Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There are no truely stunning or inspirational moments but spending time walking in the relatively empty mountains of the Sierra Nevada with the possibilities of wildlife spotting and the sun on your back (or face) is pretty fine stuff.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dan is a Yorkshireman - and he is a good bloke (high praise). The sort of leader that that gives a group confidence. Punctuality and organisation were pretty much his trademark, his knowledge of the local area, its history, wildlife etc was detailed and his skill with gaffer tape was impressive. Would be very happy to go into the mountains with him again

Advice for Potential Travellers

To get the most out of it a reasonable level of fitness is needed. Poles are useful for some of the descents. If you have tickets for the Alhambra you do need to be at the right place at the right time or you won't go in - we witnessed some interesting conversations at the entrance point - if you end up with a bit of paper that says 'this is not a tick' which has to be exchanged for a ticket at the box office make sure you have your passport with you - or you won't get your ticket!

Most Inspirational Moment

it has to be the long climbs on days three and four and the equally long thrilling descents! Cyclists consume a lot of calories and there was no shortage of delicious food from breakfast, snack stops, lunch and dinner. Not to mention the re-hydrating with local beer and wine at the end of a long day cycling!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele and Simone were excellent. They supported all of us on the daily rides making sure everybody had an enjoyable time and took it in turns to cycle and drive the support van. They provided snacks during the rides and ensured we arrived at lunch stops on time for pre-booked lunch. Nothing was a problem for them - from fixing the occasional puncture to ordering food for us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you have your own pedals/cycling shoes and saddle then I strongly recommend you take them. I did not take mine and cycled in trainers, I managed ok, but it would have been a lot easier, especially on the hills if I had my own pedals and cycling shoes.

Most Inspirational Moment

Views from the tops

Thoughts on Group Leader

Best leader, passionate about the local history and geography. Great sandwich maker.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Meeting a group of different people from different countries with a common interest of being fit, having fun, and seeing a different part of the world.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Martino was excellent in giving instructions of what to expect on the way etc. He was a wealth of knowledge on all things Italian, delivered with a sense of humour and patience. Roberta, our driver was also fabulous, friendly and so helpful.

Most Inspirational Moment

I really enjoyed visiting Lions Rock, which after getting your breath back after climbing all the stairs offers wonderful views of the surrounding area, as well as an insight to Sri Lanka history. I also enjoy the unscheduled visit to Little Adams peak, after rain meant that Hortons plain was not viable, this was a great alternative and offered beautiful views of Sri Lanka

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roshan, was great, he gave a very good in depth introductory talk on the first day and provided us with an excellent history lesson of Sri Lanka, as well as being very knowledgeable in terms of the fauna and flora of the various regions.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is very little street food or dining out culture in Sri Lanka with the exception of Kandy and less so Nuwara Eliya, therefore you will be eating the vast majority of your meals in hotels, with buffets being the easiest choice but it does make it more expensive. A la Carter is an option at most places but service tends to be slow and therefore often requires pre-ordering.

Most Inspirational Moment

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Thoughts on Group Leader

Hussan was excellent - really experienced , polite and helpful. He dealt with a difficult and potentially dangerous situation on the hiking with confidence and skill. Thank you.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Respect the mountains - none of our group expected huge storms, torrential rain and flash floods. Be prepared for all weathers

Most Inspirational Moment

Managing to climb the slightly scary ascent on the Les houches day & my paragliding experience on the free day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mark was very organised & adapted the walks for less able members of the group where possible.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go on this trip. Be aware that the Tuesday walk is a challenge if you don’t like to feel vulnerable on exposed, sheer drop areas of walks.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were too many inspirational moments to pick just one! Halong Bay is up there!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Trung was outstanding. He had a beautiful personality, was passionate and dedicated and clearly loved his job and country. If only all tour leads were like him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a fantastic tour. Never got bored. The train can be a little cold due to the air con, so bring extra clothing for the overnight trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were too many really to say. Seeing Machu Picchu for the first time was incredible and the Andean Condors gliding above us and through the Colca Canyon were amazing. Angelito, our local guide, managed our expectations by saying that sometimes the Condors do not appear but we were incredibly spoilt with around 15 of them flying above us. Being able to stay in the home of a local family on Amantani Island was also incredible; hearing how they live their lives from day to day and giving us a glimpse of this, albeit, for less than 24 hours, was a humbling experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sebastian was wonderful and truly made the trip for me. His wit, humour, intellect and knowledge of Peru surpassed all of my expectations. He looked after us from beginning to end by staying in the same hotel as us every night, providing us with his mobile number and making himself accessible 24/7 and we had the option to dine with him every night where he would take us to some interesting restaurants. In addition, every day was filled with fun and laughter - thanks, in the main, to him - he answered all of our questions and provided us with a great understanding of his homeland. He catered for our every whim e.g. we wanted to go to a salsa club in Cuzco then Sebastian took us; when almost all of the group went on a flight to see the Nazca Lines then he took the remaining 3 of us to a local museum in Ica - nothing was ever too much trouble for him and he refused to allow us to go on our own even if we offered. I speak Spanish and love to practice so Sebastian would speak with me in Spanish - he was amazing! Every Exodus adventure needs a Sebastian!

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are some parts of the trip where uphill climbing is needed - whilst not intense, the altitude can contribute to a feeling of weariness at these times and this should be considered. I think Exodus provide excellent advice on how to prepare for this trip and so I have not much more to add. I would definitely take advantage of the single supplement when travelling alone as the group is amazing but the trip is pretty full on and some down time on your own is very beneficial.

Most Inspirational Moment

i can't think of a particular inpsirational moment of the trip as it was all so special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was knowledgeable and very patient with our group when we moaned about the hills!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared and read the kit notes. The trip is rated as a moderate yet the climbs are steep!