Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching Santiago late on the last day, with wonderful final dinner

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose and Sandro were a first class team

Most Inspirational Moment

How the people of Peru live in the wilderness of the Andes, they are very isolated, the nearest shop for supplies is usually over a two hour walk, they have to be fairly self sufficient growing their own crops, farming cattle, chickens, horses and brewing corn beer. Children have to walk for hours to get to school, there are no hospitals or doctors nearby, and no cars or buses, no gas or electricity. To boost their incomes alot of these farmers are porters on the Inca trail, working once or twice a month during the season.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was verg good, he had excellent knowledge of the Inca's and their history. He looked after the group very well and catered for everyones different levels of  fitness during the trek. As a group we were lucky to have him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Mosquito repellant should be on the essential kit list, I got eaten alive on the first day.The tipping was incorrect in the trip notes, it advised $60-$70dollars to cover all tipping, I budgeted $70 dollors, when we got there it was $90 dollors required and that didn't include the guide that was another $20 dollars, this meant I was using my credit card to pay for food at the end of the holiday. It is very important you get the information correct on the trip notes for the tipping so we are prepared, this was a big topic of conversation between the group because we had all budgeted $70 dollars. Eat at the local places it saves you a fortune, tourist restaurants cost between £8-£12 per meal, a local place will do the same meal for £3, and it tastes just as nice.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving at " The Blue Lake" after a 10 mile trek through some of the most beautiful countryside I have ever seen. The weather was great, clear blue sky and bright sunshine, we could not have asked for better!Also I really enjoyed the picnic(s) thoughout the week, not a hard boiled egg in sight, Its clear that Exodus does NOT DO fast food!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hassan was great, friendly and very knowledgeable.However, I felt he could have made a better effort to motivate us,there were periods of long silences and at times he appeared to isolate himself from the group. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are fit ( I was ) and capable of walking 20 miles over mixed terrain. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to single out just one......Seeing the Great Wall stretching out before us, especially on the Gubeikou to Jingshanling sectionVisiting the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an and cycling the 14km of the Xi'an city walls  The homestays (particularly at Gubeikou) and the lovely fresh food 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jerry (Wei Wei) was absolutely brilliant. He imparted so much knowledge about the places we visited including the Beijing hutongs where he shared memories of his own childhood. To have a guide with so much local knowledge, and such an excellent command of the English language, is exceptional. On the trickier sections of the Great Wall he was very watchful of all members of the group and was quick to lend a helping hand where necessary. We felt safe in his hands, not just with the walking on the wall, but with all the logistical arrangements of the trip, such as airport transfers.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

Always read the trip notes! Some sections of the wall are very steep and uneven but always worth the scramble.Some of the homestays may lack home comforts but what an opportunity to experience real rural life.Sign up for the Xi'an extension and visit the Terracotta Warriors and take the opportunity to cycle the 14km of the Xi'an city walls. If you have time in Beijing don't be afraid to use the Metro. It's easier than you might expect.     

Most Inspirational Moment

It was a long shot and if Paul secretly thought he'd made a bad call he didn't show it. Nightjars winged across the bonnet of the Land Cruiser like falling Sycamores, whilst Scrub Hares stared bedazzled into the headlights. To say that we saw a rosetted male feline walking nonchalantly through the grassy plains before we'd had breakfast would just be smug. To say that we saw a leopardess with three small dappled cubs post muesli, well! that's just indescribable.Permit me one more inspirational indulgence. Preceded by the nights rain, the early morning mist; lions emerge, their breaths condensing in a saffron hue.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The lion may well be the King of the African plains but Paul is most certainly Kicheche's King of the "Profanisaurus Rex". 

Advice for Potential Travellers

The Mara offers some of the best predator viewing in Africa but don't ignore the "not so sexy" species. Take every opportunity to look at as many different species as possible and not just through a lens.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational part of the trip was the trip to the Serengeti. One day wasn't enough though and it felt very rushed getting through the park in time to camp and then having to leave by lunchtime. Another day would have been greatly appreciated.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mose our group leader was totally amazing and supportive. He knew his information and had everything covered. A great guy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would advise potential travellers to be aware of how much travel was involved. Also to bring spare batteries for their cameras as oppertunities to charge cameras are intermittent.   

Most Inspirational Moment

Obviously Cappadocia which was more extensive than I imagined and quite mind blowing.The peace and serenity at Teremossos compared to the frantic activity at Ephesus. Arriving at Assos harbour as the sun set.The tour of Gallipoli - very moving.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gorkhan was great. Very charming as well as good looking but also knowledgeable about every site we visited but who also understood when we wanted some quiet time on the coach.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for extensive tavelling. Read up on the sites you are likely to visit before the holiday (if you have an interest) as it is hard to assimilate all the information on site and a little background knowledge would go a long way to adding to your enjoyment.Do try the hamam in Selcuk (or any other place). It was quite an experience!Try to stay a few more days in Istanbul at the end of the trip to visit the places you didn't get around to and just to enjoy exploring - it's a grat city.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of Kala Pattar- fab views of Everest.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I had complete confidence in him- something that is essesntial when having to deal with a number of unknowns- altitude issues, problems with flights etc. Very experienced and cool when under pressure.

Advice for Potential Travellers

To really enjoy the trip, make sure you are fit- it will mean that the days are not too arduous and hills not too painful! It also means that if you do get a bug or other illness you will be more likely to take it in your stride.

Most Inspirational Moment

Inspiration is daily occurance throughout this trip whether observing the locals in their daily activities or the magnificent scenery that there is to behold. The trip is not for the faint hearted however with endurance there is great reward. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

In my experience Exodus group leaders are highly professional and dedicated to their work with great empathy and understanding of their country and communites.I do not think our group leader could have done more, his commitment to the group was equally matched by his commitment of his team of guides and porters. Leading from the front whilst creatng a very re;axed and friendly environment. Well done.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

Train for the trip and you will be rewarded, one person on our trip had not trained and therefore not prepared and then stuggled where he should have enjoyed more. Ensure you have enough warm clothes evenings can be cold. The trip notes are very good and quite accurate with the exception on tipping you need to allow a bit more.  

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational part of the trip was actually making it to base camp.  After a day of walking for eight hours to see the base camp sign and the tents lined up for an impending Everest summit attempt was absolutley overwhelming.You really feel like you're on a different planet when you're up there, it's a very beautiful and spiritual place and I feel absolutely priviledged to have been able to experience a trip such as this. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Gum, with Pembe Snr, Pembe Jnr and Neema assisting.  All of the guides were very knowledgable and passionate about what they did.  They were always there to help and offer advice.  Even carrying my bag when the trek became a bit of a struggle for me!The whole team was fantastic and Gum took us to some fabulous restaurants in Kathmandu that we would have never found on our own.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You need to make sure you are fit for this trip.  There are some very long days of walking and you spend some considerabke time at altitude.I read before I went that the best training is to walk up flights of stairs, this is the best advice I have read, there are a lot of steps on the way up and I wish I had dome more stair walking to prepare for this.Also, walking poles are invaluable, especially on the way down.I also found that I ran out of Chlorine Dioxide tablets for purifying water, take enough to do 60 litres + of water as at altitude you drink roughly 4 litres per day.