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Tom Collett welcomes you
You have found a genuine walking and skiing holiday specialist. Established in 1997, we live and breathe the beauty of the mountains, providing perfect alpine escapes and other gorgeous destinations for walkers of all abilities, whether you seek idyllic flower meadows or challenging high drama. In winter, we provide skiing holidays in Italy’s celebrated Sella Ronda region.
It all started for Collett’s in the Italian Dolomites with our uniquely flexible centre-based walking holiday. This fabulous formula is still our most popular holiday: you arrive and depart whenever you choose, staying for as long as you wish. Daily, you choose whether to join other guests on an organised walk of your chosen grade, from breathtaking easier moderate walks to challenging treks on dramatic high trails.
Or you can self-guide. In each of our centre-based destinations, we have everything you need to do up to 30 or 40 breathtaking walks, from easy and exquisite, to hard, long and challenging – plus the first-hand knowledge and ideas of our ever-helpful team of walkers.
We have carefully branched out over the years, both geographically and in what we offer. Our classic centre-based holidays are available in the Dolomites, Austrian Alps, Swiss Alps, Pyrenees, Tuscany & Andalucia. But we also offer a tantalising range of point-to-point adventures for self-guiders, from leisurely strolls between Cotswold villages, to hardcore Hut to Hut hiking in the Alps.
Initially, it was just me and Dee, but 25 years on, we work with a wonderful team of people. Everyone in our enquiries team has lived, worked (and often done research in) our destinations. They are genuine outdoor enthusiasts, who love our destinations and appreciate our approach to holidays.
Collett’s is about the human touch. Our people set us apart from the rest and they will ensure your Collett’s experience is a reassuring pleasure. You will know straight away that you are in safe hands. We are not sales people; but if you tell us a little bit about your aspirations, we will help you find just the right holiday. Then you can relax and look forward to it, safe in the knowledge that every detail is taken care of.
Enjoy browsing the many gems on our site; never hesitate to call or email if you have a question; and book soon.
Tom Collett
At a Glance
We offer three types of centre-based holidays :
Whichever holiday you choose, you will stay in a handpicked hotel in a beautiful mountain destination. On a Classic Collett’s Summer or a Spring & Autumn holiday, you can choose day to day whether to self-guide or join an accompanied walk of your chosen grade, whilst our Special Packages are comprised of a fixed programme of walks, based on a specific interest (e.g. alpine flora), a celebrated path (e.g. the GR11) or an itinerary that suits a defined level of fitness and ability.
The Classic Collett’s Summer Walking Holiday
Italian Dolomites • Austrian Tyrol & Bavarian Alps • Swiss Alps
Collett’s was built on this uniquely flexible walking holiday formula
Arrive and depart on whatever days suit you. Stay for as long as you wish. Most guests opt for 7 to 14 nights.
Choose day to day whether to join an easier moderate walk or a higher harder trek – these accompanied walks are free of charge, optional and breath-taking.
If you opt to self-guide – everyday or just now and again – we have everything you need for 40 local walks, from the idyllic and easy, to the hard and dramatic.
In the Dolomites only, optional flower walks (early season) & World War Walks (August) are at your disposal, free of charge.
Accommodation – you choose where to stay
Our destinations are beautiful mountain villages, superb springboards for beautiful walks of all grades.
Your accommodation options range from luxury spa hotels to attractive self-catering apartments.
Planning your days at Office Hour
Wherever you stay, it’s an easy stroll to Office Hour, a popular and optional Collett’s institution taking place over maps and a sociable pre-dinner drink.
Chat with our Walks Team and sign up for any accompanied walks that take your fancy or glean proposals for self-guiding.
Browse our Ideas & Info files, which feature all our walks, plus details of locally-supplied activities – mountain biking, High Ropes, paragliding etc.
Lazy days are fine and it is easy to relax in these idyllic mountain retreats or visit a local place of interest if you fancy a day off walking.
Travel to us independently
Fly-drive, self-drive or use public transport. You can book Collett’s airport transfers from our nearest airports.
In the Swiss Alps, you can arrive in St. Moritz on a UNESCO World Heritage train journey from Zurich.
Our Spring & Autumn Walking Breaks
Andalucia • Tuscany
Off-season bliss for walkers in sub-tropical Europe
These are 7 night holidays, starting on a Saturday with a midweek rest day on a Wednesday.
You choose day to day whether to join an easier moderate walk or a longer/harder hike – these accompanied walks are free, optional and, frankly, enchanting.
