Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Making it across Chapmans Peak and then relishing the stunning views and swooping downhills on the other side.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tallis was first class and especially adept at managing the varying skill and fitness levels of the participants so that the strugglers like me were able to complete 99% of the distance, while the fitter folks had the opportunity to do their thing as a faster pace or over a longer distance.He and Sufiso made an excellent team: between them they cooked for us just brilliantly, ironed out any issues with accomodation and generally created a situation which could get on and enjoy the trip with them taking care of all the hassle.  Very grateful, guys!

Advice for Potential Travellers

My fitter friends may disagree, but to my mind this trip is at the more challenging end of Moderate.  Don't let that put you off, if like me you are knocking on a bit, but spend a few more hours working on your fitness level before you leave.  You will be amply rewarded for the extra effort....Bottom line: it's a great trip, just go for it!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Where do I start, Cycling through busy Indian Cities was exciting, cycling through small villages was an experience you cannot forget. The historic buildings were excellent. Divali Party was great.Most of all, the Taj Mahal lives up to your expectations 

Thoughts on Group Leader

I have always found Exodus group leaders to be top class. On this occasion a new standard has been set, I cannot describe just how good Sanjay and Harish were. Along with our driver, 'bike boy' and bus attendent they were perfect and it felt like we were leaving old friends when we left.I have read previous reviews that rated Indian Group Leaders very highly. They are simply the best.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

Constant washing of hands with gel made for no upset stomachs for the large majority of the group.Be prepared for 6am wake up calls, bags packed by 6.30, breakfast and start cycling.The cycling even on the longest days is not difficult and the pace is leisurely. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Highlights, as expected, were Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, the Colca Canyon (to see the Condors), and visiting the Uros Indians living on the floating reed islands.  Our overnight homestay on the Lake was so interesting and despite some qualms beforehand about the facilities our hosts were charming - living a very simple life but so hospitable.   

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabrizzio was very helpful and all arrangements en route were pefect.  He advised us regarding coping with the altitude - don't underestimate the effects this has - and proved a valuable and informative guide at Machu Picchu.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take cash in Peruvian Sol - US Dollars were only needed to pay for a couple of elective trips.    Bargain for souvenirs, even some of the more expensive shops in Cusco were prepared to offer discounts.  Alpaca products are worth buying.  Be prepared to feel the effects of altitude and heed the advice of your guide.  We were very lucky with the weather, which can be very changeable, so a lightweight waterproof jacket (with hood) is essential.  Also, wear "layers" as early morning starts can be chilly but can then quickly warm up to t-shirt weather. Try the Pisco Sours - delicious.  I avoided the guinea pigs but was assured they are delicious!!    

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra has to be the highlight of this trip - it didn't disappoint.  The sheer scale of the ancient city was mind-blowing.  I loved exploring the heights above the heart of Petra and would particularly recommend the exhausting walk up to the Monastery and also the place of High Sacrifice.  Spooky!Wadi Rum was also a brilliant experience - we had an evening meal cooked in a desert oven.  So tasty!My third highlight was Jerash - a vast Roman city, situated to the north of Amman. I just wish this visit had been included at the end of the trip and not on day 1 when we were all exhausted from our 3am arrival the night before! 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader, Dan, was extremely knowledgeable about Middle Eastern ancient history and was keen to share this with us.  However, sometimes his zest for his subject - and his desire to keep to the planned itinerary - created an inflexibility as regards tuning in to the needs and wants of the group.  A number of the female members of the group would have liked more opportunities for good quality shopping ... for example, we were rushed through the row of shops and stalls lining the main street in Madeba in order to reach the Church containing Mosaics ... Dan also tended to mumble, so stand near to him if you want to hear what he has to say! Our group numbered 22 so, frequently, hearing his discourse clearly was a real challenge!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take lots of immodium - about a third of our group got D and V!November is a great month to go on this trip if you are lucky with the weather...  the previous week the group had rain and cloud all week but we had sun! So take layers of clothing because even if it's hot in the day it's usually cold at night, particularly in Amman in the north. And take a rain proof jacket.Petra really is the high-light and you have two good days to explore.  If you want help to get around horses and donkeys and camels are available but can be high-spirited if egged on by their youthful owners! My sense is that on foot is best ... so take solid walking shoes for tramping over thos dusty and loose boulders and slippery steps.  

