After a rocky start at the airport where the Intrepid representative chose to hide our name from us, we enjoyed an extra day in Hanoi. The parks were interesting as was the prison visit.
The bus journeys are long but worth it to see real life in the north. It was interesting seeing lots of folk working in the rice fields.
I wasn’t sure about the kayaking at Cat Ba but it was really enjoyable and the water was extremely calm.

Moyra Kelk Hiking in Northern Vietnam

This trip exceeded all my expectations and we discovered parts of Andalucia I never knew existed. April was the perfect month for hiking, and the weather was warm and sunny but not too overwhelming. It was grade 2 but most of us found the uphills a bit challenging, but not impossible. We saw the most magnificent scenery, ate tapas in mountain villages, and were led by Miguel, one of the best guides I’ve ever experienced at Exodus. His expert knowledge of the area was second to none.

Mary Dunn Walking in Andalucia

Maybe you have been to Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto and come home loving Japan but feeling you have missed the natural beauty and any sense of the real Japan away from tourist attractions. Or maybe, you have always wanted to visit but don’t like crowds and regimented itineraries. If so, this trip is for you.
We explored a quieter area of Japan at ground level, on buses, trams, local and fast trains, ferry and yes, on foot and by bicycle. Some days were challenging, so it’s definitely for those who love an active life. But other days were fascinating, charming and awe-inspiring as we walked in the footsteps of princesses and warriors (wear socks!) and saw Mother Nature’s raw volcanic power up close (bring sturdy shoes).
There’s a lot of travelling on this trip, but the landscapes are so lovely I finally understood the old maxim – better to travel than to arrive.

Jill Marsh Japan Adventure: Kyushu & Shikoku