Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

No single moment, but some enjoyable stand out experiences - the views along both Cilento and Amalfi coasts, the delightful lunches we enjoyed especially near Pisciotta with a wonderful host and at the buffalo farm, the views from Ravello after hiking there from Minori. All very enjoyable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I had seen many positive praise of Paolo in reviews and he lived up to them all. A true gentleman, skilled and sociable guide, who did his best to give us the very best experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely worth doing. Take a range of clothing as the weather in mid May was unpredictable but temperatures made for comfortable cycling.

Most Inspirational Moment

The final day hiking was particularly good and included a boat ride. It was a really pretty coastal hike, much of it is through forest. There was a good mix of terrain. The beach was beautiful and so interesting with the caves. We had time for a refreshing sea swim.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele is up there with the best guides I have met. He was engaging, informative and funny. He was helpful when it came to advice on our free time and at advising us on the planned days. He spent time getting to know us all and made sure we were all coping and comfortable. You can tell how much he loves his job.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The hotel and other restaurants we visited catered well for anyone with dietary requirements, and the food was always delicious. I recommend going to the Shepherds dinner which is an optional extra. It was one of the highlights. I think the moderate/level 3 rating for the trip is right. I hike and run a lot so had no difficulty but the hills will stretch some people not used to the terrain or heat. However the reward for any effort needed is the beautiful scenery.

Most Inspirational Moment

The long climb up through Durmitor NP was challenging, but the post-lunch ride all the way down through the mountains to Rudinice was incredible!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rei (guide) and Rimi (driver) were both fantastic and nothing was ever too much trouble. They both are proud Albanians and were always happy to share stories and their culture with us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack for all weathers and prepare for the hills! The temperatures on this trip vary a lot! We had cold mornings in the mountains but very hot days once we were cycling the bay of Kotor. And as others have mentioned it requires a good level of fitness, otherwise definitely invest in an E-bike to enjoy the holiday :)

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling up a very high gradient to reach the Moorish castle in Aljezur!

Thoughts on Group Leader

João's ability to connect with every group member, regardless of their skill level, was exceptional. He kept both seasoned, technical riders and novice cyclists equally engaged and motivated throughout the tour. His infectious happiness and encouragement ensured that every rider felt valued and inspired throughout the journey. He was very well organised, conducting detailed briefings each day, ensuring the group were fully informed at all stages of the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a fantastic trip, great way to get off the beaten track and explore Portugal's villages and towns, but be aware that a lot of this ride is off-road with some sandy tracks.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many - Machu Picchu was epic. Seeing the Condors soaring in the thermals in Colca Canyon. The Homestay on Amantani with a local family and enjoying the simple but delicious food they gave us. The optional Sacred Valley tour was outstanding. Thanks again to Reno’s for arranging an add on to Sacsayhuaman, incredible! The food! Oh my amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Renzo was an outstanding leader. Fun, friendly, well organised and justly proud of his Country. He supplied us with lots of information, taught us some Spanish. Was a font of Knowledge about the history and culture of the Incas and other Indigenous people. He recommended restaurants and things to do in our free time, but was not pushy in his recommendations. He managed the chaos of the delayed train from Agua Callenties and somehow managed to get us on an earlier one! He managed the tipping kitty well and provided us with a summary. He monitored everyone’s oxygen levels on a daily basis at altitude and was careful in advising anyone with symptoms (Only were mild in our group). All in all, I doubt we could have had a better leader! He made the trip!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it. It’s a wonderful introduction to Peru. Fast paced and long days, but so worth it. The trip is well organised, the transport very comfortable, stops on long days are frequent. Accommodation is good. I wasn’t sure what to expect about the Homestay. But it was wonderful. Lots of safe drinking water provided by the tour leader, so bring a refillable bottle. Electrolytes and drinking plenty of water will help with the altitude.Bring sunscreen, a hat, clothing layers and shoes for uneven ground.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing all of the wild flowers & birds on our walks! We loved the variety of walks around small villages, meadows, cities to hills.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Miguel/Mike was a lot of fun & was excellent at tailoring the trip to our individual tastes so we felt that we got the maximum out of the holiday! The weather was very hot which is not ideal for walking in but Miguel ensured that we took regular breaks & took iced water to cool us down so that we kept safe! He had excellent knowledge of the flora & forna in the area as well as the culture so we were well informed! We liked how he supported the local businesses by taking us to buy food, coffee etc & he has a very good relationship with both the hotel staff & the villagers too!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Please take suitable walking gear, ie walking boots not trainers & wicking clothes, not cotton, especially if it was 35-38F like we had! You will need a good 2 litres of water per day so reuseable bottles are essential! Visit Ronda if the option is available as it it stunning! Otherwise, enjoy discovering such a beautiful area!

