Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Thethi and Valbona National Parks

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader and driver were both great - full of motivation and enthusiasm for their country and showing it to others. Very inspiring people.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just be aware of what you are booking. Albania is a very interesting country, and if you want to mix a few days walking with the rest relaxing, long lunches, dropping into museums/castles along the way, then this could still be a good choice.

Most Inspirational Moment

I slept under the stars one night. The stars were incredible including the Milky Way as was the sound of the river.  Amazing. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Valerie Parkinson was inspirational and it was a priviledge to have trekked with her. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes just do as the Trip Notes tell you to do (they have been written by Valerie who has extensive experience in that area and of climbing at altitude) and bring what it says in the equipment list ie at least a 3-4 season sleeping bag and a thick sleeping mat to sleep on (not the thin ones you c an buy). A flannel for washing in the morning although I had one of those lightweight quick dry towels which were good. Dry your feet after the river crossings to avoid blisters. Take a high factor sun cream - at altitude you are closer to the sun. Bring a high factor suncream for your lips. Bring a wide brimmed sun hat. Avoid drinking tap water in Delhi or eating icecream and salad. I didn't have any altitude sickness or Delhi Belly. I did exactly as Valerie instructed and followed the trip notes. I also wasn't cold at night as I brought everything it said in  the trip notes including a down jacket which was very handy at night as the temperture did drop.  I would really have liked the trek to be longer so I might consider the Grand Traverse next. 

Most Inspirational Moment

The walking from Thethi and in the Valbona Valley were fabulous days and definitely at a moderate level.  The scenery in both areas is simply stunning.  Watching a huge weather system move down the Valbona Valley, complete with thunder and lightning, was amazing.  Made me feel very small yet exhilerated!  Just beautiful - at least it was until the skies opened above us!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dorien (hope the spelling is right!) is a lovely guy who is very knowledgeable about his country.  He was able to provide interesting information on almost anything we could ask him.  He obviously loves his country and took pride in showing us the best of it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As the trip stands at the moment it is not a moderate walking trip.  There are two moderate walks at the beginning of the week and 4 very easy walks later in the week.  Personally I would place a leisurely/moderate rating on the trip as along with the easy walks there is a lot of travelling in the bus and sightseeing involved.  If you are looking for a physical holiday you need to be aware that this trip will not tire you out each day (unless it is tiredness from the over-eating you will do!). There are some very long bus journeys which are sometimes not very comfortable but the views at the end will make it worth while.  

Most Inspirational Moment

The Walk of the Gods was my favourite part of the week, such stunning views, great walk along the cliff top and rewarding end in Positano. Great to be able to experience the traffic free side of Italy with walking in clean air and having gorgeous scenery to admire all along the walk. Feel good factor plus fun to chat along route and not overly busy with other walkers either. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eduardo was like having your grandfather guiding the tour, he was fun, friendly and it was awesome that he lived in Bomerano as he knew everyone and everything about the place and was able to answer all the queries and questions. Plus he provide some really good local knowledge and history about the place as well as all the places we visited. He was highly organised, had a great sense of humour and was very patient with all the group and sorted out all our needs and requirements and he made nothing feel like a chore. He also had great energy and was always available to us and looked out for us the whole trip. I would recommend him as a tour leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We had cooler weather in September so worth taking a warm fleece for the evening as it does cool down. Also when you order food at lunch times remember it is Italy so lunch can be a long affair and try to order as a group to share foods rather than as individuals as this is more the Italian way.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting up and then getting down! Being revived by excellent spa facilities ready to go for the next day

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very, very competent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Please make sure you are comfortable with large drops, narrow ridges and lose scree underfoot. There are few options if you do a grade C week. But its exhilerating and worth the effort to get to the tops.

Most Inspirational Moment

The last hike up towards the summit. Did not make it due to the weather. A snow blizzard which was somewhat amazing to be in. Never been in anything so strong, yet so breath taking. White all around the top of mountains. Truely a moment you have to see to believe. High as can be, covered in white.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was a great leader. Spoke with us all. Helped us and guided us. Made the right decision in turning round when we did. Ensured we were well looked after and had everything we needed with us. Spoke on many things and told us many facts and the beauty of the sights we were seeing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You'll enjoy every second. From start to finish. Plenty of bottled water to keep you going. Something you'll remember with great smiles and laughs and the known fact that you did it.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Mount Etna day was my favourite.   Trekking across the vast mountain in a selection of key spots that were picked for their natural beauty and interest.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dawn til disk accompaniment helped our enjoyment because Fabio also booked a table each evening, with the group's agreement, and chose different sorts of restaurant each time.   Helped to have a translator with us!   He was seemingly very laid back and relaxed, although he never missed a trick and was very dilligent of our safety.   Very informative without going into too much detail.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Temperature-wise, September is the perfect month to visit.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking the ancient Inca paths through the Andes and reaching Machupicchu was magical.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Rene Huaman was fantastic, knowledgeable, supportive and with a heart of gold. Also Carlos the assistant leader was amazing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take comfortable walking boots and a good camera.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many to comment on......stunning sunrises and sunsets, the beautiful environs of St Lucia, great walks in lovely scenery, seeing a week old baby white rhino, conquering the ladders to climb up to the Amphitheatre!

Advice for Potential Travellers

A couple of days on the road are quite long......make sure you are on time to leave....any delays mean that the leader is trying to play catch up. But the scenery is great! If you are a wildlife officianado, you may be really disappointed with the Night Safari (optional trip) in Kruger. You are in a vehicle with 20 others and I can liken the experience to Disney......lamping animals at twilight to see them in the bush and cheering when a lion is spotted. I hasten to add that none of the Exodus clients acted so abhorrently. I was extremely disappointed with the experience, especially after great drives in a private game reserve a few days previously. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Completing the Inca Trail and reaching Machu Picchu.  Lake Titicaca and experiencing a home stay with a local family. Amazon Rainforest and seeing the wildlife in its natural habitat (especially the sloth and howler monkeys).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Juan was just the best.  He was extremely knowledgeable with the history, flora, fauna and wildlife.  He went out his way to help the group with many of our needs.  He always had a smile on his face and had a brilliant sense of humour.  We could not have asked for a better tour guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

On the last night of the trek on the Inca Trail, as per the trip notes the group is booked to stay at the camp site.  Our group decided to stay at a hotel in Machu Picchu, kindly organised by our wonderful guide, Juan.  I would definitely recommend this rather than camping.  We stayed at a lovely hotel and it was so nice to have a hot shower and change into clean clothes.  After a good night's sleep we felt refreshed to tour round the site of Machu Picchu the following day.  I would definitely recommend Exodus changes the last night of camping to staying in a hotel with their future itineraries.