Most Inspirational Moment
Riga, Tallinn, Helsinki, Kuldiga, Turaida Castle, Saaremaa
Thoughts on Group Leader
Rita, our guide, was a very good organiser, always calm and reassuring
Reviews
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Reviews
Remarkable places to visit, poor hotels, itinerary to be improved in the future
Some of the hotels were poor choices, e.g.
Go Schnelli in Tallinn was the worst hotel I have ever stayed at while travelling with Expedia. On one side, it faces the main train station, and on the other, a busy commuting road, which is noisy at all times.
As it doesn’t have air conditioning and it was summer, the interior was stuffy. The mattresses and pillows were uncomfortable. The bathroom was small, and the shower leaked into the washing basin area.
The breakfast was served in a small, busy area, and the range offered was very limited
The Islande Hotel in Riga was humongous, and the breakfast was as busy as a Sunday market; it was very difficult to find a table.
It is located quite far from the old town
The day spent on Hiiumaa island involved too much driving and ferry crossing – it would have been better to add half a day on visiting Vilnius and another half a day on visiting Riga instead
The tour of Vilnius was too brief, and we spent too much time in the trendy area instead of visiting some of the churches or the university’s interior. Rather than walking around Kernavė, which appeared picturesque, we drove for another half an hour to walk in a woodland. We only saw Trakai Castle from across the lake.
Rita, our guide, was a very good organiser, always calm and reassuring
It would be better if Exodus, instead of spending money on TV advertising, chose slightly better hotels to make paying customers’ trips more pleasant.
David, Cheryl and Scott Gilday
This was our first Exodus adventure and it certainly exceeded our expectations. The majesty of the Mont Blanc region was awe-inspiring! The challenging treks were carefully planned and each revealed an unexpected bonus: a glacial lake, a swinging suspension bridge over a raging stream, a beautiful waterfall, a mountaintop cafe, the ringing sound of cowbells in mountain valleys, and even authentic Italian gelato! The entire trip was eventful and well executed. Airport transportation, mealtimes and hiking departures were timely and convenient. Lodging a t Chalet Chalupa was comfortable and our hosts, Carolina and Sebastien, served delicious and varied meals after a full day of exercise. In addition to our amazing guide, Adrian, we were fortunate to be included in a cohesive and lively group of seven other hikers. This made the trip even more enjoyable and memorable.
Most Inspirational Moment
Arriving at the pinnacle of our first hike and experiencing the spectacular grandeur and almost surreal vistas of the natural beauty surrounding us.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Adrian was a gift. His adeptness and competence as a trail guide were quite obvious, but it was his kindness, encouragement and exuberance that motivated and guided all of us. He truly is at home in the natural world and with all people; his joy is contagious. He made sure that each participant was successful. His nightly briefings were informative and he had everyone laughing at his explanations of all things "alpine"! We are tempted to repeat this exact Exodus expedition just to enjoy Adrian for another week of our lives. Carolina and Sebastien, the chalet hosts, were also delightful. Constantly smiling, they seamlessly performed all the "behind the scenes" duties to keep us happily satiated and content, plus they were excellent drivers when needed!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Our family has done quite a bit of hiking, but this trip was challenging and our feet felt the ill effects. We survived and enjoyed the trip, but Band-aids and moleskin were much needed to help our toes. Moderate hiking in the midwest, USA, where we are from, is very different than the moderate hiking in this part of the world! We also had very warm weather during our stay and slept with open windows. The street traffic in our room was noisy at times so earplugs would certainly help a light sleeper. Meeting new people from all walks of life was a real treat, so come with an open heart and mind!
