Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to single out, however trip to the Dead Sea was amazing, seeing Petra by Night was fabulous too!  Meeting all those other like-minded people was good too!

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was good, however did not cycle with us which was a shame.   Also think at other times he had his own agenda.  He had been out 12/13 weeks on the trot and I basically think he was too tired for all of us!

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is very hot, just be aware of that.  However you will see all of Jordan and it is a fantastic place.  A camelback is a good thing to have too.

Suggestions

Watch your mobile bills.  Most hotels have free wifi but you must remember to turn the roaming off, or you will get caiught out with a massive bill.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sharing a public bus with 30 Greek school children and various locals on the way up to one of the mountain villages for lunch, with all sorts of public arguements and discussions going on around us!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent - highly knowledgable, entertaining, and tireless. Helped out with dinner every night (including serving and clearing!), dealt with all the various needs of the group well and went beyond the call of duty in showing us the local nightlife!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of camera batteries and memory cards, be ready for several hours on ferries (weather was very calm for us). I'd recommend booking an extra few days to see Athens at the beginning or end (if you haven't already) as there is no time on the trip for this (beyond the first evening).

Most Inspirational Moment

To echo my friends review. It had to be the ascent and decent of Ooty. The cycle ride up the 36 hairpins was the most challenging thing I've ever done. I was very emotional when I got to the summit. You can also see why the British decided to live up Ooty. It has very much a European climate and in places you would be hard pushed not to think you were cycling through UK countryside, with only eucalyptus trees giving the game away. There are also traces of European architecture which was interesting to see in exotic surroundings. If I thought the ascent was challenging and emotional, the descent from Ooty was truely amazing! Vishnu wasn't wrong when he said we would be cycling through different climate zones. I tended to think of it as starting in a UK climate, then Southern European and through the tropics. I struggled to decide whether to keep stopping and taking pictures or enjoy the ride down. After a few pictures I decided to concentrate on the ride - it seemed to go on forever! Fantastic! I must also mention to cultural differences and the general friendliness of the people and if you've ever wondered what it's like to be famous, you're certain to get a glimpse of it in India. On occasion, mutual fascination developed into posing in pictures taken by ourselves and the local people alike. I also enjoyed the boat trip through the backwaters and the Safaris. As well as the previous evening bus Safari, I went on the early morning Safari. I would reccommend this for the sunrise, the would through the bush and the fact that we saw ant hills up close and a lone elephant in the distance. More importantly, we saw a stick insect, which looked out of this world!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vishnu, Joseph and Abbie where brilliant!The trip ran like clockwork. It was very well organsied and I felt completly at ease with everything and total confidence in our guides.We couldn't have asked for a better group leader in Vishnu, lead cyclist in Joseph and support vehicle driver in Abbie. You could rely on them all.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just be careful regarding eating food and never drink the local water. Firsty I'd like to say the food was brilliant, but I was aware that the pre-trip advice was not to eat un-cooked food or drink the local water. For the first week, I stuck to this advice. For the second week, I relaxed my rule after watching the other trip members eating salad and fruit and not getting ill. Its possible that this caused me to fall ill with a bad tummy! I should have known better as I am susceptible to this sort of thing, whether it be in India or Southern Europe. I was the only one though!Always make sure you apply DEET or other insect repellant to exposed areas of skin!

Suggestions

There are several days when it's not possible to get money due to the locations of the places visited and stopping at. Make sure you have enough money for beers and souvenirs etc...!

