Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Nothing really.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Spanish, excellent and spoke very good English. The advantage of having a native speaker leading the trail is obvious, he was able to advise on places to eat, menus and places to visit (not that there were many) and communicated well with locals and the various restauranteurs and hoteliers that we dealt with. He was always friendly and willing to please. Highly recommended.Jose (our leader) had to leave us on the Friday evening in order to lead another party (of cyclists) along "The Way", this left all day Saturday and Sunday until 1200 hours without a representative. Now, this wasn't really a problem but had anything gone astray, someone had an accident or one of the party had problems with, perhaps, the police, for example, then it could have been. I thought that we had paid for the whole package and that we should have received it!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walk is along farm lanes, forestry type tracks and pavements which are hard surfaces and are hard on the feet. One day was just over 20 miles and the next about 20 miles. All the walkers were experienced and most had trouble with feet, joints or muscles.One person had such trouble with his feet that he had to take a taxi 20 miles to see a doctor who, because of the state of his feet, banned him from continuing.I think that the week should be "stretched" by one day to reduce these distances to a more acceptable level and one which would be more comfortable and enjoyable. Whilst "The Way" is a pilgrimage of sorts it should still be enjoyable and fairly relaxed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing the erg chebbi sand dunes at sunrise. A millions miles away from anywhere overlooking the Bedouin camp - truly amazing and inspirational

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very informative, maybe a little pro-Berber but a magnificent guide - pay him more!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Beware some imperial city hotel rooms can be quite susceptible to outside noise. I.e. prayer calls, late night arguments outside local boozers, and dogs barking all night - ear plugs highly advised! Alcohol gel essential Desert is not as hot as you would expect, like a very hot Spanish summer day.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational part of the trip for us was visiting Sarajevo, our knowledge of Bosnian history was not very extensive, we now have a far greater understanding. The culture is interesting, the buildings in the old town are fascinating and it seems a friendly place. The visit to the war tunnel museum is something not to be missed. There were many things we enjoyed, the lunch with the farmers family was great, the walk by the river to the suspension bridge followed by lunch in a restaurant by the river. Kotor was great and the boat trip back to town enjoyable. The walk to the gorge was refreshing on the way down and hard work on the way back, but the lunch prepared by the family was eaten "al fresco" on a log on the grass behind their home - a great memory. The waterfalls were also really good and the tour leader got us there before anyone else so we had an uninterrupted view.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Laurence (Lorenc) was great, he welcomed us at the airport and tirelessly dealt with our needs, always answering questions and nothing was too much trouble. He always arranged restaurants at lunch and dinner (our expense) and they were always authentic or in a good location for a viewpoint, the view of Mostar bridge in the evening was particularly good. He was knowledgeable and helpful, he did extra things at his own expense e.g. sweets or fruit and gave them to All of us. When we did the arranged walks (two) he carried a large rucksack so that at the stops we had tea or coffee and something to eat. He went what I would call the extra mile, as an example he lives in Sarajevo and it would have been reasonable for him to leave us at the end of the day at our hotel, however he didn't, he arranged the restaurants and went with us on all three nights, returning to his family late in the evening. His English was excellent and his sense of humour was very very good, he made a big difference to the success of the holiday Our driver Suleman, was also really good, he didn't speak English but we conversed and he always made sure we were safe and our luggage was on board.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We went in May as we wanted to experience the spring flowers and full waterfalls following the spring / winter rain, we didn't however anticipate torrential rain. It didn't rain all the item but at some point each day (except for the last day in Dubrovnik) it rained, I would recommend that anyone travelling in May/ June takes waterproof jacket and trousers. The hotels are not of a high standard, the rooms can be small and on some occasions we didn't have a wardrobe. When we did have a wardrobe on some occasions we then didn't have coathangers. Sometimes there are no sink plugs and the towels may be worn and small. Don't expect UK standards and you will be OK, just smile and use it as an experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views

