Levada Trails and Peaks of Madei Traveller Reviews

Walking on in the hills and on the coast an on the Levadas of Madiera

KE Travel offered walking on every day - unlike their competitors - and if you're only able to holiday for a week you don't want to waste a day not walking! Well organised - the accommodation and travel all worked well

Madeira is beautiful in a stunning, rugged way. I've been on two previous KE trips which have been amazing and this one did not fail to impress. Booking was easy and KE arranged private airport transfers for us no problem at all. On the first evening we got to meet up with the rest of the hiking group (12 of us in all) and the wonderful Roberto our guide. What a character he is - he is clearly very passionate about his home and always took the time to answer questions and give information about anything and everything 'Madeira'. Not sure there was anything he did not know and he kept it entertaining throughout. The walks are fantastic and give you a different perspective of Madeira every day. From mountains to Levadas, to forests and tunnels - we had it all. Some of the ascents and descents are steep and challenging however Roberto always gives you the information about what to expect at the evening briefing and everything is included in the KE guide. As expected the weather was mixed, we had some days that were baking hot and others that brought torrential rain. Neither are an issue if you bring the kit that is recommended. Some days the rain was only in one valley or one part of the island. As Roberto knows the island like the back of his hand he was able to adapt and change the routes if it meant that the route would be drier and therefore safer. He was always aware of the ability of the whole group and adapted accordingly. One day he changed the itinerary completely due to weather and previous problems with landslides - the walk he chose for us was incredible and the whole group loved every minute. It was a coastal walk from Boaventura to Beira da Quinta that involved seeing some of the little villages but also included some great climbs and amazing views. All the hotels were comfortable and most had access to swimming pools. Our favourite was the hotel at Paul do Mar where you can go to sleep listening to the sound of the sea - beautiful. Each day there was always plenty of time to relax at lunch and also back at the hotels before dinner. All in all I can highly recommend this holiday and again want to say a huge thank you to Roberto 'el capitan' (as we called him) for making the trip and fantastic as it was. You have an amazing guide there KE

KE are fantastic. Very easy to book with, they are always on hand to answer any questions you have and communication is great. They use local guides to ensure that travellers get the most from their holiday. As i can see that they are not taking bookings for some trips at the moment due to political issues in those countries i feel assured that i can trust them as a tour operator and will certainly be booking with them again in the future

Levada Trails and Peaks of Madeira. This was my first trip with KE and my first time in Madeira. What a combination - the perfect holiday in every way. Communications and the booking process worked like a dream. All the information I needed was sent in good time, and in clear, precise format. On arrival in Funchal I was whisked away to the hotel with clear instructions of what would happen next. I met the other members of the group,and the star of the show, our guide Roberto. I could write a book extolling his virtues, but in a reduced version, he constantly kept the safety of the group members as his number one priority. He quickly assessed the capabilities of individual group members and tailored the walks to ensure everyone found it both manageable and challenging. His local knowledge was incredible, ranging through history and culture, politics, cuisine, flora and fauna, geology .... I could go on. Suffice to say that he kept us thoroughly informed and happily answered all of our questions with a quick wit and approachable, entertaining manner. Nothing was too much trouble for him, and if he is an example of the standards which KE demand of their local guides, I can safely say I would not hesitate to make another booking. In fact I have already done so, on the Juniper Trust Nepal Trek in November 2016. The standard of hotels was excellent, rooms were clean and comfortable, and the amazing food was locally sourced and traditionally prepared. The packed lunches were to die for - so imaginative and beautifully prepared. No cheese and pickle sandwiches here!! The walks were varied and interesting, and in some places very challenging with lots of steep gradients, tunnels and narrow rocky paths. Exciting stuff! Our transport was using local taxi firms who obviously took safety, cleanliness, efficiency and friendliness seriously. Travel arrangements home went equally smoothly, with airport transfer efficiently on time and a charming driver. Even the weather was kind to us, with sunshine every day. All in all, a perfect holiday which I would recommend to anyone, and which I am longing to sample again.

KE Adventure are a family run tour operator with the most helpful, involved staff I have experienced. Every person I speak to knows exactly what they are talking about, goes out of their way to help and are obviously dedicated to ensuring that their customers get as much as possible from their holiday experience. They have self-imposed high ethics and eco standards, communication is excellent and marketing is efficient without being pushy. They encourage personal callers at their offices in Keswick, which I did, travelling from Southampton (300 miles). It was well worth the effort. All staff have personal experience of the tours they offer, so the advice they give is sound and accurate, and based on knowledge rather than hearsay. They have their own affiliated charity - The Juniper Trust - which is run by volunteers and therefore guarantees that all donations are spent directly on the chosen project. So far my experience with them has been 100% satisfactory.

Probably the best walking holiday I have had and at 57 that's saying a lot. Super walks all different but special in their own right,super local guide who loved his work. Good accommodation Paul do mar was an amazing evenings retreat,sun sets cocktails the real deal after a days walk.

Good choice of guide and walks not bad on the accommodation either

A walking week exploring each corner of the island and ending on the summit of the highest mountain.

This trip was so well organised. From the booking knowledge at the KE office to the guide who loved his island. I have now done 8 trips with KE and everyone has exceeded my expectations.

Very professional in all aspects. Put the enjoyment and safety of all walkers as much as possible. Good hotels, food and organisation of transport. Local guide a joy to be with and had amazing knowledge off the country.

As above.