Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Day and evening three were the highlights of my trip. After an incredibly difficult day two, day three was marvelous! The hike on day three was challenging but doable. I loved every step. Then being able to call my family at the top of a mountain to let them know all was well too it off. Another highlight for me was meeting and getting to know my fellow group members. They are all wonderful people.

Thoughts on Group Leader

William was amazing! His knowledge and passsion came through every word he spoke. He checked on us twice a day more than twice a day. He would check with us personally to ensure we were all coping with the altitude and difficulty of the trail. He made us laugh and laughed at our jokes. He fit right in with our group of 5 Brits and one crazy American! He never made any of us feel like we were holding anyone back. He made sure we went at our pace and completed the hikes in our time.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching elephant families come to drink from the inlet opposite where we were sitting in the fly camp.

Thoughts on Group Leader

CB, aided by Gago, was brilliant. He is very knowledgeable about the wildlife as well as being an experienced canoeist. He showed us the wildlife while keeping us safe. He is fun and caring, frequently making sure everyone was ok. Gago was a solid support guide and will make a superb guide in the future.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book it! Embrace the wild camping. Get involved, - its fun working as a team in setting up, breaking camp and preparing meals. Be prepared for some strong head winds which can make the canoeing harder work. It wouldn't hurt to have some Canadian canoeing experience, however the Group Leader will give instruction and advice. Travel light, - it makes packing up each morning quick and easy. Load a star gazing app on your phone. It's quite tiring arriving after a night flight and arriving at the start camp after dark. Think about arriving a day early in Lusaka. We arrived 5 days before hand and organised tours of Lusaka and Victoria Falls.

Most Inspirational Moment

One of the most magical moments was gliding by kayak across the glass-still waters of the fjords, the mountains reflected perfectly around us. As we paddled through the silence, our guide brought the landscape to life with tales of King Olav, Viking legends and the serpent-like beasts said to lurk in the dark depths below. It felt less like an excursion and more like stepping into a Norse saga

Thoughts on Group Leader

Åshild was a delight! I really enjoyed her many stories of her personal experiences of growing up in Norway, such as visiting her fathers cabin in the woods and hiking up fjords for hours for a thrilling 30 minute ski down! She has a way of making you feel Norway is your home too in the short time you are there. Her warm demeanor, excellent storytelling and precise organization made the trip flow like a dream!

Advice for Potential Travellers

This isn't a trip for ticking Norway off a list. It's for those who want to dive into its traditions, connect with its people, and experience the raw beauty and folklore that flow through its veins in complete comfort. Come home not just saying you've been to Norway, but feeling as though you've lived a piece of its story and explored its wild, untamed heart.

Most Inspirational Moment

Baby rhino nursing from its mother was incredibly special, while seeing a leopard with its kill high in a tree and spending time observing painted dogs were experiences we’ll never forget.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Siziba and driver Gift were outstanding. Gift’s smile lit up every day, and he did a fantastic job navigating the long driving days and challenging roads while keeping the group relaxed. Siziba’s attention to detail was second to none. His goal was always to give us the best possible experience. His knowledge, passion, and dedication were exceptional. Together, they made an incredible team and played a huge part in making this trip so memorable

Advice for Potential Travellers

The early morning game drives can be surprisingly cold, especially in the open vehicles. Bring a warm jacket, gloves, a toque, and a buff or neck gaiter. A power bank is very useful for the longer travel days, and a headlamp is essential for your stay in the Okavango Delta. If you have room in your luggage, bring some school supplies for the local school visit. The children and teachers are incredibly grateful, and it’s a small gesture that makes a real difference. Finally, enjoy every moment. From the spectacular wildlife and beautiful lodges to the friendships you’ll make along the way, this is an adventure you’ll remember for the rest of your life. I would recommend this Exodus safari without hesitation.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the various Baroque Cities (Noto, Syracuse) and completing the various climbs (including Cavagrande del Cassibile).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Davide was amazing. He is passionate about his native Sicily, its history and the environment. He is humorous and inspired us with just enough story so that we can explore it more once home. He is a great cyclist and knows the route very well. He kept us safe and make sure there were enough cold water stops (especially in the hot weather) to refuel. He also introduce us to great restaurants where I had my best Italian pizza and sea food (even better than in Puglia)!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although the distance and ascent does not look that bad, the hot weather makes it a bit harder than usual (bring plenty of factor 50 sun cream and drink lots)! There are plenty of chances to swim in the warm Med. sea as well as relaxing in the lovely hotel pools so don't forget your swim suits... The architecture, history and scenery of Sicily are fascinating so some research (or watch some BBC iPlayer) on Sicily will make the trip much more engaging!

Most Inspirational Moment

The Forcalquier hotel, and the excellent guide (Yannis) who also helped plan my additional days

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very pleasant, knowledgeable & helpful. Also relaxed manner conducive to us being on holiday

Most Inspirational Moment

View of the Fjords and waterfall from Nes Gard! Each morning, the view was different, but still just as beautiful!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader Flo, is my favourite Exodus leader to date! He was just so good!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack your own re-usable lunch box for the lunches each day! Bring a raincoat!

Most Inspirational Moment

I am tempted to say the whole trip was inspiring . However, if I must identify just one, it would be the awe inspiring afternoon spent in the Opficio Delle Pietre Dure E Laboratori Di Restauro Di Firenze. It was an honour and a privilege to meet one of the institute's experts and to be shown the work being undertaken in Florence to conserve and restore so many artistic treasures. The drawing of the elephant revealed by the X-ray of Leonardo's "Adoration of the Magi" will long remain in our memories.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ambra was delightful. Deeply knowledgeable, friendly, approachable and funny, she worked hard to meet our preferences and needs, playing a huge part in making sure we had a fabulous week in Tuscany. We would go so far as to say that Ambra is one of the best group leaders we have had the privilege of meeting in many years of travelling worldwide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The food provided on the trip is never less than delicious. However, portions can be large (an 800g Bistecca alla fiorentina. Each!) and travellers would be best advised to pace themselves if they don't want to have to buy a complete new wardrobe of clothes upon return.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through the palm tree forest at Preveli Beach – it was like a tropical oasis!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide, Yorgos Prinarakis, was an amazing guide who had a real passion for showing and telling us all about his country and its history and culture.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is great for people who want active exploration with downtime and scenery, rather than a hardcore trekking-only trip. Make sure to pack plenty of water and your swimming gear as it gets hot!

Most Inspirational Moment

All of it. There wasn't really one thing that stood out above the rest. There was a good mixture of sights and food. We were lucky enough to get to the national park which had only been reopened a couple of weeks before we got there following wild fires,

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tiziano was absolutely fantastic. A ball of fun and he managed to add extra bits to our excursions as we were a great group and all of us were always on time. We were given a list of foods to experience as we went round Sicily and we did try almost all of them.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The botanical gardens are worth a visit on your free afternoon in Palermo. Travel light as you can wash and dry your clothes overnight if you wish.