Most Inspirational Moment

After days of trekking the Inca Trail — through cloud forests, ancient stone steps, and breathtaking mountain passes — the moment finally came. It was mid-afternoon, the mist had kindly cleared and the sun was shining for us across the Andes. The trail had been challenging, but each step had built toward this: our arrival at the Sun Gate, Inti Punku. As we made the final climb, tired but exhilarated, we stepped through the stone doorway and there it was — Machu Picchu stretched out before us, majestic! Unexpected emotion washed over me. After seeing so many remarkable Inca sites along the trail, I didn’t think I’d be so moved — but there’s a reason Machu Picchu is the most iconic of them all.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Holger Collantes, was outstanding. His deep local knowledge, passion for Peru, and attention to detail made a huge difference to the trip. He managed logistics seamlessly, kept the group motivated, and shared fascinating insights into the culture, history, and nature of every place we visited. Holger truly looked after us — knowledgeable, kind, and completely professional throughout. An exceptional guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Train for the Inca Trail – It’s challenging, especially with the altitude. Regular hikes and some cardio beforehand will really help. You can do it though, listen to your guide and he will keep you at the right pace. Pack layers – Peru’s climate varies a lot. You’ll go from hot and humid in the Amazon to chilly mornings in the Andes. Dress for practicality as nobody cares what you look like. Bring good walking shoes – Well-worn, supportive hiking boots are essential for the Inca Trail and you can wear them pretty much every where else too! Use trekking poles – They make a big difference on steep or uneven paths as they give you support and balance, you can easily hire them cheaply through your guide if you don't have any. Travel light but smart – Stick to the essentials. Exodus gives good packing advice — follow it - I would say though biodegradable body wet wipes are essential for the camping as don't expect a proper wash! Stay hydrated – Altitude can creep up on you. Drink lots of water and consider altitude tablets if recommended by your doctor. We got the tablets and it helped us, having said that one of the guys on the trek did it without tablets and he was fine. We all drunk lots of water and took it really steady. Take it all in – Some of the best moments come when you stop, breathe, and soak up the views. Don’t rush it and don't forget to look back at the views and look up and around for wildlife - we saw heaps!

Most Inspirational Moment

It is difficult to pick just one.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jacob was an excellent guide. He was well versed in all aspects of our trip, from hiking to dining. He was fun to be with.

Most Inspirational Moment

We enjoyed seeing the wildlife but for us the dunes were incredible, the scale and colour at dawn, breath taking. Deadvlei with its skeleton trees, spectacular. The optional excursions at Swakopmond we highly recommend the 2 hour quad biking in the dunes - such fun, and in the afternoon we took a scenic flight - sit on the right side for brilliant view of dunes and wrecks. The walk to see the White Lady rock painting was a small adventure.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ronnie and cook Reuban were an excellent team. Reuban had been cook for the prime minister and cheerfully cooked us delicious meals, catering for every diet. There was always a hand washing station before meals. There were miles and miles of driving through arid and semiarid desert and long days of bumpy gravel roads but we felt Ronnie always drove us safely. and then set up camp for us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't bother getting a visa in advance as everyone joined the same queue at the airport, no fast track, and everyone filled in the same forms! Be prepared for delays - one of our group was in the queue for 2 1/2 hours ! Waterberg was a great place, it felt like entering Jurassic Park with all its security and gates, but the temp dropped and that drive back down in the open vehicle was freezing! Hats and scarves needed! Craft market on the way back to Windhoek full of bowls and carvings but expect over intense haggling - we preferred to pick up a few souvenirs on the way especially from the Herero women. Taste the best apple pie in the world at Solitaire. Phones can be charged on the truck and also at each campsite there is an electrical point next to the tents.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views from high up the coast are spectacular and we enjoyed the beautiful scenes from several locations.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele does a great job handling all the details for transportation, lunches and dinners, and spending time with each of us to make sure we were doing well. Since I flew from the US and was not in the Exodus arranged transport, I was very glad that Michele texted me beforehand to communicate the time and place to meet. That was much appreciated.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are fit and prepared for a lot of steps up and down the hill on our walks.