Guest Reviews

  • Guest on our Slovakia guided trek

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“One of the most wonderful family vacations we’ve ever had. Amazing hiking — the Dolomites are fabulous. From one area to the next, fantastic views everywhere. Great hikes specified throughout the trip. And truly lovely first class hotels and food throughout. The transportation was well arranged and organized from end to end, including the taxis and lifts along the way. Our family will always remember this wonderful week together in the Dolomites. A truly first-rate experience.”
Stephen C.Italian Dolomites Trek
“Normally we are solo travelers but we decided to do this guided hike through the High Tatras of Slovakia with Ryder-Walker. We are so happy we did! Everything was top notch from beginning to end and the guides were fantastic. The hikes were incredible and the lodging every night was perfect. We highly recommend Ryder-Walker and wouldn’t hesitate to book another trek with them again!”
Terrie D.Guided Slovakia: High Tatra Mountains
“Staying in 3 lovely hotels in 3 different locations afforded us interesting bases for challenging, spectacularly scenic daily hikes without having to pack up every morning. Kenny adapted our hikes to our enthusiasm and so, we always put in full days! We were worn out every day. Then it was time to relax in the spa.”
Cheyenne C.Private Custom Switzerland
“I’m a repeat hiker and have been on the Highlights of Switzerland and Italian Dolomites treks. Hiking was excellent, accommodations were first rate and guides were pleasant and knowledgeable.”
Gary W.Alpino Vino and Dolomites
“One of the best self-guided trips we have taken with Ryder-Walker. The food and the accommodations were spectacular. We went in May.”
Cherie S.Self-Guided Costa Brava
“My Dolomites hike last September with Lynn was beyond the beyond. I have no words to describe the majesty of the region, the food, serenity, wine, topography, history, and Lynn! Ryder-Walker is the best!”
Barbara CrockerItalian Dolomites Trek
“I was on one of your trips recently with my mother Sarah Peckett and my sister Jess Tory, as well as our aunt and cousin. The trip was INCREDIBLE. One of the most unique experiences of my life, and I couldn’t get over the variety and sheer beauty every day in Switzerland.”
Annabel ToryEngadine Summit Series
“The trip is very well organized and so it seems seamless and easy. I am sure there is a lot of preparation goes into making the trip seem seamless! It is in a very beautiful area, breathtaking really. One of my friends is not convinced that the photos are real. Each walk is different and this was enchanting. We had people at different levels of fitness and I loved the way that this was managed so everyone was able to do what they wanted without feeling in any way disconnected from the group. The guides were impressive at managing this.”
Annie O.Engadine Trek
“We were extremely impressed with the Ryder-Walker adventure which exceeded our high expectations. Everything went well and we were singing your praises throughout the trip. Your planning of our itinerary was excellent, and we greatly appreciated all you did for us. Ryder-Walker’s excellent research in introducing us to the Dolomites and planning absolutely stunning hikes off the beaten path. Each hike every day was unique and different, which we enjoyed.”
Michelle M.Via Ladinia: Heart of the Italian Dolomites
“We took so many pictures, created lasting friendships and memories we will always cherish. Our daughter said it was the best trip we’ve ever had. We can’t wait to schedule our next Ryder-Walker adventure.”
Erika B.Rocky Mountain High Life- Aspen to Telluride
“Wow. Not enough space here to list all we loved! We have bragged up Ryder Walker to all our friends, sent photos via text to everyone. We couldn’t have been happier with the trip. It was one of the top life experiences we have had, and consider ourselves fairly well traveled.”
David S.Italian Dolomites Trek
“Thank you for everything! You did an amazing job planning everything for us making it nice to not have to worry about logistics! We had a wonderful trip. I would definitely go back to the Engadine valley again. There are so many hikes you could do there, we wished it was longer!”
Mary Lou B.Self-Guided Engadine Trek
Everything! I loved the daily physical challenge with the reward of incredible scenery and views- most especially because it was with a group that was very supportive and compatible. Our guides were wonderful and made the trip seamless and enjoyable for everyone. I loved that we had such a variety of terrain, sometimes all in one day! The hiking routes and places chose to overnight were excellent and I liked the variety in them as well. The times that we were transported by vehicle were well thought out as well.
Brenda P.Hiker's Haute Route
“I feel like there is expertise in Europe with the Ryder-Walker and the guides having a lot of experience in the areas the company goes and deep connections with people on the ground. You get into towns and hotels and trails that would be hard to discover on your own I’ve returned because the guides really make it a fun trip.”
Tricia L.Guided Eiger Trail
“It is a perfect blend of amazing hiking and fabulous places to stay. Every hotel was welcoming and treated us very well. It was a wonderful trip. We like the self-guided hiking tours and we have trusted you over other companies to find nice places to stay.”
Francine H.Self-Guided Engadine Trek
“I loved the diversity of the trails. Each day had new sights, which kept the trek interesting. I loved that our group was large and fairly well-matched in pace. Our guides were also very interesting and engaging which made even the most grueling days fun and enjoyable. I generally liked the huts we stopped at for lunch. I also enjoyed that the hike was fairly strenuous – it was a perfect level of difficulty. Guides were EXCELLENT!”
Dana R.Matterhorn Trek
“Really superb. We are devoted.”
Liz B.Self-Guided Dolomites Trek

