Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There were a number of great moments - watching the sun set in the desert, camping in different places - each one special; climbing up to Burdah Bridge (way outside my comfort zone, but I wouldn't have missed it for the world); and finishing with a visit to Petra.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide and leader was Abdallah Marashdeh. He was superb in every way. Informative, knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, kind and with a great sense of humour. He could not have been better.

Most Inspirational Moment

Easy to say what was most fun, dog sledging and 'qiinzee' building but for inspiration for me it was the Little Bear walk which we did on our own on snowshoes. Just great scenery with amazing views of waterfalls, frozen water and sunlight through the trees. Just being here away from the rat-race and it was so peaceful and clean. I think overall you feel closer to nature in these moments and appreciate what these places offer. Having been hunkered down during the pandemic it was great to have this release at last!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Elina was just brilliant. Apart from the usual organising and day-job role she was also really funny, interacted really well with everyone on the trip and nothing was too much trouble. You felt you were an individual as well. Elina was encouraging and supportive as well as being patient when needed! All the leaders and their assistants mucked in to support the chef and kitchen staff. A real team effort!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light, you could put all you luggage into a carry-on bag easily and save money if you are travelling independently. Basecamp provide all the clothing for the daytime and some of the evening activities as well. So apart from your travelling clothes you hardly need anything else, just something for the evenings in the dining room, some just wore the provided thin layers. Use your down time to take advantage of the time to do your own walks and ski practice. Take a walk outside when its dark to see the stars and maybe even get in the hot-tub! This trip is easy to do as long as you are reasonably fit and can walk a few miles in snowshoes. Nothing was too arduous or complicated.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walking is a necessary part of the holiday to offset the copious quantity of excellent Italian food, wine, gelato etc!! But this holiday also includes trips to Pompeii and Vesuvius which are "must see" sights for those even remotely interested in archeology and history. It was perhaps a pity that the trip to Pompeii was so short (barely 2 hours) but in fairness it was an extremely cold day. The optional trip to Herculaneum was also outstanding - it's a difficult choice to make about whether to do that or go to Capri. I also really enjoyed the visit to the paper factory in Amalfi - a most unusual experience for anyone interested in the early manufacturing processes of paper. No review of an Exodus holiday is complete without mentioning that we shared the holiday with a lovely group of people - our thanks to all for the company and friendship.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vania was an excellent leader - attentive, sociable, highly personable and clearly popular with hotel staff and others. Her walking style was relaxed, and she allowed people to walk at their own pace whilst still keeping the group together.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a great out-of-season holiday - I suspect walking over the very hot summer months could be very tiring. Also, the tourist venues of Pompeii and Herculaneum are so much quieter. However, it can get very cold in Bomerano (snow on the hills), so bring hats, gloves and down jackets in the winter or early Spring weeks.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many, but looking into the eyes of a 130 year old giant tortoise was a particularly special moment for me, as was lying on the top deck of the boat and watching a dozen or so frigatebirds flying just three metres above us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our naturalist guide, Marvi, was born in the Galapagos and is a real expert on the islands. He is engaging, enthusiastic, organised and friendly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a pair of sturdy shoes, such as walking boots or trainers. The terrain on some of the islands can be difficult, involving clambering over large, uneven and occasionally loose boulders. A water bottle and a sealable bag to keep your camera dry and free of sand are also essential.

Most Inspirational Moment

The snowshoeing at Vall D'Aran had amazing views. Some great climbs and forest walks.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Miguel was a very informative leader who made sure that we enjoyed snowshoeing by taking us to areas he knew had snow. Miguel spent time with the party giving us interesting talks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take layers as the weather alters day to day.

Most Inspirational Moment

Loved Tortugero boat trips and generally the nature tours whether walking or on boat were the highlights. Staying in jungle environment, open to nature was great. Our 'twitchers' in the group rewarded us all with their expert bird spotting and in fact the group overall was great fun and we all got on well together. There was a scenic ridge ride with Costa Rica on one side and Panama on the other plus some great downhill runs and nice runs through villages in the second week.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto was excellent in his guiding and knowledge.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for heat and humidity. We were frequently riding in over 30 degrees C and it reached 39 degrees at one point. We were riding frequently in full sun. Don't bother with too many clothing items for cooler temperatures. And keep it simple, you're living out of a case or bag, changing hotels every day so you never unpack.

Most Inspirational Moment

Having the courage to Zipline through the rainforest and experience the Tarzan swing. A very memorable activity with a group of equally terrified group members. An experience not to be missed. The guides are patient and take great care with your safety. Would thoroughly recommend.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andreas was a charming and knowledgeable guide. He made great efforts to ensure we knew what was happening every day and always had our safety in mind. Without his expertise we would have missed much of the wildlife(he had eyes like a hawk!) He personally went the extra mile helping me to exchange old currency that was obsolete. He made sure we had time by ourselves if we wished and also made sure that nobody felt left out. A very capable and passionate leader. It was his discreet organisation that ensured the trip ran so smoothly. Thanks

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light, take plenty of repellent. I found a mixture of colons, dollars and cards proved useful.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Northern lights.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jon was great, knew what he was doing, had an encyclopaedic knowledge of his country, and his Icelandic folk stories never ended!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Dont take any cash - Iceland is pretty much cashless now (and expensive). Do take lots of layers - it was minus 17 at Thingvellir after sunset. Be prepared to be in the vehicle quite a lot. Do go to the Blue lagoon on the way to the airport. Most flights are afternoon which gives time. (The taxi from Blue lagoon to Keflavik was 9000 kr, which we shared with someone else. There is a phone with direct line to a taxi firm in the blue lagoon) Consider adding a day or two in Reykjavik before or after the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

I am not sure what the writer of this form was thinking of for this box, but the scenery is beautiful & amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Ilse & Mary are good. They are different personalities, but I think that is good in a group environment and in a teaching environment. I enjoyed skiing with both and both are very willing to answer questions, be they related to technique or the area in which we were skiing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Relax & enjoy your holiday.