Most Inspirational Moment
Camping in the delta and whitewater rafting.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Guide was well organised and knowledgeable-also a fabulous cook.
Reviews
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Reviews
Super trip
Excellent itinerary, some amazing highlights… especially the Delta, wildlife and optional activities.
Trip to Eden
This is the second time I have been on this particular trip. As before it didn’t disappoint. The mokoro trip to the delta was magic. We were provided with copious wildlife sightings during our walks with a local guide. The camp was in a great location where a friendly elephant repeatedly wandered by during the day and also in the night. On the way to the Makadikadi pan we saw a large group of vultures on the roadside feasting on a cow carcass. It was like watching wildlife on one in the flesh. The pan when we reached it shimmered in the sun looking very unreal. The big skies gave us a breathtaking sunset. At Victoria Falls we had a restful day. We enjoyed visiting the Falls which were at their best “wet but still visible “ . We went on the zipwire across the gorge which was relaxing and scenic and allowed a good view of the Zambian falls. The evening meal at the Lookout cafe was delicious and the cafe very stylish. Returning to Botswana next day the optional cruise is recommended. The highlight of this was the sunset in an area rich in hippos and watching to birds fly to their roosts for the night. Next day after a long drive to Savuti we were rewarded with the sight of Painted Wolf puppies playing outside their den. I felt very privileged to see them. Next day they had left the den so we were lucky. A full day in Savuti allowed a sighting of wild dogs after a kill and lions contemplating a pursuit. Sadly this didn’t happen while we were there. Another drive to Moremi with a sighting of a secretary bird in the distance. We were fortunate to view crocodiles devouring a rotting carcass and performing classic rolls in the water to release the flesh. Our pre supper treat was another sighting of lions in the reserve. Next day we continued our game viewing but the major highlight came in the evening during supper. We had heard hyena’s in the night but this night a plucky hyena wandered into camp looking for scraps. During all this the food prepared by Abis and the rest of the crew exceeded in quality every restaurant we visited. The T bone was especially delicious.
Most Inspirational Moment
The last night in camp when a hyena wandered in. Brian our guide encouraged me to take photos as he shone his torch in the direction of the animal while ensuring that we didn’t get too close . It was one of the great things about camping that you might see or hear things in the night. You really felt you were there.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Brian was extremely friendly and made great efforts to show us interesting things.He had a very good knowledge of the wildlife and animal behaviour. He worked extremely hard and was always available to answer questions. The whole crew were very enthusiastic and nothing was too much trouble including driving to the nearest park gate to charge a camera battery (Didn’t realise they were going so far or wouldn’t have asked ).
Advice for Potential Travellers
Make sure you bring lots of khaki/ sand coloured clothes. Neutral really means these colours. Also wrap up well for the morning drive to the salt pans. It’s cold and windy on the way. Definitely have a bush shower. It’s so refreshing and great to air dry.
Enlightening
A whistle-stop tour of stupendous scenery and fascinating history. Each day brought something new to wonder at.
Most Inspirational Moment
Our Local Guide Samra had experienced in her family the horrors of the siege of Sarajevo and to hear first-hand brought home how people's resilience of spirit can conquer such appalling treatment
Thoughts on Group Leader
Efficient, humorous, knowledgeable and all round good egg
Advice for Potential Travellers
Decent walking shoes!
August Adventure in the Baltics
It was the first cycling holiday with exodus and lived up to all my expectations with a great mix of leisurely cycling and cultural visits. Our tour Leader Andrius contributed to the success of the trip with his thoughtfulness, caring attitude, and sheer determination to ensure our group had a lovely holiday. Nothing was left to chance and each day was so varied with a packed itinerary to explore three countries Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania with all its history, culture food and drink. I enjoyed the leisurely cycle to admire the beautiful landscape of each country along Rivers Lakes, Forests and coastal shoreline. Swimming or paddling in the Baltics sea together with having lunches to taste the local cuisine to include smoked fish, soups and of course Zeppelins.
Most Inspirational Moment
I loved cycling along the Peipsi Lake and the hilly trip to Otepaa which is known as the Estonian Switzerland which had stunning views of pine forests from the Tower. The trip along the Curonian Spit with the calmness of the Lagoon and then the memorable boat trip to view the Trakai Castle. it was also great in the evenings where the group attended some traditional restaurants and of course the friendless of the people we were fortunate to meet throughout our trip.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Andrius was so knowledge to provide insightful history of all Capital towns we visited, Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius. To be honest The Baltic countries have history which I was not familiar with it so made it more interesting to hear the tales of the Soviet occupation and how relevant the Ukraine War is today for all of us.
Advice for Potential Travellers
It was hot in the Baltics so good quality cycling gear with plenty of sun cream, insect repellant. The trip is not for serious cyclists but a nice relaxed mixture of cycling and sightseeing.
A great way of seeing four islands
The Azores are beautiful, especially if you go when the hydrangeas are looking good. This trip is a great way of seeing four islands but, since you stay in only two hotels, you’re not repacking all the time. The accommodation was very good. A smart hotel in Ponta Delgada and a good enough hotel in Horta with each room having a balcony with amazing views of the harbour, Pico island and the sunrise. The breakfasts were pretty good and provided plenty of food before the walks. Both towns have plenty of interest and the nautical side of Horta is great. There were seven of us in the group plus our Sao Miguel guide (Tony) and our four islands guide (Filipe) both of whom were very good. We all got on well. If you’re fit and mobile, and strong enough going uphill and especially downhill, the walks are good exercise and not overly challenging. There’s plenty to see and photograph along the way and each walk is slightly different from the next. The group meals are the lunches with our guides having organised three picnics and three terrific restaurant lunches – local food in Sao Miguel and Pico and very good tuna in Peter’s Café on Faial. In the evenings we generally split into two or three smaller groups. Tip: it really pays off booking restaurants in advance. As The Azores are quite some way away, we decided to stay two weeks and so followed this trip with the self-guided ‘Cycling in the Azores’ on Terciera. So we ended up seeing five of the nine islands.
