Testimonials To Joyce’s Tours

“What a wonderful time in Ireland. As always, accommodations were excellent. After each great day of hiking led by knowledgeable guides, we were able to relax and enjoy the company of fellow travelers. Joyce has a special way of enabling strangers to become wonderful friends in such a short period of time. I was also grateful to learn much more about Ireland and it’s history. I highly recommend this trip.”

“This is our 4th time travelling with Joyce and again it was a wonderful experience. The scenery in Scotland is amazing and was highlighted in the wonderful hikes on the Isle of Skye and other islands where we hiked. The accommodations and meals are always first class. It is also great to stay four night, three nights and two nights in lovely places instead of having to pack up and move every day. The local guides were very personable and knowledgeable. We travelled with friends we made from previous Joyce trips – which makes it all the more amazing. Thank you Joyce.”

“This was the second time that my husband and I were on the Hidden Ireland South Tour for Joyce’s Ireland. And what a surprise! Although I was delighted to repeat the trip that was the second leg of Hidden Ireland North & South Tour several years ago, we were thrilled with the many updates and changes. Only one accommodation (Dingle) was a repeat—as it happens it’s still a favorite. All accommodations, food, service, and locations were wonderful. Many hiking locations, destinations, and local guides have been added or changed that made the trip seem all-new yet familiar. That, plus hiking with friends from previous trips as well as new friends created a very comfortable “at home” feeling while traveling abroad.”

“I was so excited about this type of travel/trip. Hidden Ireland South! Outdoors hiking/walking in areas that I would not necessarily find on my own, with a smallish group of people with all of the arrangements organized by an experienced tour leader/guide…. JOYCE! My trip to Hidden Ireland exceeded every single one of my expectations. The hikes, the scenery, the accommodations, the attention to detail, the people, the food and Joyce’s excellent leadership. This was my first trip, but it won’t be my last… already booked for 2023!”

“I recently returned from the Northern Ireland hiking tour. We saw beautiful coastlines, interior landscapes and ate delicious food. Joyce was so accommodating and friendly. She has created a great tour of a beautiful land. Thank you for a lovely trip!”

“England’s Lake District is a stunning landscape, and Joyce’s Ireland is the perfect travel guide. The hikes are both challenging and rewarding, and the inns selected by Joyce are a perfect end to each day on the trail. Delicious food, clean, comfortable accommodations in lovely settings make for a memorable experience. This tour, our second with Joyce, was as wonderful as the first.”

“I have always been an independent traveler, but Joyce’s website intrigued me, so I took my first ever guided tour with her. Beyond the wonderful scenery, lovely accommodations, and delicious meals, it is Joyce’s generosity of spirit, kindness, and wonderful humor that make her tours memorable. We had mixed Irish weather–plenty of sun and patches of rain–which actually made the scenery more dramatic. My favorite walk was the climb up Slieve League in clouds that dissipated at the top to reveal the sea cliffs in all their glory. A close second was the coastal walk in the area of the Giants’ Causeway. In addition to planning the walks, Joyce filled us in on Irish history, folklore, wayside plants, and animals. She is a caring, inclusive person who is as skilled with people as she is in creating spectacular trips. It is a testament to her talents that the majority of the people who take her tours are repeat travelers. Those who are fortunate enough to travel with her may be assured of a personalized experience, flexible schedule, and plenty of laughter.”

“The Lake District in the north of England is truly a walker’s treat. From rolling hills, gentle walks around a lake, to hiking up stone steps to the summit of a mountain, we were rewarded with views in all directions. The walks range from challenging to ambling, time spend focusing on each step to passing the time getting to know new friends. Guesthouses, always a treat when traveling with Joyce’s Ireland, continue to amaze. Meals are delicious and prepared by chefs who are recognized for excellence, rooms are always comfortable (even when small), safe, and easily accessible. Locations range from village to country, settings from rambling streets to lanes lined with dry-built walls. We visited the Lake District early spring, just in time to see myriad sheep with new black lambs frolicking in pastures, birds singing and gathering materials to build nests, and a variety of wildlife, flora, and fauna. This trip is a truly a nature’s lovers dream.”

“We recently did the Walking in Wales trip with Joyces Ireland. This was our first trip with Joyce, and we sincerely hope it will not be our last. We had a group of ten, some who had traveled together with Joyce before….everyone was warm and welcoming, and by the end, we could happily say we had made new friends. This was our first time on a guided tour. Traveling with Joyce was unique, in that we definitely saw sights we would not have ventured to on our own. She is so knowledgeable about the area. The Brecon Beacons and Saint Florence were breathtaking. The accommodations and meals were wonderful. Joyce gave us an experience we surely would not have gotten on our own. If you have a chance to go on one of Joyces trips we highly recommend it!”

“My son and I went on Joyce’s Hidden Ireland South walking tour and we absolutely loved it! Stunning views, gorgeous hikes, lovely bed and breakfast inns. Thanks to Joyce’s eye for quality and careful planning, the trip was excellent from start to finish. Be sure to bring good hiking boots and a walking pole or stick as the terrain can be rocky. You will be hiking for 4-5 hours each day; through emerald green fields and forests, atop steep cliffs and on sandy sea-side beaches. Don’t miss the Irish music in town at night and be sure to ask Joyce to play her fiddle. Enjoy!”