Andalucia
We are one hour from Malaga in the Sierra Tejeda in the village of Canillas d’Albaida, only recently discovered by British walkers.
Charming accommodation and excellent food is provided at Posada La Plaza, comprised of a converted convent and a nearby villa with pool.
The Sierra Tejeda is genuinely mountainous and provides magnificent moderate walks and also some gems for the fitter walker.
Office Hour takes place over a sociable pre-dinner drink in the village square; chat with our Walks Team and sign up to the walks that take your fancy.
Wednesday is a midweek rest day – one popular pre-bookable option is a visit to the Alhambra.
Guests travel to us via Malaga Airport, where they meet a Collett’s airport transfer.
Tuscany
We are 1 hour from Siena and 2 hours from Pisa in the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure offering the best hillwalking in Tuscany.
Gorgeous accommodation and amazing food is provided at a rural Agriturismo comprised of 2 beautifully converted farmhouses.
Office Hour takes place under the vines over a sociable pre-dinner drink; chat with our Walks Team and sign up to the walks that take your fancy.
Self-guiding is available and local places of interest include historic medieval centres and world-famous wine producing villages.
Guests travel to us via Pisa Airport and either fly-drive or book a Collett’s transfer. Transfers are also available from Siena train station.
Our Special Packages
Flower Holidays • Classic Moderate Walks • Peaks & Passes • Hike the GR11
These 7 night, centre-based holidays are themed around a special interest, a renowned trail or a defined grade of walking.
Reservations are taken on a ‘first come first served’ basis up to a maximum group size, which varies according to the package.
For each package, we publish a fixed starting date, which is likely to be a Saturday.
One accompanied or guided walk is provided daily, except Wednesday, a midweek rest day.
Delightful hotel accommodation is provided on a half-board basis. Airport transfers and local transport to trailheads are included.
Self-guiding with Collett’s
Hut to Hut • Village to Village • Point to Point in the UK
Collett’s is a haven for a heady mix of self-guided walking holidays in both the UK and Europe.
We do all the hard work, so you don’t have to. Simply book the holiday, then relax and look forward to it.
On every Collett’s self-guided walking holiday, our comprehensive route notes and maps keep you nicely on the move.
With the exception of Hut to Hut holidays, your baggage is transported daily to carefully-selected accommodation, where rest and relaxation await.
A good night’s sleep, a generous breakfast and a packed lunch set you up for another magical day in the great outdoors.
Hut to Hut
Italian Dolomites • Austrian Tyrol & Bavarian Alps • High Tyrol, Austria • French Pyrenees
We offer a range of amazing Hut to Hut experiences from easy moderate to hard.
These routes have been carefully-researched and created by Collett’s people in mountain ranges we know and love.
The word ‘Hut’ is perhaps misleading – they are really mountain lodges, some more comfortable than others; all are in unforgettable locations.
The huts are welcoming and camaraderie amongst walkers is warm. Dinner is included and the food is generally excellent.
Sleeping arrangements vary from hut to hut, but expect anything from a dormitory to a shared room with 4-6 beds.
Private rooms can be requested at the time of booking and, if available, are subject to a supplement.
Baggage is not moved on for you, so savvy packing of the rucksack is important. Our pre-holiday pack includes packing suggestions.
Village to Village
Camino de Santiago • Kitzbuhel to Cortina • Corsica • Basque Spain
These routes make for sensational self-guided walking holidays and the only problem will be choosing which one to do!
Varying in grade, they have been carefully-selected and researched with intermediate and experienced walkers in mind.
Each day ends in an attractive village, where your baggage will be waiting. Rest and relax before a good dinner and a comfy night.
UK Walking
The Lakes • The Peaks • The Dales • Northumberland • Exmoor • Shropshire • Cotswolds
Similar to our Village to Village holidays in Europe, we are pleased to introduce these routes make for sensational self-guided walking holidays and the only problem will be choosing which one to do!
Varying in grade, they have been carefully-selected and researched with intermediate and experienced walkers in mind.
Each day ends in an attractive village, where your baggage will be waiting. Rest and relax before a good dinner and a comfy night.
Thank you for your interest in us.
We might specialise in summer walking holidays and winter skiing holidays, but our offices are in gently-undulating Essex and it is from here that a team of people pull the strings that define our reputation and the quality of our unique holidays. Almost every member of our management team has lived and worked in one or more of our destinations, fallen in love with it and then come to join us on a full-time basis. Whoever you communicate with, we will provide the highest levels of personal service and attention to detail from your initial enquiry, through to the end of an unforgettable holiday.