Wow - unforgettable adventures
We have just come back from this trip and had an amazing time; so much wildlife and the Ticos are so friendly and welcoming
Most Inspirational Moment
Too many to mention - maybe swimming in the Pacific at sunrise, zip lining through the rainforest or just sitting and watching birds and monkeys in their natural habitats
Thoughts on Group Leader
Daniel was absolutely outstanding; passionate about his country and keen to share the history, culture and all his knowledge of the wildlife with us
Advice for Potential Travellers
Pack spare memory cards and batteries for your camera! We saw so much wildlife (I think 76 different species of birds) some of which we never thought that we'd be lucky enough to see. We had some properly humid conditions on a couple of days when we ended up sweaty all day (but still able to have fun). Don't assume that you'll be able to get handwashing dry overnight in all locations due to the humidity. Currency is easily available (I got mine from Sainsburys) so take a mix of Colones and US dollars then you can pay in whichever currency is quoted, but do always ask as we thought one price was US dollars and it turned out to be thousands Colones which made the item much more expensive than we first thought. Although not cheap for food and drinks we didn't feel that it was particularly expensive even for drinks from the bars in the more remote hotels. All our hotels were lovely and the food is plentiful with lots of different options.
Madeira- Diverse and Beautiful Landscape
I went two days in advance to settle in to the time difference and enjoy a holiday before the tour started. While the hotel and Machico is nice, I would suggest staying in Funchal and transfering the day of the tour. I took the public bus into Funchal and did a tour of the City with the University (2 hrs) which was amazing! It was a highlight of the tour for me. Funchal is a great City–old European architecture in the centre with beautiful churches and great squares. In terms of the island itself, I really enjoyed the diversity of the landscape that we saw on our hikes. The flowers were amazing and the food was really good (steak skewers and garlic bread made on local sweet potato bread in particular). Going the 2nd week in May was perfect temperature wise for me as it was in the high 60s low 70s!
The first hike was a rocky peninsula with great ocean views, wildflowers amongst the red rocks, and long grasses that blew with the wind. There were some flat sections but then a lot of ‘rock stairs’ that were tough in parts. We were lucky in that the beginning of the hike was overcast and then the sun came out. There is no shade so definately wear sun protection and a hat!
The second hike was along a levada which was nice in that it was flat. The path was flat with some stone sections and other parts were mud (which is very slippery when wet). The one side had rock garden plants growing in the rock edge and blue hydrangeas and daylilies on the edge and the other side was agricultural fields in the valley. Mid-way you start to climb up a gentle incline to reach the ocean trail. This trail had beautiful views of the ocean and was a more tropical setting. There were a few scattered waterfalls amongst the hike–one of which you go under–that were really peaceful and in the terms of the one you go under a great cool off feature! I found this hike easier than the first hike as there weren’t as many rock ‘stairs’ to climb up and down. The worst part was at the end we had to walk to the Town (another hr). At first it wasn’t bad, but then the slope of the street was too much for my knees (I’m 48 so this normally isn’t a problem).
The third hike myself and others didn’t do as our hike leader said it would be very hard and a harder slope (which others who did it said wasn’t the case–they said it was easier than the 2nd day hike but was very crowded with people and there were sheer drops which they didn’t like). Instead, the group of us that stayed spent the day in the Natural Lava Ponds (the hotel gives you a free pass) which was so enjoyable as the water was warm and the salt made my muscles feel great. We had a relaxing lunch overlooking the ocean, a few had massages, and I spent the rest of my time at the infinity pool, inside pool (heated), and sauna/spa. This hotel (Aqua Natural) was amazing!!!! And they gave us chocolate every night and a parting gift of apple jam that they made.
The fourth hike was again in sun for most of it. The beginning of the hike was in the shade, with the trees having a lot of moss and growing in all sorts of configurations. Then we walked for a long time in wide paths in a rather stunted ‘forest’. This part was really long for me as it was pretty much a straight path and the same sights. There were a few good viewing spots of the valley which was very pretty. There were a lot of steps on this hike so I did get tired and my legs got sore…at one point its a couple hundred to get to a road. We walked along a very open field near the end of the day, ascended a hill, to come to the Fanal Forest. The Fanal Forest was amazing as I loved the misty, forested views and got great photos. The trees are twisted with lots of moss. There are a lot of people here so it’s not a solo experience…and there are quite a few cows too.
