Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of Cavagrande del Cassibile, one of the deepest canyons in Europe in blistering heat - using only pedal power, to be rewarded by a wonderful picnic lunch prepared by Davide and the minibus driver, Giuseppe.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Davide was spot on for this trip. He gave us all confidence in our abilities to enable us to get the most out of the trip. His passion and love for Sicily was evident throughout, an amazing ambassador for his island. There can't be enough hours in the day for all the things Davide sorted out - restaurants, transfers, bike changes - nothing was too much trouble. And what a great sense of humour - he loved learning new English idioms and trying to use them on a daily basis.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for heat and hills - the rewards will far outweigh the effort! Be prepared to try new foods - the flavours are vibrant and bold. Be prepared to cycle in traffic - the group leader will ensure you are safe. Go for an e-bike if you are not confident - it would be a shame to miss out on this awesome trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the jaguar.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tony was worth his weight in gold!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would not recommend this trip.

Suggestions

This is the first Exodus where I felt it was jot good value for money or well thought out.

Most Inspirational Moment

Must take the day trip to Famagusta and Dalamis!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be ready for hot weather.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me as an interested amateur wildlife photographer I have to say that the most inspirational moment was getting such great shots of the orangutans in Sumatra. Wildlife can never be guaranteed but we were very lucky to see as may as we did . I also got some wonderFul shots of the Komodo dragons and Thomas leaf monkeys.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Elly was a fantastic leader and was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about her country and its nature. Nothing was too much trouble for her and she was always concerned about our well being. Elly always took us to great restaurants that she had checked out beforehand. .

Advice for Potential Travellers

I bought my visa on arrival at Medan airport with no problems whatsoever. I chose to change some currency before I got there and was able to pay in IDR though I think a colleague paid in euros. There is a fair bit of climbing both in the jungle and temples so a walking stick(s) are handy . I was provided with a bamboo stick for the jungle. I only went on 3 hour walks into the jungle . I heard that the 6 hour walk was considerably more strenuous with not much more to be gained in terms of wildlife sitings.

Suggestions

In addition to the wildlife aspect , we got to visit some temples and meet local people and school children on the village walks as well as scuba diving from the boat . I came home with over 1300 photos …… there was plenty to see see artistically, culturally, spiritually , architecturally and of course wildlife wise . I would love to return and maybe visit another island and the lovely people in Indonesia.

Most Inspirational Moment

Lots to choose from but the optional trip to Famagusta stands out for me. So interesting!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gizer is an excellent group leader. He is very knowledgeable and he brings alive the various sites visited with his explanations and stories. He is very caring and considerate, and goes the extra mile to ensure every member of the group has everything they want and need. His evening meetings by the pool bar, provide a great chance to chat about the day you've had and to make sure everyone knows what to expect and what to take for the next day. He kindly provided a trip to Nicosia on the last day which was fascinating and so much better then ‘kicking our heels’ before the late flight back.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's VERY hot in September, we had mid to high 30s most days which I found a bit too hot for walking. Take some lira (or get it from the ATM) as it’s useful especially for tips and the odd extra drink at mealtimes, however cards are also widely accepted.

Suggestions

This is a brilliant trip, staying in a really lovely hotel. The trip content is the perfect mix of walking and sightseeing

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing all the vineyards with the Glera grapes was beautiful. The walking was good and often went through the vineyards.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Vania was wonderful. She was always mindful of each individual in the group and made sure all travellers could participate. She had a lovely sense of humour and made sure there was a bar with Prosecco at the end of most walks so we could appreciate the Prosecco Hills fully!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take walking poles. The trip is described as leisurely. However, there are parts on loose stones and some walks had very steep climbs. Walking poles are essential, as some of our party tripped on some paths.

Most Inspirational Moment

Having lunchtime meals in villages in Montenegro and Bosnia. getting to see the welcome from the local families.

