Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

So many moments, the very human like and curious orangutans, being charged at by a 3 meter long male Komodo, the tranquility of the temples and the peace just sitting on deck watching the sunrise in the mornings. The walk up the hill on Padar was worth every step to watch sunsetting over the islands.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ely is one of the best. She guided us efficiently and effortlessly through many flights, journeys and experiences over the 14 days. Her enthusiasm never faltered even keeping us company on what should have been her rest days. Her concern for our safety was paramount even sitting in the tender boat watch over us whilst snorkelling. Ely made the trip the fantastic experience it was.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Long trousers a must for the jungle, be prepared because these leech get everywhere!

Most Inspirational Moment

The stay in the desert.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader Amer was one of the best I have ever had… he’s English was spoken like a native and his knowledge was beyond excellent…he was able to answer every one of our questions and explained each site to the full… he was a great organiser when it came to preference for places to eat. I’m vegetarian and he made sure I was catered to..he knew all the best restaurants that were not too expensive..

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take photo copies of your passport and insurance…need sea shoes for the Dead Sea and the Red Sea…

Most Inspirational Moment

Walks in countryside.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good, helpful, knowledgeable and created good atmosphere.

Most Inspirational Moment

Scrambling up to the Aitana ridge.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Guide Jose is excellent - my best ever guide. He lives locally, and so is very knowledgeable about the terrain, history, culture and wildlife in this area. His itinerary is carefully chosen to acclimatise the group for the more challenging walks later in the week. Every walk was a different delight, with rock pinnacles, forest glades, ridge walks and expansive views into the mountains and down to the coast.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The route descriptions and gradings are accurate so read carefully in order to decide if it is suitable. Note that the temperatures are still warm even on the summits (This was September), so lots of water will need to be carried (2.5+ litres).

Most Inspirational Moment

It is difficult to pinpoint one particular moment as everyday was an experience. If I was pushed, the boat trip around Ha Long bay was particular good.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Binh, was exceptional. His knowledge of every location was impressive, always available to answer questions and provide multiple options for additional activities during down time. A truly excellent guide and a credit to Exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The heavy was impressive and would recommend future travellers pack flip flops and a plastic poncho. Both can be purchased in country if required.

Most Inspirational Moment

The sun sets were amazing, and getting up in morning to a beautiful sun rise. Petra is amazing I highly recommend it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdullah is an excellent group leader, he answer our questions, help us in any way he could.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Lots of hiking in sand, you do have to ready for heat we did stop for water and food breaks. It does get very cold at night.

Most Inspirational Moment

The succession of temples along the Nile was amazing, each distinct and telling elements of the incredible civilisation that lived so many years ago. Karnak, Edfu and Kim-Ombo were particularly interesting, and the facilities and service on our boat were exceptionally good.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Faten was an enthusiastic Egyptologist, who gave incredibly comprehensive introductions to the many amazing sites. She is a very proud Egyptian. However, as tour leader, she was not very clear at explaining the immediate arrangements and options, her English and clarity of speaking did not work well through the coach PA systems. Her timekeeping and engagement with the group was not of the standard we would expect from previous tours. We feel particularly let down by our visit to the Valley of the Kings, where our time was limited due to an unnecessarily late start, and we could have avoided the exceptional queues at the ‘free’ tombs to see more interesting ones, if we had been properly advised. There are also a number of other issues, which we will advise separately.

Advice for Potential Travellers

When visiting the Valley of the Kings, make sure you start early, and buy tickets to see tombs other than the ‘free’ ones included in the general admission. It’s so hot and humid, be prepared to change clothes at least twice a day! Be prepared to have your mind completely blown! Arrive a day early - most flights seemed to arrive early in the morning but were delayed, which meant the 8:30 start of the Tour was particularly gruelling.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting my cycling nerve back (I’d crashed on my ebike earlier in the year and broken my wrist) and realising I could mountain bike over the sandy, rocky, bits when you had to use the skills demonstrated on the first day,

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ricardo was very helpful and keen to enable us to have a good experience. He is passionate about this section of Portugal, wanting to share it with others. Each day he asked for feedback on the trip as this was the 2nd time it had run, so they can improve the experience for future trips. He tried his best to make sure people’s needs were met, and looked after us well. Vitor, who was the support, looked after the bikes well. My only suggestion would be they make sure the e-bikes have a large enough battery to make it to the end of the ride and that even if it looks like it has enough battery charge, they are still charged every night. They did provide another battery in the vehicle half way through, but the first days ride was stressful not knowing if I was going to be riding on a heavy ebike without any battery by the end.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are long sections that are off road, on loose grit, and sandy tracks, at times the bike ground to a halt. You are on mountain bikes for a reason. Ricardo gave us a lesson in how to ride over sand and down a short steep tricky section on day 1, so we knew the technique, the real thing didn’t feel quite so bad (I didn’t even attempt it on day 1 but did manage the real thing) and felt quite chuffed. I don’t like edges and drops, but the riding on the cliffs was fine, the paths are wide, and not near the edge.

Most Inspirational Moment

The circular walk on the last day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dan was excellent, kept us informed, and ensured plenty of recovery breaks in unseasonable hot weather.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The going with ascents and descents on rocky terrain means that to get the best out of the walks some preparation is required.