Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day being even more different and incredible than the previous. Seeing the Quetzal so close up.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eduardo was incredible! His knowledge about his country was detailed and Eduardo had a great way of communicating his enthusiasm to the group. His credentials as a guide are exemplary. We learnt about the way of life in Costa Rica, the issues it faces and how tourism is managed. Eduardo really was our friend in Costa Rica. He knew everything about any creature or flora. He enhanced the experience immeasurably. Eduardo always gave more; a longer walk, stopping at points of interest to see crocodiles, rhino beetles, pineapple plantations, amongst other wonders. Our driver Victor was the best. Not once did he take a risk; we always felt very safe in his hands, an excellent driver. Victor would also go over and beyond, helping anyone in the group who needed a hand, always smiling and welcoming. Whenever we arrived at a destination Eduardo would call 'OK amigos, we made it!', with a smile.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the high prices in Costa Rica, even in a supermarket. The Hotel President in San José was excellent with a wonderful restaurant with delicious dishes. There was nowhere else to eat out nearby, so this was lucky. Next to the hotel was a good bakery/ lunch place.

Most Inspirational Moment

Loved it all

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Andrew was great he went above and beyond what was required

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the cold war bunker and the Hill of Witches

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andrius was very accommodating and discussed plans for each day and possible variations on the itinerary. He'd lived under Russian rule and it was great to hear his first hand account. He kept us entertained on the coach with his audio clips and sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Mosquito repellant is a must as they even bite through your clothing. Take an extra towel in case you want to experience swimming in the Baltic.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Sarajevo Tunnel Museum visit , as described in the trip notes, sobering and fascinating.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Evelin was excellent: enthusiastic, knowledgeable, respectful and caring with a real passion for his country. Worked seamlessly behind the scenes changing bookings when diversions were necessary due to roadworks or weather and making recommendations. Also praise for the wonderful driver Samir, who calmly drove us safely through long and winding mountain roads.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As described in trip notes. Some long drives but balanced with stops en route.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andrius was amazing. The most interesting well informed leader who looked after us all and kept us constantly well fed, well informed with history of each country, entertained with stories, music, Tom Lehrer, and was amazingly knowledgeable in every respect. The Baltics were a great surprise with so much history, some of it in the times of the Soviets not very happy, very beautiful and spotlessly clean and tidy. We also had some wonderful food too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Really excellent holiday however a couple of the hotel rooms were very hot with no air conditioning at all. I am an experience cyclist and while the bikes worked well they were heavy and had poor gearing. I have been on many cycling holidays, the majority with Exodus but there were the heaviest bikes I have used so far on any holiday. Other than that, as I said earlier, just a wonderful holiday and only 3 potholes!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the beautiful scenery and the fascinating historic towns. The museum of Medieval Art in Korçë was stunning. I’m not a huge fan of Icons but this museum was excellent.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Artur is a lovely man, very well organised and attentive. Unfortunately his English was difficult to understand when he was explaining the history, archaeology etc.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Shoes with decent non-slip soles are essential for the slippery cobbled streets. A trekking pole useful especially if it is raining.

Most Inspirational Moment

Impossible to choose any particular highlight – every single day brought interesting new sights and enjoyable experiences.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Francesco was very well-organised and extremely knowledgeable about the history, geography and culture of Sicily. We thought he was brilliant!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take good walking shoes, especially for the Zingaro coastal walk, which was quite rocky and steep in places. As the beaches are stony there, I would recommend taking along a pair of flip-flops or jelly shoes if you’re planning on swimming.

Most Inspirational Moment

Journey to, and arriving at, the Refugio on day one, completely surrounded by extinct volcanoes covered in lush vegetation.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Julia was a wonderful leader. She is a genuine, caring person who connected with everyone in the group. She spotted and resolved any potential issues, often before the group noticed anything was awry. She is passionate about showcasing her country and has a deep knowledge of its history and culture which she shared enthusiastically.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go now! Bolivia still feels relatively unexplored and authentic. If you have time, arrive before the tour and spend a couple of days in Santa Cruz and then stay on in La Paz for three days at the end. There’s plenty to see and do.

Most Inspirational Moment

The day in Perugia. However, all the hilltop villages were spectacular.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Veriano Verde was excellent. As mentioned above he altered the itinerary to take account of the group as a whole and the inclement weather (uphill was safer than downhill). He gelled very well with the group and his English was excellent. He arranged additional guides in the towns to those specified in the trip notes which was beneficial to the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't expect to see the insides of any of the sights in Rome, but you do get a good history of the city.

Most Inspirational Moment

All of it really, as so varied. Most moving moment was walking through the American cemetery and seeing Omaha beach, and then walking through the British cemetery at Bayeux. Enjoyable, cycling beside the canal with the flower strewn locks, cycling by the sea, cycling towards Mont saint Michel, walking tour of St Malo. Lots of history. Loved seeing the Bayeux tapestry with the amusing audio guide.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Celine was great. Her first lead, and did well. Managed the different speeds of the 4 guests, keeping us all happy. Excellent English, and organised and led us so all we had to do was follow and enjoy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We had ordinary bikes, but there were some climbs, and a couple of times we got off and pushed. But definitely doable on a non ebike, as none of us were really “cyclists” and all coped fine. Remember this is a level 1 and it’s okay to do 9 miles a hour, even if some guests want to go faster, the timings are for the slower speed! Gel saddles help! The bikes have a pannier, so a small bag with your things in that you can easily take out for the stops is useful. There’s a small bag on the front for your phone. If you’ve not seen the Bayeux tapestry, well worth the visit. Audio guide is half an hour, and very amusing guiding you through what the tapestry is portraying. It’s 10 minutes from hotel, so easily fitted in before cycling starts for that day.