Reviews

Fab cycling. Fab guiding

Simply lovely countryside and great cycling.
We had the most wonderful weather, food and drink!
Michaele, our guide, was diligent reliable, and fun. Three cheers for him and Susie in the van!

Our first Exodus trip, but it won't be the last..........

A great first trip, Cecile the group leader was excellent. Competent, calm, interested. A different type of walking each day. From hot up & down treks to ancient roman quarries to beautiful ridge walks with quiet, unspoilt gorge walks in between. Not sure I would describe it as “leisurely” – think moderate is more accurate.

Tough but rewarding

Based on previous reviews I thought this would be challenging but manageable for my abilities. Some but minimal cycling recently but good fitness base. It was definitely more difficult than some of the reviews suggest in particular day 1 is straight into some tough climbs which I struggled with but for the rest of the days I was able to manage quite well. Slower cyclist in my group-most of them regular cyclists with good speed but they were all super supportive throughout. All in all a great trip with a great support crew and very rewarding to complete the last day 🙂

A varied programme on this interesting island

A late May departure found the sun shinning and temperatures up to mid 20s plus which is the top end of my comfort zone for hill walking. We were very lucky to follow a wet spell of weather that brought the spring flowers out in profusion. Walks are not long but can be challenging due to the rocky terrain, so not one for the novice.
Highlights were:
The archaeology of the Nuragha people
The clear deep blue sea for swimming
Hotel S’Adde that was so welcoming, clean spacious rooms, plentiful good food and wine, and endless hot water!
A trip to Orgosolo to see the street art/murals on the free day

JOYOUS Japan

i have been fortunate in doing many trips around the world and i would say that Japan is one of the top 3 countries – why

the trip covers the old and extensive past history of Japan – from Shoguns (rather violent times but magnificent buildings, and beautiful artwork) to Hiroshima (moving), and the modern with Tokyo, a city of 13million, and clearly the inspiration for Blade Runner neon city (but without the fog)

Japanese people, polite, honesty, impeccable service (only place where you really want to leave a tip – but not allowed too as considered rude), always helpful to lost tourist. I have never visited a country where i have felt so safe at any time of the day

What to do soon

This was a trip of a life time in so many ways. It was a retirement present and a chance to prove we could still do it. It was a chance to see so many animals and different environments and to see a wonderful country determined to benefit from It’s wildlife while protecting this precious resource.
We were guided on the adventure by N’gand who was so knowledgeable and happy to share his love of the wild and his country. Melo, the cook, fed us amazing meals, whether in a layby on route or on an open fire in the bush, we were stuffed with fresh bread and tasty food. Timon and Derek just quietly work on our creature comforts putting up and striking tents, digging the “bushy bushy” and making sure that we were safe and left nothing behind except warm memories. We did games walks and drives and mokoro rides. We saw all the animals on our lists and more besides. Even the ” its just a bird” traveller began to appreciate the diversity out there. There were changes of plan, 2 punctures, one dead rear axle and so much late rain that the salt pans were lakes but all was dealt with so we hardly noticed with Nata being a good substitute, even if meeting other not so well behaved groups reminded us that bird watching needs quiet. It is a trip in the wild with dangers that we are not used to and we had total trust in our team that they would make it the best they could but keep us safe. The Falls are impressive and Zimbabwe provides time to recharge batteries (ours and cameras) as well as washing clothes.The group pulled together well, loading this arthritic pensioner in and out of the bus. We will keep in touch to share amazing photos and memories of this wonderful trip.

Spectacular and Perfectly Led Trip Round Sardinia

We have just finished the May cycling trip around the South east coast of Sardinia.
Although we were unlucky with some poor weather on the first few days; the quality and enthusiasm of our leader Michelle and his assistant Alesandro more than kept our spirits up. They really were superb and we couldn’t have hope for a more knowledgable and able team to show us around and help us up some of the steeper climbs.
There were however some low points; we did find that for the price of the trip the standard of the accommodation could have been better and also we would have expected some more dinners included.
But all in all we had a wonderful trip around this spectacular part of the island; and had a really lovely group to share it with.

Great experience

A special mention must go to the Hotel S’Adde for their warmth and hospitality in general but for their food in particular. I have dietary requirements and I usually expect to eat a limited range of food (and/or have to remind staff at every meal), especially when in a small town off the beaten track. But Michaela and her team had my diet nailed from day 1 and went above and beyond to produce fantastic, appetising alternatives every time. Frankly, you should have this as a USP in your marketing of this trip!

Walking in Sardinia

This was my first Exodus trio and I loved every minute of it. Having the opportunity to walk in rugged terrain with fabulous views and generally great weather, and being cheerfully cared for in a comfortable hotel made it a week to remember

Fantastic trip to China

A wonderful trip, packed with great sights and led by a fantastic guide Kangzhu.