Women on Tour Testimonials
Creative Writing holidays in Granada – Spain
"My writing holiday with Women on Tour at the Cortijo had a simple and special rhythm, beginning every morning with the sound of bells and baas as the local shepherd herded his sheep and goats around the back of the Casa. Then breakfast, the smell of good strong coffee luring us to the farmhouse next door for a generous spread of olive oil-drizzled tomatoes, olives, jamon, cheese and fresh bread. As the day warmed up writing followed, our workshops led by Jan Fortune-Wood, who like the shepherd leading his flock through the wild rosemary and pines, skilfully led us through the challenges of keeping our writing fresh, poetry techniques, finding our voices and setting and shaping.
After lunch there were ‘one-to-ones’ with Jan, valuable opportunities to get her views on any aspects of your own writing where some impartial, expert and gentle advice was needed. And there was also plenty of free time to write, read, walk, swim in the lovely pool or simply sit on the terrace and absorb the views of the Sierra del Pozo spread out in front of the Casa.
In the evening everyone gathered again for dinner – delivered by the owner of the local restaurant (including, on one memorable evening, a traditional palella cooked specially for us in the farmhouse kitchen) and eaten by candlelight along with a glass or two of good wine and very good company.
Whether you are already a writer, or just beginning a writing journey, the quietness, beauty and simplicity of the Cortijos will inspire and nourish you. You will get expert advice and a sympathetic ear to your writing challenges and aspirations, and the chances are that you will spend time in the company of other women, from different walks of life, sharing an appreciation of some of the most precious things– good companionship, laughter, books, writing, and beautiful places."
Ruth Thompson
Belfast
WOT-local London / Creative Writing workshops
"Well I've been to one workshop and it was excellent, well-organised, good quality, and the organizer kept us well-informed. To give you an example, I received a text the morning of my workshop to warn me of the closure of tube lines and the general havoc on London transport. That was very useful!
There was a range of experience in our participants from those who were just starting to explore writing to others who were writing full-time. The author who taught the session - Kate North - had plenty of excellent advice to pass on, so even for the more experienced in the group there were many useful nuggets to take away. Her clear and focused instruction was grounded in examples from literature - both good and bad - and from our own exercises, and the workshop moved at a good speed. Ms North is clearly a very experienced and well-qualified teacher in creative writing and is also a published author. Whilst we only focused on dialogue she came across as one who was very knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the craft. From start to finish I felt we were in very good hands. I did not share all her taste in literature but it was a indicative of the quality of the workshop that it didn't matter."
Katherine Rabeau
London
Istanbul
"I had a great time with Women on Tour in Istanbul. Marina did a great job of showing us both the historic treasures of the city as well as the modern additions which combine to make Istanbul irresistible. We were situated in the heart of it all, and she led us through the city with ease and enthusiasm. I felt lucky to find a company that values exploration and small groups as high priorities. Everything about this trip was quality - even for "Istanbul on a Budget". I look forward to joining Women on Tour in the future and will definitely return to Istanbul!
Thank you again for the wonderful trip. I truly do hope that I get to join you for more excursions in the future! I loved your photos on flickr and am very jealous of the ones of Chora Church. Now I know I have to go back! "
Christine Curran
Massachusetts
"Five stars it is not enough to rate this holiday ( and that was the Istanbul on budget visit!) as it was the best holiday I had to date. Fantastic company, organization and programme. True experience of the life beyond the touristic attractions and amazing eye opener. Highly recommended, an experience not to be missed!! "
Katerina Joachim
London
Mindfulness Meditation
"I loved our time together in the hills of Andalucia.
First of all being met at the airport by you was such a positive start and very reassuring, as sometimes on retreats we have to share cabs, trains etc to get to our destination.
The accommodation was lovely and so great to have one's own room. The views were magnificent and doing mindfulness in that setting was perfect.
I loved the trip to Alhambra and our lunch outing together, they added that extra bit of care and attention. You certainly took care of us.
For me the experience was a very positive one
I would certainly join a Women on Tour activity again, dancing, painting, walking, yoga, meditation... I'm open to the new!
Look forward to seeing the photos."
Teresa Saliba
London
"The Mindfulness Meditation retreat was perfect. Before I came I had been worried that 5 hours meditation a day would be too much for me. In the event, the time flew by. I was very happy to learn a variety of meditation techniques and I was particularly taken by the 'walking meditation'. I began to realise the difference the practice could make to my life.
The place was beautiful. I loved the way the farmhouses had been renovated so simply. The huge log burners were delightful to look at and very efficient and I liked the use of old farm equipment and ancient utensils as decorations. My bed was very comfortable and the room was sweet - the offer of a room to myself without having to ask and pay extra was a real bonus.
The surrounding countryside with its red earth, white stones and olive groves is a joy with the patchwork of fields beneath and hills around and above. I enjoyed the company of the other participants and felt a real rapport with you. I liked the informal atmosphere of meal times.
Would I come again? I think I can't imagine a lovelier place in the summer. I long to eat on the terraces outside the houses and bask by the pooI. I think I'd quite like my own transport, though your transfer was great. But I might want to go exploring Seville and other places in the not too far vicinity.
I would certainly use Women on Tour again. I think it's a great idea and I would like to be kept in touch with your programme. Turkey sounds good.
Thank you so much, you really gave me a good holiday in a beautiful place, where I met interesting people and learned meditation skills that will hopefully help me in my day to day life at home."
Diana Porter
Bristol
"Thank you so much for a wonderful experience. Having attended numerous retreats throughout my professional life, I didn't expect to be looked after the way that you did.
The organization was beyond anything I have experienced before, the farm houses were a dream, the constant supply of logs for the fire place, the daily supply of fresh fruit and nuts, the care you put into making our stay wonderful and relaxing. The farm houses and the incredibly beautiful landscape are still in my mind, I was blown over by the immensity of the vistas, how wonderful to open the window in the morning and have such gorgeous nature at our doorstep. I still have some of the rosemary that I collected outside! A great bonus was to have your own bedroom and not have to pay extra! An what a sweet bedroom, I loved the ceiling beams and wooden shutters.
I will definitely join you again, I loved it all, the concept, the rapport, the rare mixture of professionalism and warmth, you certainly have a great thing going!"
Sofia Dimoulea
London/Athens
Barcelona
"It was really wonderful to meet you. It was probably the most relaxing, informative, and fun day I've had since I arrived in Barcelona. I just wanted to thank you again for organizing the evening. And I also wanted to say that I'd love to meet up with you again."
Jennifer Shields
Pennsylvania
WOT-local Barcelona
"The conversation was great and meaningful, and the itinerary left us having seen a lot and tried a lot of new foods. Also, as a newcomer to BCN, the people in this group are eager to help you learn and to welcome you to the city. A wonderful group of women- a fabulous itinerary- and a great Saturday overall. I would not hesitate to join another event!"
Barcelona Tapas Trail
Cristy
USA
"The group always arranges good events and everyone is very friendly and makes it easy for newcomers."
Barcelona walk
Catherine
Ireland
" It was a very quaint location and furthermore knowing that it was not open to the public made it a privileged experience. Everyone was very friendly and the book making was a lovely idea."
Zine creation in medieval palace
Audrey
England
"The cava and company were both superb. Thanks for arranging this outing, Marina. The flower-scented rooftop was an amazing setting that I wouldn't have gotten to experience otherwise."
Zine creation in medieval palace
Fiona
USA
"A lot of fun! Beautiful location, well organized."
Zine creation in medieval palace
Diane
USA
"Really great day with a fun group!"
Cycling along the Mediterranean coast and picnic
Eva
Belgium