We drove into Funchal for a day off. A group of us went to the two botanical gardens which I highly recommend. The municipal gardens have more botanical species, and a linear floral display that is great to see, it also has great views of the ocean and the City. Monte Palace Gardens is really amazing to see. It’s very big but there are winding paths through it. You can buy the ticket to the funicular on-line which saves 1 line-up–it goes fast though.
The final day we got up very early to watch the sunrise on Pico do Arieiro. I’m Canadian and it was freezing at the top–I had brought light gloves to wear (unfortunately my hat fell out of my bag in the bus…and the hoody wasn’t warm enough). The view is amazing–being above the clouds and seeing the sun rise with the mountain tops. The minute it rises it does get warm. There are great views up at the observation point.
We didn’t do the hike that is mentionned in the tour–there were independent hikers doing it. Instead, we hiked downward through a valley. It was a nice hike and there was a waterfall and river near the end to walk beside. The valley did get foggy at one point so that was cool.
Overall, the first 2 day hikes were my favourite in terms of view and I liked the fanal forest at the end of the fourth day hike, and the sunrise on the last day hike.
I would go back to Madeira again–the people are very friendly, the island is beautiful, and the food was great!
Most Inspirational Moment
The first hike as it was a tough one that I was able to do-- once I did it I knew I could do the others:)
Thoughts on Group Leader
Honestly, he was the worst leader I have ever had and I go on at least 1-2 tours a year. I had read the descriptions beforehand so I read both the glorying reviews and the critical ones. My experience was the same as the critical ones. On the first day, Bruno arrived very late for our meeting. He said that the local tour company had a different time than what Exodus had on the sheet. He wasn't positive about the tour...telling us the weather would likely be bad and the hikes would be really crowded. Only 6 of us were there...he didn't wait for the others to come an hour later as he told us he wasn't paid for that and he had to get home (other side of the island). I had eaten before...the others went to a restaurant as a group. They said normally there is a group dinner which there wasn't. It wasn't a 'this is going to be awesome' prep talk. The next morning was chaos as the whole group was there...he didn't give others maps or do a talk like he said he would. For the first hike, he literally took off ahead of us, then chatted with several other tour guides and the park rangers so he was behind us. I had no idea where he was. I waited for someone to take photos...but then I got separated from her. So I ended up being alone in the middle of the peninsula--luckily I knew to hike to the oasis but with hundreds on the trail I wasn't sure who was in our group and who wasn't. When I met up at lunch he told me he knew where I was that he could see me so knew I was ok. There literally is no way as the whole route of the trail is not visible at one time. On the way back he told us we could take our time....then he flipped out at the one girl who had which was the same person who had gone up the trail a the end of the peninsula by herself which he said we could do but then was ticked she wasn't with the group and didn't end when he thought she should. The second day hike he was mad at me when I arrived about 5-10 minutes later than the others at the beach/town. He said he couldn't come looking for me and questioned if I could do the tour. I told him my knees were hurting. He didn't come at all to see how I was doing. The other people in my group knew I as walking slow down the street as my knees were 'locking' and were sore. They said I was literally minutes after them which is what I thought. He was ticked when we got to Aqua Natural and there wasn't a room for him...there was no bag taken off the bus so I question it. And having read he didn't stay with groups other than 1 night it seems to be the pattern as literally he only stayed with our group the next night at what was the fancy hotel. That night he ate dinner with some, then stayed at the table by himself, though he did buy a bottle of Madeira wine that he had the waitress hand out. When we left the hotel to return to Funchal he made a big show of there not being room for the luggage--again...this isn't new as per other comments. For all the hikes, he went at his own pace and only rarely did he make sure that people were ok and with the group. I am in an organized hiking group and the leaders always introduce the hike, what we are going to see, where we are going, and make sure there is a sweep. There was none of this. On the free day in Funchal, he had it off...and literally dropped us at the hotel. After the last hike, he took our group to a coffee stop. He stayed inside the entire time and came out to the group only when someone came out to get him so that they could give him the tip money. He told others it was his last year with Exodus and it showed as he didn't really perform well as a tour leader or hike leader. He did tell us a bit about flora on the second day hike at the beginning and would do a brief intro on the day's plans before ending it with there will be lots of people on the trail and the weather likely won't be good. And he sent a list of google links before we got off the 'bus' at Funchal on our last day not before. He would mention supermarkets but that was really it in terms of providing advice. Literally he was a 9-5 tour leader who was on his own hikes with others just happening to be with him.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring hiking poles--you need them. Bring gloves/hat for sunrise. Bring ziplock/plastic containers for lunch....I made my lunch every morning at breakfast. There is lunch type food and the hotels don't care. Make sure you have lots of water...and kleenix if needed while on the trail (there are no bathrooms). I trained everyday for 6 months for this tour...and I found a few of the trails hard to do due to the steps (natural and made with rocks).
