Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Inspirational Animal There were many great sights in the trip, and mine in particular were the sloths. I have always had a love of these peculiar creatures and they did not fail my expectations. Inspirational Place Monteverde was one of the many places I enjoyed in the trip, as this was an opportunity for me to go zip lining. This is an activity that I have never done before, and having the opportunity to go through 13 zip wires which made this place all the more inspirational. Walking along the hanging bridges were almost serene in overlooking the green canopies of the rainforests, and the vast amount of trees spreading out for what seemed like miles and miles into the distance. We also visited the hummingbird garden where I had the opportunity to let hummingbirds hand on my hand whilst they fed from their feeders, which I had never experienced anything like that previously and it was a privilege to have had that opportunity.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The trip leader was Johnny, and he did an excellent job with our group. He had a fountain of knowledge of the country. Johnny would explain the different kinds of eco tourism and politics surrounding the country with the economic changes, and how the protection of the rainforests and national parks were formed. Our coach driver Mario definitely deserves to be mentioned also, as he was great at spotting wildlife whilst driving to our destinations, and handled our bags and luggage efficiently throughout the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Embrace the rain. You will get wet, just prepare for it. A DSLR camera with 70-400MM zoom will be possibly the best option for this trip if you are into your photography. If your into the night walks, take a good bright torch to get the photos of the animals were a flash cannot be used. There are two main places to get laundry done: Manuel Antonio and Savegre, if you need laundry sooner ask about it in La Fortuna with your guide. Meat lovers: at La Fortuna, go to the steak restaurant Nene's Restaurant and order the Rib Eye! You will not be disappointed.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many, but two deserve a mention. Firstly, our stay in at the Casa Sinai in Trinidad, this establishment was run by a young lady called Jenni. It was beautifully appointed, with en-suite rooms, with a roof terrace and dining area. The whole family made us very welcome. The food both breakfast and evening meal (optional) was the best we had whilst in Cuba. The evening meal started with vegetable soup, then a fruit and avocado platter, followed by lobster salad and loin of pork with tradition black beans & rice (both, big enough for two) with a side platter of vegetables and finally a large slice of caramel tart for desert . On the final morning a sumptuous breakfast was ready for us on the terrace at 6am ( still dark). This is where we gifted some of our pens pencils and to Jenni's young daughter for her primary school. Later in the tour en-route to Santiago de Cuba. Jose our guide found a very small (two roomed) school in a less than prosperous rural area where we were able to donate our remaining pens, coloured pencils, writing materials and packets of bonbons to the children. These very poor children were so well behaved they sat and listened quietly as their teacher explained that these Lycra clad strangers had brought gifts for them and their school from across the sea. No one broke rank, we just received eager grins from the 15 or so pupils. How different from their counterparts in the UK!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose, was a good leader and cyclist. He was enthusiasm was infectious and he melded well with his two driver colleagues. He took great pains to explain the social structure within Cuban society, as expected he maintained the 'party-line'. He was obviously aware that there were shortfalls which he was powerless to change in particular that of the "Playa Largo" debacle. Where he insisted "you will really like the beach at this hotel" before we arrived. Jose did his best for us, and used his influence when he could. His summaries of the days events and terrain expected were accurate. Although his presentational style somewhat disorganised, occasionally leaving the group to decode in what order the events were likely to occur. Definitely organisation Cuban style! Moreover we never received the promised customer survey forms for our stay at the Casas in Trinidad.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We would recommend taking your own gel-saddle, or failing that a good quality gel-cover. this together with padded cycling pants will make life tolerable. Good quality cycling mittens, to reduce stress on the hands. It is very hot! If you haven't got a 'camel-back' take at least two water bottles, the cycle mechanic will fit a second bottle carrier for you. A small handlebar bag ( for camera, binos & wet-gear) saves wearing a backpack and stay cool.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are just so many moments to choose from...I'd have to select the Inca Trail. I'm not the most fit person, so to say that I've successfully hiked this trail and survived Dead Women's pass is a pretty big moment for me. Also the Inca sites along the trail and of course Machu Picchu was amazing!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tomas was very knowledgeable and really encouraged responsible tourism, which is greatly appreciated. He made sure everything ran smoothly while making the trip fun. He called us a family and we really were one by the end of the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For the Inca Trail, you really do have to prepare for any weather. We opted for a hotel night 4, and it was the best decision! A bed and hot shower after 4 days of hiking felt great! Also, have good hiking shoes, waterproof. We hiked in the rain and many of us had soaked socks.

Most Inspirational Moment

Matera was the highlight of the trip. Unknown to us before the trip, but an incredibly interesting place.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marinella was a fantastic group leader. She was a local, who loved her region and knew a lot about it. She was very enthusiastic and clearly enjoyed her job. Nothing was too much trouble for her and the extra touches, that she added, made the trip for us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip notes are accurate.

Most Inspirational Moment

Game drives in Chobe and Moremi.

Thoughts on Group Leader

On the whole very good.

Most Inspirational Moment

Most inspirational moment? - Freewheel cycling 5 KM downhill in blissful sunshine and fresh morning breeze in a stretch of the lush green Topes de Collantes National Park, from the beautiful Lake Hanabanilla. Pure elation! Sadly our last bike journey of the trip before returning to Havana.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yasel was a real star and key to the whole success of the trip. His knowledge of Cuban history, geography, culture, politics, and culinary delights made it a stimulating week of learning and fun. Always aware of striking the right balance of keeping us to schedule but also able to adapt and improvise if external conditions or requests from the group needed or could be accommodated. He and our driver and mechanic made it so easy for us to just enjoy the whole experience. Even down to laying on a shower of cold water (flagen of cold water poured on our heads) at the top of some of the more challenging hills.)

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go! Be flexible to try new things, don't make comparisons to other holidays/hotels/meals you've experiences and enjoy the charm, beauty of Cuba and its people as it is today, maybe a unique time in its history. Also I found it good to do a bit of pre reading on the country's history before I went. Its also given me incentive to read more now that I'm back.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first view of Petra through the gap in the rocks. Followed closely by the guided high walk the following day which enabled us to look down on the Treasury. But there were other delights, like the experience of floating in the Dead Sea, riding camels and snorkling over the Red Sea fringe reefs and seeing all those amazingly colourful fishes and coral.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Knowledgeable, enjoyed having fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This may be as a result of the recent incidents at Sharm el-Shiekh- but exiting customs there was a lot of confusion and random decisions made by security about products like Dead Sea mud facial packs and Dead Sea Crystals. Allowed through for some people and not for others. Might be best to purchase from dutyfree or alternatively stow in hold luggage. It may be wise for group leader and group airport escort to remind before checking in.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walk up from ABC onto the ridge overlooking the glacier.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant. Every aspect of the trip was covered by him. Always one step ahead. Very sociable, amicable but most of all professional.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't pack too many clothes. Travel light but use good quality kit.

Most Inspirational Moment

The day we cycled through the desert landscapes surpassed all expectations.

Most Inspirational Moment

The sounds and colours of the flora and fauna.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Amazing! Johnny was the best ever Exodus tour guide we have had. He has a vast amount of knowledge- wildlife, geography, politics etc,basically anything we were interested in. He shares willingly without overwhelming his guests with information by talking too much or too fast. As consummate professional we felt privilaged to have him as our guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You will be hot and sticky, and as others have said, things do not dry. Lightweight clothing is essential. Don't forget you are near the equator so take extra strong sun block. It rains! We had everything, poncho, cagoule and a brolly and used them all!