Most Inspirational Moment

For me it was visiting Pompeii & Herculaneum with walking round the rim of Versuvius a close second.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Albert did a great job of making sure everyone got the most out of the week. Even though a couple of the trips had to be swapped to different days it actually worked out really well. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be ready for sore calves after all the steps down to Amalfi and Positano :)

Suggestions

In another 10 years i might well do this trip again.Recommended!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The summit of Kala Phatar ( View over to Everest) and the 2 night stay at Base Camp Everest. Seeing the climber on the Khumbu icefall.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lapka was great, paassing on all his knowledge of the area all the way throughout the trek. A mention also for Dawa, Harri and Mingmar for their happy go lucky attitude and the wake up cup of T every morning.Thanks you guy's n hope to see you all again

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't think about doing it!!! Go and book it as you won't regret it. Best holiday Ive had

Suggestions

Look forward to travelling with you again in the future. Thanks

Most Inspirational Moment

The summit of Toubkal definitely gives you a top of the world feeling (we were very lucky and had about an hour and a half there).  Once up there it's worth making some time for yourself to pause for a while, after all the excitement of the photo-taking and whiskey-sipping (see below), and just sitting quietly and taking it all in, watching the birds drifting around and feeling the majesty of the mountains. I was inspired by the hard work and dedication I saw around me from the people who made sure we had a great time.  Especially our chef (Lassan) who was always joking around and still managed to make us some fab food, popping his head in the tent for a quick "bon appetit" at every meal.  Just the sight of him had us all grinning and wondering what was going to happen next!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both guides Mohammed and Yehye looked after us very well throughout the trip, really bringing Morocco to life wih their stories and personal insights into Moroccan traditions (especially at the hammam in Aroumd - thanks Mohammed!).  I had some very honest and fascinating chats with both of them about the political and social realities of their country.  They were patient, kind and genuinely interested in everyone in the group, and keen for us to have the best time.They were also very generous with their nuts!! (and dates and figs - easily beating our Tracker and Go bars for some quality en route snacking)

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a hip flask for a welcome celebration at the summit (it's a "dry" week!).Take a camelback or similar for at least 2 litres - if you have to keep stopping to open water bottles you might not drink enough of the stuff.  You can buy bottled water everywhere so don't worry about taking purification tablets.  I also took another bottle so I could have 3 litres every day.You don't need a mattress for camping - these were provided and very comfy (a bit like those foam covered sun lounger ones).  Just bring your sleeping bag.   Remember a head torch for those late night comfort breaks.Walking poles are helpful on the descent but not essential if you've got strong knees.  I was fine with one.Stay an extra night in Marrakech at the end - it's all a bit of a culture shock when you get back there from the mountains but after a day you are ready to enjoy it!   

Suggestions

I can honestly say I enjoyed every minute of this holiday: the many altitude-induced giggles with co-trekkers - especially my new friend and tent buddy; the beautiful scenery, with goats and mules trudging; not forgetting the unique experience that is Marrakech on a weekend in 44 degrees (!). JUST BOOK IT! 

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking in the Atlas mountains. The visit to a local household in the village and the kids we passed who never failed to make us smile. Scenery was incredible.

Thoughts on Group Leader

10 out of 10. He was knowledgeable, experienced and always worked hard to make sure everyone was okay and getting the most out of their trip. Helped members of the group out in countless ways. The minibus driver also needs to be commended, he drove confidently and as safely as he could on roads that were difficult and coped well with other road users.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the Exodus equipment list and try to follow it as best as you can. Don't moan about lack of creature comforts. Appreciate where you are, who you are with, what you do have, and what you are doing.

Suggestions

We would have given this trip five out of five stars were it not for one major disappointment. This regards the school we were shown in the village of Tijhza which has been funded by Exodus charitable giving. The school appeared delapidated, ugly, abandoned and in a very poor condition. Judging it by standards of the other buidings in the village it is of a very poor quality. We were not able to walk around the school.Whilst I appreciate charity projects are often fraught with difficulties Exodus should recognise that this project is not a good example of their charitable aims and should certainly not be used as a showpiece for visiting tour groups. As a customer of Exodus I (and the other members of the group) felt shocked, embarassed and ashamed that this is our contribution to "Responsible Tourism". I hope you take these comments on board and take steps to review the projects in the village. Please consider whether they have truly acheived their aims within the local population.