“Having recently returned from South West of England, Joyce’s Ireland Hiking Holiday, it would be hard to summarise in a few words, I can say though excellent organisation, excellent choices of accommodation, excellent food throughout the trip, excellent walks and excellent travelling companions. What more can I say!! My first trip with Joyce and most certainly not my last. Already looking forward to the next time.”

“This was an amazing trip! Joyce was an excellent tour guide who took care of everything we needed in a gracious and relaxed way. The views were stunning! The food was outstanding and the hikes were extremely interesting! Our hotels were top quality, especially our stay at the Home Farm. We made new friends and experienced the warmth and generosity of the English citizens. What a joy it was to experience England in this way! Do not miss this opportunity! It needs to be on your bucket list!”

“As a private guided tour, we went with Joyce on a 6 day hike into the West. On this perfectly organized tour, we had the chance to discover a part of Ireland which was a complete surprise to us. Stunning views, luxury B&B’s and exceptional good food is what you get on this hike. Joyce pays attention to every detail and considers the needs and wishes of her customers in a very flexible and professional way.”

“Wow! What a great trip and a great time! Joyce is a fantastic leader/guide!! My husband and I went on the “Hidden Ireland South Ireland” with some friends and it was fabulous!! The hikes were great (challenging but doable), the accommodations were just lovely, the food was surprisingly delicious (sorry Ireland!). Joyce does such an amazing job catering to individual needs and yet still keeping the whole group very very happy! I would highly recommend this trip and Joyce!! Thank you – we loved it!”

“Just home from a fabulous 9 day hiking trek with Joyce in Wales. This was our third trip with Joyce and once again, we had a marvellous adventure. Seven of us in the group had met previously on Joyce excursions and enjoyed renewing old friendships. The daily hikes were excellent, on varied terrain from scenic coastal paths, expansive sand beaches, to old growth forests and the majestic hills of the Brecon Beacons. The accommodations were very good as were the delicious meals prepared at each place. Joyce accompanied us on a number of the walks and arranged local well informed guides on days when she was not able to join us. As mentioned, this was our third trip with Joyce and surely not our last. We will definitely consider booking with Joyce again.”

“I had never been to Ireland and was looking to do some hiking while there. Joyce’s Ireland kept coming up as a highly rated company. I understand why now. Joyce takes small groups, and stays in the most charming and wonderful places. Even The Lake Hotel in Killarney was large, but was on a most beautiful setting with very charming people. The guides she hires are highly intelligent, understand Ireland from all aspects (history, folklore, flora and fauna), and have great humor that adds to your travels. The food was excellent with fresh fish and lots of fruits and vegetables. It was a wonderful trip and I know that I will go back to Ireland and would travel with Joyce without reservation.”

“Travelling with Joyce’s small groups, this time through the Scottish Highlands and islands was an absolute treat. Seamless organisation, great places to stay with superb, local food. Each day presents a varied itinerary of walks and interesting locations away from the madding crowds, lead by enthusiastic, local, knowledgeable guides. Plus there is the coming together – with a whole new group of friends!”

“I recently travelled with Joyce’s Ireland on a 10 day hiking trip in the Scottish Highlands and Hebrides Islands. It was my second hiking trip with Joyce and she continues to utterly impress me with her organisational skills, adaptability and variety of hiking venues. The accommodation and food are top notch. Local guides are knowledgeable and personable. I especially like the small group (10-12 hikers) and always come away with wonderful new friends! Joyce does her job so well – why travel with anyone else?”

“Just returned from the trip of a life time in Provence, arranged by Joyce! Linda and Chris, our hosts at Auberge du Vin, made us feel at home with friends. They are kind and gracious, French/English speaking, with a very generous spirit. They went to extremes to make sure we were well and having a wonderful, very comfortable adventure. We enjoyed a wine class with our resident wine expert Linda, winery tours, vineyard hikes watching the harvesters, a French cooking class at the Auberge, visits to nearby villages. The food and wine were outstanding! Our guide Pierre was fun, very well informed and modelled everything to our abilities and needs. The Auberge is lovely, very clean and well kept. On a hot day we thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful pool. We have previously enjoyed traveling with Joyce on one of her outstanding Ireland adventures. Thank you for helping us discover the world.”

“Just completed my second trip with Joyce’s Ireland. Spent 10 days walking in Southwest England. I couldn’t have asked for anything better – the walks in the countryside, the accommodations, the food, and of course, Joyce’s expert organization of it all. Have already booked another trip with her for next year!”

“This was my first organized hiking trip. It was such a pleasure to have everything together for me. The hikes were beautiful, the hotels and B&Bs were lovely and I also enjoyed every town and restaurant Joyce had chosen for the itinerary.
I did the Northern Ireland hiking trip and I think it is a good choice for all fitness levels from no experience hiking to avid hiker. There is also plenty time in the schedule to be able to explore on your own a little also.”

“This was our first trip to Ireland. I cannot say enough about what a fabulous adventure this has been. Joyce is kind, organized, fun and energetic. She makes everything very manageable and exciting both for the seasoned hiker and the “picture taking” walker. We never would have seen or experienced all that the week included, had we tried to find our own way. It was a beautiful surprise and picture worthy moment around every bend.”