“My wife and I just completed this hike with Branford and Conan. They were great guides and companions who were very professional and took very good care of us while giving us all the options available. Hiking the entire trek without shortcuts allowed us to really experience the beauty of this part of Switzerland and enjoy the physical side of trekking.

The walks were well balanced with some really tough ones but with great rewards visually, and other easier ones, still with spectacular scenery.

The accommodations were excellent and the food was very good and certainly enough to keep us going. Some sharing also allowed us to experience a wide range of Swiss cuisine. Overall it was a very special and unforgettable week.

Thank you Ryder-Walker.”

Michael and Nicky GregoraGuided Eiger Trail
“Some 25 years after using Ryder-Walker repeatedly in Switzerland for high altitude, strenuous treks, my wife, Emily, and I called and asked about a trip to Ireland that was not as strenuous in terms of altitude. Ryder-Walker recommended “The Dingle Way,” and we asked them to add accommodations at the Cliffs of Mohr and Galway. Our two-week trip was superbly planned and had ZERO interruptions or problems. The maps designed for our 89 mile walk were perfectly outlined as were the written descriptions of each hike. Every single B & B and/or hotel reservation was perfectly planned and the food recommendations were superb. To make the trip even more convenient the taxi recommendation was very fun, as the driver was as much a tour guide as a taxi driver. We saw even more sites than we asked about with the guidance of this driver. Another great individual to meet was Deloris, the contact with Ryder-Walker for all rides with either our luggage and/or ourselves from lodge to lodge throughout the trek. She became a great friend over the two weeks with her sense of humor and laughter. Ryder-Walker proved again, 25 years later, that they can plan independent trips for individuals in their 40’s or in their 70’s.  HATS OFF to a GREAT COMPANY AND TEAM !!!”
David A. DagefordeDingle Way Trek
“We started with Ryder Walker in 2009 and have now been on five guided and one self-guided trip. We’ve greatly enjoyed each of those trips and love Ryder Walker attitude and style so we really didn’t consider another company.”
Jeff P.Private Guided Rob Roy Way
“Our only adventure travel company since 1985!!! We come back because of the quality of the guides and the recognition that some people, like us, want to be challenged physically with big hikes, not to mention spectacular scenery. We also appreciate R-W’s continuing effort to explore new areas, so that the hiking and scenery never get stale. We also have found that, perhaps because of the rigor of the hiking, we always meet active hikers who are very compatible, and who, like us, enjoy ending the day at an excellent hotel with first-rate food and wine.”
Don WareMontenegro Trek
“We had a wonderful time! Everything was perfect! Ryder is such a great company!! Thanks so much for another memorable adventure!!”
Kim ChagnonWinter Engadine Holiday
“We love R-W! After 14 trips (and nearly 30 yrs.) we feel connected to the company and its people, many of which I call my friends. R-W’s long history has amassed wonderful contacts that allow its clients to be in places (i.e., lodgings) that competing companies cannot offer. I ALWAYS have a good time on R-W trips.”
Biff JohnsonGuided Cotswolds Way
“The scenery and walking were amazing. We loved walking through three different countries. Every stop along the way was beautiful–whether a picnic or a stop at a refuge for cafe or lunch–it was more lovely than could be imagined. The trails surrounded by flowers and the views of the mountains were stunning. We loved meeting people on the trails and greeting them. It was a good challenge in terms of walking, and the views, the scenery were simply spectacular. All three guides were friendly and knowledgeable, gracious and kind. At every stopping point we learned about the history and culture of the area from Daniel. Daniel was funny, charming and informative. I found it hard to believe that Terese was doing the TMB for the first time as she knew every part of the trail and the trip. Terese was so nice and easy to talk with and super patient–we were a bit slow at times and Terese waited patiently several times on the way up. Branford was equally friendly and just wonderful to have on the hike. Daniel not only provided translations and explanations, he taught us how to ask for what we needed. It was wonderful to have some hiking options–one day we took a lower trail with Terese that was just stunning and avoided another hard climb. We had enough “alone-time” hiking as well as “group-time” hiking. It was wonderful to go at a slower pace and truly be able to soak in the scenery, identify the flowers and peaks. The guides, particularly Daniel were great about assessing our needs and wants for the hikes by providing useful information about options. Lucian had some knee discomfort on the descents and Daniel showed him that standing backwards on the trail for a bit could relieve that discomfort. At one point I landed both feet in a stream, jumped out quickly with wet boots, but happily not soaked through. Soon after came another water crossing, wider and faster than the first–Branford gave me a hand so I would not fall in a second time. Daniel, Terese and Branford were all wonderful.”
