Most Inspirational Moment
Reaching Sun Gate and looking down on the prize of the trip....the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu.
Thoughts on Group Leader
First class - friendly, knowledgable, funny, motivational.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Good camera.
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
THE INCA TRAIL
Everything it says on the tin……and then some!
MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS
Fantastic trip with great walks and gorgeous mountain views
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing Mont Blanc when it finally appeared out of the bits of cloud that always seem to be on it's summit Scoffing myrtle tart surrounded by lovely flowers and enormous mountains Watching the Mont Blanc marathon competitors dragging themselves up the Col de Posettes - might be back one day to do it myself
Thoughts on Group Leader
Oliver is an excellent leader - very knowledgeable about the mountains, the wildlife and the local area. We had to change a couple of the planned routes due to thunder storms, Oliver came up with really nice lower level safer walks to avoid the worst of the weather.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Pack all your gear for hot weather and also wet weather, we had everything over the week!
MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS
If you enjoy being safe in good company amongst majestic scenery this is a super holiday. We had a great time.
Most Inspirational Moment
The solitude and amazing views in the Ferret valley. The wild flowers were particularly stunning there.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Oliver behaves in a very professional manner. As an experienced leader safety was paramount and was very reassuring in some tricky weather conditions. He endeavoured to make each day enjoyable and educational.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Remember this is a group holiday, not a competition.Be prepared for all weather conditions, and be flexible.
KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE
The trip was an awesome life experience. Although exhausting, it brings a great sense of achievement and provides amazing memories.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking up the summit on the final ascent, at 3 o'clock in the night, watching the stars above our heads and listening to a quiet yet very powerful song sang by a tour guide and hearing my own heart biting to the rhythm.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Abraham was simply stunning - very friendly yet extremaly professional, he immediately gained deep genuine respect and fondness of the whole group.
Advice for Potential Travellers
While preparing for the trip, I would recommend focusing not only on general fitness and improving your stamina, but also on increasing the lungs capacity and possibly trying some breathing exercises, to minimalize the problems with luck of oxygen.
MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS
This was a fabulous trip. The views were spectacular, the hikes were challenging enough to make me feel fit by the end of the week, but not so difficult as to make me scramble for life. Oliver and Elaine were magnificent – they constantly made sure that we have fun, are well fed, and are safe.
Most Inspirational Moment
The view from Aiguillette du Brevent on the last day was spectacular. But the whole week was filled with inspirational moments. We were all taking photos uncontrollably.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Oliver is fantastic! He is knowledgable, fun, funny, and very responsible. He went out of his way to make sure we all feel comfortable. I also thought he was really great at gauging the group's aggregate fitness. His wife Elaine should be mentioned as well. She manages the Chalet and cooks all the delicious meals throughout the week.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring wet-proofs as it does rain on occasion, even in the summer! I found walking poles to be really useful.
MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS
A seamless complete walking package/experience that resulted in absolute enjoyment & many wow factors.Good Alpine walking suited for all ages with average/reasonable hill walking fitness – even for retirees.The joy of being expertly led.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking with constant views & spectacular viewpoints.Profusion of flowers against magnificent backdrops.Paragliding alongside Mont Blanc.Views from the hot tub.Views from L`Aiguille du Midi on a good day.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Everything you would hope for - well organised, people skills, knowledgeable(local conditions, geography/geology, flowers, guiding) experienced leader, clear expectations, sense of humour, joyful, calm, considerate & supportive, helpful, willingness to share, mindful & informative of potential difficulties, mindful of the whole group, to be trusted. Oliver & wife Elaine were central to a warm, comfortable, much enjoyed house party.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Crocs or similar to walk to & from the hot tub unless you prefer bare feet on gravel.Walking poles are so helpful.The trip notes include everything you need to know especially clothing & walking days.The walks have achievable challenges which add to the enjoyment.Need to be able to carry up to 2 litres of water.No need for Swiss francs.
MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS
The walks were definitely challenging for an occasional hiker such as myself and the trip notes are well written in this regard. An experienced, individual hiker might find Grade C treks more suitable, however. Views were lovely but not awe-inspiring. I found the chalet very clean, cosy and comfortable. Elaine worked hard in the kitchen to produce well-planned and balanced meals. Word of warning; if you’re not used to the French diet be prepared to put on a few pounds despite all the daily exercise! The third floor lounge is spacious and a great gathering spot before and after dinner. Refreshments were economically priced and well-stocked. If you’re looking for a reasonably paced holiday with very well-informed and like-minded travellers, this won’t disappoint.
Most Inspirational Moment
Day 3 that took us past the "Spencer Tracey" hut. Best views on the whole trip in my opinion. All the wildflowers: I grow many of the same in my own alpine gardens at home and it was a delight to see them in their natural environs.
