Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

We had several jaguar encounters but the most special was a female jaguar walking along a beach in the last 15 mins of our final boat trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Juan was exceptional, he was bubbling with enthusiasm and organised as many nature excursions as time allowed, running multiple nature walks each day as well as night safaris. His knowledge of the wildlife was second to none and he was an integral part of our success rate with both jaguars and other wildlife.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The airport at Sao Paolo can be confusing so ensure you check bags in on the ground floor when booking on for Cuiaba. Not all EU or US adapters fit and so check your adapter has pins like a shaver not a large circle connecting the two pins as some airport sold ones have. You can buy an adapter at the airport in Cuiaba The hotel and both lodges are happy to take Credit Cards for payment and prefer it to cash. Long trousers and long sleeves are a good idea due to horseflies during the day / sandflies or mosquitos at night. The boat rides are often in full sun as using covers restricts viewing. There are no UK style black tea bags so take your own as hot water is provided.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views were spectacular and inspirational every day but the defining moment for me was the 5th day ascent to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme. It was the longest and most difficult climb of the trip and making it to the top was a defining moment for me personally. All of the people in my group were supportive of each other the whole entire week and some life long friends were made.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We could not have asked for a better group leader. Hristian was knowledgeable about the area, the terrain, each day's challenges, the history and so much more. His extensive experience was very evident and comforting. His friendly, calm demeanor made everyone feel comfortable and he made sure to keep the pace suitable to everyone in the group. Hris truly went over and above for me and the others in the group. The best example is when he carried the packs of 2 of us so that we could make the final cable car of the day down on day 5! His ever present smile and his sense of humor made my experience one I will never forget! Our group became a family for the week and we can thank Hris for that!

Advice for Potential Travellers

TRAIN, TRAIN, TRAIN!! Follow the training guidelines at a minimum and do not pack or plan to carry anything that is not absolutely essential for the 6 days. Slow down and enjoy the beauty of the people and the scenery that surround you every day!

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to easily choose between (eg. the Darvaza gas crater in Turkmenistan, the Islamic architecture & decor in Uzbekistan, Iskanderkul lake in Tajikistan) but if I had to pick one it would be the time spent at Son Kul lake in Kyrgyzstan. Stunning scenery, remote location, fresh air and starry skies free of light pollution. Add to that a chance to walk in the wilderness, sleeping in comfortable yurts and excellent food and you have a perfect experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jordan oversaw the whole trip professionally and was always approachable to help get things sorted out. Each country had its own local guide and all were very good, although those in Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan went above and beyond in providing the best service.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The travelling can be gruelling at times, with long days in the bus from time to time. But more than made up for by the destinations. The border crossings were occasionally frustrating as unnecessary bureaucracy kicks in - we had our passports checked by six different border staff on a couple of occasions! Watch out also for some of the locals pushing in the passport control queues, but if you develop a group strategy to shield you, you'll be fine!

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery in the farmlands and the medieval villages.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the rugged coastline of Sardinia and the beautiful coves and beaches.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Súper nice and fun to be with. They were very helpful and attentive.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It was. Very hot do the trip later in September or October!

Most Inspirational Moment

The best days on the trip were Monte Cofano, the island of Levanzo and the cable car trip to Eriche. I went by taxi on the free day to the salt museum in Trapani which I'd recommend. If you want to go to some of the other wildlife salt flats on an organised trip you need to book that before you get to Trapani !

Thoughts on Group Leader

Benoit is competent but at times seemed badly organised, leaving things rather late to sort . He doesn't come from the area and was out of date not having been since the Spring so didn't know about the impact of the wildfires and had never been to the hotel we used in Trapani. The wildfires in July have burnt Monte Monaco so that walk wasn't possible though we were only told that when the coach arrived there and the guide saw it for himself. Instead we had a longer bus trip to the far end of the Zingaro coastal path and did a shorter walk , which turned out to be very similar to the second day which was a bit disappointing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You can fly direct to Palermo from Luton , Stansted and Heathrow so you don't have to stick to the Group flights from Gatwick though Exodus didn't seem to know this when I booked. I went with EasyJet from Luton and the flights were pretty much on time. There is also a very good airport bus service( regular and reliable) from the Port at Trapani back to Palermo in 1 hour 10 mins for under EUR 10 so don't get stung by the extortionate transfer cost Exodus quote on booking for non group flight members (they quoted me £199 !). The trip notes suggest all the transport is by private vehicle. In Trapani we also used public buses and taxis. The public buses are cheap but not very frequent and take a very slow route into town. The rocky beaches are small and can be busy and you need aqua shoes or sandals to enter the sea. The sandy beaches are very busy and rather spoilt by lots of back to back sun beds and sunshades. It can be quite windy . The Scirocco winds impacted on a couple of days. The walking isn't hard but some of it is in the heat of the day and some of the group found it too rocky underfoot so you need to wear proper boots. I stayed in Palermo before the trip and would recommend a couple of days there if you like history.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved meeting the villagers in Suroth riding on the back of the camel cart and the Maharaja's palace with the wresting and guide by the son. Also the Taj Mahal. However, every expedition was excellent and smoothly arranged.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Naveen was an excellent leader. Everything was smooth. He was easy to understand and always had time to answer questions.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk up Monte Cesen was the most scenic and the rolling hills in Valdobbiadene.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vania was a super star - Andiamo!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Follow the exodus trip notes and you wont be disappointed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Taking in the vast natural beauty of glaciers, mountain peaks, waterfalls ... and making it to the end of each day's hike, happily!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Mike was superb - knowledgeable, confident and encouraging, with a good sense of humor, and most importantly: he exuded an added measure of leadership and competence the day we had especially challenging conditions of snow, sleet, hail, white-out, and slippery rocks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Training pays off! The training guide on the Exodus Travels website is helpful. The weather is unpredictable - we had several very hot days, rain and then a day of snow, sleet and hail, so pack for all possibilities.