Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The 12km climb on day 5, and seeing the view over lake Ohrid and then the descent afterwards.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Junid was an excellent leader. He provided clear instructions during the cycling and was always on hand to provide assistance when needed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are prepared for long tough climbs in warm weather. You can always get in the backup vehicle if it gets too hard, but that's not a satisfying as finishing the climb on your bike. Pack a waterproof it was mostly hot and sunny but it did rain a few times.

Most Inspirational Moment

The wildlife was the highlight for me. Two encounters specifically: Firstly a large male Grizzly wandered along the shoreline, weaving between the trees and the river’s edge. Slowly, it approached us as we stood as a group shoulder to shoulder (forming one large object). It continued aware of us, until it was 20m away, and then passed by and headed further up the road. Also, on returning from the bear trip we meet a pod of Orcas - maybe five or six. The large male had a dorsal fin approximately six foot tall! We watched them for maybe 25 minutes keeping the required distance of at least 200m. Then they disappeared. Suddenly, they appeared just off the bow of the boat like dolphins do surfing in the bow wave (maybe 10ft away). Quickly, we turned the engine off and watched in awe as they disappeared again off into the distance

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eric our group leader was in my opinion not as knowledge, friendly and enthusiastic as previous leaders. He did however manage to organise additional trips for our groups as and when requested and taxied the group about making sure we were at the correct destination at the correct time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This, as far as I know, is this first time this trip has run as early as it did. We left on the 19th August. Although the salmon ran early last year that was not the case this year. If possible I would recommend to travel a little later maybe mid September - in order to maximise the chances of seeing the grizzlies fishing in the river. We did nevertheless still manage to see all the wildlife.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of the 12 km climb on day 5.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, as mentioned Junid did everything he possibly could to make the whole trip a real success. He cycled every inch of the way with us. He was very knowledgeable and gave us a true Albanian experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for climbing every day.

Most Inspirational Moment

The 2 fish lunches were fantastic - The smoked fish lunch in the museum was great from a food and location perspective. The smoked fish lunch in the fisherman’s garden a fish tasting delight. The trip to Cross Hill and the soviet Rocket launch sites memorable

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andrius was fantastic. He knew the cycling areas well and excellent eateries. He provided detailed historical context which was really interesting. He was thoughtful to everyone’s needs and we all loved his arrangements for toasting each country as we departed each one

Most Inspirational Moment

Almost missing a leopard as it was so close to the track. Having an angry hippo charging through the water towards us whilst in a makoros canoe. Getting up in the night for the bush toilet and looking for red and/or green eyes!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brian was an excellent. extremely knowledgeable guide. His team of a chef and two others were great too. Brian always went that extra mile to find the wildlife. Lions eating a kill, lion cubs suckling, hippos mating in the water, cheetahs hunting impala, a herd of cape buffalo being hunted by lions and so much more. My husband ticked off 148 different birds! Brian could identify the birds from a brief description or a wing pattern.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for very early starts. Packing up camp in the cold and dark with no washing facilities on some days when wild camping was hard but made up by the incredible wildlife. When we were in the vehicle it was as if we were wearing invisibility cloaks! Definitely pack warm windproof clothes for the early mornings and take a head scarf/buff for when travelling in the open sided truck. be prepared to get very dusty/sandy!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing our first jaguar

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tony Rodriguez was superb. So knowledgeable, professional and a great sense of humour. He was great company and made sure everything ran smoothly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for high temperatures - it's hot out there!

Most Inspirational Moment

The cold war museum

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lovely lady but not a strong tour leader

Most Inspirational Moment

Capri trip

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent Caring Mature attitude

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes carefully especially about the walk

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had 2 guides - in my view a nwcessity. Adnam and Khrisum.Both very helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

See above. In summer it can be very hot.Bedding is provided. Take pillow case and sleeping bag liner- forget the sleeping bag. Have long trousers - first full day of hiking we went through lots of nettles. Have plenty of snacks to supplement packed lunches. Walk at your own pace .There is nothing to do at the guesthouses if you arrive early. Remember to look at the scenery.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Great Wall of China is truly amazing. Approximately 90% of the time we were on the less touristy sections of the wall with our group being the only people on the wall. To have one of the wonders of the world all to yourself is something not many can say and was really special I thought. Even though walking along the restored sections was beneficial in understanding how the wall looked a few hundred years ago - or in 'Mulan' - I really enjoyed walking along the original/unrestored parts as it gave you a sense of the history regarding the wall but also the people who worked/served on it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jerry!!! This was my third exodus trip and like all Exodus guides I have met, Jerry clearly loved his country as he was very passionate and knowledgeable about all things Chinese ranging from culture, food, history and language. Jerry had a good sense of humour which ensured a positive group atmosphere throughout.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't be fooled by the distances listed in the trip notes. It may look as if the distances are quite short if you are a keen walker, however the constant up and down of - at times steep - steps in almost constant 30+ heat and 90% humidity ensured it is challenging even for one who may consider themselves very fit. I took a pair of walking boots and trail-running trainers, my advice to future travellers is to take a pair of trainers with good grip because on the one two occasions I wore my boots they were too warm meaning I wore my trail-running trainers for the rest of the time. Also you will need trainers with good grip because the wall is very steep in places and on the one day we had rain the wall was also very slippy! General travel advice, be prepared for plenty of sticky rice and practise using chopsticks before you go if you are afraid of looking like an amateur.