Most Inspirational Moment
The hydrangeas on Sao Miguel and Sao Jorge. The lunch on Pico. The sunrises over Horta. The whale watching trip. Good chats on the walks.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Both leaders were enthusiastic, knowledgeable, good fun and looked after everyone.
Advice for Potential Travellers
In Ponta Delgada try to visit the Museu Carlos Machado/Jesuit College (great ecclesiastical art and church) and in Horta the Museum of Whaling (it’s so well done). The whale watching trip from Horta is great too. We saw several sperm whales. See the comment above about reserving a table for the evening meal. This is pretty easy as you're only staying in two towns, one of which you return to at the end of the week (Ponta Delgada - perhaps book Alcides for the last evening).
A great trip
Knowing very little about the Baltic States this trip was revelation. Beautiful countryside historic cities and so many places of interest. The cycling was enjoyable and not too strenuous as we passed along mainly flat routes giving us the opportunity to appreciate the the countryside. Our guide, Andrius, was excellent with an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the history and culture of the towns and cities we passed through. We even got an introduction to Tom Lehrer as a bonus.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent.
A great trip
Knowing very little about the Baltic States this trip was revelation. Beautiful countryside historic cities and so many places of interest. The cycling was enjoyable and not too strenuous as we passed along mainly flat routes giving us the opportunity to appreciate the the countryside. Our guide, Andrius, was excellent with an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the history and culture of the towns and cities we passed through. We even got an introduction to Tom Lehrer as a bonus.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent.
New Discovery
Originally booked for 2020, we were glad to finally get going after Covid interrupted our plans. Any fears we were not as fit as we might’ve been were quickly dispelled. The terrain was varied, largely flat and very manageable. The weather was brilliant and we could cycle at a good pace. The 3 countries are very different in their own way and we were lucky to have an excellent guide Andrius to explain those differences with his vast knowledge and experience.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were many but the unscheduled stop at the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania as recommended by our guide left a lasting impression. As did the visit to the Käsmu Maritime Museum where we had a simple but delicious fish soup lunch and heard about the way of life there past and present. Seeing the inscriptions honouring the victims of soviet occupation on the wall of the KGB Museum in Vilnius was also a chilling reminder of the current conflict in Ukraine.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Andrius was amazing. Leading the cycling on his own he succeeded in keeping the group together - quite a feat given the large group of varying abilities. Always on hand, he kept us entertained at all times with his explanations and anecdotes on the different cultures and histories of the 3 countries. He made excellent choices of restaurants for us to taste the local specialties and treated us with tastings of liqueurs such as the rum based Vanna Tallinn and Riga Black Balsum. He wanted us all to enjoy the experience and leave with happy memories and I’m sure we all did.
Advice for Potential Travellers
A gel seat cover for the bike would be handy for the less experienced cyclist. Remember your swimming kit. There were several opportunities to get into the Baltic sea which is not as cold as you might expect!
A wonderful adventure
Having never been to the Baltics, and having recently started looking after customers in the three countries for work, I was keen to discover more about Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. A friend from another trip recommended the trip. He was spot on! Andrius is a superb guide and looked after our group very well. We were treated to many hidden gems in each country, none more hidden than the Cold War Museum. We rode through pretty little fishing villages and lovely cities, such a rich tapestry of scenes. Riding was not too strenuous for those new to cycle tourism, yet plenty of scope for those of us used to clocking up the miles. Something for everyone. Make sure you add this trip to your list of trips to do.
Most Inspirational Moment
The Hill of Crosses in Lithuania was very moving and something that will stay with me for a long while
Thoughts on Group Leader
Andrius is superb and a credit to Exodus
Advice for Potential Travellers
Pack your swimming trucks! The swimming in the Baltic sea is lovely. Good idea to have insect repellent spray on the first few days riding and hayfever tablets as the terrain covers quite a lot of grassland with tick bites common. The views are worth it though.
Excellent, Challenging Trip in the French and Swiss Alps
This is a tough trek but really worth it. Stunning views, Beautiful lakes, High passes, Stream crossings, Boulder fields, what’s not to like about this trek. Although relatively short daily distances don’t be fooled there is a lot of climbing my total elevation gain for the week was around 40500 ft or 11220 meters. Being in the outdoors for 14 day dose your mind and sole the world of good. Our guide and group was fantastic and I have met some good people on this trip from all walks of life, different ages and nationalities.
Most Inspirational Moment
There are definitely a few Col Prafleuri is the highest Col on the route albeit the weather wasn't the best this day (heavy rain) it made the whole day better. First views of the Matterhorn. Staying in the mountain huts meeting some great people. Working as a team throughout the day, at meal times, washing up, breaking camp.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Egle is a fantastic group leader. Friendly, funny and knowledgeable. She looked after the whole group, informed us of all the different flora and fawner through out the hike and answered every ones questions. A very experienced outdoor person. Always happy to share a beer and have a laugh at the end of the day.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Definitely do some training before you go even if you are a seasoned hill walker as you basically climb Snowdon every day for 10 days. I would strongly suggest taking walking poles to take some of the pressure off your knees. The mountain huts can be quite noisy so definitely take ear plugs. Albeit the lunches are adequate I would suggest taking or buying snacks like nuts, chocolate, etc just to keep you topped up during the day. There is a day or two where you can not fill up with fresh water. You can either buy water from the huts or I took a filter and filled up with glacier water.