Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

It's difficult to choose only one, the variety of the trip provided plenty of memorable moments, but on reflection, I particularly enjoyed the tranquillity of cycling the excellent paths through the vast pine forests, with the sunshine poking through the trees, many times, purposely hanging back from the group with my thoughts or singing to myself. Mindfulness whilst cycling no-handed for the first time since I was around fourteen - don't knock it unless you've tried it, it's great!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Although I'd read the itinerary before booking the trip and a few times after that, like many people, I simply forgot most of it by the time I'd arrived in Estonia.. Therefore, I attach a lot of importance to being reminded of what is in store. Lina met us on the first evening in Tallinn and was clear on what the trip involved and her and our responsibilities, thus managing our expectations from the start. I benefited from Lina providing clear and concise direction every day and throughout the day, taking and answering any/all questions, not every trip I have been on was as carefully orchestrated.  We (I) teased Lina that she was our (my) 2nd, 3rd and even 6th favourite guide in the Baltics, but I think I can speak for the group when I say that everyone thought Lina was fabulous.She was very knowledgeable, spoke faultless English, provided personal family stories, that on occasions touched the whole group and highlighted the contrast in the lives of people under Soviet rule pre 1991 with our pampered lives in the West.  Additionally, there was never any doubt she was leading the group, she has a great sense of humour, limitless patience and was very likeable. If you read this Lina, you were really always my favourite guide in the Baltics.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I'd describe this as a cultural trip with some cycling, if you want big climbs, fast descents and your heart and lungs ready to burst, this is NOT the trip for you. If you want to broaden your knowledge of this extremely-interesting part of Europe and see so many different aspects of the three beautiful Baltic countries, whilst making new friends, eating 'new' foods (Georgina, Ubekistani, as well as Estonia, Latvian and Lithuanian), and sampling new experiences, this is a perfect way to do it & cycling allows you to see so many things. And if you fall for the myth that there are no plugs in the Baltics sinks, don't stress too much, I took one and brought it back, still intact in the packet. My main advice is :- Book this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the Cathedral in Santiago with my group. Our tour leader stopped to give us a touching speech before we turned the last corner to go and view the Cathedral - it was an incredible moment!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Aitor was the perfect leader for this trip. He knew the regions so well and could provide so much extra knowledge and insight into everything we would walk past and see, also providing tips on where to enjoy our dinners etc. He was there to support and connect with each member of our group equally, and we all were sad to say goodbye at the end of the trip!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just bring loads of pairs of good socks, so that you can change pairs in the middle of a walking day. Make sure your walking shoes are worn in before you travel otherwise the feet may get a little sore.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our Group Leader actually got my wife on a camel!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Khaled was an excellent leader

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving at the 'End of the world' , having completed the cycle with stunning coastlines to take in

Thoughts on Group Leader

He had great awareness and empathy for everyone's particular needs , kept the group together and facilitated excellent group dynamics

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although rated 3/7, be prepared for a great deal of off road cycling

Most Inspirational Moment

Being amazed by all the different wildlife every day. From fruit bats to kingfishers. Baby elephants at the elephant sanctuary.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roshan was a very considerate and calm leader. Everything always felt well prepared and under control, nothing was too much trouble and he gave a lot of learning opportunities. Great sense of humour and a positive attitude that really made the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Drink lots of water, take electrolytes.

Most Inspirational Moment

Definitely riding on Camels through the Sahara Desert and climbing up a mini hill to witness the sunset, along with venturing into the Atlas Mountains

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hamid was an amazing group leader and very efficient! All his instructions were clear and there wasn't a single question that he didn't know the answer to!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure that you stay hydrated on this tour (especially from Jul-Sep) as the temperature can easily hit 40 degrees

Most Inspirational Moment

Surviving zebra crossings in Marrakech!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mohamed Id Balaid was a great guide. He quietly organised everything for us, including a couple of route changes due to previous flood damage to the trails. Good humour, kindness and a genuine interest in our group. Good English-speaker, with decent knowledge of his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking poles and a water bladder are useful on this trek, as are decent boots. We were able to buy sealed water in 5 litre bottles, which cut down on plastic waste. Cash machines opposite Hotel Gomassine. As mules carry the bulk of your kit, it would be possible to take a decent camera in your day pack. Tents are a bit small if you're sharing with a newly-met friend. Some walking snacks are useful, along with a toilet roll and some zip lock bags.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the summit on day 3 after a steep hike and long segment of scrambling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The two group leaders were excellent: patient with the range of hiker abilities, friendly, and (most importantly) safe.

Most Inspirational Moment

watching the amazing team of porters and chefs running past us on the trail getting to the lunch point many hours before we got there and then creating such amazing food for us all but not before clapping us all back into camp, they were such an amazing team chef Isaac and Albert created magic on a gas ring they even made a cake!!! our team of porters lead by Cipriano are all amazing. It was a magical day when we finally scrambled up the monkey steps to reach the sun gate and get the first glimpse of Manchu Pichu!! something that I will never forget is the team work of the whole group some of us fast some slow ( that was me at some points) but having great conversations on the way up and down the trail, day 2 is tricky but so worth it, you feel a sense of achievement on every day that you overcame a challenge.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Edwind was amazing, full of knowledge and passions for his beautiful country, always checking our oxygen levels every day to make sure we were ready for the trail.. nothing was too much especially when it came to a group members birthday he arranged a cake, flowers and a bottle of wine!! also when we finished the Inca trail and the second visit we found ourselves in a situation where the train was cancelled due to the strike action but he found a way for us to reach our destination and we saw the real Peru where the local people become very ingenious to get from A to B and saw many hidden things that we wouldn't have seen on the train, we did have an accident with a group member but both Edwind and the second guide Heber Gonzales sprang into action to help her and get her to a hospital to receive treatment. at the end of the trip he also gave us Pucara bulls in a lucky dip!! He is a very attentive, caring, fun and energetic and generous leader and an inspiration that no matter were you start in life you can be anything you want to be!!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

nothing will prepare you for the altitude but lots of running helps cash is king although lots of towns have contactless payments the small remote islands on lake Titicaca don't. Don't hesitate and book it and enjoy the wonder and magic of the Andes and its beautiful hospitable people

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to choose! But the visits to the disused Soviet missile base at Plokstine, the KGB museum in Vilnius, and the Great Dune at Nida with it's view of Kaliningrad were all vital parts of the journey. On a lighter note, the Latvian Ballet in Riga was delightful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andrius Marzimas was truly outstanding, even by Exodus's high standards. His knowledge and love of the Baltics was deep, and he shared this generously wth his dry wit and willingness to talk in depth. He included all group members, and arranged great social meals and events, such as sampling local beverages and food, also Jazz and Folk music evenings. Andrius made this trip memorable and great fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Check what's on at the Riga Opera House for reasonably priced tickets to great opera and ballet. Don't miss the KGB/ occupation museums in Riga or Vilnius. However, be prepared for the emotional impact there. And - pack your own sink plug - strangely absent from several hotels.