Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

I thinking Petra has to be the icing on the cake for me.  The normal walk down through the siq is lovely and when you turn the last corner and treasury is in front of you, you will be amazed. Make sure you do the not so well advertised route to see the Treasury from above.  You have to walk past the kings tombs then start the climb straight up but you will be rewarded for your efforts with a fabulous view of the Treasury from above. The monastery and the high place of sacrifice are a must.  Rather than walk up the steps to the high place of sacrifice Danny & Sadam took us on a walk through the hills, it was a great climb and only  taxing in places.   We arrived at the same place but it was much more interesting.  We also got another fabulous look at the Treasury from above, looking down from yet another vantage point – which is a little hairy but good once you have done it. Everything was much easier when mountain goat Sadam was acting as a fall breaker.  If you can do it get someone to take out via the canyon and not the siq.  This was an amazing afternoon and yet another adventure, which has spurred me on to do more climbing.  There are a few places where we definitely needed the help of the local guy,  but definitely worth it for me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danny was excellent and made the trip – his knowledge was exceptional and he genuinely wanted us to have a great time.  Sadam the tourist policeman got involved and walked with us everywhere lending a much need handed when trying to get up steps etc. in Petra. They joined us in the evening and recommended places to eat and drink and Danny is most excellent at tying the jordanian scarfs.  5 stars ***** :-)

Advice for Potential Travellers

The Jordanian people are very welcoming and I never once felt uneasy.   Snacks and drinks are expensive in my opinion in  the tourist areas - but exceptionally cheap when you hit places like Madaba and other non-tourist villages/towns.  If I had to be critical I'd say the hotels were just  Okay.   Breakfast was not great (no fruit at all) - but it wasn't enough of an issue to even contemplate moaning. The hotels we were in, tended to have British plugs. Some of our group had issues with air con - it was about 36 degrees so we were hot at night.  Only one bite received, that was in the Bedouin camp.  Strange how there are no bugs! - Take some Deet for the camp and have a quick spray up.  

Most Inspirational Moment

The solitude and tranquility at the summit of Toubkal (once I had shut up) was so far removed from the normal day to day grind with only the sound of a bumble bee flying past breaking the silence. Looking down on the surrounding snow capped mountain range felt like the view from an aeroplane - breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hassan, I cannot write highly enough about you, words fail me. You have been truly inspirational, with an incredible wealth and abundance of knowledge both about the surroundings we found ourselves in and culturally. You are educated, sensible, so wise for your years and above all so humourous. Your banter was unbelievable and your understanding of the wit that encompassed you by the minute was plain for all to see.We debated some sensitive issues about our differences and you offered both sympathy and empathy. I hope our friendship lasts beyond this trip. It has been both a pleasure and a privelege to have gotten to know you and I feel both humble and fortunate that you were our Guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Mainly to have Hassan as your Guide, to eat what is offered, to keep hydrated and to barter in the City with every Tom, Dick or Mohammed that you face up to! Never have I encountered a group of people so on the take, whether wishing to spend a penny (dirham) or just asking for directions those palms are outstretched in your direction - you have been warned...

Most Inspirational Moment

Summit day!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yahya was an excellent, knowledgeable (about local culture, villages, and mountaineering) guide. Very friendly, and someone I'll stay in touch with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Mt Toubkal is an excellent choice for destination- really enjoyed my trip. Exodus were well organised, and yet didn't overcomplicate or dictate the trip too much. The UK team helped me out a great deal with my lastminute booking.

Most Inspirational Moment

It was great to be able to see three lovely cities as well as visit a very pretty island.  Walking the city walls in Dubrovnik was wonderful.  I felt I got a great overview of the region in a week.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Krsto was engaging with a great sense of humour.  His choice of restaurants was occasionally dodgy, but generally good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Early June was a lovely time to go as it was lovely and warm without being too hot.  We had one day of rain, but that was it.  It was also still very green.If you don't do the Mostar trip (I was put off by the prospect of spending six hours on a bus) the boat trip to the Island of Lokrum is highly recommended.  The ferry only takes 20 minutes and it's a really relaxing place to spend a couple of hours away from the bustle of Dubrovnik.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the locals making and selling local crafts in Sarajevo Monastery where monks still live and make wine Hill walking and having lunch with the locals The waterfall

Thoughts on Group Leader

Best group leader I have ever met, who loves home made ice cream. Very caring and very knowledgeable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Good trip Can drink the water Food is very reasonable although expensive in Dubrovnik. Feels very safe even for the single female or male traveller Suit any age group

Most Inspirational Moment

Santorini was fabulous. I would definitely like to return for  a longer stay than the  2 nights, which we had.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cecile was a very good guide.  Cecile was French and  fluent in English and Greek. Her knowledge of wild flowers,  herbs and tress was of great value during our walks. Eating mulberries straight from the tree. Cecile also helped us with ordering Greek dishes in the restaurants and discussing items in the shops.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be careful when travelling on the train from Athens to the port.  One of our group was nearly at the receiving of an attempted pick pocket, while boarding the train.

Most Inspirational Moment

The climb to Mt Kliosi, the Acropolis, the Gate and the Cave of St Nicholas we did early in the week.  The weather was cool, despite a hot forecast and the mist rolled over us on the top of the mountain.  This walk was ,for me, like walking with the Gods.  A brilliant start to a great week.  We came down to the village of Nea Styra for lunch, ( a pretty late one).  A hot cheese pie had been prepared for us by the 92 year old lady of the taverna and a feast of greek food was laid out for us - what hospitality!

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had two; Thanos, exceptional in all his responsibilities.  He is approachable, likeable and extremely knowledgable.  He had to leave after the second day and Cecile took his place.  a French lady living in Karyistos.  She was equally likeable and led some great days out.  She gave us lots of background to life in Kariystos and seemed to know where all the best fruit trees were growing at that time - ripe mulberries off the tree YUM!  Sophoclese her dog accompanied us on the day out to Mt Ohi and the Marble Quarries and gave an added dimension to the day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Keep asking where you can fill up your water bottle and i always carried some snacks as most of our lunch stops were quite late.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sarah exceeded expectations. I damaged my hip shortly before leaving for this walking holiday so I expected to spend my time by the pool drinking gin and tonics. Thanks to Sarah showing me some shorter walks I was able to join in with the group, on some occassions, without spoiling their walking enjoyment. 

Most Inspirational Moment

getting to gilmans point

Thoughts on Group Leader

emmanuel was a brilliant leader giving us plenty of good advice along the way

Advice for Potential Travellers

get to know the other people in your group early on

Most Inspirational Moment

Completing some challenging climbs, and once at the top enjoying some terrific views of the Dalmatian coast with newly found friends.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely terrific. Nice guy, a good leader on the road, and a good leader in the evenings.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If your not 100% sure whether this type of holiday is your thing, take the plunge as most likely you'll be left wondering why you didn't go before now.