Most Inspirational Moment
The cherry blossoms and bamboo forest
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent He went out of his way to teach us about Japan
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring protective eye wear It can be cold in April . Layers
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
Not sure what this means
Excellent trip
Bike routes , transfers on trains , guides, excellent
A real glimpse into everyday India
I honestly can’t recommend this trip enough. From start to finish, it was full of unforgettable moments and thoughtful touches. We travelled through Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, and everything was so well organised – it was the perfect introduction to India. One of my favourite memories was being greeted with flower wreaths at a Jaipur flower market—it felt so personal and welcoming. The visit to the Taj Mahal was obviously a highlight, but there were so many other surprises too. Staying at Suroth Mahal, a 600 year old heritage hotel, was something special. After a short cooking demonstration, they even put on a traditional Indian wrestling match in the courtyard, which none of us were expecting! We also had an optional stop at Chand Baori stepwell—recognised it from the Batman film, The Dark Knight! It also wasn’t just bus journeys – we were on camel carts, cycle rickshaws, and it was in these moments you really got to see the chaotic but beautiful pace of life in India. The food was another major highlight for me. I went in expecting curry and naan, but it was so much more varied and regional than I thought. The evening cooking demonstration in Jaipur was a real treat too—we learned how to make things like masala chai, lentil pakoras and korwan aloo, and it gave me a whole new appreciation for the flavours and how fresh everything is. We even got to try some street food chai and sweet jalebi!
Most Inspirational Moment
One of the most inspiring moments of the trip was seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise. I’d braced myself for big crowds, but it was surprisingly calm and quiet. The early light gave the marble this soft, warm glow, and there was plenty of space to just take it all in. The temperatures were already warming up but still pleasant, and the whole place felt really peaceful — not what I expected at all. I’d seen so many photos before going, but nothing really prepares you for being there in person. It was one of those rare travel moments that felt completely unhurried.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our leader, Mayank, was exceptional — knowledgeable, funny, and genuinely passionate about sharing India’s history and culture. The itinerary was perfectly paced: the chaos of Old Delhi, the serenity of the Taj Mahal at sunrise, the grandeur of the Amber Fort in Jaipur. Each place had a story, and Mayank brought it all to life. Even on the bus journeys, he chatted about history, religion, politics and the local way of life to give us further insight into the country's fascinating culture.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you're thinking about doing this trip—do it! A couple of tips from someone who's just come back: pack light and bring comfy shoes because you’re on the go quite a bit, and some streets and markets are pretty uneven. Oh, and carry a bit of hand sanitiser and maybe a few snacks for the longer bus rides. Dark coloured temple socks were also a big help when walking around the temples barefoot in the heat. My favourite mosquito repellent is "Incognito", it really works in keeping the bites at bay. Other than that - come with an open mind and try everything!
The guide makes all the difference!
Such a worthwhile trip, including because of our fantastic guide Valerie Parkinson. Valerie’s knowledge and passion for the region and its people is palpable and she is also an engaging person with interesting stories about her own exploits over the years. Yes the hiking is not easy, the creature comforts are lacking and the food is (though better than expected) simple and repetitive; however, it is all part of the amazing experience of trekking to EBC. If you think you have the stamina, fitness and willingness to poop in a hole, then do this trek! And do it with Valerie if you can as having a native English-speaking guide who understands your own cultural context is so much better than a local guide.
Most Inspirational Moment
Sleeping at EBC and walking on the foot of the Khumbu ice fall.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Fabulous!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take diamox with you just in case! Also be sure to use lots of sunscreen.
Phenomenal personal experience in the hills of Andalucia
Everything about the week was exceptional and memorable. The hikes were different every day and highlighted the special and significant features of the area. Our group leader, Miquel/Mike, was an endless source of information on the human and natural history, and the flora and fauna, making a point to include what the group was interested in. Our group bonded well right from the first day, as we tackled a rainy hike and then the ensuing mud the next day. Mike was constantly aware of and concerned for everyone’s safety and adapted the speed of the walk to accommodate all of us. His pleasant demeanor, sense of humor, punctuality, and attention to detail made the week a pleasure for all. We could not have asked for a better leader!
Most Inspirational Moment
The hike up the mountains into the National Park was a highlight not only for the magnificent views, but also the challenge of working together to manoeuvre through the muddy and slippery landscape.
Thoughts on Group Leader
For all the reasons mentioned above, our group as a whole appreciated everything that Mike brought to the week as an exceptional leader.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring your appetite! The meals served at Cortijo Rosario were delicious, varied, and more than plentiful! The staff made every effort to cater to individual dietary needs. The Cortijo is very comfortable, and the rustic vibe fits the country setting perfectly. It is advised to note the packing list included in the trip notes; sturdy hiking boots and good rain gear are a must.
Fantastic scenic walks!