Nordic weather and boat trips, amongst city life and Scandinavian architecture.
Excellent trip broken up with visits to islands and fresh air.
Most Inspirational Moment
Vrango island trip (although I would suggest reading up on other nearby islands as some boat timings stop off at various ones and I could have done one of them in the afternoon on way back - our ticket included all public transport, including the boats. I also enjoyed the walk around Suomenlinna island, Helsinki. Apart from a good walk in fresh air, the scenery was lovely and it was good to admire pretty buildings along the way too.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Peter was excellent and very informative.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Weather can be very changeable all of a sudden, take layers and jacket/raincoat and an umbrella. Transfers between hotels and stations from city to city involved a lot of carrying/lifting on and off your own luggage (in particular on trains... some had very high steps), best to take two smaller cases/baggage rather than one larger heavy one. Sounds like, from some reviews, I was on a different trip, guess it depends on who your tour leader is! Two negative points on the trip - one day in Oslo is not long enough (especially as there is a boat trip in the morning, which is lovely). The flight the day before gets in too late to do anything in Oslo and, due to delay from UK, we even missed the pre-arranged group dinner so Peter had to think quick on his feet for alternative. Definitely need another day, either added to itinerary/tour, or arrive day earlier and get as early a flight as you can in the day. We were all of the same opinion... another day needed in Oslo. I don't know why just the one day there, we had at least two in other major or capital cities, albeit Turku - as delightful a city as it is, one was long enough... although the tour arrives there on a Sunday when virtually everything is shut! and leaves early on the Monday.) The other negative point, for me personally, was the boat trip around the Stockholm archipelago... apart from the weather not being brilliant and handing out blankets and going rather fast (not to mention the commentary!). I did not enjoy the boat trip at all and found it a waste of time and money as the ferry from Stockholm to Turku took exactly the same route, so you saw the same places, higher up (top deck of ferry) with much better views. I personally think this could be an optional extra and the money spent on the boat trip put to better use, such as towards an extra night in Oslo! By comparison, the Oslofjord boat trip was total contrast, on a leisurely electric boat, and I did not feel like a tourist - better boat trip by far. Of course, this is just my opinion. Sculptures - cute "homeless fox" sculpture on waterfront before Drottinggatan in Stockholm, and cute "wise mouse" very tiny sculpture in Helsinki (on a staircase two roads up from the Cathedral) if you like different and unusual sculptures to the usual human/equestrian ones you usually find in cities. Dining out - the fish and chips in Gothenburg (Feskekorka... "fish church") and on western harbour on Vrango were the best I have ever tasted, the fish batter is nothing like British fish and chips and you can taste that the fish is really freshly caught. If you like Italian food, visit Rodolfino's Italian Ristorante (authentic Italian cuisine) close to Riddarholmen in Stockholm, at the top of Gamla Stan - I ate there both days and had the same dish both times, it was that good, service excellent too).
