and I were looking forward to spending time together and gaining the bond that occurs when experiencing something new. We were thrilled to have learned so much from all the other women on the trip. However, our guides really gave the trip a finishing touch. I loved your wit and was captivated by all or your stories." "Thank you so much for an enjoyable (snowshoeing) trip. Your personal touches during the trip made me feel like I truly got to know some of Vermont's rich history. I will definitely be back when it's warmer! Thank you." "Thank you so much for guiding us through a truly wonderful weekend! We had an excellent time." "Thanks so much for being such a wonderful guide and making my Vermont experience so special. You really are the best guide I've traveled with and are truly inspiring. I hope to be able to hike in all the places you have." "Thank you so much for sending these (photos). What a full service guide you are! We really had an excellent time and would highly recommend this trip to anyone and everyone that will listen. You made the trip so much fun for us and it has been one of our best short vacations. Thanks again for all the planning and thought you put into each day." Self-guided bicycling trip: "We had the best time ... what a fund adventure! The inns were outstanding. Each of the inns was unique and charming. The innkeepers were terrific -- helpful and friendly. The bike routes were beautiful. We really liked the different options that you gave us each day. The scenery was magnificent -- every day was a little different. The first day gave us breathtaking views of the mountains and countryside, the second day took us through some beautiful countryside and the third day was a spectacular ride around Lake Dunmore. ..The packet you sent was great. It was very helpful to get the packing list; the information about the history of the area and the description of the inns really made us excited for the trip. The cues sheets were very organized and the mile markers were spot on, which made them easy to follow....The service you provided was outstanding -- from the time I expressed interest in the trip, you kept me very well informed. Everything was well-planned, well organized and you were a delight to work with. I'm so happy that I found your company on the internet and will definitely recommend you to others interested in an outdoor adventure.!" "Thank you for sharing these photographs -- they are terrific! I love the way you caught the group and the character of Vermont. The photos are great. Thanks again for all of your help and friendship. You made the trip very special for me, and I suspect, for all of us. You are a great guide, and I hope our paths cross again in the future." "Thanks so much for a wonderfully memorable trip. Your caring and accessible ways -- not to mention local lore, poetry and a certain irony -- added so much to our experience. We're very appreciative." "Thank you so much for making our Vermont trip so special and enjoyable. Your love of the state was so infectious and makes us want to return!" "Thanks so much for bringing me back to the New England I fell in love with as a seventeen year old." "I will remember your voice as you read and recited Robert Frost -- such perfect memories you have created for me. Thank you." "Thank you so much for making this a great week. You did a terrific job organizing the walks and seeing to all of our individual needs. And you made the trip interesting and fun for both of us. We'll give this a "10" on a scale of 1-10." "Thanks so much!!! You have made my adventure an enjoyable and fun experience. I had a wonderful time. I really appreciate the care and thought that you have put in planning the hikes! With all the different personalities, etc. You were awesome. You did a great job and made it look easy! You have a very good heart. 'Til the next adventure!" "What wonderful memories! Thank you so much for everything! The use of your walking sticks saved my bacon, but your passion for your stomping grounds and willingness to share the secrets of it was the most precious gift. We would love to hike with you again and again!" "You really are a gracious host. You have a great sense of humor!" "Thank you so much for all the amazing work that you do. You are definitely one or our very best." " We reminisced about the trip all the way back. We had a blast. I'm so excited my son and I are on our way to go look at mountain bikes." “ We had a grand time and appreciated your thoughtfulness and your interesting historical information. We hope our paths will cross again. We thank you.” " Thanks so much Deborah for sharing the photos. It was a wonderful trip for me and will not be forgotten. You were a great guide, full of enthusiasm and expertise, and I appreciated your friendliness.” "Deborah was great. It was easy to catch her enthusiasm for both the activity, and for Vermont." "Thank you. It was a fabulous vacation." "I had a wonderful time and want to thank you so much for sharing your love of the Brandon/Goshen/Ripton area of Vermont. I will definitely go back again -- it's such a special place." Europe Trip Guest Feedback: "Thank you again for your wonderful assistance and guidance before, during and after