Tom & Dee Collett
Tom and Dee founded Collett’s Mountain Holidays in 1997. They met in the Dolomites in 1995 when Tom employed Dee to work for the small ski chalet specialist he was running at the time. They married in 2002 and now have three daughters. As Managing Director, Tom is actively involved in all aspects of Collett’s, both in the UK and abroad, notably in the Dolomites, where he has many friends. Dee has overseen our office procedures since the outset. She now comes to the office three days a week. Having recently overseen the installation of a new bookings system, her main priority is the administration of our bookings, ultimately ensuring that the various aspects that comprise a plain-sailing and successful booking are all taken care of.
Viv Wilkins
Viv has been with us since 2001 and has been the mainstay of our office during that period. Her interest in the Dolomites was nurtured primarily by her friendship with Tom & Dee Collett and then by two Collett’s walking holidays in the late 1990’s. Soon after she joined Collett’s with responsibility for the administration of our bookings. After that, she gallantly tried one of our skiing holidays, but decided to stick to the walking! As many of you already know, she ensures the booking process is plainsailing, pleasurable and trouble-free, taking outstandingly good care of all aspects of our bookings day in day out, whether it concerns your accommodation, car hire, ferries, airport transfers, holiday insurance or payments.
Pete Critchlow
Pete joined us in late 2014 after working for 5 years at TrailFinders in Cambridge. Pete started working for us during the summer in the Dolomites in 2004, he has walked and climbed extensively in the Dolomites which lead him to join us for three winter seasons on skis and snowshoes… It was during their seasons working in the Dolomites where Pete met Lisa… In July 2010 Lisa and Pete married. A keen road cyclist, Pete now enjoys ultra endurance multi-day bike races, and recently competed in the ‘Trans Dolomitics Way’, a 1000km unsupported race across the length and breadth of the Dolomites. Pete & Lisa now live just outside Cambridge, and are proud parents to Elsie & Jacob.
George Murray
George started working for Collett’s as a Via Ferrata Organiser in the Summer of 2012 followed by several summer and winter seasons, during this time he met his wife Emma. George is passionate about everything that the mountains has to offer, especially those activities that get the adrenaline pumping. His love for cycling lead him to developed a series of itineraries for the Dolomites and enjoys spending his holidays touring on telemark skis with his family.
Lisa Critchlow
Lisa joined Collett’s in Summer 2002 as a Walk Organiser based at Haus Valentin in Badia. After doing Summer 2003 and 2004, she became full time in October 2005. She split her time between the Dolomites and the UK, taking on seasonal roles such as Chalet Host, Via Ferrata Organiser and Resort Manager, then returning to the UK to administer sales and bookings in the off-season. She knows every nook and cranny both here at our UK office and also out in the Dolomites. With Lisa’s fluent German, she has nurtured many of our key supplier relationships in the Dolomites, which has helped us to acquire attractive accommodation and to develop our winter business. Since October 2008 Lisa has been permanently based in the UK, looking after sales and managing contracts and relationships with our suppliers in Italy. In July 2010 she married Pete. They live near Cambridge, proud parents of Elsie and Jacob. Lisa now works on a part time basis.
Kelly Paddon
Kelly first joined Collett’s in the summer of 2010 as a Walk Organiser in the Spanish Pyrenees. She loved the area and we loved Kelly! Unsurprisingly, she returned the following year as our Resort Manager in Panticosa. Then we tempted her to the Dolomites for Summer 2013. She joined us full time in January 2014. She was immediately given the task of overseeing our first season in the Zugspitz Arena in the Austrian Alps. She excelled in this role and it was a considerable success. Then we asked her to develop our interests, concerning self guided walking on the Camino de Santiago, and Hut to Hut in the Austrian Alps and French Pyrenees. Kelly co-manages our holidays in the Picos de Europa and the Pyrenees, whilst also being responsible for Collett’s in Austria, Andalucia and the Camino de Santiago. Many of you will have met and walked with Kelly in the mountains and will therefore know how dedicated she is to ensuring every holiday is a complete success.
