Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many highlights, some unexpected local scenes! My personal highlight was the rain forest lodge - I'd done the Friendly Spider Course at London Zoo in preparation, but the most challenging part for me was the noise of the rain forest at dusk when i first went in my cabin. Looking back I wouldn't have minded another night there! The visual arts in Ecuador were interesting, from graffiti to art work in the hotels and haciendas. Wildlife is fascinating, and the geography too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabian the leader and Mauricio the driver were exemplary throughout. Timings were clear, lots of info and translation when needed

Advice for Potential Travellers

Like other two week long haul trips with Exodus, its not a relaxing holiday. Only a couple of early starts but plenty late finishes, meaning little down time. The bus was comfortable enough to have a mid morning and a mid afternoon nap. Food was good, say starting $15 for one course and a drink at dinner time. Because of the location of the hotels/lack of restaurants near the hotels/times of arrival, a few of the meals are taken in hotels. Check how the price of laundry is worked out - weight or item. What the trip notes didn't say (or maybe it was me not reading properly) is that it is advisable to wear long sleeved light coloured clothes in the rain forest and at the coast, also long socks are needed for the wellingtons in the rain forest. Plenty of insect spray needed. Water, snacks and cash points available. The hot springs are worth a visit in Chimbarazo, cost $5.

Most Inspirational Moment

Each and every walk was inspirational

Thoughts on Group Leader

I would highly recommend our group leader. Emily was well organised, knowledgeable, and fun to be with. Nothing was too much trouble and her innate kindness really shone through.

Advice for Potential Travellers

i have been on 3 Exodus trips , but this one is a must. Highly recommended

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra was by far the biggest highlight. It sounds cliché but the Treasury was stunning and the way different lights affected the colours of the rocks around was beautiful. My particular highlight was the second day, where we went off the beaten track for a 4/5 hour trek to the place of high sacrifice, and for an almost birds-eye view of the Treasury from far above. It was hard work but well worth it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you do not want to sleep outside when at the Bedouin camp at Wadi Rum, then do not pack a sleeping bag as the bed spread and blanket was plenty warm enough.

Most Inspirational Moment

From a cycling perspective one of the long descents with marvellous views and a pleasant breeze in ones face.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Yiannis and Kristos were extremely friendly helpful and passionate about Greece. One or both were always on hand. Kristos drove the support vehicle which normally tracked the group so minor technical problems including a couple of punctures were dealt with swiftly and efficiently.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggest it is best to avoid mid summer trips when it is uncomfortably hot for cycling.

Most Inspirational Moment

scaling the terrifyng heights of Angels Landing. walking through the waters of the narrows azure blue skies against the vibrant rocks of bryce sunset walk and picnic at arches with return by moonlight hiking the south kaibab trail of the grand canyon hiking the remote parts of canyonlands

Thoughts on Group Leader

abbi and evan were both very organised and good at co-ordinating plans which often changed at short notice, especially dealing with crisis management when our hotel had not been booked and they had to organise 2 nights accomodation at short notice. they interacted with the group and made an effort to keep everyone happy. i would never have made the heights of angels landing without her motivational skills! both good drivers and never felt put at risk.

Advice for Potential Travellers

be prepared for some long drives although regular stops were made and get some basic fitness as some of the walks are quite challenging. if you want to see vegas you really need to add days before or after as there is no opportunity on the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

All of it, but there was one that will remain with us always………a cheetah with her kill in Etosha N.P. Sossusvlei a unique and unforgettable experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ronnie and Jonas were excellent in every sense of the word, knowledgeable and fantastic travel companions. Needless to say the food that was prepared was delightful, we even suggested that they could put their recipes in a book which could be purchased as a souvenir.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It can become very cold at night, so come well prepared. SA Rand is accepted everywhere and it can be obtained in the UK, so need to worry!

Most Inspirational Moment

Viewing Petra for the first time.The peacefulness of my camel ride in Wadi Rum.The afternoon at the Dead Sea Resort.

Thoughts on Group Leader

His English was excellent and his knowledge,particulary historical knowledge of Jordan was superb.A very approachable and helpful group leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't underestimate the strenuousness of the walking in Petra.Wear footwear with a good tread.

Most Inspirational Moment

Just having the most amazing Exodus guide who spoke fluent English and his knowledge of Cuba was superb so his narrative along the journey made the whole trip inspirational

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely the best. He was so enthusiastic, knowledgeable, had a great sense of humour and was there for us 24/7 - truly able to knock on his door at any hour for help.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Have a reasonable level of fitness, be prepared for the heat, be relaxed about the whole trip, get to know your fellow travellers and enjoy.

Most Inspirational Moment

The highlights on this trip were numerous - these included cycling on the city walls of Xi'an against a hazy red sunset, gazing out from the watchtowers of the Great Wall, sampling a wide variety of fresh, delicious Chinese food, watching Pandas chomping contentedly on bamboo just a few metres away, chilling out with the friendly locals in the parks, and the endless rows of terracotta warriors, each one unique. A personal favourite was an early morning wander along the streets and canals of Tongli, a water town that retains its old buildings, traditions and charms.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Jenny, worked tirelessly to keep everyone in the group happy and make sure all their needs were met. She was full of energy and positivity to make it the best trip she possibly could. She was knowledgeable, patient, and able to appreciate and even join in our British sense of humour!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't bother taking US dollars - there are plenty of ATMs and we didn't need dollars at any point. There are many optional excursions on this trip, most of which are very good and add to the experience, but you may end up spending more than you bargained for!

Most Inspirational Moment

travelling for hours with no signs of humans!!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz was exemplary in her firm professionalism, a credit to Exodus, and handled all the situations with panache. 10 punctures in 10km did not ruffle her composure! Extremely fit and enthusiastic about cycling earned ever bodies respect.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The fitter you are the more you will enjoy these trips but the 'wagon of shame' is there if you want a lift!! Use the Exodus bikes, I was tempted to take my own, but if/when a mechanical happens it maybe tough to fix. The 29 ers were great and Liz even had a spare bike for the worse scenario. You need to carry nothing but 1 inner tube and a bottle as the support vehicles are there, so you can leave all your spare clothing/kit in them.