our trip through the Alps this summer. Your detailed and hands on knowledge of the locales, suitability of the intended hikes for our family and an understanding of our exact requirements were spot on. With two little boys in tow and an ambitious schedule spread out over three areas in two weeks, we needed to have the details in hand with no worries. You gave us not only what we asked for but also suitable alternatives to be able to make decisions on the fly if schedules, enthusiasm or weather changed. Your ability to listen and then tailor an appropriate schedule is the mark of a true professional who enjoys what they do. Your passion for it shows and we would have no hesitation to use your services in the future or happily endorse your services to others." (Self -guided family trip in Chamonix, Zermatt and Wengen) "Our trip to Cinque Terre was the best trip we have ever taken. The beauty of the location was certainly a factor, but, in retrospect,Deb organized and designed a week that far exceeded our expectations. Once we became part of the trip, we immediately began to receive pertinent information-"walk,bike,lift weights every day"-not quite, but she was getting us in shape for the trip that lay ahead.The detailed list of items that we would need was given to us with plenty of time to acquire them.The itinerary provided us an exact time table from landing in Europe to heading back out. Where and when we would be staying, eating, hiking, railroading,ferrying, having options-nothing was missed. Deb's attention to every detail of the organization and flow was flawless. Beyond that, Deb's knowledge of the area and her sense of humor -we would follow her anywhere. With enormous appreciation." (Guided Cinque Terre Trip) "We had a wonderful time. Both Francesca and Marco were excellent guides, as well as very nice people. They are both so knowledgeable, answering every question we had, both so considerate, and flexible. We loved the hikes with Marco up into the mountains. The climbing and heat made it slow going, but Marco was excellent, and slowed our pace. The views and terrain were spectacular...all so beautiful!! We loved every bit. We can't thank you enough. We followed your itinerary, and any down time we had we were on and off the trains, and boats to see all of the villages along the coast. We swam every day, and Audra kayaked...she loved it. Our hotel accomodations were fine, and so close to the water and village of Monterosso...the family running the hotel were so nice to us, as well as the breakfast every morning. The plane/bus/train instructions were great, and worked out well. It was wonderful. We can't thank you enough. We will refer our friends to you that are interested in hiking, etc. It is such a beautiful area and coastline....thank you again so much for all your help, trip packet and wonderful suggestions. Bongiorno, my friend, ciao." (Hybrid guided/self-guided Cinque Terre, Italy trip) "Where do I begin to tell you how much we enjoyed our Alpine experience!!!!!! We are so so so very very much impressed with the thoroughness of your plans and details. ....
Each hotel experience was wonderful. ..
" We had a very enjoyble trip. Really enjoyed the countryside. All the hikes were beautiful. The hotel and food were exceptional." (Self-guided Lake District England hiking trip) "We are having an amazing time. Your trail recommendations are perfect. This is a very special time for my mom and me and we wanted to thank you very much." (Self-guided mother/son trip to Austria and Bavaria: the son)
Mother and Son Hiking Duo in Bavaria
"A heartfelt Thank You for the outstanding job you did putting this trip together!! The preparatory work you put in on it really showed and made all the difference, we're convinced, in making this an unforgettable trip, rather than just a memorable one. Thanks again." (Romania) "I would have to give you an A plus for all the work you did in making sure everything worked, and it did... I've just had an opportunity to review your photos of our trip to Romania. What great pictures -- and they bring back such great memories of green and unspoiled hillsides and walking through fields of wild flowers! As always, you did a marvelous job as our guide -- and you're great fun to have around too! Thanks again for all your work." (Romania) "As always, I think your organization, mailings pre trip were great. I know it was a challenging trip for you to organize. You have a unique capacity to attend to details and always be attuned to the situation." (Romania) "It would have taken us hours of planning (including potentially expensive phone calls) to find out the information Deborah did. And, EVERYTHING she arranged worked perfectly (which has not always been the case in our experience). I think she is exceptional at what she does." (Guided and self-guided Switzerland family trip) "I wanted to send you an extra note of thanks for the great vacation. You did an excellent job of guiding and keeping us on schedule. The hotels were all fantastic and different in their own way. I came home with some great new hiking tips, such as traversing the trail instead of going straight down, keeping a steady pace without stopping and using my poles in the proper way. Your knowledge of the places we passed was extensive and you really do your research well." (Tour du Mont Blanc) "You are the best guide we have ever had. You gently urged, nudged, whatever it took to get us through one of the best trips we have ever taken. Any other guide would have given up." (Cinque Terre) "We had a fantastic time. And YOU deserve a great deal of credit. THANK YOU. What a trip, the huts were great. The thrones were remarkable too. We had a wonderful time -- great work. Oh, my goodness. What a time we had! Many thanks." (Father son, self-guided hut to hut trip in Bavaria) "Thank you for organizing such a first class trip. