Reviews

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is so hard to pick a most inspirational moment as the whole trip was very special.General highlights which came along constantly include cycling through all the towns and villages, waving and smiling at all the amazingly friendly people, high fiving the children, practising English with locals on their mopeds driving alongside us as we cycled. The landscape was so beautiful and varied - different every day. And each village we passed through had it's own character. We did a lot of cycling, 110km was the furthest we cycled in one day - but it was so much fun I didn't notice the distance.The day we left Dalat was an incredible day of cycling which included some uphill sections but then an unbelievably beautiful 30km descent down winding mountain roads through impressive scenery into the valley.  Cycling 10km uphill to the top of the Hai Van pass on the day we left Hoi An was a spectacular challenge with such a feeling of achievement on reaching the top! And the food was delicious - a different local speciality every night.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lam was incredible. He was so enthusiastic and went above and beyond to ensure that we were all happy. He made time for everyone in the group, to talk to them, answer their questions and crack a few jokes! He explained very skillfully to us what to expect of each day or section of cycling so that we were prepared but not daunted, informed but not bamboozled with information. Along with his team he organised us and looked after us so well that all we had to think about was enjoying the cycling! The mechanic was always at hand to fix any problems with the bikes, the bus was always available should anyone need a rest from cycling for a leg of the journey, and water, snacks and fresh lemonade were all in plentiful supply constantly. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

I wasn't sure how my legs were going to cope with the mileage but I was definitely bike-fit enough to enjoy all the scenery and interactions with people without struggling with the cycling. Cycling over hills in North London every day to get to work and back stood me in good stead for the hills in Vietnam.

Suggestions

I would recommend a trip with Exodus if you would like to have an active holiday in an interesting part of the world and fancy an organised trip rather than doing your own thing...

Most Inspirational Moment

It's hard to pick out one inspirational moment as everyday had its highlights. The walks were great - Walk of the Gods, Vesuvius and a lovely walk on Capri. I really enjoyed my visit to Naples - even though it doesn't have a great reputation! Ravello is beautiful and of course, Herculaneum and Pompeii are so interesting

Thoughts on Group Leader

Barbara was a fantastic leader. Extremely knowledgable and professional but also very friendly and fun. An ideal leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Nothing in particular. I was worried about the heat in August but it was managable. The hotel is in the hills where it was fresher and I had no problem sleeping.

Suggestions

I have no hesitation in recommending this trip. It was a really great week packed with wonderful experiences and memories.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zung honestly couldn't have been better. Gracious, calm, fun, informed, intelligent, organised, great company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book now!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many every day, between amazing scenery, great team spirit, the best group leader (Lam) ever and his so smily team, great food and ever so friendly locals! However, cycling through endless graveyard scenery (might sound a bit dark now but it was unique) and rice harvesting at sunset time near Hue. And how brilliant was wave jumping at Mui Ne after a day of sweaty cycling in the August heat!!  And last but not least the great team spirit!

Thoughts on Group Leader

You can wish for no better tour leader than Lam! The enthusiasm for his country and his efforts to look after everyone of the entire cycling team are just unparalleled! His team of drivers and mechanic just loved him, and so did we! He is simply the best!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The summer heat and humidity make cycling more demanding than in Europe. A camelbag will provide water more easily and cooler than a water bottle. Bring very good sunscreen and enough clothes to change (even though washing is possible every 5 days or so).  

Suggestions

This is a great and fast-paced trip with so many different impressions and experiences! Highly recommendable, especially during the summer months when groups are smaller.

Most Inspirational Moment

One of the most inspirational moments for me was the Meemure trail walk. It was really jungly jungle, and resonant with the sounds of insects and birds. Another moment was walking through a village one afternoon, on the way to a river for a swim, to the very beautiful strains of a Buddhist sung sermon being broadcast across the village. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was great. Full of energy, very knowledgeable, and enthusiastic about his country and its peoples.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect to be hot and sweaty a lot of the time. Expect to eat curry and rice - its delicious in Sri Lanka. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to choose just one highlight out of 5 varied and interesting walks, with stunning views every day. As a couple, we get 2 choices (!) - on the 2nd walk, passing through Alpine meadows on one flank of the Val Ferret while looking across to the stunning rock and glacier faces on the opposite flank; and on the final day, the view from our higest point across the Chamonix valley towards Mont Blanc, the Aiguille du Midi etc - the whole range spread out before us. And it was 25C at 2,300 metres!Then there was the Lac Blanc; the views from both ends of the Chamonix valley; the delicious myrtle tarts at the mountain refuges; the fun group; the sunshine... sorry, I am going on a bit now.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oliver and Elaine really could not be bettered for a holiday like this. Oliver wears his immense experience and mountain skills very lightly under the front of relentless flattery ("No group has ever looked so good on day 2" etc etc) and terrible jokes. He shepherded us unobtrusively and helped to engender a strong sense of mutual support among the group. Elaine ran a great house with hearty mountain food to keep us going and clean, comfortable beds to crash in at night. The hot tub, table tennis table and endless energy of Dylan-the-Villain all added to the fun. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go prepared for all weathers, and have a wonderful time. Look out for each other in the group. Laugh at Oliver's jokes (especially the one about aliens landing in Les Houches). 

Suggestions

Go find out for yourself!