Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

It was amazing to see the elephants bathing in the river at Pinnewala.  We had a brilliant view from the terrace of the restaurant where we had lunch and were able to go down to the water to get a closer view... a little too close in my case when a tiny baby elephant decided to head-butt me.  It's certainly an experience I will never forget!

Thoughts on Group Leader

I couldn't have had a better group leader.  He made sure we had all the information we required for each day and answered any questions we had both about the country and the activities we were doing.  He even managed to get us lunch when there were a cyclone in the area we were staying and the hotel had lost all power and part of their restaurant's roof.  He always made us feel safe and at ease during the whole trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

All the activities I did, both those as part of the trip and the optional ones, were really good so I would definitely recommend making the most of every opportunity when you're out there.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching wild elephants on shore from the canoe - amazing!  You can get much closer to the elephants in the canoe than you ever could safely on foot, and I got dozens of amazing photos.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very professional, good humoured and patient.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Come prepared to leave some of your luggage behind.  You don't need a lot of things in canoe (you are carrying everything with you) and you can pick it up at the end of the trip.  If I had of known this in advance, I would have arrived prepared with my luggage separated as there way no time to do this on arrival.  Also it gets a lot colder than you may think at night and the sleeping bags were quite thin, bring your own if you feel the cold. 

Most Inspirational Moment

I have to pick two - one easy, one tough. Easy: watching birds and monkeys as I drifted down a river in the Amazon Basin. Tough: looking out from behind an amazing waterfall after forcing myself to scramble, crawl and even climb through a low, narrow wet tunnel that most of our group  declined!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabian was a real character, roguish, passionate and knowledgeable about his country (and armed with books to fil in the gaps in his knowledge of plants and wildlife), friendly, laidback, caring and reliable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for all weathers and large meals, be flexible and don't go with pre-conceived ideas. And don't ignore your group leader when he tells you that at high latitudes the sun can burn you even through heavy cloud on a cold day

Most Inspirational Moment

It was fantastic to camp at Base Camp and explore the area. It was great to see climbers on the icefall and to talk with climbers, climbing sherpas and the doctors in the Everest ER tent.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Valerie Parkinson was a fantastic leader. Her passion for the Himalayas was contagious. She was extremely organised and helpful and was a mine of information.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it! Try to camp at Base Camp.

Most Inspirational Moment

No one moment in particular, but being in such an interesting and pretty part of the world makes the whole week worthwhile.  The Walk of the Gods is great, as was the view from top on the first day's climb.  The family- run hotel and being in a town not overrun with tourists is a great bonus.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Unfortunately, the only part of the trip that was disappointing for our group was the leader.  He seemed a bit "over it" as far as being a group leader goes.  While I appreciate he was unwell with a cold, he gave little or no advice, showed little knowleldge or interest in answering questions and generally was a bit useless.  Having done this trip in 2005 with a different group leader (and having an expectation of Exodus providing us with a similarly enthusiastic leader), I was quite disappointed (and a little embarrassed as I had encouraged three others to come).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely do the Amalfi Coast trip.  The downhill walking can be tough on your knees, so take walking sticks if you think this may be an issue.  On the walking days, think "moderate" for your rating; the "leisurely" part of the rating relates to the non-walking days. I also think a day-trip to Capri on your free day would be advisable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing up to and viewing Taksang Monastery.  Surviving Bhutanese driving .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sonam was a brilliant person--inspirational, patient, informative and just a great (Top) guy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get fit, have all your medication with you, travel light and keep your mind open and curious..

Most Inspirational Moment

Sleeping on a rocky ledge surrounded by amazing rock scenery and with spectacular views - the best bedroom we've ever slept in!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zohair was not just a good guide but a good conversationalist, providing interesting perspectives on Jordan and the Middle East

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you like mountains and desert, Wadi Rum is one of the very best - make sure you sleep under the stars

Most Inspirational Moment

Looking down on Benidorm and seeing what 'package tourists' were missing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose is a natural and excellent leader. He showed his best side when tending to the feet of some of the females in our group. He clearly understands the types of people in the groups well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Leave all your worries behind.

Most Inspirational Moment

Lots of great days and whilst I chose to go on the train to Nuara Elia we enjoyed a fantastic experience with the locals. I was delighted to be there to welcome many of the group back from an amazing challenge.There are many other fab cycling days including the down hill day of supreb views from Ella, to make in time to watch the Rugby World Cup final over a few beers!! Chasing home from mad rainstorm, along the lakeside was also a great experience! Whale watching trip is also a must!! 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Peter and his team ( AK and Kasun) were excellent and extremely supportive.At no point do you need to ask for anything as we were always well catered for.Having been with Peter in Kerela, I would recommend any trip that he and his team guide, as we have had 2 very good experiences. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

You do need rain gear, though it was a lot of fun in the muddy back lanes!

Advice for Potential Travellers

*All* equipment and clothes are provided at Basement, only casual wear for evenings is required. Taking a game or two for the evenings is a good idea.