Thoughts on Group Leader

It was Fatima's first solo lead and she had to cope with two trips to A&E to help travelers who got sick or injured - a baptism of fire. She was understandably nervous but determined we should all have a great time. Her personal passion for Bosnia and all that it has gone through in recent times shone through and made the trip very memorable - reminding us of the challenges of the conflicts of the recent past.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some longish days in the bus but worth it for the scenery. The first day after pick up from airport you do go back into Bosnia Herzogovina for a lunch stop - it does not take cards and there was no ATM near by so we had to borrow some local currency from Fatima - please remember to pay her back!

Suggestions

We loved the walking opportunities - spectacular scenery and good paths - particularly near Lukomia. Any chance for an extension there - perhaps to walk back to meet the bus down the road - would be excellent- but we do recognise this is not a walking holiday. Some of the walks around towns were very hot - take water and a hat!

Most Inspirational Moment

The Islamic art & architecture was absolutely stunning, enhanced by the pure scale. It was full of wonder, beauty & awe as the history of the buildings were told. It would be wrong to select one place which was more outstanding than the others as they all had their individual characteristics, history and beauty. Kyrgyzstan was the most memorable and fascinating to visit as it was probably the most unknown. The Russian influence is intertwined in the daily lives of the people together with the diversity of the people & their culture. It is very traditional, hard for many as it follows an ‘old’ pattern of life. The country is very rural with beautiful snow capped mountains and plains. It was refreshing and a privilege to experience different aspects including sleeping and eating in a yurt, and hunting with eagles.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our two leaders Vitaliy, for the first week and Dilshod for the second week were both excellent. They had a very in-depth knowledge and understanding of the history and culture of the countries visited. Their delivery was excellent as they shared the love they have for their countries and people. They both had the same message of wanting to share their beautiful countries and their cultures with us. They were both aware of different needs within the group making the whole experience accessible to all. Their timings and planning were impeccable delivering a wide range of activities and sights.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip is full on with little time for resting which we expected. The food is quite different with a lot of meat, and dishes, courses served at different times. It was a real local experience and good fun exploring cuisines with many cultural influences. English is not widely spoken but with help from the leaders it was fine. There was very little internet as we travelled but the coaches did have wi fi. Charging points on the coaches would have been useful as phones soon ran out of charge taking so many photos. The temperature range was wide high from 31c+ down to 5c at night in the mountains so come with layers but not too many as travelling on the lighter size is more manageable. It was easy to change currency as you moved between the countries and both guides made sure you had opportunities to change money. We took dollars plus a credit card as a reserve. Credit cards were generally accepted in the towns/cities visited.

Suggestions

We had a very good group of 14 which was a perfect size.

Most Inspirational Moment

Competing the ride and hearing the much longed for words of “no more hills!” More seriously the first day of riding in Golden Gate NP, very peaceful and an abundance of wild life.

Thoughts on Group Leader

They were excellent, knowledgeable, helpful and supportive. Amazing how they could ride all day and then start making meals and setting camps.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack rehydration sachets as the ones you can get in SA don’t taste great.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting within the national park on the hillside at dusk in pure silence, watching the clouds move, the colours of the sky change and waiting for animals to emerge from the woods made me feel incredibly small and lucky to be able to be immersed in nature this way.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andrea was fantastically knowledgeable about nature, trees and the region. He was very welcoming and made sure he spent time walking with everyone to get to know each group member.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The refuge is in a place that can only be reached by foot and is special for that very reason. No phone reception, just fresh air and beautiful views. Wildlife is also elusive - be prepared to enjoy the time it may take to see iconic species (and then only, if you are lucky)!

Suggestions

The day with the experts from Rewilding Apennines added extra context about why what they were doing to protect the land was so important. In the days before we arrived, a mother bear had been shot by a farmer in a local village. The challenge of humans co-existing with wildlife is very real in this part of the world, and it was so interesting to hear from the team first hand.