Mike Ball
Mike first joined us back in 2014 as ski and snowshoe host in the Italian Dolomites. Since then he has worked in a number of our locations including the Picos de Europa and Tuscany. After a short stint living and working in the Lake District, Mike then became the newest member of our full time head office team in 2019 when they were appointed as our first ever product development manager under Tony’s watchful eye. He has since researched, developed and launched both our Swiss centre based walking holiday and our UK point to point walking holidays. Rest assured he has plenty more projects in the pipeline! Mike is also responsible for our Social Media.
Emma Cordani-Murray
Emma moved from America ‘for just one season’ in the summer of 2012 to work as a Via Ferrata Organiser. However life had other plans because she met her Husband, George. In 2017 Emma and George were given the task of researching and developing a product in Tuscany, so they moved into a campervan and found the beautiful property in Val d’Orcia. She joined the UK office part-time in October 2018 and supports Phil with recruitment. Emma loves riding their tandem bicycle with George and their two children, Luca and Naomi.
Phil Melia
Phil is our HR Director. He joined us in our very first summer season in 1998, originally as our resort artist in the Dolomites. He then did eight consecutive summer seasons based in the Dolomites, making him a real authority on the area. In 2012 Phil married his long-time girlfriend, Kamila, in Corvara. They met in the Dolomites when Kamila came to work for Collett’s in Summer 2000. Like everyone at our UK office, Phil is involved across the board. However, his key responsibility is the recruitment and training of our seasonal staff, arguably the most important role of all. He spends hours poring over applications, chatting with candidates, seeking out that special ‘something’ that makes them the right person for the job. Those of you who have holidayed with us will know how utterly effective Phil has been in this role.
Tony Stirland
Tony and his wife Jane set up and developed our holidays in the Pyrenees and the Picos de Europa which we launched in 2008 and 2011 respectively. Prior to joining Collett’s Tony was a successful corporate lawyer in London and then Leeds. Tony is now our Commercial Director, primarily responsible for both product development and all things financial. He has overseen our expansion into various destinations such as Andalucia, the Austrian Tyrol & Bavarian Alps, Tuscany, and Switzerland, as well as into self guided point to point holidays such as our very successful Hut to Hut programmes.
A Short History of the Early Years
What do you get if you cross a Modern Languages graduate with a nanny, a farmer, an Italian street vendor, an illustrator and an ex-lawyer?
Before Collett’s
In Summer 1993, Tom Collett finished a degree in Modern Languages and went for a pint. Teacher training started in 2 months. Or not. A chance meeting in the pub was life changing. Jan worked for a Cambridge-based tour operator that could never find Italian speakers for a little gem in the Dolomites. Tom had just graduated in Italian.
Ski Beach Villas sold skiing holidays in France, Switzerland and Austria, featuring high-profile places like Meribel, Verbier & St Anton. But it had a secret in the Dolomites. Arabba. Jan waxed lyrical and Tom resolved the recruitment dilemma. He never taught.
In Arabba, Tom was in his element, befriending locals and clients. He was soon invited to manage Ski Beach Villas. He spent the next 4 years either in Cambridge or somewhere sublime in the Alps, usually the Dolomites, where doors opened for him. To Tom, the Dolomites were unrivalled in beauty and commercial viability. The seasonal rent of a 20 bed chalet in Arabba in 1993 was the same as a 4 bed staff apartment in Verbier!
Ski Beach Villas thrived, but its parent, Beach Villas, did not. It was acquired in 1997 by Sunworld, a large operator with job titles as exotic as their destinations. It was not for Tom and he moved on. Time to revisit teaching?
No – time to introduce some characters. Firstly, Dee Proudfoot – chalet girl for Ski Beach Villas in Arabba, employed by Tom in 1995, engaged to him in 2001 and still married to him in 2021. Dee would co-found Collett’s and go on to oversee all bookings administration and much more besides. Secondly, Fred & Helen Baron – farming friends of Tom with some spare cash, in search of (1) something different from the daily agricultural grind and (2) a nanny for 3 young children. They would employ Dee for the nannying and also co-found Collett’s, providing the initial finance, an office, food, hospitality and much more. Fred’s farm would ultimately provide Collett’s with a delightful base in a converted barn till 2011 when Fred left the business. Then we went urban, moving to Saffron Walden’s vibrant market square, where the “Best Nuts are the Chestnuts.”
Thirdly, Giacinto Filippin, friend of Tom with 4 chalets in Arabba. Giacinto lived in his lorry for 3 years, then hit the jackpot with a clothing outlet on the Pordoi Pass, preying on German coach tourists with dubious taste and Deutschmarks that made them millionaires in Italy. He pestered Tom to return to Arabba, generously offering free rental of his chalets for one summer if it would help. It did. The summer seed had already been sown in Tom’s mind. But having had his ideas rejected by Sunworld, they had been parked up.
