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Home > Expedition & Overland > Any experience of Atlas Overland?
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Peter Girling



Member Since: 01 Jul 2012
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 9

United Kingdom 
Kids!
Hi Darren,

We run our Pyrenees and Alps tours to coincide with the school holidays. We've usually got several children on our tours from toddlers to late teens. Our driving days include plenty of stops for tea breaks, photos and icecream! All of our campsites are family friendly and a warm welcome is assured. We build in rest days and other activities to make a change from the offroading.
The tracks and trails are still fantastic, though!
Please don't hesitate to pm me if you'd like any other information.

Happy trails,

Peter
Post #153258 2nd Jul 2012 4:34pm
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familymad



Member Since: 13 Dec 2011
Location: Bucks
Posts: 3461

 2016 Defender 130 Puma 2.2 HCPU Santorini Black
Just been chatting to the wife while looking at the web site. She's happy as long as 'it's not all day driving' and 'you get some downtime' ???

Any thoughts? 1951 80" S1 2.0
1995 110 300TDI
1995 90 300TDI
Post #153276 2nd Jul 2012 5:42pm
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Mick Clark



Member Since: 20 Dec 2009
Location: Hertfordshire
Posts: 75

United Kingdom 2009 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Java Black
BigMike

Is there any reason why you say there is little/no support if you breakdown ?

My first trip with Atlas was to the Pyrenees and we had problems on the first day.
Peter went out of his way to fix the problem and to make sure that we completed
the trip. We never once felt that we would be left to fend for ourselves.

Mick.
Post #153278 2nd Jul 2012 5:47pm
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Peter Girling



Member Since: 01 Jul 2012
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 9

United Kingdom 
Hi Familymad,

I'm not a sponsor on the forum yet, so don't want seem to be getting free advertising. Feel free to pm me and I can answer your particular queries. You can share any info with other forum members if you like.

Happy trails,

Peter
Post #153282 2nd Jul 2012 5:57pm
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leeds



Member Since: 28 Dec 2009
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 8578

United Kingdom 
Hi Peter, welcome to the mad house.


A few comments, if you are planning on doing a tour with any operator I would suggest you do a short weekend trip with them. At least you will get some idea what the operator is like.

Also you might meet some people going on your planned trip as well.

Ask if operator is willing to put you in touch with people who have been on the trip you are proposing to go on as well. No point in asking someone who has done the Sahara trip what the Arctic trips are like.


Brendan
Post #153307 2nd Jul 2012 7:55pm
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sc70



Member Since: 29 Jun 2010
Location: Tregaron
Posts: 261

Wales 2015 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 CSW Santorini Black
we did a trip with pyeneese4x4tours and i would not wish our experiece on anyone Sad , will not go into detail on a forum but be warned the guy couldnt run a bath let along a trip www.Equi-Trek-Tregaron.co.uk

Main Dealers for Equi-Trek and Brian James Trailers
Post #153342 2nd Jul 2012 10:44pm
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pjh



Member Since: 23 Nov 2010
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 126

United Kingdom 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Orkney Grey
Hi Guys

It's not pjh here, it's Kiwi Girl (just getting my own login details sorted out).

Sorry for not getting onto this earlier, but got to say: Atlas Overland's 2012 Corsica trip was fantastic! It was our first 4x4 trip and a really high standard has been set. As yet we've got nothing to compare Atlas Overland with, but give us to November and we'll be able to compare them to another two operators. But must say, we already know we'll be booking a 2013 trip with Pete and his team - Pete was not overstating his customer return rate - of 3 vehicles in Corsica, we were the only Atlas newbies.

Here's my top reasons why:
    Professional, friendly operation. Pre-trip advice and support was great - great balance between road, tracks and sightseeing. Alex, our tour leader, was a star. From sorting our logistics, deviating us from plan to cater for the groups specific needs, offering medical advice for the Defender and local annoyances (jellyfish, mosquitos), and having a laugh.
    For first timers, we were keen to know more about our options for developing our vehicle further. We got some great advice and are now exploring our next enhancements. I have to say, Brendan & Barbara have also been invaluable in this regard.

    The right balance between inclusivity of the group and giving us space to enjoy our own holidays - let's face it, we all work hard to get to these beautiful locations, a bit of 'me' time is necessary.

Hope this helps. PM me or pjh if you need more.

Also - anyone got any advice of insuring a 61 plate defender for Morocco?????

