Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There were a few stand out moments - seeing the work and support that Exodus has put in supporting the villagers in Tijhza and the benefits this provides to the area as a whole.  The stars in the Sahara were absolutely awesome and visiting the ruined Glaoui family kasbah at Telouet (having read Lords of the Atlas by Gavin Maxwell in preparation for the trip).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdullah was great, he was very knowledgeable about the history of Morocco and endlessly patient with his vistors who were a bit rubbish at the Arabic and Berber languages.  Sena Sieda!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I have Coeliac Disease so my advise to anyone else in this situation is to make sure you have plenty of snacks with you (for outside of mealtimes) and consider taking some corn/ rice cakes with you as a bread substitute at breakfast.  And read the trip notes!

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting in our truck surrounded by a family of elephants, then watching them wander off into the distance was hard to beat, as was drifting over the plains at dawn in our hot air balloon.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had two leaders, Ben and Davis. As there were 12 of us we spent most of the time split between two vehicles and we spent most of our time with Davis, who was very knowledgeable and informative. He had gone to great pains to ensure we had an appropriate vehicle for the trip and, despite being dogged by tyre problems, made sure we got the most out of our game drives.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take some snacks as the packed lunches are a bit of a disappointment. And do the balloon trip - yes it's pricey but worth it. Breakfasting with champagne on the plains afterwards is really something else!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking to the top of Penon and seeing all around for miles.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent on all counts

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take some good rainproof jackets and warm clothing, when it rained in the higher hills it was like walking in Scotland.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably the walled town of Napflio, which was an unexpected pleasure as I'd never heard of it before. We had a few hours to choose our own method of exploring and were spoilt for choice; some of us decided to cycle up the hill to the fortress dominating the town, and were rewarded with the most fantastic views (and a lovely freewheel back down).Or was it the optional cycle from Corinth, and swimming in the sea on the site of a Greek bath house and Roman villa?

Thoughts on Group Leader

Christiana, the leader, couldn't have done more for us. This was the inaugural trip, so there were a few adjustments needed - eg a change to the autumn ferry timetable meant a quick change to the first morning's plans. Her co-driver, Christos, was equally charming and capable, and his huge enthusiasm for cycling meant we got two guides from time to time, as well as the usual Exodus luxury of an expert puncture-mender.Alongside the cycling and guiding expertise came an infectious enthusiasm for the country, the countryside, the history, the food and the wine. What more could we want?

Advice for Potential Travellers

Having been on several Exodus Moderate trips, I would place this firmly in the same bracket.Some of the climbs were in full sun, so these can get pretty hot.

Most Inspirational Moment

I was inspired by a rider who at 58 (and not having had much riding experience), who had suffered breast cancer and leukemia in the previous few years completed the hardest day of the ride doing a 2000m climb to Nuwalia Aya. I was also inspired by Suresh, our Leaders' patience and attention to detail as well as his knowledge and ability to fix up all sorts of issues and problems.  No problem was ever too small for him.  He always put the riders first and himself last.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh our Group Leader is just the best.  Words cannot praise his patience in dealing with 14 diverse and sometimes demanding customers.  Nothing was too difficult for him to attend to, he catered for everyones needs, consulted when he thought it was appropriate (eg. food choices) and thought about everyone and their requirements.  Suresh you "rock" big time. Thanks ever so much for making this holiday pleasant, comfortable and one of the best cycling tours I have been on so far.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

