Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There were a few but I think meeting Sandra, the owner of Podere Il Casale (day 6) and hearing how she ended up with a dilapidated farm in the early '90s and built it to a successful ethical and sustainable business with her family that we find today. She was a brilliant character who had the whole group laughing throughout our tour at her stories. Aside from the jokes, it was probably the most thought provoking in terms of how we source our food and the lifestyles we lead. Also, special mention for the lunch her team prepared, all sourced from her farm, including the meats, cheeses, oils and wines (of course)!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ambra was excellent, she got the measure of our group quickly, where our interests were and tailored her insights and guidance through the trip to keep us engaged and curious for more. At times, we tended to chat over meals probably for longer than the itinerary schedule allowed, just enjoying the food and ambiance but Ambra managed our time so we had those moments to relax and not rush through the whole trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is a fair amount of walking up stone steps and around hilly medieval towns. A good level of mobility and stamina is required on some days, particularly when we visit Siena and Volterra. Sensible, comfortable shoes for walking around are essential. I travelled in early May and the weather wasn't ideal, we had a couple of very rainy days and in the Tuscan hills it could be chilly. When it was sunny, it was glorious but I'd recommend travelling with an umbrella in case of showers and some warmer layers for departures earlier in the season (Jan-May).

Most Inspirational Moment

Trip to the brand new GEM (Grand Egyptian museum), the best museum I have ever visited. Trip to the Pyramid at Saqqara where we were the only group. The tomb of Ramesses V and VI in the Valley of the Kings, the Felucca boat ride and sitting on the top deck of our Nile cruise watching the world pass by.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were very lucky to have our Guide Muhammed S who was outstanding. Personally, Muhammed made the trip for me. He was not only exceptionally knowledgable about Egyptian history and culture but was also caring, proactive, organised , funny, respectful, generous and interesting.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is the trip for you if you are interested in Egyptian history and culture. It is carefully curated and packed with trips and activities. While there are opportunities to relax at the hotels and on the cruise boat, I recommend booking a few days in Hurghada or Sharm if you also need a 'holiday' (I stayed in Hurghada for 4 days before the trip started which was perfect and also organised as an extra by Exodus).

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspiring moment for me was the home-stay visit at Xom Chien village. It's a very tranquil stay, you are right in the beautiful country side and rice fields, and are welcomed and hosted by the very friendly community in this village. The locals are very generous and friendly and are excited to welcome you to their home. This homestay being right near the start of the trip is a very good bit of trip planning as it allows you to slow down, take in the scenery and the culture and really unwind and start your holiday in a refreshed mind state.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Toan was an amazing guide! He was fun, friendly, funny and knew just about everything there was to know about his country! He provided such a deep knowledge on the history and culture of the areas we passed through and also helped us to learn some of the local language to help us communicate with the locals better. Just a really great guide to spend your 2 weeks with!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Depending on what time of the year you travel, bring fewer/lighter clothes than you're planning, it's hotter than I expected! Also bring some thin but warm layers for the overnight train. I personally didn't get very cold, but some of my fellow travelers were quite cold through the night.

Most Inspirational Moment

The last day hike to Monte Prado Views all the way up, and all around

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was outstanding; a machine of a guide! Including everyone, encouraging all hikers to do their best. Her pride and knowledge of the area is obvious. Very involved with all meals. Great sense of humour. Would go back in a minute. A wonderfully kind human A gem for Exodus

Advice for Potential Travellers

Remember to read notes with hike elevation; as stated, bring layers for summit. Fell in love with the local “ Farro” grains, brought some back home

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Duke was an excellent leader — knowledgeable, thoughtful, well organised, and always helpful. He took time to understand what each of us wanted from the trip, from experiences and food to shopping and sightseeing. He was patient throughout and even helped with plans beyond the group tour. I really appreciated all the effort he put into making the trip so enjoyable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be open to trying local food and experiences — some of the unexpected moments were the most memorable.

Most Inspirational Moment

loved kinabatangan

Thoughts on Group Leader

both guides excellent

Most Inspirational Moment

The first wonderfully spectacular views of the sea and coastline from the rugged coastal paths

Thoughts on Group Leader

Inês was a friendly, kind and thoughtful leader, passionate about the Algarve. She was very well-organized, hard-working and kept everything running smoothly. She was positive, careful, flexible and very patient and adapted to our various strengths and weaknesses. None of us were aware, until she advised us at the end of the week, that this was her first time working solo with a group. We would not have known! Nothing seemed to be too much for Inês, including accompanying me to the pharmacy when I needed this. I’m very grateful indeed that she was our guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather was ideal for walking, mostly not too hot and only a brush with rain. Shoes or boots with a good grip are necessary for some parts of the coastal and other paths. Also walking poles might be a good addition too. As others have said (and I should have listened!) leave some space in your luggage for wine, pottery, olive oil and gifts.

