Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

A glass of grappa and a toast to Walter Bonatti, in the refuge bearing his name. John our guide had told us the story of the famous Alpinist and his independence of spirit. On the wall a photograph of the man himself and the inscription 'L'aventura e dentro di noi' .

Thoughts on Group Leader

John was first class from start to finish. He had the gift of knowing when to talk and when not to. He allowed us to enjoy the mountains for ourselves but at the same time and at the right time, knew how to enrich that experience with his knowledge and love for the area.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get yourself fit before you take this one on. If you can't walk in hills or mountains then regularly run or cycle or swim or do some serious gym work, just to get you used to exertion and recovery. It's 100 miles and 10 000 metres of ascent and descent that is not to be underestimated.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra and the walks we went on in the area were great.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Khaled was excellent at all times. Very knowledgeable and very professional.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want to see anything of Amman, and you should, book a few days extra either at the start or end of the trip, but do not stay at the group hotel. We stayed at the Amman Pasha which is in the centre of town overlooking the Roman theatre. It is a little run down but clean and the staff were very helpful at all times.

Most Inspirational Moment

Trekking the Atlas Mountains was a great experience. The uphill was a tough (but manageable) climb and the downhill was fraught with danger and I ended up on my backside a few times (I recommend hiking boots or at least trainers with good ankle support) but we made it!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdullah was a fantastic group leader. He knew all the areas well and was always on hand to answer any questions we had. His choice of local guides and restaurants was also excellent. During the treks, he was very in a league of his own, though always on hand to help the rest of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As mentioned above, hiking boots would probably be best for the treks. I wasn't a huge fan of Marrakech and thought it was a bit of a let down - it does come at the end of the trip so maybe prepare yourself for a bit of a let down. I would probably buy souvenirs etc is Fez and Essaouira if possible.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the Sun Gate after four days of trekking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Well organised, great at his job, really well versed in history, culture, and general local knowledge. He worked hard to make it a great trip for everyone.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes carefully.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk through the gorge near Sarajevo. the flowers were amazing, the views great and the lunch at the end in the village was really good.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lorenc was really good. He was very interesting on local history and everything was really well organised.

Most Inspirational Moment

Lots of them! Hearing the gorillas before we could actually see them and then having the privilege of spending time with them; Listening to a family of elephants communicating with each other and protecting their young; Silently floating over the Masai Mara in the ballon and watching the sunrise; The exhilaration of white water rafting on the Nile

Thoughts on Group Leader

Often is a wonderful leader and well supported by the fantastic team of Odoyo, Wilson and Alex. We were like a happy family - lots of shared laughter. Often was always happy to share his knowledge and got the balance just right when it came to giving us necessary information.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't bother taking lots of low denomination dollar notes - you are actually better off with a supply of $50 bills as you get a better exchange rate in the banks the higher the note - just take a few $10 and $20s for porters, tipping etc. It's very easy to change money in to local currency as you go - we took the leader's advice on how much to change and he got it about right. It's easier to have the local currency in bars etc or you'll pay a bit more in dollars. The balloon flight, though expensive, really was a wonderful experience so go for it if you can. Having to transit through Addis is a real bore - we got held airside on the way out which meant no access to food of drink for nearly 6 hours - if this happens to you insist on being allowed through, we weren't vocal enough. Having said that our return was much better and we were directed to the departure lounge so were able to browse the shops and drink etc. Maybe the outward journey was a one off but I would advise you to make sure you have a book and something available to drink just in case. Ethiopian Airlines were very good.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting Saigon and in particular the museum dedicated to the retelling of the 'American War' was a highlight. Generally speaking the food was fantastic throughout and definitely worth a mention. I had thought that kayaking in Ha Long Bay would be the highlight but it was actually a bit of a let down in the end. There are just SO many tourist boats everywhere and the litter floating in the water etc. just completely take away from what I am sure was once an idyllic scene. I think the chance to see it 'as it was', is now unfortunately gone. Also, if you're looking forward to a day or even afternoon's kayaking after reading the trip notes, be warned that it's actually only about an hour or so.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good. Our leader was Khoa Nguyen. He is a nice guy, very friendly and his knowledge of his country is fantastic. He is always full of interesting stories and facts.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want to see Vietnam in just two weeks and don't mind a slightly 'touristy' vibe then this trip is good for you. If however, you want to be very active and have taken on other Exodus trips rated Moderate or Challenging and think this will be in the same mould, you will be pretty disappointed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Going into Monreale cathedral with its magnificent mosaics and being greeted with a choir singing. Combination was unexpected and amazing. Greek temples at Agrigento and Segesta.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was excellent, enthusiatic and informative about Sicily. Approachable and friendly. The driver was good too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Mount Etna is cold even in May. Take some warm clothing and suitable shoes! The walk in Zingaro Natural Park was quite demanding - uneven footpath surfaces and hot in the summer months. Both were worth the effort though. Oepning times of some monuments etc was a bit unprdictable and some were not open at all.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the top of the hill/mountain at Nurawa Eliya in the misty low light fog. However seeing the beautiful children and people of Sri lanka with such free spontaneous smiles was a memory to hold forever. And seeing the Leopards in the Yala Game park even if I was in drought conditions.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was a really positive happy respectful leader. He made us feel like each of us was important and was always ready to assist in any way. He lead as if he was a friend and teacher - a lovely man

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware it is hot and to have a large water bottle or a camel back -My preference as I drank a lot and still had to stop for occasional drinking coconut top ups!! The big day up hill needs to be prepared for with at least some endurance exercise before hand.

Most Inspirational Moment

All of them were wonderful and better than expected

Thoughts on Group Leader

Leo was good but we have been spoiled by previous tour leaders.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is not a holiday if you need a rest do not go. Hardly any of the hotels had hairdryers so take your own. Most of the hand wash basins in the rooms only had cold running water and no plug. Towel sizes are quite small compared to the UK and europe. Toilets on route are variable and can be quite basic - just a pan with no seat and a bucket or bowl to flush. Wi-fi was available in most of the hotels. Instructions said to get a few Sols - we found that we needed Sols most of the time. Places would take US dollars but it took longer to work out and pay. We did get Sols out of ATMs but these often came in 200 notes which were then quite difficult to change as people were quite wary of them. Restaurants and larger stores were the only place you could really use cards. You do need dollars for tips, some extra trips and the Nazca flights. These are mainly things paid to the group leader. Your suitcase will take quite a battering. It is constantly in and out of buses and up and down stairs. If you take the Exodus flights and are traveling with a partner it is wise to check your seats before you go. Exodus do a group booking to get a cheaper rate but this means that the seats can be dotted all over the plane. We and another couple had to upgrade to have seats next to each other and other couples on the trip were seated quite a distance apart. This is not too bad for the short flights but not much fun on the 12 hour flight.