Advice - take it easy, it's not a race, slow down and enjoy the "journey" and the vivid scenery.  For newbie riders, hydrate, hydrate and hydrate again. A fellow American rider said to us - you Aussies are the Kings of Hydration, we have to be, in 35+ heat in Summer.  Many Northern country riders who haven't ridden in hot countries are apt to get caught out.  Take at least 2 tubs of gatorade/rehydation fluid (available at most western supermarkets) for the 14 days to re-hydrate and chug it down all day with each refill of water.  Take your own bike water bottle as the plastic water bottles used means you'll have to physically stop to unscrew the lid to drink. If you haven't used nappy rash barrier cream (or chamois cream), get some and apply before riding (and at toilet stops), it'll help both male and female riders with chafing - big time.  Take a small back pack to carry and and re-apply 30/50+ sunscreen, plus camera, plus a moist flannel (to cool you down, clean off mud and re-apply sunscreen).  For the ladies, figure out how to use the hose toilets, thy're much more hygienic and cool you down - so practical for Asia

Most Inspirational Moment

Not crashing on that corner, and going through the tunnels near Cortina. Without crashing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Really rather good, handing out a perfect blend of instruction and patience. 

Most Inspirational Moment

The highlight of the trip was of course Machu Pichu which was truly breathtaking but we also enjoyed more than we thought we would the homestay on Lake Titicaca.  Cusco is a great hub of life and we really enjoyed our couple of days there - it was nice to have some time to relax.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabrizzio was an excellent group leader who took everything in his stride and dealt with problems quickly and effectively. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

We changed our £ into dollars only to then change them to SOL so on reflection I would have taken more SOL.  Remember to spend all your SOL because the bank won't change them back if you return with them.  We wished we had bought our souvenirs at Machu Pichu which had a great little market.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many, but the one that stands out was the early morning sunrises, and seeing the first rays of the golden sun slowly and majestically climbing over the mountain peaks as it rises in the sky. Is truly superb sight to behold and not to be missed!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The guides were absolutely magnificent they could do an enough for us, making sure everyone was okay and with great professionalism and with a good sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect the unexpected! J

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several highlights.  In spite of extremely unusual downpours in Jerash, you could still appreciate the vast and majestic ruins (Umbrellas were on sale for 5 dinars!).  Petra itself lived up to its reputation as one of the wonders of the world - the huge site could justify even more time there.  The night spent in Wadi Rum and the optional camel trek in the silent desert landscape, as well as the delicious meal, were relaxing moments in a hectic week.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Khaled Al Aamar, the tour leader, was knowledgeable, pleasant and experienced and gave an insight into the cultural, political and geographical background of his country.  It is not easy dealing with an international group of 20 foreigners varying in age, interests and with different priorities.  In my opinion, he struck a sensible balance between providing adequate information and not interfering with individual independence.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Exodus does advise everyone to bring waterproof and warm clothing, especially for the winter months - these were needed.  Comfortable shoes with non-slip soles are essential as Petra walking routes and other sites could be lethal.  You do need to have a reasonable fitness level and a good head for heights, as there is a lot of scrambling when going on the very good optional excusion with a Bedouin lady guide.  The climbs to the Monastery and to the High Place of Sacrifice were great but if you are in the the slightly unfit category (like me!), hit the gym before going!  Do not forget the anti-bacterial wipes and exercise caution with re-heated buffets in the hotels - at least 6 out of the 20 group members fell ill. It would have been useful to know which hotels were used in advance but apart from the Edom Hotel in Petra, where some rooms needed repairs and an upgrade, the accommodation was good.  The "Red Cave" near the entrance to Petra and the reasonably priced "Mystic Pizza" nearby were good value and the "Ali Baba" in Aqaba was recommended to us.  Meals can be expensive and most hotels and restaurants do not serve alcohol (just accept the Muslim culture).  A towel is provided for floating in the Dead Sea, think about a sarong, ladies, and plastic sandals are a boon, sea salt crystals are very sharp underfoot! Long sleeved discreet clothing and trousers are essential for women travellers. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking on the glacier definitely, closely followed by the lava cave and seeing the Northern Lights.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kristjian was great, very knowledgeable and passionate about his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is well worth doing, even if you are not lucky enough to see the Northern Lights.  Be prepared for any weather.  Gerdi guesthouse was comfortable and catered well for vegetarians, but if you are eating out, Iceland is not particularly veggie-friendly.