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, not to mention the wonderful weather that you turned on for us." (Austria/Bavaria) "Deborah, Thanks for your expertise. I had a great time!" (Cinque Terre) "Deb, you did an outstanding job. Thanks." "I thoroughly enjoyed your organization, attention to detail, care for everyone, and your infectious enthusiasm. This is a big group with lots of balls to juggle because of it. What was so vivid in my mind were these points and how smoothly you executed them. My trip (with another organization) was a far cry from the excellent care and service you gave us. You're a great guide and certainly this group loves you -- with every good reason." (Dolomites) "I cannot begin to tell you what a good time we had. Many many thanks for your expertise and good humor." "I'm not sure how to express how wonderful our (Switzerland family hiking) trip was. You certainly know your stuff! We have just all had the best time ever." "As always, everybody raved about the Italy trip and really appreciated all that you did to make it so successful. You're the one!" (Dolomites) "The trip was magnificent." "You have always provided a wonderful trip for us and we feel honored to have you. A very big hug to you." (Dolomites) "Everything was terrific about this trip. Really. I had no idea Cortina would be so beautiful and the mountains so majestic. The hotel was especially wonderful. I loved sitting out in the front. Thanks again for doing your usual super job!" “ What fun it was in Pontresina! Thanks again for organizing and guiding such a great week. You are the best!” “ Thanks for all your work. We had a wonderful time in Switzerland and also with the ladies in Italy.” “ We feel great about the whole trip. Many thanks for your wonderful planning and guiding.” “ Thanks for being such a wonderful group guide. The trip was splendid in all respects.” “ Deb – a mighty thanks for the really great week in the Engadine. It was fabulous in all respects – hikes, hotel, meals, discussions, and conviviality. You were absolutely marvelous in preparing us for the hikes and then in guiding us on the trails. Thanks again, and we look forward to working with you again in 2007.” “ I had an absolutely wonderful trip, and I can’t thank you enough for all your hard work, preparation, and advice. I’m still dreaming at night that I’m up on the footpaths through sheep meadows with all of you, so that’s kind of nice. Again, thanks for everything!” “ Deb – Many thanks. Your attention to both the big picture and fine detail is amazing.” "Thank you very much for a well thought out and wonderful trip. The mountains were fantastic and all the weather unbelievable. Every day was a highlight -- and that isn't easy to achieve! Topped off with the terrific meal on the roof! Many thanks for a wonderful experience. May all your trips be as good as this one." (Austria/Bavaria) "You are to be congratulated on providing such a great itinerary with good, diversified walks and for arranging such nice hotels and wonderful weather. I had a great time with too many WOW moments to record." (Austria/Bavaria) " We were thrilled with all the “extras” you provided, which made it much more than a grand hiking trip, but most of all, it was your caring and fun-to-be-with nature that leads us to ask, “Where to next?” We would follow your hat to another fun trip in the future.” “ All four of us agree that our time in Switzerland was our favorite vacation of all time. Much of that we owe to you – for your knowledge, your engaging and thoughtful company; and, of course, to your ability to control the weather…. We have some guests here and we have already begun to try to convince them to do the same trip with you next year. As for us, we’re thinking about the next exotic place we can visit with you. Again, many thanks for a memorable vacation.” “ This has been an absolutely wonderful trip – not only because of the places we’ve been, the wonderful hikes we’ve had, including our “cultural tour”, but because of your consummate skill as a group leader – your enthusiasm and kindness are truly wonderful. Thank you for everything.” “ This trip has been one surprise after another – just what I had hoped for .. and even better. Your trip has given me a wonderful first view of a country (Norway) I can’t wait to return to. It has been a delight traveling with you and I hope our paths will cross again soon. Thank you!” “ A wonderful week with a great guide, great ladies, and a gorgeous setting. Thanks so much for all you did.” " Her language skills are superb, her ability