Big Round World - Lyons, Colorado

Sandra K.

The Northeastern Italy trip was my second with Big Round World and they did not disappoint. The planning was excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed all of the daily tours, walks, and meals. The hotels were perfectly located and very comfortable. The cultural experiences were all wonderful and it was easy to relax and enjoy each day knowing that the trip leaders had the logistics covered. The small group size was a big plus. I'm looking forward to my next BRW adventure.

Shirley G.

Big Round World exceeded our expectations. Our group of 10 participants was led by two excellent tour guides. We were treated to delicious northeast Italian food and drink, a variety of activities, comfortable hotels, and beautiful scenery in less-traveled areas. Highly recommended!

Tina D.

I participated in a seven-day hiking expedition with Deirdre amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Colorado. Each day was a captivating journey of discovery, as we ventured into distinct and enchanting areas. Deirdre's expertise and passion for the region added an extra layer of fascination to every step of our expedition.

As we trekked through diverse terrains, from lush forests, dry deserts, to the cold lakes, Deirdre's extensive knowledge illuminated the surroundings with intriguing anecdotes and hidden gems. Her guidance transformed each hike into an immersive learning experience, making the journey not just physically rewarding but intellectually stimulating as well.

I look forward to joining her on one of her international tours soon. Thanks for such a wonderful time!

Joseph H.

Just a few thoughts about my recent trip hiking the West Highland Way with Big Round World. As a moderately serious hiker, I found the pace (4-8 hiking hours daily) to be a good mix allowing me to complete the trail while still having time and energy to explore and enjoy the differing locales. It seems that mid-May may be the best time of year to complete the WHW - abundant Spring blooms and relatively less rain. I really enjoyed the companionship of our guides, Derek and Lorraine. They were both well prepared and very entertaining in their introduction of us to the local color and local culture. Our small group size allowed for a lot of individual freedom. Overall a most enjoyable experience. Joe Harlan

Karen H.

Loved the trip, Deidre and Michelle were great and the places we visited were awesome. Loved everything except hauling luggage around!!! But needed the exercise after all the great food we had.

Deborah M.

Orkney and Shetland Isles
What an incredible trip!
In spite of having read and listened to audio descriptions about Orkney and the Shetland Isles - seeing them in ‘real life’ completely surpassed it all. The isles have a beauty all of their own and the embedded history is incredible. The achievements of Neolithic man are amazing, evidenced particularly at Skara Brae.
Deirdre had an amazing itinerary for us following her in-depth research, nothing was left out. She even managed to produce puffins on our last day!
Many thanks for a memorable trip Deirdre.
Date of experience: April 12, 2024

Lorraine G.

I've just returned back home to the UK after a wonderful hiking trip exploring the Northern Front Range, in Colorado. The hikes were expertly led by Deirdre, who has an amazing amount of knowledge about the wildlife, fauna and flora, and the mountains of the areas we hiked in. During the 'Hiking in Colorado' trip we we visited the Roosevelt National Forest, the Rocky Mountain National Park, Indian Peaks Wilderness Area and the James Peak Wilderness Area. What an amazing place it is. If you're thinking of exploring the mountains of Colorado, then I can highly recommend Big Round World, with Deirdre Butler as your guide.

Barbara S.

Just returned from my Orkney/Shetland trip with Big Round World, my 5th trip with them. As usual it was well planed and executed. Our leader, Deirdre Butler had really done her homework so that we could get the most out of the Neolithic sites that Orkney has and the grandeur of Shetland. Past trips were more hiking orientated, this one was about discovery. Orkney is a UNESCO historical site – the Neolithic structures were amazing and to be able to walk around them was humbling seeing what the people of 5000 years ago accomplished. Shetland was very different in that it had beautiful beaches and cliffs packed full of nesting sea birds. We had just missed the Puffins in Ireland, but on our last day in Shetland we finally saw them! I can’t thank Deirdre enough for giving me a trip of a lifetime!