Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The view from the col on the way up to the arch was breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara is a fantastic leader. She clearly knew the area extensively (and seemed to know everybody) and controlled the pace of the walks very well. She is a very interesting, witty and caring person who made the holiday pretty special for me. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go. The scenery and views are wonderful. The walks are challenging (7-10 miles and up to 1000m climbs) but not technically difficult (I went on the B grade). Lots of people say walking poles are essential but I think that's personal preference because I managed fine without. Sara will lend you a pair f you want to try them out. Weather was cold in April so take several layers and remember to bring gloves (I didn't !)

Thoughts on Group Leader

 I've been on many group holidays and found Jose to be one of the best leaders I've experienced, extremely competent and good fun.  As a local, he was able to lead us over rough terrain through the mountainous, wilderness areas without marked paths - we had every confidence in him.  Refreshingly, he didn't feel the need to tell us to wear sunscreen in the sun, carry water to drink, a fleece in case it gets chilly and a waterproof in case it rains. Instead he explained the geology of the area, discussed how the region is affected by politics and answered all our questions regarding the flora, fauna and local culture.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

The whole of this holiday is very relaxed; you won't need any smart clothes or makeup.  

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many! The tigers were a big highlight - seeing the biggest tiger in Bandhavgarh stroll towards you and getting six feet away is unforgettable! And washing the elephant in the river! Oh, and driving through the chaos of Old Delhi's market on a Rickshaw! And of course, the Taj!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Harish was fantastic. He made our trip very enjoyable and went out of his way to make sure we had a brilliant time. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want to see tigers go in March or April - we were told this is the best time. This isn't roughing it - we thought the food, the accomodation and transport were all more than adequate.  Take your swimming costume for the pool!Take footballs and tennis balls for the children - the footballs went down particularly well.   Game drives can be quite windy and a little cooler, a few jumpers would also be a good idea (and conditioner for tangled hair!) 

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many overwhelming moments but perhaps looking over the vast expanse of Machu Picchu was the most inspiring.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were fortunate to have Juan Cardenas Carrasco  as our group leader.  He was knowlegable of the history, culture, religions, customs, flora, and fauna of each area we travelled.  He could recommend restaurants, guide us on the food to choose and tell us when a tip was appropriate.  He was always prepared with enterance fee tickets and water on the bus and took care of other mundane tasks which if neglected had the potential to cause delays.  He wad congenial, joined in our activities and treated all of us as good friends. He was ready to help with any special requests and was always concerned for our welfare.  Even a slight cough and Juan was ready with the first-aid kit.  My husband had an accident(no fault of the tour)  and Juan went out of his way (on his own time) to ensure that we found a good doctor who bandaged him up and gave him the appropriate advice and medication.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In Lima on our last day the local Exodus company offered us an optional tour of the city. The bus was not really a tour bus, was small and had no special windows. I have since checked the various city tour busses in Lima, and I think we could have seen as much or more in a double decker bus and at a better price than that offered by Exodus.My advice would be  to check out the local tour busses before committing to Exodus

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting on th etop of the mountain watching the cloud and mist drift by. Interacting with locals on the trekking trail villages where not many tourists come around.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Avtaar was a charming leader who got along well with the clients, the trekking crew as well as the locals. Great guide to have.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared of all types of weather where it is cool during the nights and evenings in the mountains on the trek . Once the trek is done you can do away with warm clothes as will be  hot and humid during the later part of the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

When it became clear we were having a great time regardless of the weather.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Albert is a superb group leader. He optimised our available options.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I recommend walking boots and packing some waterproofs.    

Most Inspirational Moment

Being the only group on the stunning Jinshangling section at 10am on a sunny morning before the tour groups arrived from Beijing. The views were spectacular, and the relative solitude was a great benefit of staying so close to the wall overnight. It felt like we had the whole wall to ourselves.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Kevin was excellent and a credit to his trade. Thoroughly professional in every way, he was also great company and did a fantastic job of organising everything for the group. He was also extremely knowledgable about the country, wall & Beijing and had an answer for any question that was directed at him!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack clothes for all seasons. It was pleasantly warm during the day, but got very cold at night out in the country. Don't change your money at the airport, as the commission is exorbitant. There are plenty of banks in Beijing which give far better rates. Make sure you have plenty of chopstick practice before you go. It makes mealtimes a far less complicated experience! 

Most Inspirational Moment

Impossible to say: Aya Sophia and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul; Cappadocia; the Roman ruins at Aspendos, Thermissos, Aphrodisias and of course Ephesus (especially the terrace houses); some of the exhibits in the museums at Aphrodisias and Antalya; the ruins of Hieropolis and the travertine steps at Pamukkale - all were memorable highlights of the holiday.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, as noted above.

Advice for Potential Travellers

No. Everything was as you would expect. At the time of year for our tour (April) it is as well to prepare for both cold times (we visited a frozen lake and were in deep snow) and warm (we swam in the sea). Also, if you have Euros they are widely accepted, prices often (irritatingly) being quoted in Euros.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many. First day of full riding, boat over to Ometepe Island and just diving in the lake right next to our hotel, completely fully clothed, just to cool off, before enjoying a beer watching the sunset over lake Nicaragua. Going Zip lining at the base of Arenal Volcano and then remembering that actually I was terrified of heights (at this point about 430metres from the rainforest floor!!) Pushing myself as hard as I could on the penultimate day of cycling and getting a well earned high five from Paul... too many to choose from

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic. Very organised but without ever making the group feel rushed. Knowledgeable about the areas and very attentitive to the group's needs. Along with the cycle support team they made the whole trip extremely enjoyable, took away the need to plan and think, which I found so refreshing! On hand to provide moral support along with many fruit stops en route, and always up for a beer and a dance in the evenings!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Lots of sunscreen, it's very hot. The padded shorts were lifesavers!! I didn't take any specific cycling gear and found the bikes to be perfectly adequate. Don't worry too much about fitness levels - I am not a cycling fanatic and managed to ride all the way (including the optional cycle ride!) Be prepared to be on the move a lot. The trip doesn't give you very much time to explore the places we stop at - for me this was fine as I loved the cycling, but I felt cycling was definitely the main point of the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Lunches of local produce on the mountain side.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Quite superb. His knowledge, enthusiasm and pride in his environment were infectious. You will enjoy being with Eduard Casajuana Godoy.