Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The two day overnight walk into the mountains. The views of the mountains and the clouds below you were awesome.All the walks to the peaks were well worth the effort 

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had the slightly unusual situation that the leader was swapped part way through the trip. Both Ale and Sarah were excellent.Ale's easy going approach worked well on the longer walks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take snacks or buy them in the local supermarket. The breakfasts were basic and I was hungry early on in the trek each day. This is especially important for the overnighter. Whilst the evening meal was great, breakfast was toast and jam.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking the Great Wall of China, something I never thought I would achieve.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Emma was absolutely fabulous and couldn't do enough for the group. She worked tirelessly for 3 weeks never getting fazed or missing a beat. She is a credit to the company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just enjoy because you can't fail to. Don't take to much with you. You don't need anything more than shorts and flip flops. Even on mount Emie it was beautifully cool not cold. Oh and ensure you have wheels on your case.

Most Inspirational Moment

Although not included in the itinerary, I took the advice of an Exodus member of staff and booked on a flight over the Namib desert from Swakopmund. To say it took my breath away is an understatement, I haven't seen as much sand since the last time I sat through "Lawrence of Arabia"! Also, flying up the coast and seeing Swakopmund almost clinging onto Africa by its fingertips was pretty amazing. The best thing of all was that it only cost about £160 for two and a half hours which was very good value.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Steven's command of english wasn't bad but he did sometimes seem to be struggling to find the right words so it helped if you'd read the trip notes so you could help him along. He did, however, really know his job and he was very helpful in arranging the flight above, even to the extent of walking down to the travel agency with me.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Contrary to the impression given in the Trip Info, some of the driving days were very long and on at least one occasion we were erecting tents in darkness. Added to which the dirt roads become pretty punishing after a while so there were days which I endured rather than enjoyed. With regard to the camping, the tents were good and the food even better but be warned that it can still be very cold at night in August / September so pack accordingly.

Most Inspirational Moment

When the clouds cleared and we saw Mont Blanc for the first time. Just beautiful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Really knowledgeable. Interesting to talk to.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In my view there are only a couple of difficult days really, the rest can be long but are not too strenuous. I was worried it would be harder than it actually was.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking above the clouds in the morning after spending a night in Rifugio Battisti, on our way to Monte Cusna, the second highest mountain in Emilia Romagna, the peaks of distant hills seeming like islands above the sea of clouds...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara and Ale (Aleandro) were both excellent leaders. Sara was very organised and knows the area very well. Ale led most of the walks, and has a great sense of humour. He even carried a heavy bottle of Prosecco (as well as hundreds of biscuits) all the way up the mountain to Rifugio Battisti, to share with us to celebrate his birthday!

Advice for Potential Travellers

There a few slightly awkward sections of the trails that have wires/cables that you have to hold on to for extra security, but they're only short sections (perhaps 10-20 metres) and not at all technical. The walking is no more difficult than most Munro walks in Scotland.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first part was in the Amazon - the highlight was definitely after the long hike through the jungle to reach the lake, we spent a couple of hours in canoes, being gently paddled around the lake, and surrounded by butterflies, with them landing on us constantly.  Seeing monkeys and toucans as little turtles as well.  A fabulous day.The second part was the Inca Trail.  The first two days were the hardest physical challenge of my life, and the second two were full of fun and laughter with my new friends, whilst the pain was forgotten.  And when we arrived at Machu Picchu I couldn't help but cry with joy and relief at the beautiful sight of the ruins in the late afternoon sun.   We had worked hard and earned the view, and it was well worth it.Lastly, the brief stay on Amantani Island on Lake Titicaca was something else.  Having dinner in the evening and getting to know our host was special.  I felt like I'd really done something to help the local community.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Juan was superb.  He knew everything about everything.  With a degree in archeology there was nothing about the incas and other local empires he didn't know.  Plus his passion for all flora and fauna meant he was able to point out and name every animal and plant we saw.  Quite amazing.  And he had a great sense of homour too!Juan - thank you for making this trip unforgettable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't underestimate the Inca Trail, but if a desk potato like me can do it, so can you!Oh, and take blister plasters, even if you never get blisters, and clean socks for every day of the trail. Plus wet wipes are good, and hand cleanser.Take more clothes than you think you need for the jungle, and some detergent, as you'll end up taking 2 - 3 showers each day. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Freewheeling down to the Dead Sea in the warm breeze followed by a float! The spectacular views from The Monastery over the Rift Valley below Night under the stars in Wadi Rum

Thoughts on Group Leader

Most informative. Cycle leaders were the best, reassuring, entertaining and thoughtful, taking good care of us all the way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy every moment, go at your own pace and have a gel seat!

Most Inspirational Moment

First sight of the Matterhorn from a col

Thoughts on Group Leader

Warm, accomplished, highly experienced, confident with an easy relaxed style - but we still all knew who was in charge.  Right out of the top drawer.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Despite the bulk, try to take a substantial mat for sleeping on the hard ground.  Self-inflating but with a 5cm height would be preferable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sami is playful, intelligent, highly committed, proud of his country and his culture. He consistently exceeded what one would have expected from a group leader.  It was a privilege to spend time with him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I generally felt safer in Jordan than I do in Canada or America. Jordan demonstrates a level of hospitality and generosity we rarely encounter in the West. If you have any doubts about this trip, but feel like it might be something you’d like to experience, GO!There were more than enough blankets at the Wadi Rum camp, so if you’re tight for packing space you can ditch the sleeping bag, particularly at this time of year. I hadn’t realized just how toasty it can get in the South; Aqaba was 45 C due to a little heat wave. Drink lots, before you get thirsty. The heat and my asthma conspired to make some of the cycling in the desert difficult and I ended up riding the bus more than I would have liked, but the bus was always available and riding it was a positive experience in its own way. I arrived a week early to acclimatize and explore Amman. Despite what some guide books suggest, Amman is incredible and you can easily spend a week on foot in the downtown core just experiencing local culture, a mosaic of Jordanians, Palestinians, Syrians, and Iraqis.  I stayed at the Amman Pasha Hotel, which was cheap and wonderful and across the street from the Roman Amphitheater. The Exodus starting hotel is nice (with helpful staff, a pool and a gym), but in a somewhat isolated area. It’s ideal for the night before the start of the trip, but if you arrive early, you’ll find staying downtown a much richer experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Anna, our tour leader, was most knowledgeable about the history of the areas we visited and provided insights we otherwise might not have gleaned.   I know this suggestion will impact the price of the tour, but I think the ride leader needed help with this size group – perhaps an assistant.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a very active tour - moving to a new hotel each day, with several transfers - affording little downtime.  Recommend that you not bring a lot of, or big, luggage and be prepared for a busy tour.