Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The walks and the views are a given. I knew I wouldn't be disappointed there. For me the most inspirational part of the trip was seeing how a bunch of strangers can, for the most part, become a cohesive group.The group consisted of various personalities which put together provided many laughs along the way with the common goal of making the most of the experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Karl led my previous trip so I was already prepared for his sense of humour - he didn't let me down! I was also more aware this time of how he took the time to ensure that all members of the group felt included and in particular those who were not part of a couple. I felt completely safe and comfortable knowing that I could always call upon him. He has a sound knowledge base for the area which ranged from the military activity in the Dolomites during the war to the local environment. Karl was always very sociable even on the free day when I would have expected that he would have been glad of the respite!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I nearly didn't pack waterproof trousers, gloves or a hat believing the weather to be fairly hot during July. Wrong. We experienced heat, sun, rain, wind and snow! You need good kit that is waterproof, windproof, breathable and dries quickly else you may find yourself feeling more than a little uncomfortable which could impinge on your enjoyment. Consider using poles - they came in very handy for me and I am not a walking pole fan. Definitely don't forget your sunscreen even for cloudy days! Insect repellent is also worth taking.

Most Inspirational Moment

Enjoying the local treats that our guide had bought for our lunch. This was halfway through our mid-week walk. We bought our bread and he produced tasty local tapenade, ham, olives and chorizo when we stopped under shady trees. We'd also found some amazing local cherries at the market that morning, a huge delicious bag for 2€ .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yves was very good. His English was good and he was extremely patient with the slower group members, always keen to spur them on to complete more than they thought they could. Excellent local knowledge.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We arrived around 2.00pm after an early start but your room will not be available until at least 4.00pm. This was a bit disappointing but Yves was very good at rallying us to grab what we needed and go for a walk into town to get our bearings.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching a volcano explode at night (from a safe distance)! The trip to meet a family high in the Andes, hear about their way of life and enjoy a delicious meal they cooked for us. The diversity of the country from scenery to people. The most amazing clouds!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Fabian was simply the best I have ever been with, he clearly loved his job and his country and that reflected in the way he ran the trip. Fabian worked hard to make sure everything went smoothly and to ensure the safety of the group, he took the time to find out what everyone wanted from the trip and was very inclusive catering to all levels of fitness and competence. Fabian put up with some merciless teasing which he took in good humour. Praise also to Mauricio our fearless driver who safely delivered us to all our destinations without mishap and some of the roads were pretty scary!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't bother with a mosquito net for the rainforest as the rooms are fumigated before arrival and there is nowhere to hang one anyway. Be open in your outlook and enjoy the diversity of this wonderful country.

Most Inspirational Moment

Realising what a great group we were and how we all gelled together. The Cares Gorge was stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alvaro our leader had an excellent knowledge of the area, its flora and fauna and did a great job of looking after our group with its wide range of abilities. Nothing was too much trouble. He understood the British sense of humour.

Most Inspirational Moment

Stunning scenery along the varied route.It inspired (!) you most of the time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele and Giovanni worked all hours to ensure an enjoyable time for all the group...... and seemed to enjoy themselves also. Exodus should keep these two at all costs. The diverse ages (~30 - 81) of the group didn't matter at all. In particular the ladies of the group were all helpful and charming.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Early June is a good time to go. Empty roads and not too hot weather. The Exodus advice to cycle regularly is worth following; Sardinian roads have their ups and downs. We ate well in restaurants, bars, picnics, elevenses with the backup bus. And the geletaria !

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing bears in the forest

Thoughts on Group Leader

Udo was very knowledgable about the area and its flora and fauna.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some of the walking is quite steep- take good strong walking shoes, and more importantly cover for your head in the summer!! The sun can really beat down!

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery at El Chorro Gorge (with the magnificent vultures soaring around the cliffs at the top), the very pretty town of Ronda, Grazelema, the day in Seville.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alexis was an excellent group leader. He was extremely helpful and knowledgeable, and sensitive to the needs of the group. As few locals in the places we visited speak English, a good guide is essential.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Comfortable walking or hiking boots are essential. One or two tramping poles are very useful too for the hilly areas.

Most Inspirational Moment

We were a small group (five) - I took my inspiration from the other people on the trip who were all a bit better than me and helped me along the way. The off-road section on the morning of the penultimate day - this was harder than anything I had done before and the scenery was spectacular. The end of the final push up to Santiago!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dani was a great leader. He constantly adapted the route to give us more/less off-road biking according to our pace. I learnt a lot and will be much more confident about tackling hills in future. Jose was in a driver/support role for our week but I would also have complete confidence in him. A local guide really makes the difference with food tasting. We got some preferential treatment and delicacies from the restaurants along the camino who all know our guides very well. Try a bit of everything!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get your pilgrim passport stamped - it is a nice momento of the trip. The toughest climb is the road up to O'Cebreiro. There is an option to take the walkers' route to the summit village instead which two of us did and enjoyed. Consider an extra night in Santiago - we flew back on Sunday from the local airport. Go to the Friday night mass in Santiago with the Botafumeiro - none of our party were doing the camino for religious reasons but it was an insight into how much the pilgrimage means for those who were. Packing cubes - I'm a recent convert! They really help for a trip like this when you are on the move all the time. Take your own water bottle as these are not supplied.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being in Venice for the first time was fantastic. The evening we spent in Vicenza was excellent. The hotel was very simple but it was the best hotel of the trip. Very atmospheric and picturesque. The first time we saw lake Garda was also a special moment. Incredible views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was so committed to ensuring everyone had the best time. He never seemed to stop and was always around when you needed him. Meeting his family in Vicenza was very nice and everyone on the trip enjoyed this insight to Italian Life.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't worry too much about the cycling - it was very straightforward. One tougher day but nothing too much.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the immense Bay of Kotor from Lovcen mountain - wow! Durmitor National Park - spectacular & humbling Mostar - dsepite the hoardes of tourists it is lovely & well worth seeing

Thoughts on Group Leader

Anaid was fun, full of facts & kept things going along smoothly