Most Inspirational Moment

At the start of the trip, we were all asked why Peru, and what we most wanted to see. Most said Machu Picchu. It is obviously a highlight, but the biggest surprise for me was actually Nazca. I’ve read about the place, seen photographs and documentaries, but nothing prepares you for the scale and strangeness of the landscape, particularly at altitude. Whilst some of the journeys are daunting, I found travelling through the high Andes to be an absolute highlight. Some of the most memorable moments were not necessarily the famous landmarks; the roadside stops and viewpoints were often extraordinary.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader, Luis, was excellent throughout the trip: organised, knowledgeable, calm and consistently good company. He kept the trip running smoothly while still making it feel relaxed and enjoyable, and he handled the practicalities of altitude, transport, timings, and accommodation well. I think Luis struck a good balance between providing information and allowing people to experience places in their own way. I always felt the group was well looked after and that everything was under control without it ever feeling over-managed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

One thing worth planning carefully is laundry. I’ve been on trips with Exodus where every hotel offers laundry services; on this trip, there was only one opportunity to wash clothes properly, and even hotel room washing/drying opportunities are limited. You are likely to experience a wide range of temperatures and conditions, so don't forget a light waterproof and jumper. The sun can be deceptively strong at altitude, so consider sunscreen and a hat. The highest altitude we experienced was nearly 5,000 metres above sea level, so mild exertion leave you short of breath, but nobody on my trip was badly affected. Nevertheless, altitude is taken seriously, so your blood oxygen levels will be measured as a matter of routine. Whilst most make do with a smartphone, a good camera is worthwhile if you enjoy photography, particularly for landscapes and wildlife. I should also mention the homestay on Amantani Island, which proved to be one of the more memorable parts of the trip. Facilities really are limited, so don't expect washing facilities or wifi, but the kindness and hospitality was infectious, and I came away with a recipe for a kind of fried flatbread called toctochi, which you simply have to try. I had been a little apprehensive about this bit of the trip, but ended up enjoying it far more than I expected.

Most Inspirational Moment

Undoubtedly the evening visit to the cemetery where we joined with families, dressed graves, enjoyed the brass band and dancing, drank cocktails, ate street food and learned about the Mexican tradition of celebrating the lives of their lost family members. Just an amazing experience and a lesson about how loss and respect can include enjoyment and welcome in others to be part of it. The various pyramids and classical sites we visited were amazing. Mont Alban was probably my favourite as it was less touristy. The optional river trip to the Roberto Barrios waterfalls was well worth doing too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was the very best! Luis is a gentleman, a very well educated man and incredibly thoughtful guide who wanted us all to get the most from our experience. As a doctor, he clearly leads these trips to share his love and knowledge of Mexico’s history. He threw everything into our trip, from a 3.30am start to get marigolds for us all to take to the cemetery, to booking us into professional make up artists so we could fully engage in the Dis de Muertos festival. He never missed an opportunity to add new experiences as they arose, such as following a wedding celebration and did it all with a smile and wonderful manner. He was supported by a fantastic coach driver, whose name sadly I can’t remember, but we felt completely safe with him despite some extremely long days and he was always friendly and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for very long days, limited downtime and long coach journeys. They were tiring and at times a touch frustrating, but were necessary to travel the distances we did, and to have the wide range of experiences we enjoyed. If you are able to read or fill in your time on long journeys with other activities, it helps. The weather in late October - mid November was lovely - so normal summer clothing was fine - ignore the advice about women not wearing shorts. Many did and we ensured it was not a problem before doing so. Most of all - throw yourself into the whole Dia de Meurtos experience. I had read that local people don’t like tourists to engage in facial make up and fully joining in the celebrations. Our guide was shocked by this and encouraged us to join with him in all aspects. So pleased we did. We had lovely responses from many local people too.

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole trip was inspiring so very difficult to highlight just one. The Great Wall and Terracotta Army and it was a real privilege to see Giant Pandas especially the younger ones.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Frank was superb. He was really good at getting us to sites early enough to avoid the worst of the crowds. He had a fantastic depth of knowledge about the history and development of his country and was always there to help if needed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some of our group had problems with the Alipay app at least early on in the trip. Although the tendency is to think of China as a cashless society, we found that ATM's and cash was usually easily available. A good idea to bring some local currency(Yuan) on arrival also. If you think this trip is for you, then go for it and immerse yourself in the culture. It will remain an unforgettable experience!