Thoughts on Group Leader
Jo Payne was excellent! Funny, witty, sporty and inspiring
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
THE AMALFI COAST
The guide was fantastic – thank you Jo Payne ! Must say the hotel (particularly the restaurant there) in Bomerano was a disappointment. I think we could do a bit better in Italy during the best fruit and veg season in Aug-September than taking pasta for starter, cheese risotto for the main and another main with two chicken thighs and some french fries. The village is 45 min by bus from the main towns so the evening program is limited to the hotel and two empty bars in the village. We were very lucky that the company was really good and it made our holiday.
MT TOUBKAL CLIMB
It was the first time I traveled in a group with a guide. I ‘ve trekked extensively alone or with friends camping on our own in the wilderness and carrying 15 kilo backpacks, so this experience was smooth and enjoyable. It was great have your kit carried and no worries about the trail and weather. The organization was perfect, the guide knowledgeble and the group fun to be with. All in all, it was a fantastic holiday!
Most Inspirational Moment
When climbing a mountain the most inspirational moment is the summit. However, it was not the summit that made the trek unique, but small things, like a nice cup of mint tea, a nice salad, a joke etc.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader was knowledgeble of the terrain and going steady. We were not tired at all during the trip and this is because Abdullah was going on the right pace and speed.
HIGHLIGHTS OF TURKEY
The Highlights of Turkey trip was an excellent introduction to the vast array of fascinating sites around the country.While the intinerary is very full and some travel days are long, all of the places visited were worth the effort.
Most Inspirational Moment
The ancient ruins at Troy were magnificent. To be able to visit a place with such a powerful mythological legacy is a real treat for the imagination.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader was very professional and well organised. Everything on the trip went as planned and there were no logistical hitches en-route.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The heat wasn't as bad as I anticipated, though I would avoid July and early August if possible. Also, if you are unfamiliar with Hellenistic/Roman history, some advance research will greatly enhance the experience.Turkey is not a foodie destination and much of what is on offer is quite bland. On a positive note, food is fresh and generally very local. Coffee is also an unexpected disappointment.
MONTENEGRO, BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA
A very well organised trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
Podgora village trip and lunch.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very knowledeable and competent.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Vegetarian meals are scarce please carry something to eat.
A WEEK IN JORDAN
A true adventure, combining amazing sightseeing with swift immersion into the life and atmosphere of the Jordanian people and the Middle East. The whole experience being enhanced by the seamless arrangements of your local guide, driver and handling agents.
Most Inspirational Moment
First view of The Treasury at PetraThe journey through the "secret" way into Petra led by the amazing lady Bedouin guideThe optional balloon trip over the desert in Wadi Rum (arranged at our request by Khalid our guide at a few hours notice)The genuine kindness and welcome offered by the Jordanian people, both young and old, everywhere we went.
Thoughts on Group Leader
5 *****. Very capable affable and in clear control of all aspects of the trip
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take good light weight walking boots.
Suggestions
This holiday, arranged by me very much at the last minute, exceeded my expectations many fold and has re-ignighted my love of and desire to travel.The only negative aspect was the sanitary arrangements in the Bedouin camp stay in Wadi Rum!! The loos had no running water, hence a build up of raw sewerage which was very unpleasant!! I do appreciate that the desert, as with the country as a whole, has problems with its water supply and that improvements planned by the hosts had been delayed by the serious illness of a senior family member. They more than made up for this with their hospitality. May I suggest that a composting toilet system might be the answer? Both enviromentally friendly and, if designed properly, much more pleasant for the user.My "luggage label for life" is, sadly, enjoying a life of its own as it parted from my luggage of its own accord shortly after its arrival in Jordan. I understand from fellow travellers that some of theirs suffered a similar fate!!Thank You to all your staff in the Uk and local handling agents for thei conributions toward an amazing holiday With regard to the accommodation in Amman, I would have preferred this to have been more centrally located, to afford easier access to the City in free time
THE ZAMBEZI VALLEY
A truly superb trip – one simply can not get closer than this to wildlife and nature. The scenery and landscapes keep changing, the animal sightings are countless, nature puts on a show beyond imagination every hour of every day… and the local leaders are fantastic, making the experience even more wonderful with their competence and insights.
Most Inspirational Moment
Hard to pick one... Elephants with their little ones just before sunset on a sand island, us making an approach crawling in the warm sand - a breathtakingly beautiful and uplifting experience. Lions counting the little airplanes landing and taking off at a tiny airstrip we found during the driving safari part of the trip, as if plane spotting during their siesta...The Southern sky... with Milky Way and constellations of such brightness that one could only see such celestial show in high quality astronomy books.The visits to the orphanage and the village were truly inspirational. Ernest is a wonderful dedicated man, huge respect to him for what he achieved and what he keeps striving for. Right next to our camp, herds of different animals coming to drink, as if they were using time slots in a well-organised system... a truly incredible parade, first baboons, then they left, impalas came, then after them came wild hogs, then guineafowls appeared...