Fantastic trip
Our diverse group of seven (Saudi Arabia, UK, US) stayed at La Bédière, perfectly located to enjoy Chamonix. Everyone was friendly, interesting, and considerate, creating a great group dynamic.
Our leader, Mark, brought experience to the hikes, making sound decisions and inspiring confidence. Violetta and Sandro, our caretakers, were thoughtful, responsive, and attentive. Their meals were delicious, and the post-hike cakes were appreciated.
This experience was truly special, with excellent leadership, warm hospitality, and stunning surroundings. I highly recommend this trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
Too many to select Being in nature, the landscapes, the wildflowers
Thoughts on Group Leader
Fantastic-see full review
Advice for Potential Travellers
Prepare by hiking similar distances and carrying all required items-ideally with elevation gains
7 days Mount Toubkal - fantastic experience
7 days was well worth the extra time to the long weekend. Amazing local guides, varied scenery and excellent food for a camping trip. the 7 days gave time acclimatise to the heat, to practice getting up at 0600 and to get used to camping. Plus the tour of Marrakesh on the last day was a nice end to the trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
reaching the top, amazing views and one of our team really struggled - the guides supported him all the way up ensuring he reached the top - we were so pleased he made it and none the worse for wear.
Thoughts on Group Leader
our group leader was an experienced guide from a local village, he also helped in the mountain rescue teams. he had his nephew also helping as a very fit and knowledgeable and friendly support guide. he made sure that extra hikes each day were split for our capabilities and provided a local support team of excellent chefs, the tents were all taken down and ready each time we arrived, a lot of local knowledge about where we were. we were well looked after one of my best guide experiences.
Advice for Potential Travellers
as always make sure you train these are very up and down daily treks, the final ascent had boulders and the younger members of the group moved at a pace, it is hot for the first few days so you need to acclimatise if not used to walking in the heat - last week of May, if there is two of you share items when packing - there is little extra room in the tent. there are ATMs not far from the hotel just ask the guide in the morning before getting the coach, you need cash for drinks and stops, the airport transfer is the domestic flight bound so nothing available although you don't wait long.
Cycling in Sicily
Superb Cycling Trip
Most Inspirational Moment
The entire ride as the highlight. My wife and i loved every minute.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Davide DiMauro is a fantastic group leader. He has has a wealth of knowledge and passion for Sicily which inspired us all. He is very attentive to the needs of all the various and frankly "challenging" riders. Exodus needs to clone Davide!
Advice for Potential Travellers
The Sicily trip is great in all respects.
Epic indeed
Absolutely breath-taking scenery every single day.
Relying on public transport to get to the trailheads worked in all but one instance, so the Exodus team should take that into account should this prove to be a consistent problem.
Most Inspirational Moment
Looking down the length of Val Ferret from the pass after a morning's climb.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Adrian was a great leader for our group, with its wide range of abilities. Patient and enthusiastic in equal measure.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Hotel stays mean that you can use a daypack and carry only the essentials. Trekking poles are highly reccommended. Do not stint on your water supply for each day, as prolonged climbing will increase your consumption well above what you may be used to when hiking locally.
Excellent tour of Bosnia & Montenegro
Excellent tour of Bosnia & Montenegro, with its variety of scenery and fascinating history. Organisation and itinerary were very good. The tour was fairly full on, but no early starts or really long journeys. We were quite a large group,17 of us, but fortunately the tour bus was quite spacious and we got on really well. Food was good. Hotels were variable. The tour leader, Fatima, was very good, as were the local guides. As we only had a few hours in Dubrovnik it would have been good to have a short guided tour there.
Most Inspirational Moment
So many highlights but Sarajevo and Mostar were wonderful
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our tour leader Fatima was very good. She was very competent and enthusiastic, with excellent communication skills. Samir was an excellent driver.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go now as the region is not yet overly touristy apart from Dubrovnik (where everything is very busy & expensive) and, to a lesser extent, Kotor. Many places took credit cards, but take a good supply of Euros. You’ll need to get Bosnian Marks in Sarajevo but you can change sterling there.