Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

I think the views from the mountain huts were very inspirational, and also the visits to amazingly romantic Lake Bled.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was very competent and experienced. He  obviously really knew the walks like the back of his hand.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A lot of the walking was more challenging than I expected, so make sure you've got good fitness, or do regular uphill walking.

Suggestions

I thought the trip advisor was misleading. It promised us 500m average ascent, with a maximum of 700m.By the third walk we were up to 900m and the next two walks were tougher, so I had to opt out of them. I could manage the 700m we been promised, but 200m higher was too much. Also it told us that we would be walking on well-marked paths with a few loose stones. In actual fact there was a lot of clambering up and down boulders and tree roots.I think if I'd known these things, I wouldn't have chosen this holiday. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was Rupert, an international mountain guide who obviously new the area well .  A convivial chap and skilled leader in many ways - he really enhanced our enjoyment of this holiday.   5 star.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take flip flops for the evenings as boots have to be left at the door of the refuges.   

Suggestions

Be prepared not to get much sleep in the dorms, some of the bunks are 6 beds wide and you may find yourself in the middle surrounded by snorers! 

Most Inspirational Moment

The realisation of what I had achieved on the last climb to Brevent was truly overwhelming.The brilliant Savoyard salad I had in a Les Contamines outdoor restaurant.Winning the last ever card game of the holiday, with my partner. (It's a game called 500, a New Zealand game, which we were taught by one of the Kiwis in our group.)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Simon was an excellent group leader, let you walk at your own speed, always sat at various places where there was a trail junction to guide you on the right path, always there to encourage everyone and sensitive to your needs when needed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go do it!!!

Suggestions

First trip with Exodus - very impressed!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through the countryside, meeting local people and sharing a home cooked meal, beautifully prepared in the middle of a forest has to be one of the high points of the trip.  There were other opportunities to connect with the 'real' Sri Lanka and these are what made this particular tour so special. We also had the opportunity to witness the Kandy Festival and the colours, costumes and sheer energy of the evening will stay with us for many years.We shared the holiday with a healthy mix of different characters who came together to help make this an unforgettable trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

What can we say that has not been said before?  Roshan is such an experienced and enthusiastic guide who made everything seem so easy and yet the detail of his planning and organisation was clear.  His stories of Sri Lanka and its people conjured up such clear images and gave us all a real understanding of the country's history. The original itinerary of our trip would have meant that we were unable to witness the Kandy Festival and possibly miss the elephant rides, but Roshan reorganised things so that we could do both.  This involved some tough negotiating in Kandy at one point but throughout he remained good-humoured and kept a cool head. Roshan has an uncanny ability of balancing a professional approach with sincere warmth and a wicked sense of humour. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Listen to Roshan! He really does know what he is doing and you will enjoy the trip so much more if you follow his advice.  Take the opportunity of shopping whilst visiting the elephant orphanage at Pinnawela.  The prices seemed more reasonable than in Kandy and the selection more varied.  We stayed in some beautiful hotels and it is worth taking at least one or two outfits to dress up accordingly.

Suggestions

This was our first adventure holiday and we were very impressed with the service that Exodus provided.  We received personal replies to any questions we posed before our departure and this enabled us to feel well prepared.  Their approach to responsible tourism is to be applauded and it was clear from our experiences in Sri Lanka that they are making a really positive impact on the country.

Most Inspirational Moment

The sunrise at Gilman's Point was incredible given that it was my birthday and followed 7 hours of the toughest walking I ever expect to do.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was very good on the mountain, with regular information updates and always willing to answer any questions raised by the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If it always something you've wanted to do, book it!  Make sure you drink lots of water though!