to attend to the needs of the individual, as well as making the group as a whole happy, are remarkable. She has a great enthusiastic spirit, and remarkable leadership ability. She played a key role in facilitating communications between our group and the Swiss co-guide. In my opinion, she has all the attributes of a perfect guide: leadership skills, verbal acumen, enthusiasm, and still makes the trip fun and memorable for the people she is accommodating." “ Speaking for the ladies who went on the walking trip in England, we absolutely loved it. The hotel was outstanding with a menu to die for. The hikes were great.” “ Thanks for making this an absolutely fabulous week of hiking, conversation, travel and friendship. Your guiding and organization of our wonderful days in Norway will never be forgotten. For all of us, it has been a great moment in our lives.” “ We had such a wonderful trip, and as I tell everyone, the guide made all the difference! Our past hiking exploits have been wonderful, but we spend so-o-o much time figuring it all out! It was so wonderful to just follow the “green hat”!" We were thrilled with all the “extras” you provided, which made it much more than a grand hiking trip, but most of all, it was your caring and fun-to-be-with nature that leads us to ask, “Where to next?” We would follow your hat to another fun trip in the future.” “ We look forward to our trip to Switzerland next summer. Thank you for introducing us to such wonderful experiences.” “ I want to tell you how much I enjoyed the Norway Fjord hiking trip. Deborah was a wonderful guide – caring, joyful and so easy to be with.” “ Thanks again for your great guiding in Norway. Everybody has been raving about what a great week it was.” “ We had a fabulous time in Norway. It was wonderful to browse through the photos. Everyone had a wonderful time. It will be hard to top. We all thought you did a great job.” “ This has exceeded my wildest dreams. Thank you for a wonderful and diverse experience in Norway. It was unforgettable. With my best wishes for your continued delight in the natural world.” “ How can we ever thank you for a wonderful hiking trip to Norway –you were a wonderful guide who became a friend.” “ Deborah – Norway has become “my favorite” country. Thanks to all the wonderful things we did, saw, and learned about it. You’ve been a terrific guide and planner. We all feel lucky to have had you as our guide. Thanks a million.” " We were impressed with her experience as an Alpine guide. Her interpersonal skills were truly outstanding. Every member of the group enjoyed this special association." " Her knowledge of the outdoors and hiking abilities were impressive and her fluency in German was a huge advantage, but equally important, I think, was her ability to adapt so quickly to the varied personalities in a group of people whom she did not know when the trip began. She was a resourceful and diplomatic problem-solver and decision-maker when necessary, and if she was ever angry or frustrated with anyone in the group, it never showed. I expect the entire group would agree with me that Deborah was a great leader and a good friend to everyone." “ You have a gem in Deborah Lewis! We were very impressed with Deborah’s conscientious preparations for our hikes and the “extras” (history, literature, art, music, etc.) for each place we visited. It’s remarkable, all that we saw and did in two weeks! What we expected was a great hiking experience in a beautiful setting; what we got was all that and so much more! The church concert in Pontresina, the Giovanni Segantini Museum in St. Moritz, the parade and festival in Wengen, reading Mark Twain’s Jungfrau story, the Grand St. Bernard Museum, historical photos of Verbier and the Bellevue Hotel, the historic tour of Zurich, and so on, all added up to a fantastic learning experience. And we were laughing all the way! Thank you for an amazing tour.” “ Thank you again for making my first trip to Europe so rewarding. I enjoy the history you incorporate into our hikes. It gives depth and meaning to the places we visited and helped fix them forever in my mind.” “ We recently returned from your Switzerland hiking, and I wanted to tell you what a fantastic experience we had. The three venues were all charming, and the day hikes out of all three were nothing short of spectacular. The views of mountains and glaciers, and the profusion of wildflowers everywhere we went, left us with visual memories (as well as countless photos) that will last for a very long time. Our guide, Deborah Lewis, was absolutely terrific – an amazing combination of competence, energy, hard work and good company. Thank you for a wonderful vacation.” “ I just wanted to take a minute to thank you so much for being such a fabulous tour guide. We had the best vacation. Thank you for making it so special. We have been singing your praises to all our friends and family.” (Switzerland family hiking trip)
Call us toll free (U.S.) at 866-533-4361 or +203-840-0295 (outside the U.S.)
|
Home | News and Events | Destinations
and Activities | Outdoor Biography | Photo Albums
Peak Reviews | Peak Jumping | Peak Inspirations | Outdoor Adventure Tips | Trip Sign-Up | Contact
Us
© Bredeson Group, LLC.