Our trip leaders Francisco and Rafael were amazing, they genuinely wanted the best experience for us. For me, however, some of the food was not so great… Maybe it was just the time of year that there wasn’t much produce available. Ham and cheese sandwiches every day… And I don’t eat processed ham. Some of the restaurants weren’t so great either. So my only real complaint is the quality of the food… The first night in Monchique dinner was almost inedible with the only a choice of three items and one being tofu which was quickly ruled out, lol. I found it very disappointing as I’ve heard from others that Portugal has such great food… One night I ordered the local prawns and they were these tiny teeny little shrimp that I couldn’t even peel and very mushy… I wish there would’ve been an option that I did not have to go to the wine tasting because it was very late before we got to dinner… I would’ve liked to have just gone off on my own and had dinner a little earlier instead of it 9 o’clock at night and getting in so late and having to get up early the next morning. It didn’t help that that dinner that night was not very good, steak very tough and being overcooked was not even edible….and by then the rest of the food was cold… I try not to think of the food because everything else was incredible except that food is a really big thing for me.
Most Inspirational Moment
The wildflowers were amazing! Loved the olive oil factory and ceramics shop!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Overall fantastic… they went out of their way to arrange a later transfer to Faro for some of us which really made a difference ! But could use a little help with the food… Having the same processed cheese sandwich every day was rough, lol… could’ve used more fresh food or even some better cheese, meats and more fresh fruits and vegetables.
A fabulous trip made better by an outstanding leader!
I joined this itinerary in April 2025 and was utterly blown away by the locations visited. Matera was stunning, Lecce’s winding streets were beautiful with gems hidden round every corner, We stayed in a traditional Trulli house which was a personal highlight for me!
Most Inspirational Moment
Climbing the winding steps and visiting the cave houses in Matera, looking out over the edge of the hillside to see lush green and a beautiful river, flowing with the back drop of a rugged Matera behind it.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ioana was amazing. Caring, showed compassion for group members when they were finding anything confusing or stressful. She was obviously very passionate about the places visited and shared that with us. She made recommendations for meals really easy, and helped other clients book tables if needed. Above and beyond!
Advice for Potential Travellers
A good pair of boots/shoes to climb the steep and sometimes slippery Matera Staircases! Bring a light fleece, its sometimes very windy even in the sun!
wonderful trip
There are many beautiful temples and shrines along the way, each with its own character and all are surrounded by gardens or woods. The cherry blossom (still plenty even though not at its peak season) and other flowers decorate the buildings and make the already scenic landscape stand out more. People are polite, things are organized, trains are always on schedule, hotels are clean and nice, and food is delicious. Really enjoyed the trip.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Duke is a wonderful leader who is knowledgeable, considerate, and helpful for each of us. He printed out the background pages for the temples and shrines, asked us what experiences we wanted to have, what food we would like to eat, and what gifts we intended to buy. He took into account of our individual needs and planned stops and trips to make sure that we got what we wanted. He was consistently patient with us, even as we wandered around slowly in the crowd from time to time. He introduced several extra activities, which were all great and memorable. He also helped plan our post-group travels. I am really happy with everything he did.
Excellent and informative
Thanks again for another excellent trip. Yet again the guides are the local knowledge and the key to all the knowledge. They went out of their way to show us places that you would never find on your own , explained local customs and took us to local restaurants.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing nesting birds on the edge of a cliff...this was amazing
Thoughts on Group Leader
Francisco Simoes
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go with an open mind, be fit and enjoy yourself.
Walking in Andalucia
Our group had an amazing week walking the hills and countryside of Andalucia. Our group leader, Mike (Miquel), was an endless source of information on the history, geography, archeology anthropology, and the flora and fauna of the area. Every walk was different and Mike highlighted this and added the details to bring this beautiful landscape to life! Our group bonded so well over these common interests, thanks also to Mike for recognizing and catering to our individual strengths and limitations.
Most Inspirational Moment
Our most challenging walk, due to very muddy conditions, in the high hills of the National Park, was also the most inspiring due to not only the incredible vistas but also the highlights along the way, such as the wildflowers, bird sightings, and a picnic amongst the ruins of old buildings.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Mike was an exceptional group leader! His knowledge, positivity, helpfulness, organization, punctuality, sense of humour, and boundless energy made the week so enjoyable. Mike’s perceptiveness of individual needs and behaviours became very evident in how he managed group behaviour to everyone’s benefit. His demeanour made everyone feel welcome. Thank you Mike for an unforgettable experience!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring your appetite! The food at the Cortijo Rosario was always delicious and very plentiful! Special dietary needs were consistently addressed. Pay attention to probable weather situations when choosing footwear and clothing.
Good Trip with variety
I had recently had a seriousbiking accident and so I only road a few days but our guides were wonderful and very understanding. This trip has plenty of down time with history and biking as well. I liked this mix. Jordan at the moment is very quiet because of international views of the Middle East and being so close to Israel, but we had a police escort for some of the trip and felt totally safe and secure. Do not hesitate to do this trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking through Petra and imagining being there 1000’s of years ago.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our Leader Sami was a bundle of knowledge with a good sense of humor to keep us laughing and happy
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just go…