Thoughts on Group Leader

Stephanie was very knowledgeable and as stated above tried to cater to everyone.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Check out exactly what you will be walking, and make up of group. If you are a solo traveller I would advise a single room as rooms are not that big.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is difficult to single out any particular hike as each day was different and had spectacular views of the alpine scenery. However, the impromtu shoe shoeing on day 2 up to the Col de Balme was great fun which was added to the slightly altered itinery as some of the passes were still off limits due to too much snow/risk of averlances.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Simon made everyones holiday fun, and his sense of humour clearly stood out. He is a very competent montain leader with an approachable manner. However, the hosts of Chalet Chocolat John and Jayne also deserve a special mentioning as they made everyone feel at home and the food was really fantastic.  No special requests were too much,  not even stodgy porridge for breakfast as aked for by a certain Scotsman.

Most Inspirational Moment

I found parts of some of the walks a little challenging having trained mostly on the flat. However finishing the most challenging walk of the week-albeit the last to finish the warm welcome and congratulations I received from the group when I joined them in the bar at the end of a long day -and the realisation that I not only completed the walk I actually enjoyed it was a truly rewarding moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chris was great. He was encouraging and supportive on the walks and good company when we were more relaxed. His local knowledge was faultless.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are wondering if this is the holiday for you I would absolutely say-go for it. I really don't think you will regret it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Machu Picchu  and exploring the site was awe inspiring - be prepared for some serious walking up and down the terraces and up and down umpteen steps.  We were very fortunate to see at least 15 condors flying in Colca Canyon and one landed on a rock that was so close even my small digital camera took a reasonable photo.  I would recommend a very good camera with zoom lens fortunately a member of our group had one and has sent us the superb photo's he took of the condors, eagles, flamingoes and humming bird.

Thoughts on Group Leader

 Our Tour leader Marcial was excellent, a mind of information and nothing was too much trouble.  He took us to some excellent resturants where the food was first class and not too expensive.  Nothing was too much trouble

Advice for Potential Travellers

You will need to have a moderate fitness level to climb the Inca terraces. There is a 1hour hike to Amantani Village which is all up hill, anyone with knee joint problems will struggle with this part of the trip. What we saw of the Nazca Lines were disappointing and it was recommended that they be viewed from a light aircraft at an extra cost of $100 + 25 Soles airport tax.  Those that did the trip stated it was well worth doing.The flight is long and Air France seats are compact with very little leg room - try and get an aisle seat.US$ dollars travellers cheques can be difficult to exchange and the rate is very poor I would recommend exchanging the majority of your dollars into Soles

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention. The scenery, the people, the history, The exceptional well organised trip, with a good balance of pre arranged excursions and free time. The culture, The Italian Ice-Cream !!! Im addicted.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Exceptionally caring, fun, knowledgable, and went the extra mile. Passionate about her role, and an inspiration. She was amazing, and a very special person. Thank you.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, the walks tended to be more moderate than leisurely, with some really steep ascents and step climbing. Good walking shoes are essential. Avoid the sit down lunches that could be long and drawn out, Go into a bakery, order the local pastries, find somewhere nice, and walk or sit and soak up the ambience and culture.Have dinner with the group. Purchase the swimming shoes that are sold in abundance, to swim in the Adriatic Sea, as the beaches are stones not sand, if you are going in summer or at warmer times. And definitely do this trip, it is amazing !!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the town of Sospel was a highlight as well as seeing the WW2 bunkers.

Thoughts on Group Leader

She was awesome and I would love to take another walking trip with her as the guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring a pair of water shoes if you plan to swim in the Med as the beach is quite rocky.  If you plan to stay an extra day before/after the tour book directly through the hotel as it's quite a bit less expensive than booking through Exodus.  I used walking sticks and I was glad to have them.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment was seeing the panaramic views from the top of Mount Toubkal - it was so beautiful I felt quite emotional.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was fantastic. I felt I could totally trust him and felt safe with him. Whilst our safely was his main concern he also entertained us with his local knowledge, impressive language skills and great sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it!