How was your Explore Tour Leader?

I liked Simon very much.  For my companions, he didn't give out enough information about the walks ahead; but it didn't bother me.  He was deeply knowledgeable about the surroundings, and I never doubted that he could be absolutely relied on as the man responsible for safety.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Carry a bigger daybag (35 not 20 litre capacity).  More blister plasters.

Do you have anything else to add?

A big thank you to our walking companions for making it such an enjoyable experience.

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

We found simon very professional and knowledgeable. At times we would have liked him to be a little more forthcoming about the day ahead so we could mentally prepare. We didn't mean to be negative by asking. We felt supported and completely safe - he even superglued my boots so thanks.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Be prepared for all weathers. It is a physical challenge. Bring pyjamas, ear plugs and a sense of humour!

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Ideal having ex-pat who has chosen to live in the area.  Very knowledgeable about the mountain flora and fauna, also able to provide geological expertise to improve understanding of the stunning scenery.  He does snore a bit!

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

"If you get good weather in Chamonix or Courmayeur, get up to the mountain tops as soon as the cable cars open."

Do you have anything else to add?

Find a way to give an idea as to how difficult each day's walk will be without putting in precise distances.  Some people on ALL trips seem to go into terminal decline if each day doesn't precisely match the trip notes!  Would include the Balcon du Sud (?) -ie walk from Les Houches to Chamonix - as option on Day 11, just to complete the loop.

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

"Simon was everything a good leader should be & more.  He looked after us really well on the trek, advised us each evening what the next days walking/weather would be like, what to pack etc.  Set a steady pace, considered the whole groups individual abilities and amazed us with his local knowledge, especially of the wild flowers.

Personally I have quite complicated dietary issues, Simon liased with the individual accommodation owners and managed to sort this out for me, not an easy task!  The biggest thank you for Simon is for finding the geocache on the Aiguille du Midi with me!!  Olly assisted Simon on this trek - a big thank you to him too - definite mountain leader in the making!"

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

BOOK IT!  But make sure you are fit.  Its a trek of a lifetime, not to be missed.

This is one of the most tiring but also one of the most rewarding walking holidays we have done. We were blessed with almost perfect weather and so the scenery along the way was quite stunning and also surprisingly varied. The accommodation was what we have come to expect from Explore, quirky and pleasantly local in appearance and the food on the whole was satisfactory (not sure about the tongue at Le Buet. Thank goodness most meals were included because we found that everything was very expensive. If you take the trip be sure to go on the cable car to Aiguille du Midi. This for us was the highlight of the trip. (MBT -3rd August 2011)