Three couples just returned from two and a half we...

Three couples just returned from two and a half weeks in Japan, arranged by Global Basecamps.

When we decided to visit Japan, we wanted to be on our own but needed advice in designing and facilitating an itinerary. GBC did each phase very well.

Designing an itinerary: Laura Hagler listened well, recognized our interests and presented us with a proposal that included a variety of environments, including hiking a pilgrimage route in the mountains south of Kyoto from onsen to onsen, and visits to a lovely mountain village, Tokyo, Kanazawa and Kyoto. Travel days were held to a minimum.

The accommodations, breakfasts, guides and transportation were very good quality. Hotels were very well chosen for excellent locations, usually very close to stations.

The detailed itinerary with specific details of train departures, etc was extremely well thought out and presented.

We learned how valuable a local contact can be: when we got to the airport to leave Tokyo, I realized that my cellphone was missing. I called the hotel, who had it. When we got home, I called Laura who activated the Japan office who took over and have sent the phone on its way. Excellent customer service!!

So, they did excellent jobs at each step of the trip.

Japan is an amazing place to visit, heartily recommend it for people from a wide variety of interests, food, fashion, gardens, societal structures, architecture, art, etc. Trekking from onsen to onsen is a wonderful experience,