Cheers,
Kiwi Girl Defender 11MY USW
Post #154174 7th Jul 2012 6:12pm
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Peter Girling



Member Since: 01 Jul 2012
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 9

United Kingdom 
Insurance for Morocco
Hi Kiwi Girl,

Thanks for the kind words - we try hard!

Regarding insurance for Morocco some insurers will give you a green card free of charge, some will charge and some won't issue at all. Most of the online insurers don't want the hassle.

NFU are pretty good for Defenders but it varies by regional office so if you don't succeed try another office. CIS - the Coop - normally issue green cards but only if you've had a policy with them for 12 months. Maybe worth a try anyway. Norwich Union - now Aviva - underwrite lots of brokers like Carole Nash and Adrian Flux so worth a call.

Usually green cards will only give you third party cover - the legal minimum. I have seen fully comprehensive green cards so shop around. As it's a 61 plate I guess you'll want the best cover you can get.

If all else fails, you can buy insurance on entry to Morocco. About £70 for a month's cover and third party only.
Insurance isn't checked on entry, so in theory you could drive without and folks might say that Moroccan insurance isn't worth the paper it's printed on. However, try explaining yourself to a policeman if you've not got any!

Hope that helps,

Peter
Post #154299 8th Jul 2012 12:02pm
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SteveS



Member Since: 05 Oct 2010
Location: Devon & Berkshire
Posts: 388

England 2009 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Santorini Black
Landtreks gets my vote - Wayne and Helen who run it are top people. Wayne was under one of the trucks draining oil from an overfilled troublesome overdrive unit before the trip got going at the RV point.

Pyrenees driving is pretty easy particularly in late summer - views are great, easy gravel tracks, nothing too technical.

Landtreks take time to have mid-mornin brews, lunch etc
Post #154631 9th Jul 2012 11:33pm
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Blindpugh



Member Since: 14 Jun 2010
Location: Reading
Posts: 40

United Kingdom 2000 Defender 130 Td5 HCPU Cairns Blue
Just to add to the mix I can recommend Alpine Rovers.Going again in 2 weeks so must have been OK. Thumbs Up He who dies with the most toys wins.
Post #154768 10th Jul 2012 5:08pm
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familymad



Member Since: 13 Dec 2011
Location: Bucks
Posts: 3461

 2016 Defender 130 Puma 2.2 HCPU Santorini Black
Did any of you guys take kids. Have 9/8/6 for the trip 1951 80" S1 2.0
1995 110 300TDI
1995 90 300TDI
Post #155775 15th Jul 2012 7:45pm
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ben_j85jty



Member Since: 03 Sep 2008
Location: Bicester, Oxfordshire
Posts: 491

United Kingdom 2002 Defender 110 Td5 XS DCPU Bonatti Grey
Yes,

One of the families in our group had a young girl, aged about 3 and 2 collies in the back of their car. it wasn't their first trip with their child and dogs; they had chose to go with Peter again which speaks volumes.

HTH,

Ben 2002 Defender 110 DC
Post #155784 15th Jul 2012 8:11pm
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ben_j85jty



Member Since: 03 Sep 2008
Location: Bicester, Oxfordshire
Posts: 491

United Kingdom 2002 Defender 110 Td5 XS DCPU Bonatti Grey
Blindpugh wrote:
Just to add to the mix I can recommend Alpine Rovers.Going again in 2 weeks so must have been OK. Thumbs Up


Indeed, Mandy and Mike do indeed really look after their guests. 2002 Defender 110 DC
Post #155785 15th Jul 2012 8:12pm
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ROBBONTHEROCK



Member Since: 23 Jun 2014
Location: Aberdeenshire
Posts: 637

Scotland 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Firenze Red
Hi all,

Just been reviewing all the comments on this thread and looking to organise a trip this year.

Is it fair to say the comments are still valid?

I quite fancy a trip to Spain, Italy or Corsica

Cheers
Andy
Post #590257 4th Jan 2017 11:10pm
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Peter Girling



Member Since: 01 Jul 2012
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 9

United Kingdom 
Hi Andy,

Just to let you know that we've developed our Alps tour and now spend more time in Italy. Our mid-August tour is full so we've organised and extra tour 29 July - 12 August.
Let us know if you'd like further details.

Happy trails,

Peter & Jo
Post #590277 4th Jan 2017 11:41pm
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