Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

On the first day we had unseasonal cold weather with very heavy rain. We nevertheless walked up a mountain through an amazing oak rainforest. Much greener than I expected, it was magical and the rain somehow enhanced the excitement.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leader, Michael Newcomb, was excellent. Very clear with information and adaptable to the circumstances as you would hope for. Always going the extra mile. Keen to be a positive part of the local community. Above all Mike was absolutely passionate about his interest in local wildlife, land management and food production, history etc and in sharing this with the group. And good company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Come on this holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

Wildlife spotting and watching life go by on the Aleppey backwaters.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Outstanding. Biju deserves to win your Leaders award. I have done multiple tours with various companies and he is hands down the best group leader I have ever had. Patient, warm, helpful and incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about his country. Normally the time spent on the bus between locations would be unwelcome but he made it something to look forward to as it was the perfect opportunity to learn more about the politics, religion and history of this amazing place.

Most Inspirational Moment

Crossing the bridge at the end of el Caminito del Rey (Chorro Gorge) and the Grazalema Natural Park

Thoughts on Group Leader

Whilst Mike was very knowledgeable, engaging and fun, the moment things were not going to plan his attitude changed quite quickly. Some group members picked up on this and it put them off approaching him for anything throughout the trip. Poor time management on one of the walks, led to the group being rushed which wasn't ideal after weeks of torrential rain and very slippery terrain.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although we had pretty landscapes during the walks (olive groves, mountains) on some occasions it resembled the British countryside, so if you're looking for a trip with stunning scenery at every corner, this isn't it. Optional afternoon in Rhonda was fab, we recommend going! Having done several exodus trips before, whilst there were a couple of level 4 moments, the rest of the walks were more a level 3.

Most Inspirational Moment

It was all inspiring and exciting for me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thanh Vo was excellent, full of energy and so enthusiastic about his own country; one of the best guides I have met. Thanh always shared information about where we were, what we were passing or what we were looking at as well as ensuring we were well prepared for the next day along with constant reminders throughout the day. He took personal care to ensure that us few pescatarians and vegetarians did not accidentally end up with with 'wrong' food and selected a good variety of restaurants for group meals. He gave us space to do our own things at the different sites and accommodations but was always in the background when needed or to help us from getting lost! This trip took a lot of organisation - scheduling of optional tours, buses, boat, bikes and trains etc - which he did behind the scenes and everything worked like clockwork. All this along with Thanh's great sense of humour made for a really relaxed and enjoyable trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The optional bike tour of Hoi An was great fun (and the bike seats were wide!); it was more than a bike tour. I brought my own gel cycle seat for the Day 11 & 12 which helped with the narrow seats on the mountain bikes. Try the iced coffee and passion fruit juice - both delicious. All the accommodation (homestay, boat & hotels) provided good and warm bedding (we were in the north in March and it was chilly) and towels. However, I still found my sheet sleeping bag useful for the homestay visits.

Most Inspirational Moment

too many to list... I really loved the peaceful atmosphere at the Buduruwagala temple, and the slower cycling on the backroads along small rivers, rice fields and tea plantations.

Thoughts on Group Leader

the team was great and super friendly. I always felt safe and the support during the cycling was excellent. Most remarkable was the group lead Suresh. He has great knowledge, a smile for everyone and exceptional organizational skills. He would always go the extra mile to show us something special on the way, where to find beautiful handmade souvenirs, offering an additional walk in the afternoon or get us to places with great food or drinks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

its hot and humid, therefore cycling on tarmac can get challenging. arriving a few days earlier is a good idea to adjust to time zone and climate.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many... eating dinner with the Jordanian family - first glimpse of the Treasury at Petra - speeding across the Wadi Rum in the back of a truck...!

Thoughts on Group Leader

FABULOUS. The best tour leader we could have hoped for. Muayad's scope of knowledge was huge and his enthusiasm was tangible. A wonderful guide who brought the history and culture of Jordan to life.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just book it!

Most Inspirational Moment

so many - Abu Simbel and all the sights; and the activity on the streets

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, well organised, knowledgeable and fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Stomach disorders are a fact of life for travel in countries like Egypt, no matter how careful you are. Take medication with you. Also, look carefully at airline prices to get to Egypt from UK and then subsequent taxi airport to hotel. British Airways are half the price of Egyptair; local taxi agencies compare favorably with Exodus quoted prices: $18 against $142!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many inspiring moments it is difficult to choose one, but if we had to, it would have to be completing the 10km ascent of Hai Van Pass and enjoying the incredible views on the way down. We came home and re-watched the Top Gear Vietnam Special for which this experience was a highlight for the presenters too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Son Nguyen was incredible. He was super-organised and everything ran like clockwork. Having said this, we appreciate how much effort had been put in by Son and his team to make the whole trip run smoothly and to make the holiday such a wonderful experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although the trip is rated as Moderate, the heat and humidity at the end of March made it, we would say, slightly more of a challenge. For anyone who lives, like us, in a part of the country with very few hills to practise on, a few spinning classes beforehand might be a good idea.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the homesteads and eating some amazing food cooked simply and served with love

Thoughts on Group Leader

THANH was brilliant, nothing was too much for him, a truly great chap.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Keep your packing simple..lots of one night stays so you are always moving your bag. Most important don't miss out on this trip!

Thoughts on Group Leader

good