Thoughts on Group Leader
I have to agree with some of the comments made by a previous reviewer. Oliver was more than a little cranky at times and certainly overbearing in his admonishments and lectures to a few members of the group. There were wide variances in ability levels and some folks walked ahead of the group at times. This turned out to be unacceptable for safety and liability reasons but I'm not sure that the resultant very public and lengthy dressing down was appropriate. It created some hard feelings and then confusion when the leader's pace abruptly changed part way through the tour. Clearly, it is very important to follow his advice and his lead at all times both for your own safety and that of the group. and to keep things harmonious. Despite his cranky outbusts, Oliver took his job seriously. He was very safety-conscious and always made sure that group members were properly outfitted and equipped. He was a fount of information about the wildflowers, although I found it difficult to engage him in additional conversation on this topic. He obviously knows the routes extremely well and is very fit and capable. Some of the primary routes were off-limits due to remaining snow and rain-related washouts but Oliver chose some alternatives to avoid these hazards. Last but certainly not least, I was extremely grateful that he waited for my delayed flight at the airport in Geneva. I was last to arrive and I think some of the group had been waiting for some time. I appreciated his consideration knowing that alternate transport to the chalet would have been inconvenient and expensive to arrange last-minute. He has a rather eccentric taste in movies which he made available to us in the evenings in the lounge. Good for a few laughs.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take all the mandatory equipment listed. You will need and use all of it. A bandana worked better than a hat for me (and a couple of others). I found my binoculars to be a useless addition and abandoned carrying them after the first day. Be quick on the shutter button if you like to take lots of pics. There wasn't ample opportunity to do so unless during the two daily breaks. If you're not a regular hill walker, be prepared for the effects of steep and long ascents. It took me a couple of days to get my "legs". On the last day, be sure to take more water at the signposted stream on the way up. It's a longer walk than the others and one of our party ended up dehydrated despite relatively cool conditions. The walk into Chamonix on the day off takes longer than suggested and doesn't really follow the river as advertised. But it's popular with locals and certainly very safe. Don't get too concerned if Oliver's directions for getting to and from the chalet, seem vague. You'll find that it's quite easy to get around either walking or by bus. You will receive a free bus pass at the beginning of the trip which comes in very handy. I found the chalet meals to be hearty and filling but I noticed a couple of the bigger, more active chaps, could have used a little extra food. The servings are set so if you're bringing a big appetite, you may want to consider packing or purchasing some snacks.
WALKING ON THE GREEK ISLANDS
Good company. A good balance of group time and time to do your own things. Fantastic caring group leader. Thanos.
Most Inspirational Moment
I felt chilled all the time. The Islands were beautiful. My favourite was Paros. Santorini was out of this world but my legs did not stop wobbling with my fear of heights. I think we all wished we could afford to go on a 2 month trip and just go from Island to Island.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Thanos could not do enough for you. I thought he was really attentive and caring. I thought he got the balance right for time to yourself and time with the group.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The itinery may have to change slightly. Ours did but it did not spoil the holiday in any way. If you want a ridgid timetable plan your own holiday.
MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS
An excellent holiday and nice to know that at the end of each day, one returned to a chalet with all creature comforts and good food.
Most Inspirational Moment
This was my first mountain holiday in four years. I was pleased to find I could still get up into the mountains with my two new hips. A real sense of achievment to be back amongst the peaks and panoramic views. (Sorry folks if I held you up a bit on the upgrades).
Thoughts on Group Leader
Oliver was an excellent leader, keen to share his extensive knowledge of flora and fauna and of the geography of the region. He lead the group in a very civilized fashion, and kept us all together. The organisation involved was first class and everything ran very smoothly. He gave good ideas for the day off, and provided us with much humour and entertainment throughout. And one must not forget Dillon the amiable foxhound who walked three plus times as far as anyone.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't forget walking sticks. Take a water supply with a feed tube. If you stop to drink - as I do - you get behind all those keen types who drink on the hoof - at least on the upgrades. Mind you, I like to stop , so don't really approve.
MT TOUBKAL CLIMB
Spectacular scenery, and a really well though-out route, allowing good acclimatisation and scope to do justice to the High Atlas far away from the busier routes.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were many! Both 4000m+ summits must count highly. Toubkal was stunning, but the isolation (and adrenalin fun of the rock-climbing scramble to the top!) of Mt Ouanakrim was something else. Watching the sunset down the valleys as we camped at night was consistently pretty special too.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Hassan was a hoot - superbly laid back whilst being extremely competent and efficient.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Sounds obvious, but do make sure you're happy with your boots before you go! The terrain is punishing on the feet, as you're consistently walking on scree and rubble. Most of us ended up with blisters somewhere...(and pack a little hip-flask for the tent at night!)