Most Inspirational Moment

Highlight I would say is Monreale Cathedral, simply awesome inside. We also enjoyed 2 walks around Etna, included in the trip, at different points of South Etna while it puffed away above us. In the old towns it was great to have enough free time to wander around and soak up the atmosphere whilst enjoying the views. The hilltop towns of Ragusa and Erica were particular favourites.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabio, was a very personable and knowledgable local guide. If you like food he's the man to guide you on local treats and good eateries. Fabios timings can be a little out. Its best to ask specifically "What time will we arrive at....." rather than how long it takes.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I know it says it in the itinerary, but you do need closed shoes for the Etna walk due to the fine lava granuals, and snow whilst we were there. I wore trainers which were fine. If you walk up around one of the cones, a walking pole is useful, but it will be the only time you use it.In most of the towns you aren't guided, but have free time to explore, normally 2 hours, so may be worth reading up on the towns before you go. If not, they are easily navigable and Fabio provided maps for each one anyway.If you are not on the group flight transfer from Taormina there is a good bus service (ETNA Buses) costing 7.50 Euros and takes 90 minutes to Catania airport. The hotel is below Taormina so you'll either have to drag your cases and use cable car or catch a taxi to the bus station which costs 15 Euros. At Monreale the local guide will offer you a 6 euro, 10 minute tour, of the cloisters. We decided to go to the public loo instead (50 cents). However next to the loos is a grill with an open view of the cloisters. So you maybe happy with this option instead!

Suggestions

We had 15 people on the trip and used 2 minibuses. They were very comfortable and ideal for Sicilys winding roads. Fabio always made sure information was relayed to you if you weren't in his bus. Aircon was no problem either.The villas in San Lito Lo Capo are superb. Out of the way but in a beautiful location. Wished we could have had more time to relax here.We had the pleasure of having Sue Bishop, photographer, on our trip. If you are interested in photography and Sue is on another trip, then I'd recommend going on that date. The trip is still run by the local guide but Sue is always on hand to give advice and discuss anything you wanted to know about photography. She encouraged your questions and prompted great in bus discussions and sharing ideas. Perfect combination.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, just being surrounded by the sublime landscape of the region.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jeremy Rabjohns is an excellent group leader who is considerate of all the needs of all individuals and the group alike.At no time did I feel like just another group member,Jeremy really took time to get to know each of us on a one to one level,which enabled us as individuals to get the most from our trip. Personally I was interested in photographing the landscape  and so at times needed to be apart from the group,either in front or behind,I was never inhibited or made to feel a burden.Jeremy has a very good knowledge of the local flora and fauna alike and thus is able to answer most questions in this regard.He is also very knowledgeable of the local history regarding the Moorish peoples who once inhabited these lands,he has even written a book on walks in the area and so is more than qualified to lead.He is also able to speak Spanish and is very helpful to those who wish to shop and order food etc.In general I found Jeremy to be an exceptional leader,and a decent, down to earth,good to honest bloke which these days seems to be the exception rather than the rule.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I personally did not feel that poles are necessary.Ankle length (short) walking boots were fine for me.I used a hydration pack as opposed to bottles which I think is better.

Suggestions

The hotel Berchules is good and clean with a well stocked bar,plenty of hot water,great food and the most brilliant staff.I did have my doubts about this trip and was the last to book,however, I had a brilliant time and I think you will too so just book it!! 

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Treasury at Petra (even for the tenth time), rounding the corner to the Monastery at Petra after the hike up, and watching the sun set and stars emerge round the camp fire in the awe-inspiring Wadi Rum.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Khaled was fantastic - his knowledge of the history and cultures of Jordan seemed endless and his enthusiasm to share his country was infectious.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I was worried about how my relatively low fitness levels would impact my ability to enjoy Petra, but the more strenuous walks/hikes (hundreds of steps or steep uneven paths) aren't too bad and are either taken at the pace most suitable for the group or are optional with plenty of time to do them at your own pace (or not at all if you choose). Hotter temperatures could make the walks more challenging (it was mid-high 20's Celsius when I went), but many are sheltered by canyon walls in parts at least. In short, as long as you are reasonably active, there's no need to worry or go on a big fitness drive before going on this trip.

Suggestions

If you are interested in this region or after a holiday experience that goes beyond your expectation, don't hesitate, you won't regret it.