Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The cloud inversion and breathtaking views from Mt Toukbal and the optional summitting of Ouanakrim on our summer solstice with its isolation and equally jaw dropping panorama while watching the incredible dawn track us on our ascent.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lahcen our leader was incredible. He was there for absolutely everyone on the trip, the novice to the experienced mountaineer. To watch him enable the least confident to flourish and for all to reach way beyond their own personal goals was humbling. His pacing was spot on, slowing the potential 'bolters' from burning out and thereby encouraging us all to acclimatise slowly so that no one felt excluded from the chance of getting to the top. People made their own decisions on summitting Ouanakrim, two 4000m peaks in 24 hours with 03:30 am starts or similar is not for all but Lahcen ensured the decision was our own. His local knowledge was incredible and we felt safe at all times with his skills and acute perception of any struggling. A true leader and mountaineer.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some basic camping and toilet facilities. The heat and destination meant some of us needed the odd emergency stop by a boulder (shrubs are very scarce at altitude) so forget the shyness. Take some hand sanitiser. The fitter you are the easier it will be. You will be 'carrying' yourself upwards in heat and at altitude and despite any pacing 'extra baggage' is 'extra baggage' ! Embrace the wilderness ,the cameraderie of working as a group and remember everyone of the group wants to have the chance to get to the top . We found our filter water bottles extremely useful, we were guided on which streams to use, plastic disposal is a big problem for any country.

Most Inspirational Moment

I really enjoyed the high level walk in the pre-Alps with great views of the Dolomites, the fine sunny weather, the great Italian food and also learning all about Prosecco.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Serena was a really great leader and host, looking after the group with great thought and care. Really liked all the little touches - she even selected the music playlist on the bus to suit the day / occasion!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Late June it was really hot on some of the walks, so be prepared for that if travelling at that time of year! Most places were away from the main tourist areas of Italy so very pleasant and uncrowded. Day trip to Conegliano on the free day made a great alternative to visiting Venice.

Most Inspirational Moment

After studying Vesuvius and Pompei as a Child this was the highlight for me getting walk to the very top of Vesuvius with a local Vulcanologist where 99% of tourists are not aloud to go was a dream come true the view were amazing .Pompei and Herculaneum were oustanding the guides we had brilliant and brought the two cities alive with the history and stories of the poor victims we saw

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vania was oustanding right from the 1st day she made sure we were all okay on the walks ,let us walk at our own pace and never rushed us.We had plenty of stops to rest and have water as the heat and humidity were a hinderance especially on the 1st day .She brought the group o together and was a great tour leader and couldn't do enough for you . A beautiful caring Young Lady and she helped make the trips one of the best ive done with Exodus

Most Inspirational Moment

Swimming in the mountain lakes was pretty special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both our guides were excellent, and worked really hard to ensure we had a good time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of insect repellent, and a sandwich box would also be helpful.

Most Inspirational Moment

Day 2 when we ended up at a lovely beachside taverna for lunch followed by a swim was a great way to start. But, I enjoyed all the walks, hard to pick a favourite. This was my first time in Athens too, so great to see the Acropolis.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cecile was an excellent group leader, very easy to get along with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

day 2 walk - take flip flops/wet shoes, as the beach you end up in (which is lovely) has stones that are quite painful to walk on (if you want to have a swim), and burning hot too if you are there in summer! days 3/4 walks - wear long trousers, the gorse is quite scratchy on your calves. The hotel is basic, but it's fine, and a great location (beach over the road), so dont let the two stars put you off going on this trip. Athens - if you want to see the acropolis AND the associated museum, you will not have time to do both on the day trip, advise getting in a day early or a day late if you wish to do both. It's easy to get into Athens and back to the airport using the metro, and there are facilities in the airport to store your luggage, if you just get an earlier flight on day 1.

Most Inspirational Moment

All of it i loved every single part all amazing and breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wilmer was the best tour guide i have ever had! I have done many many tours and wilmer was by far the best. Her was funny and helpful and his knowledge of peru was so brilliant. I learnt more than i ever imagined.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The inca trail is tough but once you have climbed the final OMG steps you realise just how worth it the hike and climb was!!

Most Inspirational Moment

As a wild flower and especially Orchid lover, the Flora was breathtaking. The unspoilt countryside, meadows and alpine regions were packed full of so many species. Swimming in Kravica waterfalls was an experience never to be forgotten. The walk towards the Rakitnica canyon,views and lunch with one of the main village families sitting out in the open is a memory that will stay with me for a long time

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alen our group leader was over and above anything I could have asked for. He was extremely knowledgeable, interesting and great fun - even his jokes!! Nothing was to much trouble for Alen and he went out of his way to make this a truly memorable holiday. One of our group unfortunately broke his leg at the end of a hike. Alen’s knowledge of making a temporary splint, staying calm and organised and still managing to make sure we were all looked after was very impressive. What a guy and a man of many talents.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do make sure you have suitable foot ware for rougher terrain. The walk down to the Rakitnica canyon was rugged in some parts and some of the cobbled streets are slippery with so much footfall especially Mostar. We made the mistake of arriving at Kotor on day one after a long journey from Dubrovnik and crossing borders etc and went out exploring immediately. This wasn’t necessary as we had a guided tour the next day. It may be a good idea to walk up the steps to St John’s Fortress for panoramic views. This needs to be done earlier or later in the day because of the heat.

Most Inspirational Moment

Exchanging emails with you guys

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was under too much pressure

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, avoid it, use Exploor, Intrepid or Tucan instead

Most Inspirational Moment

For me the 2 days of cycling in the Lahemaa National Park, Estonia right at the start of the holiday. Beautiful coastal, woodland and farming scenery, quiet roads and cycle trails, and a stay on a historic mansion in the country.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andrius was the consummate host, cheerful, welcoming and willing to go the extra mile to ensure everyone on the trip got the best out of their holiday. His stories about the histories of the 3 countries and of growing up during a time of massive change as they regained independence brought the realities of life alive. His suggestions as to where to stop for meals, and where to eat in the evening were (with one exception) excellent, while his mini-tours of the 3 capitals and Tartu were informative and really helpful, allowing people to orientate and thereafter explore themselves. He also gave the group options as to routes so we had an excellent city cycling tour of Vilnius rather than a less interesting route.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a good insect repellent (and anti-histamine) as Baltic mosquitoes and other biting insects are voracious. None of the hotels where we stayed have sink plugs, so carry a universal one. Make sure you have cash in low denomination notes. A number of the places where we stopped only accepted cash. Cash is available from ATMs in the cities. Take some fruit or bread,from the breakfast buffet, in your pannier in case you need an energy boost.

Most Inspirational Moment

The final day of trekking (day 11) when we lunched by the Jerveca Lakes; criss crossed the borders between Montenegro and Albania; scrambled up rocks and across snow; coped with the very long steep scree downhill; ate wild strawberries; delighted, as always in the incredible views and fantastic flowers; found bear scat - all with the backdrop of the Accursed Mountains.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bleard Y was a very good leader of people. He was friendly, supportive, on time with departures, good information in the briefings, good sense of humour. Very interesting person because of his Albanian military profession.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Agree on one person to collect all tips on day 2 (when you have recovered from the short overnight on day 1, but before you leave the guesthouse on the morning of day 3). That person should then consult with the group leader ON ARRIVAL into each guesthouse/hut, to find out what to tip the guesthouse for that night, and the driver/horsemen/local guide the following day. No need for a sleeping bag - just an inner sleeping bag. No need for sterilising tablets etc as good water is readily available. Get very few leks. If vegetarian, bring own interesting food. Bring Vit C tablets/dried fruit.