Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Each day brought different aspects of the region which is not on the general tourist trail so we had time to take in all the views and learn a great deal about wine.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Carla was the best Leader we have had with Exodus though others may have been close. She was caring to all in the group. She knew so much about the area and was passionate about it. All our questions were answered with a very full explanation. She gave everything to the group and she made sure we had fun as well. On our return she sent a video with photos of each day of the trip and notes of each day so we have a permanent reminder of the holiday and our fellow travelers.

Most Inspirational Moment

Apart from the hills, steps, steps and hills - because there were a few!! And i loved them....I'd say it's making the friends I did and the trust I found in them and the laughs we shared.....

Thoughts on Group Leader

LOVE Rosanna, the trip wouldn't of been what it was without her!! She is amazing, made sure we were all happy, fixed the glitches straight away- there's always one or two, kept smiling, tried so hard to give us information and treats!! She kept us up to date with times , trips, things to do on days off so we werent lost, rosanna put so much into making it the best -I just think she is brilliant, don't think there's anyone who could top her!!! Lovely soul!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just book it and go do it!! Italy is amazing , the wine is so delicious and if you are lucky enough to have Rosanna you will have the best time ever!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day there were at least 2 things that made us wonder how this trip could be any better. Baby lions, giraffes and elephants, fabulous birds and close encounters with many different animals kept us rapt from sunrise to sunset.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was amazing, well informed, funny, caring and made everyone feel so welcome

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware that in Zimbabwe some credit and debit cards do not work so travel with US$ Baggage handling in Johannesburg is a rather imprecise science

Most Inspirational Moment

Landing and seeing Albania for the first time, driving into Tirana to discover a modern city with a shaded past. Butrint National Park, to see how the City developed from Greek Roman times. It gave the sense that Albania had a long history. Also tve site is just beautiful and serene. Other highlights were the towns of Gjirokaster and Berat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ed was a super leader. He was so knowledgeable and showed real passion for his country. He added extra stops into the itinerary, to show off more of his country but also to fill in gaps in the itinerary because on some days there was not enough interests to fill in the time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Spend more time in Tirana either at the end or the beginning of the tour as the time there is not enough. Alough I went late May early June take a packable raincoat as on this trip it rained every day and once was caught out up a hill and got drenched. Read a little bit about the country before going then you will understand more about Albania.

Most Inspirational Moment

This is hard! For cycling - riding next to the waves on a Latvian beach. For history - Andrius's stories of growing up when Lithuania was part of the Soviet Union. For culture - the art nouveau in Riga and the churches in Tallinn (see tip below). For food - the amazing mushroom soup and wild boar on our last night in Vilnius. For drink - my wife enjoying Latvian dark beer! For socialising - the music and dancing at the jazz cafe in Klaipeda.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andrius was exceptional - one of the best guides of our 25+ group tours. Firstly he has a great sense of humour - the trip was full of laughter. Secondly he has a wide knowledge of the history of the three countries and, as someone who grew up during communism, he shares his personal experience. Thirdly - he picked some great places to eat and drink. And finally, he made the trip a five star experience - from his 'little fun surprises' to his proposed additions or adjustments that enabled us to see the art nouveau in Riga, explore Vilnius on our bikes and visit the Soviet missile base where the nuclear weapons were targeted on Germany, Norway and the UK. Thank you Andrius - you made the trip!

Advice for Potential Travellers

We were cycling in May/June and tended to have lunch in cafes rather than picnics (one day). The cafes were all good and some were a memorable part of the trip, e.g. the salmon soup in the ship museum in Estonia and the smoked fish lunch in the fisherman's garden on the Curonian Spit.

Most Inspirational Moment

Spectacular scenery

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both were very engaging. Though the lovely Armenian guide, was actually a teacher, rather than a guide, so her information talks were perhaps a little more in depth than needed. We had to ask to have time to walk up the Cascade fountain as the info talk went on so long we were running out of time

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring layers.. weather is very changeable throughout the day

Most Inspirational Moment

"Personally, being a regular hill person (!), I especially enjoyed the first day's climb and also the walk in Levanzo, which hugged the coastline for a good while and then we had a pretty decent climb up and over. But all walks had their own charm and appeal. The variety of flora was astounding. I loved the entire trip."

Thoughts on Group Leader

A really lovely man, well-organised and having to make some small changes due to weather conditions. We were always kept abreast of the next day's plans and any options. He was very proud of his Sicilian lineage and extremely knowledgeable re flora and the island's history. Also had some wonderful meals which he organised for the group!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Carla and Fernando. A lovely couple who really cared about their environment, their country and, of course, us!

Most Inspirational Moment

Angkor Wat, Cambodian Circus, Ha Long Bay Cruise

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ly in Cambodia did an excellent job imparting local and historical information.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery is so beautiful!! The people of Portugal are kind and helpful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rita Caetano was a good Leader and her partner Denis was helpful and well organized. We received a briefing at the end of every day so we had an idea what to expect for the next day's ride. Thank you. A guide is needed on this trip as we do have to go away from the coast at times and it would be confusing to know where to go without a guide. Denis was our shuttle service and he also prepared our 2 picnic lunches and they were delicious!!! Thank you.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take at least 3 days to visit Porto before the cycle trip, and take two days in Lisbon at the end. During the trip, include everyone to meet up at the restaurants for dinners/ evenings. Your leader can make reservations for all of you. From Lisbon, you can take a train to the Algarve. Take the time to visit this area and enjoy the beautiful beaches and the coastline. Spectacular scenery. Take a boat ride along the coast!!