Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many memories which will stay with me for a long time, but the overall experience of seeing a different way of life was probably the most memorable. Crossing two land borders by bike was something which I was looking forward to before the trip and both were really facinating experiences ! Angkor is such an amazingly vast area and exploring it by bike was the ideal way to see it. In contrast cycling in some of the busy traffic in Siem Reap was quite an experience ! Our visit to the Killing Fields and fromer S21 jail in Phnom Penh were both really moving. Both are very important to see in order to fully understand the terrible events which took place in Cambodia in the 1970's & which the country has had to overcome. Into Vietnam and I particuarly enjoyed the cycling around the paths around the Mekong area the night after the homestay. The homstay itself exceeded expectations. Saigon was a city which impressed me and also exceeded my expectations. Although, I have never seen so many motorbikes - crossing the road was an experience !

Thoughts on Group Leader

Moh was a excellent tour leader - really professional and ensured the smooth running of the tour from start to finish. There were two birthdays during our trip and she organised a birthday cake for both ! The leaders in Cambodia (Dyka) and Vietnem (Long) were also great and really passionate about showing us their respective countries. All leaders were full of energy and enthusiasm !

Advice for Potential Travellers

The homestay night might be something which potential travellers may be unsure/curious about. I think everyone in our group would ageee that it exceeded our expectations. It was actually very newly built and had good shower/bathroom facilities. The food was also particularly good !  There are good opportunities to do laundry in both Siem Reap and Saigon.The longest cycling days are during the first part of the trip in Thailand, when it is most likely you will be recovering from jet lag/getting used to the heat. There is no pressure to complete all the cycling on these days and the back up bus/truck is always there if you want a break.

Most Inspirational Moment

The panoramic walk on the second day in the high atlas where it is possible to view the high and anti atlas mountain

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hassan was very informative about the Berber way of life

Most Inspirational Moment

The view from the col on the way up to the arch was breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara is a fantastic leader. She clearly knew the area extensively (and seemed to know everybody) and controlled the pace of the walks very well. She is a very interesting, witty and caring person who made the holiday pretty special for me. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go. The scenery and views are wonderful. The walks are challenging (7-10 miles and up to 1000m climbs) but not technically difficult (I went on the B grade). Lots of people say walking poles are essential but I think that's personal preference because I managed fine without. Sara will lend you a pair f you want to try them out. Weather was cold in April so take several layers and remember to bring gloves (I didn't !)

Thoughts on Group Leader

 I've been on many group holidays and found Jose to be one of the best leaders I've experienced, extremely competent and good fun.  As a local, he was able to lead us over rough terrain through the mountainous, wilderness areas without marked paths - we had every confidence in him.  Refreshingly, he didn't feel the need to tell us to wear sunscreen in the sun, carry water to drink, a fleece in case it gets chilly and a waterproof in case it rains. Instead he explained the geology of the area, discussed how the region is affected by politics and answered all our questions regarding the flora, fauna and local culture.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

The whole of this holiday is very relaxed; you won't need any smart clothes or makeup.  

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many! The tigers were a big highlight - seeing the biggest tiger in Bandhavgarh stroll towards you and getting six feet away is unforgettable! And washing the elephant in the river! Oh, and driving through the chaos of Old Delhi's market on a Rickshaw! And of course, the Taj!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Harish was fantastic. He made our trip very enjoyable and went out of his way to make sure we had a brilliant time. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want to see tigers go in March or April - we were told this is the best time. This isn't roughing it - we thought the food, the accomodation and transport were all more than adequate.  Take your swimming costume for the pool!Take footballs and tennis balls for the children - the footballs went down particularly well.   Game drives can be quite windy and a little cooler, a few jumpers would also be a good idea (and conditioner for tangled hair!) 

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many overwhelming moments but perhaps looking over the vast expanse of Machu Picchu was the most inspiring.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were fortunate to have Juan Cardenas Carrasco  as our group leader.  He was knowlegable of the history, culture, religions, customs, flora, and fauna of each area we travelled.  He could recommend restaurants, guide us on the food to choose and tell us when a tip was appropriate.  He was always prepared with enterance fee tickets and water on the bus and took care of other mundane tasks which if neglected had the potential to cause delays.  He wad congenial, joined in our activities and treated all of us as good friends. He was ready to help with any special requests and was always concerned for our welfare.  Even a slight cough and Juan was ready with the first-aid kit.  My husband had an accident(no fault of the tour)  and Juan went out of his way (on his own time) to ensure that we found a good doctor who bandaged him up and gave him the appropriate advice and medication.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In Lima on our last day the local Exodus company offered us an optional tour of the city. The bus was not really a tour bus, was small and had no special windows. I have since checked the various city tour busses in Lima, and I think we could have seen as much or more in a double decker bus and at a better price than that offered by Exodus.My advice would be  to check out the local tour busses before committing to Exodus

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting on th etop of the mountain watching the cloud and mist drift by. Interacting with locals on the trekking trail villages where not many tourists come around.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Avtaar was a charming leader who got along well with the clients, the trekking crew as well as the locals. Great guide to have.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared of all types of weather where it is cool during the nights and evenings in the mountains on the trek . Once the trek is done you can do away with warm clothes as will be  hot and humid during the later part of the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

When it became clear we were having a great time regardless of the weather.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Albert is a superb group leader. He optimised our available options.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I recommend walking boots and packing some waterproofs.    

Most Inspirational Moment

Being the only group on the stunning Jinshangling section at 10am on a sunny morning before the tour groups arrived from Beijing. The views were spectacular, and the relative solitude was a great benefit of staying so close to the wall overnight. It felt like we had the whole wall to ourselves.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Kevin was excellent and a credit to his trade. Thoroughly professional in every way, he was also great company and did a fantastic job of organising everything for the group. He was also extremely knowledgable about the country, wall & Beijing and had an answer for any question that was directed at him!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack clothes for all seasons. It was pleasantly warm during the day, but got very cold at night out in the country. Don't change your money at the airport, as the commission is exorbitant. There are plenty of banks in Beijing which give far better rates. Make sure you have plenty of chopstick practice before you go. It makes mealtimes a far less complicated experience! 

Most Inspirational Moment

Impossible to say: Aya Sophia and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul; Cappadocia; the Roman ruins at Aspendos, Thermissos, Aphrodisias and of course Ephesus (especially the terrace houses); some of the exhibits in the museums at Aphrodisias and Antalya; the ruins of Hieropolis and the travertine steps at Pamukkale - all were memorable highlights of the holiday.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, as noted above.

Advice for Potential Travellers

No. Everything was as you would expect. At the time of year for our tour (April) it is as well to prepare for both cold times (we visited a frozen lake and were in deep snow) and warm (we swam in the sea). Also, if you have Euros they are widely accepted, prices often (irritatingly) being quoted in Euros.