Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The view from the top of Kantara Castle, where you can see both the north and south coasts of the island. The optional trip to Famagusta was well worth taking - so full of history - both ancient and modern. And the cave at Incirli.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gizer is an excellent guide and a great ambassador for his country. His knowledge of the full history of the island is extensive, which he imparts in an easy to understand, meaningful way. His restaurant recommendations were excellent. And good value.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A couple of the walks are quite long and intense on loose surfaces. Ensure you have good walking boots/shoes with grippy soles. Use of poles is recommended. Euros are widely accepted, but paying in Lira offers better value. Contactless is widely accepted, but paying in cash for a beer or coffee preferable. Some days are long but usually return in time for a quick swim in the excellent pool.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of Cavagrande del Cassibile, one of the deepest canyons in Europe in blistering heat - using only pedal power, to be rewarded by a wonderful picnic lunch prepared by Davide and the minibus driver, Giuseppe.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Davide was spot on for this trip. He gave us all confidence in our abilities to enable us to get the most out of the trip. His passion and love for Sicily was evident throughout, an amazing ambassador for his island. There can't be enough hours in the day for all the things Davide sorted out - restaurants, transfers, bike changes - nothing was too much trouble. And what a great sense of humour - he loved learning new English idioms and trying to use them on a daily basis.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for heat and hills - the rewards will far outweigh the effort! Be prepared to try new foods - the flavours are vibrant and bold. Be prepared to cycle in traffic - the group leader will ensure you are safe. Go for an e-bike if you are not confident - it would be a shame to miss out on this awesome trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the jaguar.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tony was worth his weight in gold!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would not recommend this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Must take the day trip to Famagusta and Dalamis!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be ready for hot weather.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery, the wildlife and Whistler!

Thoughts on Group Leader

JP was such a great tour guide/driver, he was really welcoming and made every day entertaining and interesting, even on the day we had our long drive. He made sure we stopped often, even if it were for 10 mins, just to see more waterfalls or lakes! He really went out of his way to ensure everyone enjoyed the trip and knew what was happening each day and were safe. He was brilliant at adapting even on the days when a road closure meant we had to divert. He had great food recommendations as well for our dinners or just coffee.

Most Inspirational Moment

SEEING A LARGE MOOSE IN ITS NATURAL SURROUNDINGS Moraine Lake walking on the glacier and meeting the NASA scientists

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. J-P was instrumental in the success of this trip. His organisational skills, empathy ,sense of humour and determination to make the trip memorable for all of us was commendable. He cared a lot. He is also a very good driver, calm and skilful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your binoculars. Good mixture of sightseeing, hiking and love of the great outdoors. The scenery is stunning

Most Inspirational Moment

So many highlights! The best day we walked down through olive groves of ancient characterful trees to the coast, where we swam in the Adriatic and had a delicious sea-food lunch.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gabriele was the best leader you could wish for: kind, knowledgeable and unfailingly enthusiastic, he went above and beyond to deal with unexpected problems and ensure we all had a wonderful time. The good comradeship of the group was in large part down to his efforts. Brilliant!

Advice for Potential Travellers

It was unexpectedly hot in late September at over 30 degrees. Bring water flasks/bladders - we were drinking 2 to 3 litres each on the longer walks (8 miles). In most places the tap water is safe, but not at the rural masseria hotel. Proper walking boots and poles were a huge help in the walking around the Matera gorge, and sturdy walking shoes or sandals with good grips are essential for the slippery limestone steps and paving of the city's steep streets.

Most Inspirational Moment

Zooming downhill at a speed never reached before!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ruben was a superb leader. Joao too, they made a great team. Ruben was attentive, friendly, ensured all were happy and well organised. His warmth and love for his country came through at all times. A briefing at the end of the day provided a summary, forecast for what to expect the next day and great recommendations and advice about what to see and where to go for dinner. This was followed up with reservations made and maps to make sure we got there! Joao was a great driver, back up and picnic provider. Nothing was too much trouble. Can honestly say they are the best team I have had on my various Exodus holidays.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy! The pace is leisurely and plenty of time to regain your breath after the odd hill!

Most Inspirational Moment

For me as an interested amateur wildlife photographer I have to say that the most inspirational moment was getting such great shots of the orangutans in Sumatra. Wildlife can never be guaranteed but we were very lucky to see as may as we did . I also got some wonderFul shots of the Komodo dragons and Thomas leaf monkeys.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Elly was a fantastic leader and was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about her country and its nature. Nothing was too much trouble for her and she was always concerned about our well being. Elly always took us to great restaurants that she had checked out beforehand. .

Advice for Potential Travellers

I bought my visa on arrival at Medan airport with no problems whatsoever. I chose to change some currency before I got there and was able to pay in IDR though I think a colleague paid in euros. There is a fair bit of climbing both in the jungle and temples so a walking stick(s) are handy . I was provided with a bamboo stick for the jungle. I only went on 3 hour walks into the jungle . I heard that the 6 hour walk was considerably more strenuous with not much more to be gained in terms of wildlife sitings.

Most Inspirational Moment

Lots to choose from but the optional trip to Famagusta stands out for me. So interesting!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gizer is an excellent group leader. He is very knowledgeable and he brings alive the various sites visited with his explanations and stories. He is very caring and considerate, and goes the extra mile to ensure every member of the group has everything they want and need. His evening meetings by the pool bar, provide a great chance to chat about the day you've had and to make sure everyone knows what to expect and what to take for the next day. He kindly provided a trip to Nicosia on the last day which was fascinating and so much better then ‘kicking our heels’ before the late flight back.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's VERY hot in September, we had mid to high 30s most days which I found a bit too hot for walking. Take some lira (or get it from the ATM) as it’s useful especially for tips and the odd extra drink at mealtimes, however cards are also widely accepted.