Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The last day hike to Monte Prado Views all the way up, and all around

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was outstanding; a machine of a guide! Including everyone, encouraging all hikers to do their best. Her pride and knowledge of the area is obvious. Very involved with all meals. Great sense of humour. Would go back in a minute. A wonderfully kind human A gem for Exodus

Advice for Potential Travellers

Remember to read notes with hike elevation; as stated, bring layers for summit. Fell in love with the local “ Farro” grains, brought some back home

Most Inspirational Moment

Tallinn old town. Walks in national parks, Suomelinna (sp?) Island tour.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was excellent, diligent, knowledgeable and nothing too much trouble

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to say as there were so many. The stunning Cares Gorge, walking with the river far below and the peaks way above us. The amazing views from the Collado de Pandebano, after hiking up through the woods. The spring flowers every day. The treat of seeing Chamois on our final day on the route following the old mining track. Two of the hikes made use of tracks that had been built for the hydroelectric dam and previous mining works, and I loved that we, as tourists could now use those tracks, no longer needed for industry, to see such stunning scenery. Our guide, Alfonso.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was an excellent leader on the hikes themselves and was always aware of the weather conditions and any changes that needed to be made. He was alert if someone needed encouragement or assistance. He carried the backpack of one of the party during a steep, slippery descent. He was also quick to resolve any issues with our accommodation and food (though I had no issues at all with those). He made the whole experience fun, whilst always being professional and inspiring confidence. His English was excellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

Many: the souks of Marrakech and Fes; the journey through the mountains; walking through the oases; staying in a riad; and of course, riding on a camel in the desert!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hamid was a perfect leader. He was friendly, approachable, and made sure we were always safe. His knowledge about Morocco - its history, politics, religion and culture all helped to make this such a good trip. His local knowledge, including of the different languages spoken (Berber, and its variants, for example), and his patience answering our many questions were outstanding. We felt we were in very safe hands, and that nothing was too much trouble.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Duke was an excellent leader — knowledgeable, thoughtful, well organised, and always helpful. He took time to understand what each of us wanted from the trip, from experiences and food to shopping and sightseeing. He was patient throughout and even helped with plans beyond the group tour. I really appreciated all the effort he put into making the trip so enjoyable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be open to trying local food and experiences — some of the unexpected moments were the most memorable.

Most Inspirational Moment

loved kinabatangan

Thoughts on Group Leader

both guides excellent

Most Inspirational Moment

The Lakes National Park at Plitvice

Thoughts on Group Leader

She was wonderful and so genuine.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many - the riverfront of the Danube in Budapest with its magnificent Parliament building, Fisherman’s Bastion, the Great Synagogue, the Matthias church and the very poignant Shoes on the Danube memorial - the wooden houses and churches in Maramures - especially the merry cemetery! The small Saxon villages in Transylvania, the beautiful Romanian countryside with its mountains and rolling hills, the vibe of Bucharest, the local guide in Bucharest - amazing stories - the concert we attended in the Romanian Athenaeum Bucharest ,! Sofia’s churches especially the iconic Alexander Nevski Cathedral and the wonderful views of nighttime Istanbul we had from our restaurant chosen by Barni - there are lots more as every day there was something new and different to see.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Barni was amazing from the outset - we all met on the first night had time to introduce ourselves etc and then went on to eat in a fabulous local restaurant so our introduction to the trip was just perfect. His English was brilliant and his anticipation as to the needs of the group were second to none - he quietly organised us so we didn’t feel rushed or pressured. His choices of restaurants particularly in Istanbul were perfect as well. He made lots of suggestions for our free time ,alongside giving us the possible costs of entry as well as directions - he know all three countries well and everyone seemed to know him! We had very good local guides all spoke excellent English and were entertaining as well as informative. Barni also was incredibly stylish dressing in traditional style but with an overall contemporary look - we were all very impressed by his beautifully embroidered shirts. Above all Barni was very sensitive to the needs of particular group members ,being available throughout the trip for them which we believe enabled them to get as much out of the trip as everyone else - he was an absolute star Thanks Barni

Advice for Potential Travellers

We have been on over 30 trips with Exodus and we have never been disappointed- every trip brings a new and exciting adventure with a packed itinerary excellent guides and lots of wonderful memories

Most Inspirational Moment

The first wonderfully spectacular views of the sea and coastline from the rugged coastal paths

Thoughts on Group Leader

Inês was a friendly, kind and thoughtful leader, passionate about the Algarve. She was very well-organized, hard-working and kept everything running smoothly. She was positive, careful, flexible and very patient and adapted to our various strengths and weaknesses. None of us were aware, until she advised us at the end of the week, that this was her first time working solo with a group. We would not have known! Nothing seemed to be too much for Inês, including accompanying me to the pharmacy when I needed this. I’m very grateful indeed that she was our guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather was ideal for walking, mostly not too hot and only a brush with rain. Shoes or boots with a good grip are necessary for some parts of the coastal and other paths. Also walking poles might be a good addition too. As others have said (and I should have listened!) leave some space in your luggage for wine, pottery, olive oil and gifts.

Most Inspirational Moment

At the start of the trip, we were all asked why Peru, and what we most wanted to see. Most said Machu Picchu. It is obviously a highlight, but the biggest surprise for me was actually Nazca. I’ve read about the place, seen photographs and documentaries, but nothing prepares you for the scale and strangeness of the landscape, particularly at altitude. Whilst some of the journeys are daunting, I found travelling through the high Andes to be an absolute highlight. Some of the most memorable moments were not necessarily the famous landmarks; the roadside stops and viewpoints were often extraordinary.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader, Luis, was excellent throughout the trip: organised, knowledgeable, calm and consistently good company. He kept the trip running smoothly while still making it feel relaxed and enjoyable, and he handled the practicalities of altitude, transport, timings, and accommodation well. I think Luis struck a good balance between providing information and allowing people to experience places in their own way. I always felt the group was well looked after and that everything was under control without it ever feeling over-managed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

One thing worth planning carefully is laundry. I’ve been on trips with Exodus where every hotel offers laundry services; on this trip, there was only one opportunity to wash clothes properly, and even hotel room washing/drying opportunities are limited. You are likely to experience a wide range of temperatures and conditions, so don't forget a light waterproof and jumper. The sun can be deceptively strong at altitude, so consider sunscreen and a hat. The highest altitude we experienced was nearly 5,000 metres above sea level, so mild exertion leave you short of breath, but nobody on my trip was badly affected. Nevertheless, altitude is taken seriously, so your blood oxygen levels will be measured as a matter of routine. Whilst most make do with a smartphone, a good camera is worthwhile if you enjoy photography, particularly for landscapes and wildlife. I should also mention the homestay on Amantani Island, which proved to be one of the more memorable parts of the trip. Facilities really are limited, so don't expect washing facilities or wifi, but the kindness and hospitality was infectious, and I came away with a recipe for a kind of fried flatbread called toctochi, which you simply have to try. I had been a little apprehensive about this bit of the trip, but ended up enjoying it far more than I expected.