Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The whale watching trip was truly unforgettable: as the speed boat leapt over the Pacific Ocean swell, none of us were prepared for the amazing performance laid on for us by a humpback whale and her calf. For 30 minutes we were enthralled by the ballet the two of them put on breaching every two to three minutes. The excitement of this experience was truly unforgettable, and we were all felt privileged to have been given an opportunity to see nature at play in this way.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Glenda was a real star: she was full of energy and life, sharing her passion and love of her country. Throughout the trip, Glenda made sure that we were her priority and that we were all given the best chance to appreciate the wonders of her country. No request was ever too much for her, and her sense of fun and humour helped us all relax throughout the trip. Her knowledge of her country’s biodiversity, and her ability to spot and identify both flora and fauna was remarkable. Without her I am not sure we would ever have discovered the elusive quetzal, but with her we saw makes and females twice - and then she used her skill to enable us to have photographs on our phones through her telescope. Glenda wanted us all to feel like we were part of her family, and her wish was that we would persuade others to come and enjoy her country. I hope many more will follow in our tracks - you won’t be disappointed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the humidity and the rain. September was the start of the “wetter” season, but mornings were nearly all sunny and hot, and actually we only had two afternoons which were torrential. But you will need to have a good poncho or waterproof top - perhaps a small umbrella? The humidity can be very high, so there is a need to have a good change of clothes as wet clothes do not always dry overnight. The other issue might be whether to have cash or use debit/credit cards. Some extra activities could only be paid for with cash (US dollars) and it is important to understand that not every ATM gives dollars but they all take commission.

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to say. Every day was most enjoyable, and gorgeous vista succeeded gorgeous vista. We walked through several villages, and it was so interesting to see village life - some clearly losing population and young people, and others where there was new building going on, and we could see the village expanding. Perhaps the most inspirational was the visit to Quinta das Escomoeiras, a small new organic winery producing delicious vinho verde. According to the owner, some 15 years ago, he decided he want to build an organic winery, and so he did! The quinta is in the beautiful position amongst the hills overlooking the river valley.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Lina, was outstanding. Nothing was too much trouble, and she was aware of and pre-empted an special needs. I couldn't carry my suitcase, as I had broken my elbow, and Lina was most solicitous and made every effort to ensure that she was on hand to help. She was a delightful guide, knowing in depth the walks, country, flora and fauna, and taking care to explain what we were seeing or walking through. Her husband Antonio was also very helpful, and took many, often humourous, photos of our adventures. Showing the day's photos at our evening briefings was a great start to the evening.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't expect rigourous or long walks. The walks are graded 1 for a reason, and were perfect for me.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting in Noto in the warmth of the evening in the golden light off the beautiful buildings Stunning

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very well informed and engagingly honest about Sicily. Helpful at all times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light and keep up!

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to choose one thing. Scenery was beautiful

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eduardo was an excellent guide. Very knowledgeable about the area as he lives there. Everything was well organised. Trips wer changed to suit weather conditions as appropriate. On our free day he organised a trip to Vesuvius and wine tasting. Eduardo had a good sense of humour and is very friendly.

Most Inspirational Moment

My abiding memory will be of lying round the campfire at night, gazing up at the fantastic canopy of stars. Wild camping at it's best. I thoroughly enjoyed the two hour scramble to Burdah Bridge and the challenge of standing on the bridge - what a fabulous location. And the Wadi Rum landscape - just amazing. I opted for the camel ride for the last morning of the trip - again I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to anyone who has not done a camel ride before.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Abdullah was fantastic and so knowledgeable about his country's very long history and the Bedouin way of life. We were well supported by a jeep with crew, which not only carried all our luggage and camping equipment but met up with us every two hours to replenish our water supplies.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My flight arrived at midnight and it was 2:30am before I got to bed in Amman. At 5am you are woken by the call to prayer. I was really tired the next day. The rest of the group (mostly from outside the UK) had flown in the day before and had rested but also had chance to explore Amman - I wish I had done this.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were two moments. Sitting with the hippos in mokoros in the delta, and watching the sunset over Brandberg will stay with me forever

Thoughts on Group Leader

Angelo was an excellent tour leader, driver and guide who was knowledgable and enthusiastic in equal measure. He made the trip fun and enjoyable, whilst always ensuring our safety and security

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect the unexpected, ensure you have plenty of cash (as it’s the preferred method of payment in most of the rural places), and just go with the flow!

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to single one out.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great leadership qualities.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect plenty of heat in September.

Most Inspirational Moment

Alpine meadows and wildflowers! I was blown away. Farming communities and traditions. The homemade food and hospitality at Sylbice Huts and hosts at the shepherd village of Milisevac were so friendly and served amazing food (in fact there was too much!). Treks to the Hrid Lake reflections with alpine newts and to stunning Jezerca glacial lakes.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bledi's military background ensured smooth, organised trekking with water breaks. His communication skills were excellent and he has a very good knowledge of the region. I read other reviews saying that there wasn't much of a tour in Tirana. Well, Bledi gave a navigational tour that included ample information of the history and culture. The only area of expertise he lacked was wildflowers so if you love wildflowers, have access to an ID app or get a book. I actually think that Exodus should support the guides with these on this trip (it's similar to wildlife and safari tours when there is usually access to reference books).

Advice for Potential Travellers

The old converted shepherd huts have been upgraded and bedding is provided so there is no need to bring a sleeping bag during the summer months. A single sheet was enough at times, especially as you're sharing a room with 3-5 others. During rainy seasons, walking poles would be a must as even when it's dry, there are some sections and ridges when poles can give you that extra bit of support. Take plenty of snacks including fresh apples and dried fruit as there is a lack of fruit during the trip. Eat a good breakfast as you only get sandwiches for lunch and use a sandwich box (this should be added to all trekking trip notes, when a picnic is provided, under optional equipment) . I used a steri pen for most of my water although on a few occasions I didn't bother as the fresh mountain water was so nice. Most people didn't treat the water and were fine. Avoid the hotel sauna as 4 of the group including the leader got a 24 hr norovirus.

Most Inspirational Moment

The hot air balloon ride.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very knowledgeable about the area (particularly history, geography, restaurants) and well able to adapt the walks to fit with the different weather conditions and fitness levels of the group. Only two minor criticisms: 1) Unlike on previous trips, we were not given the leader's mobile number, which could have posed difficulties for those who were unable to join the day's walk for any reason and needed assistance. 2) The leader tended to walk a long way out in front of the rest of the group on walks during the trip. This was occasionally problematic given the difficulty that less able members of the group faced with some of the descents in this area (i.e steep sections with loose gravel and sand).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for how exhausting the heat can be when walking in Cappadocia. Walks are not particularly long but there are some tricky descents. Also due to the heat there are no packed lunches on this trip so watch out for the tourist lunch buffets - two of the group suffered bad gastric bugs.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were some really great experiences, like the glacier walk and the orca boat trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good and extremely hard working and concern for the needs of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip falls well below the standards I would expect of Exodus.