Most Inspirational Moment

Actually completing the 70k ride on the third day even if it was nearly dark Learning the history first hand from some inspirational people.

Thoughts on Group Leader

She was fabulous when the ATM ate my card at 10pm she and the local rep were calm (I wasn't) and it was all sorted out by 8 the next morning.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Only take the bare minimum for cycling and wash it out

Most Inspirational Moment

Quite a few - it was lovely seeing the ladies picking tea in the mountains; watching the people praying and worshiping the various Hindu gods in the amazing temple in Madurai; watching life on the backwaters from the amazing and very relaxing houseboat; and the people in general - so friendly and unassuming

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ajay was a fantastic leader, you could tell he really cared that we were all having a good time.  He was very knowledgable and keen to answer any questions we had.  Any feedback was taken on board and he did his best to make right anything that people weren't happy with.  He was particularly good at organising the restaurant staff pretty much everywhere we went - this was sometimes beyond the call of duty!  Great leader, who contributed to our enjoyment of the trip. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

I don't really understand the previous comment by an 'independent traveller' who criticised the fact that the Exodus trip has a leader who did a lot of the organising.  This trip was a great introduction to India - and choosing a company like Exodus, paying a bit more, comes with this service.  The great thing about being on a group trip is  meeting like-minded people and relaxing in the knowledge that someone else is dealing with the logistics of the organising (which was often a challenge, even for Ajay who could speak the language!).  It would be very difficult to fit so much in in a country like India in only 2 weeks, that was another reason I chose a company like Exodus. Take pounds sterling with you to exchange, and do not rely on a Mastercard, as most ATMs are Visa.   Also - ladies don't have to be so strict with the dress code (the trip notes are a bit misleading); apart from the religious sites, bare arms and legs were seen as acceptable.  I was a bit disappointed I had packed to cover up in >35 degree heat! 

Most Inspirational Moment

Lots of things. The last days cycling had some real highs. I enjoyed Havana and Trinidad. Nice sightseeing and also the beach in Trinidad. Cubans trying to teach me to play the guitar etc..

Thoughts on Group Leader

The best. I was very disorganised at the start of trip and Freddy was very helpful in sorting everything out. He really wanted us to enjoy our holiday, get to know Cuba and its history, gave us a good personal perspective and we got to see the best of Cuba. Top bloke

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you have clip in peddles and your favourite saddle you can certainly bring them. The bikes were good quality front suspension mountian bikes. A racer with thin wheels wouldn't be suitable. I hybrid even without suspension would probably be suitable. The roads on this trip were reasonable quality provided you are sensible and avoid the larger pot holes

Most Inspirational Moment

Trinidad! So beautiful!

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was phenominal. He really exceeded all expectations. He had so much knowledge about the history and make up of the country and he cared for the group so well. I learnt so much from him. He really made the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it! The bus is ALWAYS there if you're tired!

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling mountain passes and Chapman's Peak. Whale watching. Cycling along the stunning coast back to Cape Town.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tallis was really excellent. Low key, flexible but very well organised. Supported everyone in the group. Also very knowledgeable about flora and fauna and had a great sense of humour. Our driver Sifiso was also excellent. Could not fault the team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware the hire bikes are mountain bikes with road tyres, not ideal for this sort of road trip. Road bikes or hybrids would have been much better. Allow some extra days at start or end to explore Cape Town and climb Table Mountain.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking on the Great Wall and seeing the young pandas playing. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a full-on sight-seeing trip especially at the start where there is little time to relax or do your own thing. Choose your dates with care to avoid the main holidays. Pack light as you will be moving your bag a lot.