Ann Marie LipinskyTour du Mont Blac
“This was a spectacular trek, surely made extra special in the presence of two outstanding and fun-loving guides, Ken and Mike. I loved the opportunity to trek in three different countries and I was constantly in awe of the breathtaking scenery and the staggering views, particularly the last two days as we headed to Argentiere and Chamonix. It was so much fun to trek through snow on most days and I loved that the hikes were so varied, going from a larch forest to a high mountain pass in a short period of time. I, personally, love the group experience and it was terrific having young people in the group, as they added such great energy and were so much fun to be with. I so enjoyed conversations with them on the trails. I love the way in which Kenny, who’s so comfortable speaking three languages, so easily mingles with locals, wherever we were. It made the experience so much more culturally rewarding. I ended this trip on such a high that I promised myself that I would make sure that someday my children and grandchildren might also have this experience!”
Ann Fay LawtonTour du Mont Blanc
“Just wanted to let you know what a fabulous time we had on our hiking tour. From beginning to end, it could not have been better. The hotels were amazing as was the food every where we went. But best of all, as you said, Dave and Lyn are indeed extraordinary people. They were by far some of the best guides we have ever had! They made sure we were all happy and showed us some of the best views Italy has to offer. It was a sheer pleasure to get to spend our vacation with such personable, professional people. What a top notch team! Thank you again for providing us with such a wonderful experience! We can’t wait for our next trip!”
Pamela PricePrivate Italian Dolomites Trek
“We had such an amazing experience with your Appenzell Hut Hopping that thought the Italian Dolomites for 2016. Your company is the best! I think about a year ahead on these european trips.”
Carole ChancellorSelf-Guided Appenzell Hut Hop
“Thanks so much for making our seventh Ryder-Walker trip one of our best. We liked the contrast between the Pays Basque and the Haute Pyrénées. The scenery up to, and down from, the hut was spectacular. Great hiking with you.”
Jim and Sarah SnyderPays Basque and Pyrénées Trek
“I wanted to thank you all but especially our wonderful guides for a spectacular and memorable vacation to the Engadine this summer. I cannot put in to words how much we truly enjoyed ourselves. Our wonderful guides who were entertaining, knowledgeable and great company. It is obvious that Ken has a long established relationship with the locals. We had a cohesive group of people, so much so, that as you know, we have all booked a trip together for next summer. The scenery was spectacular, the inns were impeccable and the food was first class. There is not a thing I would tell you to change. Thank you to Terese and Eileen who managed to answer all my question and provide personalized service. We look forward to yearly trips with Ryder Walker over the coming years. We will be skiing in Telluride over super bowl weekend and hope to come by and meet all of you. A big thank you.”
Susan and Brent YoderEngadine Trek
“This trip is ridiculously awesome and will totally write you guys great reviews when we get home. I think I just had one of the best dinners in my life tonight. Thank you for organizing this trip. You guys rock!”
AndySelf-Guided Tour du Mont Blanc
“What an wonderful trip! Organizing a trip through your group has spoiled me for the rest of my life….I can’t imagine going hiking overseas without your help now!”
Dr. David HomerSelf-Guided Cotswolds Way and Rob Roy Way

“A big THANK YOU to Ryder-Walker! I don’t think that we could have found a better organized hiking trip to the Alps, Switzerland. Hiking the stunning mountains, following the provided trail map with a destination of our overnight Berggasthaus was simply incredible. Our trip involved 5 days/nights of hiking, eating, drinking and memories never forgotten. We would recommend (and do) this type of trip to anyone and look forward to booking a trip with you in the near future again.”

Russell and AngelinaSelf-Guided Appenzell Hut Hop
“We have taken 3 guided tours with Ryder Walker and have used Ryder Walker for 2 self-guided tours. We have found their guides to be specialists in the area. They know what makes a region unique and they know the personal touches that make a trip special. They offer a comprehensive package of materials. The relationships that Ryder Walker has established with the management of the hotels and country inns results in the highest level of hospitality to us.”
Sandra and Ted JosephSlovenia Triglav Circuit