After Collett’s
Collett’s came into existence by chance. One Saturday Tom dropped in on the farm to take out Nanny Dee. A conversation unfolded over a coffee. A week later Tom, Dee, Fred, Helen and their children were in Arabba meeting people and signing things. Collett’s Ltd – trading as Collett’s Mountain Holidays – was formally created in November 1997. Mobile phones were bricks; low cost airlines were still on the runway; nobody googled anything and booking a holiday less than 6 months in advance was brash and audacious.
Our first logo was plagiarised from an Adnams beer mat. Our first brochure consisted of entirely borrowed photography. Our first ads were tiny classifieds in whichever weekend broadsheet would give us the best deal. Our first office was a utility room; the washing machine was swiftly silenced if the phone rang. One day it did. It was our first brochure request. Mr. Rees from Berkshire. Tom wanted to drive 80 miles and deliver it to him in person. Our first vehicle was an old Daihatsu Jeep. It delivered Tom & Dee to the Dolomites for our first season in May 1998. Our first property was Chalet Karin in Arabba’s village square. Our first guests were two ladies from Scotland; Tom drove 4hrs to Munich to collect them. Our first company bottle of Prosecco was duly popped and Dee provided the first of a million delicious 3 course dinners. Back on the farm, boiler-suited Fred interrupted his toil to answer calls from the ‘brash and audacious’ writing down names, dates and credit card numbers in the dust that had settled on his machinery.
Initially, Collett’s simply provided accommodation. And knowledge – lots of it – from walks to woodcarvers; from markets to marmots, some of whom became personal friends. Dinner conversations shaped our days, as did impromptu aperitifs in the village bar, Café Peter. Many a fun evening unfolded here, all of them unplanned, all resulting in plans. The seeds of Office Hour, a key feature of future Collett’s centre-based holidays, had been sown. A few years later, 50 – 70 people a night would descend on this unique café each early evening to plan their days with the Collett’s Team. Roberto & Giusi raced between tables delivering drinks and complimentary bowls of crisps, while their locals watched from the bar stools in bewilderment, as the inglesi brought their sleepy village to life.
Time to introduce Phil Melia – employed by Tom to work in Arabba for Ski Beach Villas in 1996/97, before a career in Illustration. Phil dropped into Arabba in July 1998 as a temporary resort artist and he is still going strong in 2021. He is the man responsible for recruitment and staff training… plus Godparental duties for Martha, Tom & Dee’s second daughter. A legend in the Dolomites, Phil has shaped Collett’s every bit as much as Tom & Dee through his painstaking approach to the formation and care of our resort teams. It was 2 years before Tom could pay Phil a wage, but Phil wasn’t in it for the money. He had found something he liked and everyone was going to benefit.
By 2000, Collett’s was delivering fabulous holidays, but poor results. Two things turned this around. The Foot & Mouth epidemic of 2000 closed all UK footpaths and hikers sought their fix in Europe. The Collett’s database tripled in size as brochures landed on doormats in all corners of the country.
Then in 2001, Tom started polite conversation with his neighbour on a flight home from Venice. It was the Chief Editor of Trail magazine. K’Ching! There is a God. The subsequent mouthwatering 6 page article that Trail featured on Via Ferrata in the Italian Dolomites was a feast of stunning photography and superlatives. Thousands of outdoor enthusiasts went weak at the knees. The main headline was “The best fun we have had in the mountains… EVER!” Collett’s hosted the press trip and got its all-important mention. More brochures were strewn across the UK. “Lift Off. This is Ground Control to Major Tom…”
In time Collett’s moved from steep-sided Arabba to the more open Alta Badia, a better launchpad for walkers. More trails from the doorstep, more meandering meadows, more infra-structure. By 2004, Tom, Dee & Phil welcomed back skiers for the first time since their Ski Beach Villas days. In 2008 we opened our first non-Dolomites destination, the Pyrenees, after a timely approach from another VIP in our story, Tony Stirland. Tony had left Corporate Law to pursue a passion for hiking, hills and mountains with his wife, Jane. He would professionalise Collett’s in many areas and join Tom in pulling the strings that would result in new destinations and products: Picos de Europa (2011), Andalucia (2014), Tyrol & Bavarian Alps (2014), Hut to Hut (2015) Camino de Santiago (2015), Austria’s High Tyrol (2016), Tuscany (2018), the Engadine, Switzerland (2020), Kitzbuhel to Cortina (2020) Corsica (2020) and UK Walking (2021).