Suggestions

The flights out with Ethiopian Airlines were very cramped and uncomfortable in what appeared to be quite old planes.  Addis Ababa airport was also not the easiest to negotiate and so I would recommend that the Nairobi route is the one preferred where possible.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are so many to choose from but I would have to say finishing the Inca trail and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time was a really special moment and something I will never forget. I remember thinking that the sungate looked like heaven trekking up to it with the sunlight streaming through, knowing this last 'up' section was the final challenge. Stepping through the sungate and seeing Machu Picchu was the best reward for a challenging 4 day trek.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Juan was fantastic! His archaeological knowledge was very impressive and you could tell it was something that he was passionate about. Nothing was too much trouble for him and he made sure everything ran smoothly over the two weeks, he really looked after us as a group. It was a pleasure to get to know him and travel Peru with him, a country he is extremely proud to be from.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Torch, insect repellent and sun cream! You should be prepared for no electricity in your room at the jungle lodge in the amazon, just candles (which in my opinion added to the charm of the lodge) and obviously on the Inca trail you will need a torch. Insect repellent is a must for the amazon but there are also biting bugs on the trail so don’t throw it away after the jungle.The weather (depending on where you're going) varies from place to place, very hot on the trek in the day (sun cream and sunhat is definitely needed) and cold at night and in Cuzco. Walking poles are great, even one will do to help you down the steep sections and if you don’t want to carry these in your luggage you can buy them In Cusco or at the start of trek.

Suggestions

Only that it was a fantastic trip and something you shouldn't hesitate to do! Although the trek was tougher than I expected I loved every minute and was constantly amazed by the changing scenery. This trip shows a lot of what Peru has to offer and although it's quite a busy itinerary there is nothing I would want to miss out!

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing at the highest point of the walk each day and knowing that I had made it! All the different views of Mont Blanc, which is inspirational from any angle.

Thoughts on Group Leader

It is hard to think of anything to say about Oliver that has not already been said by previous reviewers. He is a genuinely lovely man who goes out of his way to make sure that everyone has a great time. His ability to vary his pace to meet the needs of the group, his endless stream of "jokes", knowledge of the mountains (and wild flowers) and where to get the best tarts is immense. Although we all know that Dylan is really in charge! 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it - you'll have a great time. Annecy is well worth a visit on your free day.

Suggestions

This is a brilliant trip and I thoroughly recommend it. As a first holiday walking in mountains it was probably not the easiest but it has certainly made me want to do more.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the wild bears and a wolf from the bear hidein the woods

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, he got to know us really quickly. he knew loads about the areas we visited.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In August it is extremely hot. 40degrees in the sun and there is quite a lot of exposed walking with no shade.

Most Inspirational Moment

Yangshou;Cycling, kayaking and seeing the light show.Seeing how the country is developing so fast.Getting to know my travelling companions.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bruce was exceptional. He was perceptive,proactive, really well organised, polite, entertaining and really went out of his way to help us have a relaxing and trouble free holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are travelling in August be prepared for the heat, humidity and crowds of Chinese tourists everywhere. There was very little 'peace and quiet' but it's all part of the adventure. Definately go to the show in Yangshou, it is breathtaking and the activities there are good too. The climb up Emeishan was SO crowded...you have been warned!

Suggestions

This is a fast developing country and not always pretty(apart from Yangshou area), but it is very interesting and well worth a visit.The trip is very well paced; relaxing on the cruise after a week of sightseeing and travelling was very welcome, followed by activities such as cycling,caving and kayaking, then another burst of city life in Shanghai.The train journeys are great and the last and longest trip was updated when we travelled (Aug 2012)so there was no problem with cleanliness or inferior facilities at all.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving at the village of O Cebereio after a long hard climb. A simple, beautiful village high on the mountain between Leon and Gallicia.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was an excellent leader in every respect. Professional, supportive, hugely positive attitude and always seeking to make the trip work for everyone and with great suggestions for eating. He deserves an Exodus medal.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I'd say you need to be taking regular exercise to get the best out of this trip.

Suggestions

This could easily be a 5* trip if a little more attention was paid to the hotels. On a few days these were quite far out of town or rather functional. So this detracted somewhat from the magic and atmosphere of the Camino experience.