Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The sense of achievement of cycling up the ascents and the beautiful views all the way up and from the top.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Erlis (Rizvanolli) was a phenomenal leader. He had the perfect balance of being caring and being chilled. I think he is one of life's genuinely really lovely human beings. What an asset he is to Exodus and a fantastic ambassador for his country which he clearly loves.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I took my own pedals and cleats which I think in hindsight was a mistake. The bikes provided aren't road bikes, they're hybrid bikes by necessity and I fund my chain sometimes came off unexpectedly, so its a bit dangerous when you're clipped in as you could fall before you can release your feet. I changed the pedals back to clipless after a bit and found this a much better and safer arrangement. Also take layers as it can get chilly as you climb. Take a few energy gels or bars as I got a bit hungry.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably the (optional) walk at the top of Mt Etna with stunning views. And, although I wouldn't describe it as inspirational, we really enjoyed the cookery lesson - and eating the results!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rosario was friendly, helpful and knowledgable, ensuring everyone got the best out of the trip. As the only vegetarian/pescatarian on the trip, he had made sure that the organisers of the scheduled food tastings and activities (such as the cookery lesson) were prepared with suitable options for me.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travel light - there are lots of opportunities to purchase food and drink to take home so you'll need room in your suitcase.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking the Great Wall Giant Panda breeding research base

Thoughts on Group Leader

Peter was very knowledgable and organised. He always had a smile on his face. He organised a cake and celebrations for my husband’s birthday. Alan still talks about the longevity noodles. Thanks Peter.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Well worth the effort and hassle of getting a visa.

Most Inspirational Moment

I would say the most inspirational was the sense of accomplishment after reaching the summit of Monte Sumbra on Friday.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara is a fascinating person whom we felt very confident with at all times. She's very professional at all times and also was considerate to everyone in the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be sure to bring adequate hiking boots and gear and be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. And bring a sense of adventure and willingness to get along with a variety of people!

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk to Castello Rosso and the Roman columns and the lovely relaxed and friendly atmosphere on an island that doesn't appear to have changed for centuries.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Having Thanos with you, is like having a walking Google with you. His knowledge is incredible and his "elevenses" are delicious, not that we really needed them as the food throughout the trip was amazing. Thanos couldn't do enough for us and his enthusiasm was infectious. Having been to Paphos in Cyprus many years earlier, I had tasted "tourist menus" and didn't particularly like Greek food. This was an entirely different experience. Everything tasted wonderful. Don't think you will lose weight or even come back at the weight you started the holiday, unless you have got a will of iron. You will definitely have to diet when you come home. I can guarantee you will come back around half a stone heavier! The days really aren't long enough to fit in the great breakfast, Thanos's "elevenses" treat, the foot long lunch roll, the evening's five plus assorted starters, the main course and then the sweet !

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are going in April, my advice would be to take waterproof trousers as one day in particular, during our walk, it rained throughout. I would also recommend taking gaiters if you have delicate skin below the knees, as some of the gorse really scratches even though you may be walking in long trousers.

Most Inspirational Moment

We enjoyed the archaeology and caves as a balance to the lovely walks. The mountain flowers were just as I hoped to see in the wild,

Thoughts on Group Leader

Knowledgeable and experienced, communicated well and demonstrated flexibility to account for changing weather.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take full bad weather gear this is hill country

Most Inspirational Moment

The most amazing sights were the Ballestas Islands, the Nazca Lines and, of course, Machu Picchu. The second visit to Machu Picchu gave me the chance to explore it all over again at my leisure.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I found the easiest way to cope with extremes of altitude (ie warmth and coldness) was to dress in layers. Also to have plenty of snacks handy for the long, long drives.

Most Inspirational Moment

To walk out in the morning with bird song, and mists till the sun broke through.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alfonso gave attention to all of us. Personal and physical support. A really kind and helpful man who loves his job.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Change your footwear and socks frequently. Don’t worry if you walk slowly. Take your time. You will make it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Tackling my fear of heights, did a couple of scrambles, walked through a stunning canyon with a properly vertical drop, a good few metres down, but the group and guide were great, really looked after me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nacho was great, really entertaining, spoke a lot about the history of the area and very considerate to the not so able members of the group, possibly to the detriment of the fitter people within the group as it was hard to walk at our own pace, but this is a minor detail.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walk is graded as a moderate 3, but in my opinion it was slightly more difficult in certain places, possibly a 3-4, which some of the group struggled with. Oh and take some ear plugs, most of the cows have bells which can get a bit tiresome when your trying to sleep at night, but please do not be put off by this.

Most Inspirational Moment

We loved the 2 days hiking in Petra, there is so much to see. However, we felt that Wadi Rum was perhaps more inspirational ....if only the dust clouds had behaved and allowed us to have a sunset.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ibrahim was excellent. Very friendly and knowledgeable and really understood how to manage a diverse group without being heavy-handed in any way at all. He struck the right balance of being informative without overloading us with facts. He is a real asset to Exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The climb to St Catherine's monastery is pretty daunting at 800 steps in hot weather but don't allow this to put you off the trek on day 2 at Petra, which is easier and spectacular.