Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

I really liked the historic sights of Porto but the standout moment came from my first sightings of the Douro valley

Thoughts on Group Leader

Carla was a superb leader in all respects. Her knowledge and enthusiasm was always inspiring. She was very well organised and ensured that every minute of the tour was well spent. She had a friendly rapport with everyone of us and took care to meet our individual needs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect some busy days with plenty of up and down walks

Most Inspirational Moment

Douro Valley with the port tasting and boat trip. Superb lunch at the vineyard. Also loved the Monestery at Batalha.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent her enthusiasm for her homeland was infectious. Great deal of information given at each venue and questions always answered to clarify our understanding. Always smiling and a delight to travel with!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sturdy footwear to cope with all the cobbles which can be slippery

Most Inspirational Moment

The satisfaction of completing the ascent of Dead Woman's Pass. The night sky and sunrise at every campsite. The meals provided during the whole trek were incredible. How the team could bake a cake at the top of a mountain I still don't know! Excellent food, hearty portions, and catered to very diverse food preferences and allergies. The porters were really made to feel like part of the family and it was lovely to hear their stories, as well as the stories of our local guides.

Thoughts on Group Leader

William was exceptional. His experience, love of the mountains, professionalism and care for both clients and porters was outstanding. He was mentoring assistant guide Luis, who is well on the way to becoming an excellent lead guide. They both had to deal with two medical events on the trek; this was done efficiently, safely and with no impact on the rest of the group. Their local knowledge was so extensive, ranging from local flora and fauna, to culture and history. In particular, William's recollections about his grandmother being a local healer, the love for his mother, and his beliefs in the traditions of the circle of life was both emotional and thought provoking.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Exodus's itinerary is what sets it apart from the other companies. The choice to leave camp 3 later on day 4 of the trek (rather than around 3am like the other companies) so that you can rest in Machu Picchu town before touring Machu Picchu site is what sets this itinerary apart. We couldn't imagine having to do the trek, tour the site, and travel back to Cusco on the same day. Luggage note - This is not an Exodus issue. We flew with Iberia and were told emphatically at Heathrow by their staff that luggage would go all the way through to Cusco (final destination). However, on arrival at Lima (and after leaving the baggage hall) we found out that this information was incorrect. It was a little stressful to retrieve our luggage before the next flight. Our advice would be to check the carousel before leaving the baggage hall to save the stress.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are so many incredible moments from this trip, but a highlight for me was the Sahara Desert and the camel ride.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was Ait Lmouden Mohamed. He was very knowledgeable, kind, caring, and patient. And he had a wonderful sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some of the accommodations are sparse, but they are clean.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing storks nesting and the breathtaking waves on the Atlantic coast or was it watching my friend enjoy an extra large pastel de nata?

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dinis

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ok- it did rain and sometimes very hard and for several hours. We improvised with plastic bags in our shoes and under our bike helmets. So take a few.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to pick one. Preservation Hall and Grand Ole Opry were musical highlights. The Civil Rights Museum was so moving - located at the motel where MLK was assassinated - and very comprehensive. The Country Music Hall of Fame was worth at least half a day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jay quite simply, made the trip. The bus journeys were enlivened with his knowledge and fabulous playlist designed to accompany the history and progression of musical styles as we journeyed north. He joined in the group banter in the bus, drove safely, worked hard, unloading and loading luggage, and was very helpful at ferrying us around even to optional activities.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book ahead for Preservation Hall and the Grand Ole Opry. Some of our group were disappointed not to get in or be seated r standing at the very back. The food was not to my taste - deep fried pecan pie anyone? And vegetables were hard to find with limited choice. I bought supplies at a health food store for my lunches (there was an ice box in the bus) Some prices were a shock . My last night dinner (1 course with veg and 2 glasses average wine) was $62 - then with sales tax, 20% obligatory gratuity and an extra tip for kitchen staff, the final bill was $93. The trip notes suggestions for tips for the guide are way out, considering that he drove, hauled luggage, saved us some taxi fares. $12-$15 pp per day is a more like it. Given the shocking amount of plastic waste (polystyrene plates and plastic cutlery) you might want to consider taking some travel cutlery with you.

Most Inspirational Moment

The extraordinary coastline and breathtaking views around every corner of the beautiful Atlantic ride are priceless!

Thoughts on Group Leader

All the leaders were professional,thoughtful and caring .

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do this ride!

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the boat trip, the birds were fantastic to spot and we saw turtles and crocodiles as well. Also the Esquinas Rainforest Lodge was the most basic room of the trip but the best location , you are surrounded by forest , the birds and the wildlife are wonderful and a dip in the pool in the middle of it all was so special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pedro was very knowledgeable and passionate about his country and what they are doing towards tourism and re-forestation.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take good walking shoes , something that will dry out because you are likely to get them wet, and a fold up rain jacket that goes in your bag. Plugs were American type plugs. I got an e sim and it was a great idea, i had internet all the time and signed into wifi at the lodges ( which were all wifi friendly) I took colonies but everyone accepted dollars , in fact it seemed to be the best form of money, your cards are accepted at all the restaurants its only for tips and small venders that you need cash. Even though it rained i still wore shorts as it was better to have wet legs than wet trousers ha ha and its still hot!

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to ski in the same arena as the Olympians at the Nordic Arena in Dobbiaco! There were even some teams training there whilst we were there it was very cool!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was amazing, his knowledge of the area was great and he was very good at planning our days and decided what valley or track was best to go depending on the weather.

Advice for Potential Travellers

it is so worth trying if you want to learn a new activity and you don't need previous experience just a good level of fitness! you do a lot of different tracks so will get to try different things throughout the week. bring layers as it can get warm and waterproof shoes for your day off so you can go for some nice walks to the other towns!

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting in a mosque in Istanbul when it was nearly empty. The call to prayer was soothing and reassuring.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ilhan