Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There were a number of substantial hill climbs that were very tough at times. The inspirational moments were when I would look around rather than focussing on the road and I was greeted by the amazing Croatian coast line.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our Group Leader Kristo was excellent. I'd like to nominate him for a leader of the year. Krsto was very relaxed, he would tell us when and where we needed to be, where we were riding for the day so we all understood. My only feedback would be to come down on people a bit harder when they were late. Krsto seemed well known everywhere we went and so we were always looked after. The effort Krsto put into the trip really made the trip for us

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip is rated moderate, however there are some tough days with challenging hill climbs, do not go on this tour if you are not a regular rider. I loved it because I love riding and I loved the hills as they were a challenge for me and I knew I had earnt my drink at the end of the day. That said there are options to take the bus if you don't think you have the fitness so that is a good option available to all riders. The days are quite long, riding by 9, back at the hotel by 6 or a bit before out to dinner by 730/8 pm. The dinners are a wonderful opportunity to taste the local food, most places had fresh fish in everyday which was wonderful. Dinners did go for a long time and we'd usually leave by 1030/11 pm. There isn't that much time to do your own thing, it really is a group environment, but that did make the trip enjoyable as you got to meet new people and get to know them. If you are after an active tour and want to see the sights of the Croatian coast then this is an excellent tour.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra by night is an experience not to be missed. No matter how many guidebooks you read nothing really prepares you for the splendour of this ancient city.Evenings spent by the fire out in the desert provided a real escape from modern life and provided excellent oportunities to reflect and recharge after a days trekking through spectacular scenery. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Salah was fantastic! Friendly and professional with a real passion for his country which he managed to share with us all. He was an excellent ambassador for Exodus and for Jordan. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are even slightly tempted by this holiday - book it!! If you can spare the time then a couple of extra days at the end of the trip to explore Amman and visit the Dead Sea are highly recommended. Exodus were able to arrange accommodation and flights that allowed us to do this and it was well worth it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Fez medina

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader really was amazing. He was informative, funny (berber sense of humour) and most importantly looked out for us and looked after us.

Most Inspirational Moment

Termessos TheaterEphesusStadium AphrodisiasIstanbul

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very nice girl and very capable, but she did tend to waffle and repeat herself. Her choice of local motorway buffets became monotonous

Advice for Potential Travellers

Avoid the restaurants in the Istanbul fish markets, they are poor value. Instead go on the Bosphorous trip to Anadolus Kavagi.The fish is beautifully cooked and presented and great value, especially the set menus

Most Inspirational Moment

I would say the moment surrounded by llamas and alpaca on the endless grassland.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was great! He paid a lot of attention to the safety of the group and made sure that the arrangement will be as smooth as planned.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't think. Book it now. It would be one of your lifetime best memory.

Most Inspirational Moment

We had a most wonderful day of full sunshine when we climbed the Strudlekopt. The visibility was good and the views around were stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Karl knew the ropes and instilled confidence. He also had stories to tell. He joined us each evening at the communal dinner. His advice was much appreciated.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do take clothing for all weathers. We were unfortunately walking one day in rain and sleet at high levels so invest in a few fleece layers and gloves.

Most Inspirational Moment

I thinking Petra has to be the icing on the cake for me.  The normal walk down through the siq is lovely and when you turn the last corner and treasury is in front of you, you will be amazed. Make sure you do the not so well advertised route to see the Treasury from above.  You have to walk past the kings tombs then start the climb straight up but you will be rewarded for your efforts with a fabulous view of the Treasury from above. The monastery and the high place of sacrifice are a must.  Rather than walk up the steps to the high place of sacrifice Danny & Sadam took us on a walk through the hills, it was a great climb and only  taxing in places.   We arrived at the same place but it was much more interesting.  We also got another fabulous look at the Treasury from above, looking down from yet another vantage point – which is a little hairy but good once you have done it. Everything was much easier when mountain goat Sadam was acting as a fall breaker.  If you can do it get someone to take out via the canyon and not the siq.  This was an amazing afternoon and yet another adventure, which has spurred me on to do more climbing.  There are a few places where we definitely needed the help of the local guy,  but definitely worth it for me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danny was excellent and made the trip – his knowledge was exceptional and he genuinely wanted us to have a great time.  Sadam the tourist policeman got involved and walked with us everywhere lending a much need handed when trying to get up steps etc. in Petra. They joined us in the evening and recommended places to eat and drink and Danny is most excellent at tying the jordanian scarfs.  5 stars ***** :-)

Advice for Potential Travellers

The Jordanian people are very welcoming and I never once felt uneasy.   Snacks and drinks are expensive in my opinion in  the tourist areas - but exceptionally cheap when you hit places like Madaba and other non-tourist villages/towns.  If I had to be critical I'd say the hotels were just  Okay.   Breakfast was not great (no fruit at all) - but it wasn't enough of an issue to even contemplate moaning. The hotels we were in, tended to have British plugs. Some of our group had issues with air con - it was about 36 degrees so we were hot at night.  Only one bite received, that was in the Bedouin camp.  Strange how there are no bugs! - Take some Deet for the camp and have a quick spray up.  

Most Inspirational Moment

The solitude and tranquility at the summit of Toubkal (once I had shut up) was so far removed from the normal day to day grind with only the sound of a bumble bee flying past breaking the silence. Looking down on the surrounding snow capped mountain range felt like the view from an aeroplane - breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hassan, I cannot write highly enough about you, words fail me. You have been truly inspirational, with an incredible wealth and abundance of knowledge both about the surroundings we found ourselves in and culturally. You are educated, sensible, so wise for your years and above all so humourous. Your banter was unbelievable and your understanding of the wit that encompassed you by the minute was plain for all to see.We debated some sensitive issues about our differences and you offered both sympathy and empathy. I hope our friendship lasts beyond this trip. It has been both a pleasure and a privelege to have gotten to know you and I feel both humble and fortunate that you were our Guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Mainly to have Hassan as your Guide, to eat what is offered, to keep hydrated and to barter in the City with every Tom, Dick or Mohammed that you face up to! Never have I encountered a group of people so on the take, whether wishing to spend a penny (dirham) or just asking for directions those palms are outstretched in your direction - you have been warned...

Most Inspirational Moment

Summit day!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yahya was an excellent, knowledgeable (about local culture, villages, and mountaineering) guide. Very friendly, and someone I'll stay in touch with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Mt Toubkal is an excellent choice for destination- really enjoyed my trip. Exodus were well organised, and yet didn't overcomplicate or dictate the trip too much. The UK team helped me out a great deal with my lastminute booking.

Most Inspirational Moment

It was great to be able to see three lovely cities as well as visit a very pretty island.  Walking the city walls in Dubrovnik was wonderful.  I felt I got a great overview of the region in a week.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Krsto was engaging with a great sense of humour.  His choice of restaurants was occasionally dodgy, but generally good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Early June was a lovely time to go as it was lovely and warm without being too hot.  We had one day of rain, but that was it.  It was also still very green.If you don't do the Mostar trip (I was put off by the prospect of spending six hours on a bus) the boat trip to the Island of Lokrum is highly recommended.  The ferry only takes 20 minutes and it's a really relaxing place to spend a couple of hours away from the bustle of Dubrovnik.