And that’s where we find ourselves today, without boring you with the trials and tribulations of Brexit and Covid. Thrilled with what we have to offer, we crave being able to deliver it as soon as we can. And we are ever-grateful to you, our loyal and patient clients for (1) hanging in there during the pandemic and (2) ultimately playing the starring role in our story!
No history of Collett’s would be complete without also mentioning:
Viv Wilkins, Sam Chandler, Lisa & Pete Critchlow, Richard Manterfield, Kelly Paddon, George & Emma Cordani-Murray, Doug & Jenny Allan, Mike Ball & Emma Monk, Chris Clark & Rachel Berman, Caroline Fuehrer & Charlie Andrews, Emily & Cam Bevan, Steve & Mel Rotondo, Lynne Hempton & James Rushforth, Blake Lancaster, Matt Thomas, Antonia Wood, the Hatfields – Graeme, Marion, Sarah & James, John & Marion Smith, Henry Collett & Penny Knight, Graham & Meg Fletcher, Cliff & Sue Booker, David & Judy Charlton, John Dower, Vic & Jan Aspland, Viv Anthony, Jane Stirland, Rhian John, Alice Uwins, Roger, Sue & Plum Sweet, Chris Johnson, Tom Murray, Colin McEvoy, Corina Kapusta, Tim Rhodes, Amanda Racher, Steve Hancock & Becky Beasley, Tom Coulthard, Tom Riley, Simon Trigger, Dani & Cam McKinnon, Profanter Waltraud, Filippins – Ellen, Brigitta, Artur & Peter; Fam. Pra (Sporthotel Arabba) – Franco, Renata, Barbara & Nicky, Cristina, Rainer & Monica (Haus Valentin), Verena Kostner (Corvara), Angelo & Jovita (Corvara), the Costamoling Family (Sporthotel Panorama), Petra (Ciasa Roch), Fam. Willeit – Markus, Urban, Gustav, Miriam & Maria (Garni Bracun, Corvara), Ciasa Roch – Petra, Gunther & Erica; Agenzia Table – Rosmary, Vijio & Alessandra, Irsara Klaus & Monica (Melodia, Badia), Pia & Aberlado (Hotel Sabocos, Pyrenees), Adolfo (Posada El Corcal, Picos de Europa), Helmut & Daniel Pesendorfer (Ehrwald in the Zugspitz Arena, Austria), Robert & Lesley Lockwood, Katerina Hradecky (Matrei in the High Tyrol, Austria), Andreas & Regula (Sils in the Engadine, Switzerland), the Pra Family (Sporthotel Arabba), Francesco & Silvia Tremolada (Corvara), Bruno Delmonego (Taxivico), Mario Delmonego (Ski Safaris), Taxivico (Bruno, Vico, Ingrid & Heidi), Beppe (Boandes Graus), Renato & Davide (Ski Top, Badia), Guardia di Finanza, Michael Moore, Steve Brayshaw, Wenden Garage, Chris Coote & Jamie (Colourscript), Fabio (Guarnier), Tremolada Francesco & Silvia, Costa Ivo (Idraulico), Fam Costa – Carluccio, Gaby, Elisa, Daisy! & Stefano; Fam. Grones – Aldo, Marilena Gabriele & Roberto; Fam Lezuo – Corado & Iris; Vallazza Antonietta; Santin Leandro; Alfreddo, Maria Teresa & Cristian; Furgler – Walter, Franco & Fabio; Fabio & Agnese (Table); Canins Benno, Katia & Francesca (Cassa Raiffeisen); Irsara Rosvita;
Carole Murray
A wonderful week In Tuscany
February 24, 2021
A wonderful week In Tuscany
We had a tremendous walking week in Tuscany. The team, the accommodation the food, all were exquisite.
We will be back.
Martin and Sue Banfield
November 24, 2019
Andalucia 2019
This was our belated summer holiday. We enjoyed a lovely week with Mick, Helen and Millie, and our group of 26 clients. The walks were excellent, though shorter than at some other venues - that gave us plenty of down time for some to enjoy the pool and hot tub at the villa, before making our way to gorge ourselves on delicious dinners(Read more...)
