Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The first two days were along the most beautiful coastline with secret beaches and spectacular rock formations. I also loved visiting the Lost Gardens of Heligan, something I've wanted to do for a long time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He worked extremely hard, could take a joke even at the end of a long day, and kept us all informed and safe. Can't fault him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get fit. If you can't manage 10 miles a day, with at least 25% being uphill, you are on the wrong trip and will always be a long way behind the rest of the group. Come properly equipped with waterproof trousers, well walked in boots/shoes, a good rucksack, etc. Don't expect a sea view from your room. My first room I looked out to an a/c unit, and the second room I was below ground level so could only see the tyres of parked cars.

Most Inspirational Moment

Regularly being rewarded with such spectacular views after fairly modest climbs.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cari was enthusiastic, endlessly cheerful and worked so hard to make sure we all had a good holiday. It was such an advantage to have an experienced (Welsh-speaking) local outdoor activity guide, with all her local knowledge. As this was a new Exodus trip, with all the extra complications that resulted from COVID19 (erratic opening times and added time for service in cafes etc etc), she and the two members of Exodus staff who joined us for a couple of days, Claire and Sarah, did a brilliant job trouble shooting. All three were a delight to holiday with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go! The Gower coast is beautiful and worth discovering. The walking is mostly gentle but with a few steep climbs and descents.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views, the snow glistening, snow-shoeing, the company. A great break in what has been a year I guess everyone would wish to bypass.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alina was great. Her communication skills were exceptional, she was fun to be with, especially when playing Dixit! and she reorganised the walks taking into account the weather conditions in order to ensure we all got the best out of our trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take poles, be prepared for some long steep climbs, enjoy the scenery, the company and the food.

Most Inspirational Moment

In a quiet corner of Meteora, far from the madding crowds, absorbing the sheer beauty of a monastery perched halfway up the opposite cliff. And there were many more such moments, including discovering just how good Greek yoghurt with honey can be!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danae is fantastic. Her enthusiasm for life and the great outdoors, spills out at every opportunity. And she made sure that we got the very best from our trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

As mentioned above there are many. The different view points of the gorge, the monasteries perched on the cliff tops to the dragon lake and the mountain hut. Not forgetting traditional Greek dancing in the mountain hut with a number of different nationalities!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Changed a couple of days walking around due to weather conditions with the minimum of fuss and ensured everything ran smoothly, including all things Covid related. Danae's enthusiasm for Greece and the Zagori region shone through and she was good fun and company to be around, as also mentioned by Keisuke below.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are contemplating this trip and thinking its not well known, it cant be that good think again. It a real Greek treasure, hidden in plain sight! (Possibly to ensure the landscape is not spoilt, and to ensure the villages keep their amazing charm.) Absolutely do it - you will not be disappointed!

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, the warmth and hospitality of the Italians. And definitely Cocktail Hour at the Hotel Due Torri Bar - in particular those gins and tonics before dinner. For my husband completing the Path of the Gods. He is not the walker he used to be before an accident 40+ years ago, but he is proud he made it. And we are grateful to Severio and the group for tolerating his lack of speed! I should mention that this walk was definitely less exposed than Trip Notes had led some of the ladies in our group to expect.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Severio was just great with excellent organisational skills. He was sociable, knowledgable and forebearing with all the group. And best he was Italian with a good understanding of English. We were very lucky. And he even helped me to buy at the local supermarket a kilo of Parmigiano and a pot of Sicilian olives to take back to UK.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walks involve a lot (thousands) of stone and concrete steps - both up and downhill. So bear that in mind if your knees are bad. Bomerano, where the hotel is, is 650 metres above sea level. However there is always the opportunity to complete the walks by public transport and meet up at the bottom. Trip Notes do prepare you, so read them. I regretted missing a guided visit to Herculaneum on our free day, and chose Capri instead, enjoying a dish of spaghetti Vongole at an excellent restaurant recommended by our guide. Next time. We had great guides for Pompeii and Versuvius, part of the holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

Natural landscapes. Astonishing views of mountains and gorges. Hikes were varied from one day to another, from relatively easy hikes to little bit challenging one to get to the mountain refuge. Aperitifs after a walk at stone-house hotels and cafes at a village plaza were wonderful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic. She, young,dynamic and charming, was the best group leader of Exodus hikes so far as far as I am concerned. Despite difficult conditions with COVID, she managed to make our trip truly enjoyable. With uncertain weather conditions, she flexibly adjusted schedule and itineraries so that we could enjoy every day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This hike in unknown parts of Greece should not be missed. I went there in September. I will come again in spring time.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me there isn't a single answer to this. We had 2 days walking on snow, other days with clear blue skies and pristine meadows, harder days and easier days. The stars of the show are the mountains, and our walks gave us a variety of spectacular views of them and from them.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alina is lovely. Although relatively new to the region she has clearly worked hard to familiarise herself with the walks and the surroundings. She was fun to be with as well as someone who inspired confidence.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Other people have written similar, but I would stress that if you are not normally a pole-user (as I am not) borrow some anyway. In the snow they were invaluable. It's probably fair to grade this as a Moderate, although the snow made it trickier in places and thus a little harder.

Most Inspirational Moment

The amazing view looking down on Corniglia against a lively turquoise sea on the last day - absolutely stunning. The wine tasting was also fabulous - interesting wines in a very atmospheric restaurant.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michela was brilliant: she was informative, really adaptable given the challenges of coronavirus and the occasionally stormy weather and made some great suggestions for where we could eat out in the evening.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Italy’s a great place to go despite coronavirus - it felt very safe and clean. Be prepared for lots of mask wearing.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk to San Gimignano on the last day; the guided walking tours of Siena and Florence; and the session at the Tuscan Wine School in Siena. I also loved my pre-breakfast swims in the pool and the sense of peace at Villa Casalta.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Teresa did a great job and was very personable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is a kettle in the room - and teabags - but bring some instant coffee if you are a coffee drinker!