Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

I was most swept away by the Ancient Greek temples as well as the Greek Amphitheatre in Sicily. They were in wonderful condition despite their antiquity and I marveled at how the Greeks built such edifices.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Words cannot adequately describe our group leader Tiziano—smart, funny, engaging, emphatic, energetic, and caring. He was the cheerleader from daybreak to sunset on our journey around Sicily. He was always making us laugh. I would love to take smother tour with Tiz in the future! I wish I booked the 14-day Grand Tour to spend more time with Tiz.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don’t pack a big suitcase. You have to drag it a big distance in old town Palermo. Don’t pack a lot of clothes to go out a night. It is casual in Sicily. You want 1 or 2 nice outfits. Pack warm clothes for hiking Mt. Etna. It gets cold on the mountain. Leave some space in your suitcase to bring home treasures, such as the superb Silican wines. Wear good walking shoes. Bring hiking boots for the volcano hike.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our guide showed us round his family home, a renovated farm building in an abandoned village, that was really special and unexpected.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lewis is a really nice chap. He is hugely knowledgeable about the area, not just the walking trails but also the history, flora and fauna. He's also a very considerate and safe guide who ensured we had an enjoyable time. 10/10 for Lewis!

Advice for Potential Travellers

We were lucky with the weather, sun all week (end September). However the area is prone to rain so bring suitable gear. The walking was tougher than I had expected, some member of the group struggled a bit.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably the fun on day 4 of switching on my e-bike for the first time and clicking straight into Turbo mode to race up the mountain and enjoy the amazing view from the top with everyone before the spectacular Atlantic Ocean views on the way down to our seafront hotel and a sundowner glass of wine on the rooftop bar

Thoughts on Group Leader

Reuben, our group leader, was fantastic, as was his colleague Joao who on our week was responsible for driving the support vehicle, moving our luggage and organising the group’s hotel check ins, arranging our restaurant and picnic lunches, and generally keeping in close contact with Reuben to ensure everything ran smoothly, which it certainly did. I understand the guys take turns week by week through the season to lead the cycling group/drive the support vehicle etc, which is a great system. Both men were local to the area that we were cycling and their love of and pride in their region was both infectious and endearing. In our briefings at the end of each day’s cycling Reuben was genuinely excited at what we would see and what he would be able to share with us the following day which greatly added to our anticipation and enjoyment. His wider knowledge of Portuguese history was also extensive and very well transmitted - we learnt loads!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Relax and enjoy - you are in good hands!

Most Inspirational Moment

Finally getting to the top of the big climb at Nuwara Eliya after nearly 3000 metres of climbing, group photo at the top with great sense of achievement! "Life saving cake" organised by Suresh half way up.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was the best - very experienced, has fine tuned the trip so things runs like clockwork. Nothing is too much trouble, he worked so hard to ensure all our needs were met and went the extra mile to make sure all our annoying requests were sorted for us! He is extremely organised and hard working and professional, very assertive without being rude (making sure we all were on time etc. and kept his team in order!). He was fun and enjoyed teasing us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a couple of days of hard cycling, take wet weather gear (we were lucky, didn't get wet too often, just a couple of showers). There are quite a few days of heavy eating - easy to eat too much at lunchtime with big curry buffets - hard to get cycling sometimes after a big lunch, so pace yourself!!

Most Inspirational Moment

All the walks were inspirational but, possibly, the Path of the Gods was the most inspirational.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The trip was made particularly special by our group leader Theresa; she went well over and above expectations. A lovely lady who showed great knowledge of the area, emphasis on safety of all the group, keen to share individual’s interests and desire to help to arrange extra activities. A truly professional guide who showed a great sense of humour and caring nature. Theresa is a great asset to Exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read all the information sent by Exodus and you will be well informed and well prepared.

Most Inspirational Moment

Riding along the ocean, learning some Portuguese history.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ricardo was very personable and available.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling along the Atlantic cliffs. Your guides were great

Thoughts on Group Leader

Always friendly, polite and professional, well organised, knowledgeable and adaptable. Passionate about what he did and the country he was showing to us. Good at teaching bike tricks. Very inclusive of all clients needs. He had a couple of awkward clients to deal with and demonstrated much more patience than I would have. Maintained a good sense of humour and a passion for good food

Most Inspirational Moment

Really enjoyed Danum Valley after a difficult walk with the humidity seeing orangutans close up. Also really enjoyed the snorkelling and got my confidence back after a bad experience on another holiday.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roni was a good leader, very organised and he coped very well when one of our group had a fall. Everything was organised properly and I felt he really enjoyed his job.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is a busy trip and you don't get much free time but really thought I got my monies worth. Leeches weren't as bad as I thought, luckily only got 1 bite that I know of and I didn't buy the leech socks.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many inspirational moments making it difficult to highlight just one. The optional Schotia Game Drive, the walks at the Tsitsikama National park and others, visiting Robben Island and an optional visit to the Langa township which we were able to do as we stayed on in Cape Town for an extra 2 nights, Also being able to get to the top of Table Mountain on the only day that it was clear enough to do so.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tallis was superb in every way. His organisation and knowledge of all things South African and his sharp sense of humour made the trip full of so many different experiences. We have been on many Exodus trips and he is certainly one of the best leaders we have had.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A highly recommended trip, especially if it is a first time visit to South Africa. I would certainly recommend trying to do a township tour when in Cape Town as it gives a wider experience of the lives of people in and around the city. The City Lodge Hotel booked our trip for us which was a morning tour.

Most Inspirational Moment

The hike to Maglic Mountain and the guided tour of Mostar

Thoughts on Group Leader

Saudin was a really wonderful leader. He was attentive to the needs of the group and everyone warmed to him. He managed a very mixed ability very well and was very safety conscious. I would highly recommend Saudin as a leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The hotels in this area do not always meet the standards of European hotels, however once you can accept this then they are fine for a night or two.