Jennifer Bower (with H&G walking group)
November 15, 2019
Canillas de Albaida 19 to 26 October
I came with the H&G walking group but want to add my personal thanks to your leaders. I love walking but am a bit slow on hills of which there are plenty in Andalusia. I found the going quite challenging but if I showed any sign of lagging one of your leaders was always there to walk with me and I was absolutely delighted to complet(Read more...)
Patricia Sinclair
November 13, 2019
Delightful adventures in Spain
What a stunning location for walking & relaxing in the sun in October. Mick has the local knowledge and coordinates the week with precision. We stayed in the Villa with the beautiful views down the valley and made good use of the swimming pool & terrace. Gustavo the hotel proprietor of the hotel where we ate had character and serve(Read more...)
Alan Ford
November 12, 2019
Yet again... wonderful
Wonderful week walking in Tuscany. First the accommodation. Having been to Andalucia last May, this was heaven! Unbelievably thoughtful hosts in a delightful simple, quiet house, with exceptional food, not flashy or haute cuisine, but local and always interesting.
Walking was gentle but always interesting, and the other walkers we(Read more...)
Linda Taylor
November 12, 2019
Andalusia 2019
We had a great week, superbly organised by Mick, Helen, Millie and Gustavo at the hotel. We loved staying in the villa and used the pool most days. The terrain made the walks challenging at times but they were always accurately described for us and the group allowed time for the slower members.
Graham & Liz
November 11, 2019
Wonderful Tuscany
We have returned from a week in Tuscany staying at Il Rigo, what a fantastic place for walking, eating and drinking! The food was fantastic and with special dietary requirements nothing was too much trouble. Collett's staff, Charlie, Ben, Claire and Caroline were fantastic guilds and full of fun. All that you need for another fantas(Read more...)
Ian Francis
November 8, 2019
September in the French Pyrenees
First time I’d used this type of holiday and was not disappointed. Everything ran on rails from start to finish. The walking was spectacular and the views amazing, even in the snow! Accommodation was spot on with great food and comfortable sleeping arrangements.
The maps and route guides made things very easy and still gave you en(Read more...)
Bruce Forsyth
November 5, 2019
Tuscany 12 to 19 October - Tuscany
Another brilliant holiday with Collett's - our 5th. It’s a great formula, please don’t change. Our thanks to Ben, Caroline, Claire and Charlie - nothing was too much trouble for them and thanks as well to all at Il Rigo. Can’t decide which location is best. We might have to do them all again!!
Indira Phukan
October 25, 2019
Wine, tapas and walking along the coast
My dad and I recently finished the Camino tour with Collett's. This is my second tour with Collett's (previously did a wonderful Dolomites tour).
The tour was excellent, from start to finish. The logistics, from arrival transport, luggage transport, and taxi pick-up, was efficient and well-organized. Javier, the on-the-ground guid(Read more...)
Nigel Slater
October 9, 2019
Familiarity. Used Collett's for many years.
Great formula, keep it going and don't sell out! Bavarian Alps and Lakes would interest me, although we have been to Ehrwald.
I think we've been to all of Collett's Walking Holiday locations except Andalucia and Tuscany although we have been to both of these locations independently.
Tom Low
October 9, 2019
Excellent
I think your formula is ideal for the older, more experienced walker. Part of the trick is that your guys take the pace from the participants, rather than Alpine guides who lead from the front!
Keep it up!
I have probably had enough of end-to-end trekking at the age of 71. Your formula allows for the odd day off as well as a mix of (Read more...)
Graham Bushell
October 9, 2019
Outstanding Pyrenees
My third walking holiday, been ski ing with the family with colletts out of Arraba many times, the formula is just right, going to Corvara for christmas, we know what to expect and as important don’t have to organise athing
John Micklem
October 7, 2019
A Happy Return to Haus Valentin
The fact that I keep coming back to Haus Valentin shows how much I enjoy my holidays there.
Because it is a relatively small family run guesthouse there is a feeling of intimacy and friendliness that would not be possible in a hotel. The food is excellent and necessarily plentiful for hungry walkers.
Above all it is the enthusi(Read more...)
Nicky
October 6, 2019
Colletts Austria
Hi
We had a great 6 days with some interesting walks and weather. Beautiful scenery and memorable moments.
Tom Decker
October 1, 2019
Excellent
Combination of guided and self-guided walks. Self-contained stay in central location. Great staff members for our trip. Knew the routes, suggested good alternatives based on weather, our skills and the like, plus they made all activities fun.