Thoughts on Group Leader
I simply can not praise Cuthbert and Best highly enough and one can only have deep respect for them. Superb people, their competence, expertise, personality all made the trip even more memorable. In any situation, one can feel perfectly safe with them, and as it was shown many times, anything and everything gets magically solved. Truly, many many thanks to both for the wonderful experience.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The daypack should keep one going so packing light is very advisable. A 25-30 litre backpack would be highly sufficient even with camera and extra lenses without problems.A dry bag is VERY recommended, the river can get very choppy when wind picks up and one can end up with quite a bit of water in the canoe.
Suggestions
It was at the same time an amazing, uplifting and humbling experience. Zambezi is truly a mighty river and nature has put on a "show" one could not imagine.Being so close, experiencing everything, being part of the landscape rather than observing it from some artificial 'bubble' has advantages that are just undescribable.In that sense, one can't possibly imagine a more perfect trip for that complete immersion in local nature. Thanks to Exodus, the local leaders and the group for making this an extremely memorable trip.
MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS
A great insight into the mont blanc area. Seeing genuine highlights and contrasts of this beautiful area.
Most Inspirational Moment
The walk in italy was great. Unspoilt scenery, and great views all day. I loved visiting anancy on our non walking day, it's a beautiful city with lots to do. Also thoroughly enjoyed the day a few of the group were not permitted to walk as our wet weather gear was not considered adequate by the leader, had a relaxing day enjoying Chaminox
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very knowledgeable of the area, with a witty joke for every situation. I appreciated his concern for health and safety, but at times this made the situation a bit restrictive.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Expect to walk extremely slowly! Pack everything on the list as nothing is optional. If your large (e.g tall or fat) you may get stuck in the shower or toilet as the ensuite facilities in some of the rooms are tiny.
Suggestions
The home cooked evening meals were excellent. We had a lovely group which added to the enjoyment of the holiday.
PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI
My fifth photographic safari and they keep delivering. I always think maybe this one will not match the others, but I am always wrong. Great experience again – well done Paul and the team.
Most Inspirational Moment
Sitting between full grown male and female lions calling at full volume. Good light, visible breath and an experience that brought back many memories and will not be forgotten. There were others - huge wildebeest crossings, leopards in fantastic light - the list goes on
Thoughts on Group Leader
Paul Goldstein - what can you say that hasn't already been said. Inspirational, challenging, always keen to deliver the best....
Advice for Potential Travellers
Book one asap
Suggestions
I am sure it will not be my last photographic safari with Paul
A WEEK IN JORDAN
So much more than expected. A guide who was passionate and informative about his Country meant that this trip was elevated from great to AMAZING.There’s so much more to Jordan than I realised, great food, respectful and friendly people, plus all the exceptional historical sites up close and personal.I can recommend that you reset your compass to Jordan.
Most Inspirational Moment
So many... Beautiful sunsets in the Wadi RumHot air Ballooning over the Wadi RumJerash...who knewand of course Petra
Thoughts on Group Leader
Khaled was great. He got the balance absolutely right. We had a mixed group with several interests and abilities, however he was able to satisfy the explorer in all of us. Nothing was too much trouble and his knowledge was boundless.
Advice for Potential Travellers
you'll need at least two t-shirts per day! It's hot and there's a fair amount of walking. Jordan is fairly westernised so whilst being respectful, shorts and t-shirts are fine for all.
WALKING IN TUSCANY
A superb trip. Well organised and taking into account daily weather conditions and walkers abilities. The Accomodation was comfortable, and the food was a voyage through tuscan regional cooking. The deserts and wine were worth the trip alone.
Most Inspirational Moment
Climbing the peaks on each walk and seeing the Garfagnana region streatch out below. Stunning vistas. The walks were invigorating and packed with interest.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sara was faultless. She worked hard to ensure that organised excurtions went smoothly, for example, scouring the local villages to get train tickets for the next day visits to Lucca. Sara had a wonderful sence of humour and was a mine of information on the walks and about the tales and experiences she had encountered. She made the trip a smoothly run operation. She's a treasure as are the family at the farm who worked behind the scenes.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Make sure you know what you are letting yourself in for if you take this trip with regard for walks- the Walking in Tuscany tour and in the Garfagnana would be akin to say doing some of the peaks of the Lake District or the highlands of Scotland. Certainly do-able if your walking ability is of that level. This is not a trip for gentle rambles around tuscan villages, although we had a few of those when circumstances necessitated.
Suggestions
Mamma's cooking was superb, as a vegetarian I never felt I was getting second best. The best meals were her Parmigiana, her pasta with Pesto and her deserts were sublime- the Tiramisu Ice Cream and her Pannacotta here gorgeous. It would have been nice if we could have eaten outside a few more times as the outdoor dining area was just idylic on our last meal.