Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The level of the un-explored archaeology

Thoughts on Group Leader

Talked and talked, I gnawed my leg off. Seriously, very passionate and knowledgeable , but seemingly unable to filter the main memorable points and a tendency to lose the 'hook' within the torrent of information. Very helpful most of the time. The goalposts also tended to move, resulting in wrong place, wrong time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Hotel rooms are very variable, be prepared to take the rough with the smooth, singles beware you will get more than your fair share of the rough. Beware of rooms that open directly onto stairs. Travel in the spring when it is cooler, June is too hot, the mountains way well still be snow capped in the early spring. Go soon, this country is developing very rapidly and will lose its' charm very quickly once the 'all inclusives' start to move in.

Most Inspirational Moment

walking though the ornately painted and decorated monastery's while listening to the sounds of bells, smelling the heady incense drifting from the prayer rooms filled with vibrantly red dressed monks of all ages. so many smiling faces

Thoughts on Group Leader

our tour leader Kinley gave great insight into the kingdom of Bhutan, the religions, the art and traditional practices...all with deep knowledge and camaraderie. an excellent leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

warm socks for the monastery's and lots of layers as the weather changes throughout the trip from bright and sunny to colder in the beautiful Gangtey Valley... lots of long sleeves

Most Inspirational Moment

Very many. From driving round hair-raising mountain bends to reach the beautiful Ostrog Monastery in Montenegro and being given a delicious traditional lunch by a local family in the countryside. In Sarajevo visiting the Tunnel Museum to see how the city had managed to bring in supplies to survive the siege during the 1991-5 war. Taking the cable car high above the city to walk along the winter olympics bobsleigh track. Watching the divers in Mostar plunge from the Stari Most bridge.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Evelin was brilliant. Kind and caring, he made sure the whole group had the best experience of his country (Bosnia). He was very knowledgeable about the region's history, environment, current politics. He was able to answer all our questions. He carried luggage to the ladies' rooms at a hotel with no lifts, helped take orders in restaurants, and even acted as waiter in one.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sun protection and a hat are necessities, also sturdy walking shoes for walks on rocky uphill stretches. It's certainly worth staying on in Dubrovnik as there's plenty of sightseeing there.

Most Inspirational Moment

Got to be the polar bears.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bertie was excellent and inspirational.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get the layering right and you'll be fine.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the endangered Pygmy elephants on the river cruise, flying squirrels and spotting two wild orangutans. Appreciate that we were very lucky as the wildlife doesn't appear on demand. Melaka was great fun, bonkers and very lively night life, a real culture shock after our time in lodges in the Borneo rainforest.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both group leaders were excellent. Edwin in Borneo (being a former forest ranger) had fantastic wildlife knowledge and along with our river boat driver was amazing at spotting so much wildlife for us to see. Edwin had a great sense of humour and took the group to a lovely restaurant on our last night in Borneo. Jason on the mainland was a kind and truly passionate guide and went out of his way to ensure that everyone in the group was looked after. His job was much harder as there was so much else to see so the group did split up more in the bigger towns, but he managed to keep everyone happy seemingly popping up out of nowhere to ensure everyone was having a good time and were safe. He always made restaurant suggestions for dinner and helped with menu translations. Mostly the group kept together and followed his recommendations. All of us heading off in a big taxi van for a fish and chip supper on a remote beach in Langkawi was a great shout Jason! When not with the group (hardly ever) he was always availble on What's App chat anytime should he be needed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a poncho and small umbrella. The Poncho for the occasional huge downpours and the umbrella useful for light rain and can also be used as sun shade, it can get very hot walking around the towns. No need for hiking boots - some waterproof walking shoes/trainers will be fine. Plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent. But don't hesitate just book it.... just relax and go with the flow. I'm looking forward to the next adventure with Exodus now.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day being even more different and incredible than the previous. Seeing the Quetzal so close up.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eduardo was incredible! His knowledge about his country was detailed and Eduardo had a great way of communicating his enthusiasm to the group. His credentials as a guide are exemplary. We learnt about the way of life in Costa Rica, the issues it faces and how tourism is managed. Eduardo really was our friend in Costa Rica. He knew everything about any creature or flora. He enhanced the experience immeasurably. Eduardo always gave more; a longer walk, stopping at points of interest to see crocodiles, rhino beetles, pineapple plantations, amongst other wonders. Our driver Victor was the best. Not once did he take a risk; we always felt very safe in his hands, an excellent driver. Victor would also go over and beyond, helping anyone in the group who needed a hand, always smiling and welcoming. Whenever we arrived at a destination Eduardo would call 'OK amigos, we made it!', with a smile.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the high prices in Costa Rica, even in a supermarket. The Hotel President in San José was excellent with a wonderful restaurant with delicious dishes. There was nowhere else to eat out nearby, so this was lucky. Next to the hotel was a good bakery/ lunch place.

Most Inspirational Moment

Loved it all

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Andrew was great he went above and beyond what was required

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the cold war bunker and the Hill of Witches

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andrius was very accommodating and discussed plans for each day and possible variations on the itinerary. He'd lived under Russian rule and it was great to hear his first hand account. He kept us entertained on the coach with his audio clips and sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Mosquito repellant is a must as they even bite through your clothing. Take an extra towel in case you want to experience swimming in the Baltic.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Sarajevo Tunnel Museum visit , as described in the trip notes, sobering and fascinating.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Evelin was excellent: enthusiastic, knowledgeable, respectful and caring with a real passion for his country. Worked seamlessly behind the scenes changing bookings when diversions were necessary due to roadworks or weather and making recommendations. Also praise for the wonderful driver Samir, who calmly drove us safely through long and winding mountain roads.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As described in trip notes. Some long drives but balanced with stops en route.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andrius was amazing. The most interesting well informed leader who looked after us all and kept us constantly well fed, well informed with history of each country, entertained with stories, music, Tom Lehrer, and was amazingly knowledgeable in every respect. The Baltics were a great surprise with so much history, some of it in the times of the Soviets not very happy, very beautiful and spotlessly clean and tidy. We also had some wonderful food too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Really excellent holiday however a couple of the hotel rooms were very hot with no air conditioning at all. I am an experience cyclist and while the bikes worked well they were heavy and had poor gearing. I have been on many cycling holidays, the majority with Exodus but there were the heaviest bikes I have used so far on any holiday. Other than that, as I said earlier, just a wonderful holiday and only 3 potholes!!!