David Gilbert and Diane Newman
September 30, 2019
September in Ehrwald
Once again you delivered a superb mountain holiday for us in Austria, Location in Zugspitz Arena was delightful, hotel Sonnenspitze was well up to standard and your efficient and dedicated staff once again excelled in helping to make this a memorable week in the Tyrol. Thanks again Collett's!
Peter Lunn
September 30, 2019
Excellent
The staff were great and all worked hard to ensure the customers had a great time. Max, John and Becky all stood out as people I’d happily recommend.
Jonathan Heierman
September 30, 2019
Excellent Walking Holiday
Excellent - we had a great time and so appreciated the care and attention of the staff and the great information for our hiking. Collett's have a variety of options for hiking daily and knowledge of the area!
We stayed in both a hosted chalet in Badia before our hut to hut and in a hotel following in Corvara - the above rating apply (Read more...)
Marion Chambers
September 30, 2019
Outstanding
Booked with you before and always had a good time previously. I don't know where you manage to get your staff from but they are the friendliest, funniest, most helpful and relaxed group of people we've ever walked with. Thank you Ollie, Jo, Sandy and Flee for an amazing holiday.
Livia MacDonald
September 30, 2019
An excellent holiday!
We had a wonderful week of Moderate Walks in the Picos de Europa. Our fellow walkers were all very friendly and the Collett’s staff of George, Rachel and Ross took excellent care of us and they had boundless good humour, energy and enthusiasm. The walks were very scenic, taken at a steady pace with time to admire views and stop whe(Read more...)
Elke Schoen
September 29, 2019
Excellent
The laminates for my solo trek were well-done. The descriptions were easy to follow. I was concerned only 1 day, when the clouds hung in the mountains, and I doubted that I would be able to find the trail. Fortunately, a local couple took me with them to the next hut. I might have otherwise hiked back down to the valley and hoped to r(Read more...)
Edward Gildea
September 29, 2019
Haus Valentin
Thank you for a great holiday. The transfer from the airport was friendly and efficient, enabling four strangers to bond immediately and form a friendship grouping that lasted the whole week. A great welcome at the bar - such friendly staff and a much appreciated complimentary beer. The walks were all very well organised and led, wit(Read more...)
Grace McDonald
September 28, 2019
One of the best holidays I've ever had!
I was very impressed with how any queries I had were answered. Also, I had to change my departure date and was shocked to be given a refund - thank you! It was a lovely touch to have someone there to say hello and get me settled in! The sandwiches made by the team for lunch were a nice touch - and delicious. It was good to be offered (Read more...)
Peter Hoult
September 28, 2019
Good walking at a decent price
A week with Collett's in the Dolomites staying at Haus Valentin. Well organised, friendly and well priced. What’s not to like. 3rd time with Collett's and absolutely no reason we won’t use them again.
Peter lunn
September 28, 2019
2nd visit
This is my second visit to Collett’s in Italy. First time with the missis, second with my mate, both times I’ve had a great time. The staff are always helpful, there is a joint interest with all the customers so there’s very much a family type atmosphere, the food and accommodation has been great and the office hour is great for hints(Read more...)
Alison Johnson
September 27, 2019
Excellent
I had heard of Collett's Mountain Holidays and wanted to try it out... I enjoyed the holiday and found staff very helpful. I liked the personal approach of the office hours! I did two walks on my own and staff were very helpful in providing information and details for local travel. The hotel is very good and the staff very helpful... (Read more...)
Andy Taylor
September 27, 2019
Hike the GR11 - outstanding
Many things make this trip outstanding. The tricky but enjoyable central sections of the GR11, the mountains, the lakes, the marmots, the accommodation, food & wine. The group size of eight clients and four Collett's staff (I understand this is normally three) was also perfect. However the biggest single factor that made this trip out(Read more...)
Ian CROSS
September 26, 2019
Outstanding
I thought the team, Anna, Andy, Ben and Kate, seemed to work very well together - all very professional.
I did an Inntravel holiday in the Appennines, near Porretta Terme - thought it might be a good Colletts destination, though not mid-July-August. Have you thought of North-west Italy - Val d-Aosta or similar? Or Ireland
Andrew Pritchard
September 26, 2019
Another wonderful stay
This was our second year at Pension Angelo and once again we throughly enjoyed ourselves. It is stunning area with plenty of varied routes. This year we didn't do Colletts-arranged scheduled walks but organised the days ourselves. Nevertheless the team were very helpful in advising us and helping us sort out our days. We can't praise (Read more...)