Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The coastal scenery was very interesting, especially the cycle along the Curonian Spit in Lithuania with its high dunes and woodland built to protect the landscape. The lunch spot was also excellent with smoked fish of all sorts to enjoy.

Thoughts on Group Leader

If you get Andrius as your group leader you've struck gold as he's one of the best guides I've ever experienced - informative, great organiser, great sense of humour, relaxed in approach to leading and goes the extra mile to make the trip a fantastic time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you go in late Spring or Summer take anti-mossie spray as you will get bitten when stopping in the forests during breaks. Having the latest cycle clothing isn't necessary but padded shorts will of course protect a delicate part of the body! Unless it gets exceptionally hot you only need one water bottle as the support vehicle provides regular fill-ups with water during stops. The recommended spending money is about right unless you plan to buy lots of wine/beer etc. As you'll be in plenty of towns and cities getting money from cash machines isn't a problem so I wouldn't take lots of cash and many of the restaurants will take visa etc.

Most Inspirational Moment

Scrambling up to the peaks on day 7 to the summits of Mancondiu, meeting Chamois enroute, and taking in the unbelievable views in all directions

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nachio (Ignachio) was a great tour leader, kept everyone well informed, gave timely advice on the need for water, appropriate clothing, electrolyte and mineral replacement (isotonic additives), suntan lotion, and the need for 'pacing' the walks to avoid exhaustion. He juggled the programme to suit both the prevailing and forecast weather, and ensured everyone stayed safe. He was very much 'part of the group'.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather can be unpredictable, and whilst we did not need to layer up, nor did we need wet weather gear, the humble umbrella can be a useful bit of kit to be used in rain or searing sunshine. The tour leader on both this trip, and previously in Austria, have recommended one as almost essential. Trekking poles, and stout walking boots are very suited to the terrain. There are very few ' mountain huttes' for toilet facilities ( so a 'toilet' kit - hand sanitiser etc. is useful) and few places to buy drinks en route in this part of Spain. There are quite a few opportunities to fill water bottles from springs, and whilst we were assured that the spring water is safe, some people might feel safer using water purifier systems. You do need to make sure that you have sufficient bottle capacity (about 2 litres) so that it will last betwenn refills. We did canoeing on the free day; it was 40 euros per person, includes transport to and from the hotel, a packed lunch, canoe or kayak, double ended kayak paddles (no single blade paddles available, nor left handed paddles) and gives you between 3 and 4 hours of paddling with many opportunities to 'beach' for a break. The river has a few very tame grade 1 'rapids', and you are paddling with the current. The river can be very busy at the launching ramp, usually the school trips, but soon thins out a you progress down stream.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Mont Blanc and Aiguille du Midi from our chalet for the first time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Egle was brilliant. She was knowledgeable, supportive, kind, and good fun. When I struggled she was really helpful and understanding. She really helped to make the holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I am sure I would have benefited from more really steep ups and downs in my legs beforehand.

Most Inspirational Moment

A close call between 'summiting' Dead Woman's Pass, and the first view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Holger [Olly] on Inca Trail - first rate. Knowledgable and informative. Moises on Rainforest Extension - first rate. Again knew the subject.

Advice for Potential Travellers

All is covered in Trip Notes for both sections. But, make sure you carry sufficient Currency [Soles or US$] for Rainforest Extension [drinks, minor kit items] - prices a bit higher than general for Peru.

Most Inspirational Moment

La Fortuna Waterfall

Most Inspirational Moment

Balcony walk and the stunning views at every turn

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Condors in the Colca cannon.

Thoughts on Group Leader

An experienced leader, who had lost his love of the job. Daniel was very wrapped up in his family’s, yes two of them. He kept information to himself, and only informed the tour at the last minute. He treated us like children, and obviously liked the men, he was very hostile to the women at times. He dumped the group as quickly and as often as he could. Very little information was given on long journeys, so I feel we did not learn as much about Peru as we could have. The specialist guides were much better.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are a lot of extras to pay for, not listed in the trip notes. museums, cathedrals etc. ,

Most Inspirational Moment

The cloud inversion and breathtaking views from Mt Toukbal and the optional summitting of Ouanakrim on our summer solstice with its isolation and equally jaw dropping panorama while watching the incredible dawn track us on our ascent.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lahcen our leader was incredible. He was there for absolutely everyone on the trip, the novice to the experienced mountaineer. To watch him enable the least confident to flourish and for all to reach way beyond their own personal goals was humbling. His pacing was spot on, slowing the potential 'bolters' from burning out and thereby encouraging us all to acclimatise slowly so that no one felt excluded from the chance of getting to the top. People made their own decisions on summitting Ouanakrim, two 4000m peaks in 24 hours with 03:30 am starts or similar is not for all but Lahcen ensured the decision was our own. His local knowledge was incredible and we felt safe at all times with his skills and acute perception of any struggling. A true leader and mountaineer.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some basic camping and toilet facilities. The heat and destination meant some of us needed the odd emergency stop by a boulder (shrubs are very scarce at altitude) so forget the shyness. Take some hand sanitiser. The fitter you are the easier it will be. You will be 'carrying' yourself upwards in heat and at altitude and despite any pacing 'extra baggage' is 'extra baggage' ! Embrace the wilderness ,the cameraderie of working as a group and remember everyone of the group wants to have the chance to get to the top . We found our filter water bottles extremely useful, we were guided on which streams to use, plastic disposal is a big problem for any country.

Most Inspirational Moment

I really enjoyed the high level walk in the pre-Alps with great views of the Dolomites, the fine sunny weather, the great Italian food and also learning all about Prosecco.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Serena was a really great leader and host, looking after the group with great thought and care. Really liked all the little touches - she even selected the music playlist on the bus to suit the day / occasion!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Late June it was really hot on some of the walks, so be prepared for that if travelling at that time of year! Most places were away from the main tourist areas of Italy so very pleasant and uncrowded. Day trip to Conegliano on the free day made a great alternative to visiting Venice.

Most Inspirational Moment

After studying Vesuvius and Pompei as a Child this was the highlight for me getting walk to the very top of Vesuvius with a local Vulcanologist where 99% of tourists are not aloud to go was a dream come true the view were amazing .Pompei and Herculaneum were oustanding the guides we had brilliant and brought the two cities alive with the history and stories of the poor victims we saw

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vania was oustanding right from the 1st day she made sure we were all okay on the walks ,let us walk at our own pace and never rushed us.We had plenty of stops to rest and have water as the heat and humidity were a hinderance especially on the 1st day .She brought the group o together and was a great tour leader and couldn't do enough for you . A beautiful caring Young Lady and she helped make the trips one of the best ive done with Exodus