Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Going to Machu Picchu was awe inspiring. It was even better than I imagined. Though very crowded when we arrived lots of people had been there early in the morning and left mid afternoon so we were able to enjoy the peace and quiet. Another highlight was seeing condors flying overhead in Colca Canyon.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sebastian was amazing. He is a brilliant tour leader. He was a great help when several people had problems with altitude sickness. We had warm blankets on the bus when we had early morning very cold starts. He made sure that we had a box of water wherever we went. We used these to fill out water bottles...what a brilliant idea.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do be prepared for the weather to be very cold first thing in the morning. We took thermals and needed them. Useful gifts for your homestay "mother" can be bought at the local markets. Take fruit, cheese, tea towels, wind up torch. We took the flight over the Nasca Lines. It was another highlight. Some people felt sick as the plane banks steeply so that everyone has a good view. Tale sea sickness tablets before you fly. Altitude sickness can be a problem. Listen to the advice or your tour leader. Don't overdo things.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being able to cycle the longest distances I've ever cycled in my entire life. Seeing so much beautiful scenery that my eyes hurt, and feeling on certain roads that there was noone else in the world.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mel was a fantastic tour leader. He had a tough job on his hands as I was a very amateur cyclist with a very strong group. He managed to accommodate across alllevels.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure that you are fully prepped on cycling on hills. The Malagasy flats are undulating and challenging. I thought I had a reasonable base level of fitness, but would have enjoyed it more if I had done more cycling related prep.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the wild orangutans and komodo dragons in there natural environment was unforgettable

Thoughts on Group Leader

My group leader was Elly. She's great, very passionate about Indonesia and its wildlife. She was always happy to help with any thing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If your into photography but want to travel light this may help. I took my DSLR with just a zoom lens 300m for the wildlife, my compact for everything else and my gopro for a few videos. On one of my free days I went on a quad bike tour in Bali. It wasn't on the list of things but Elly sorted it out for me. I definitely recommend doing this.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the bears from the hide was fabulous. Main reason for going and I was lucky to see them.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabulous guide. Did everything expected.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack walking boots and make sure they don't rub.

Most Inspirational Moment

I experienced many beautiful moments on this trip, particularly while hiking and feeling that we are part of such an amaizing world with stunning nature. I felt that this particular hike and area are hidden treasures and should be highlighted even more. I was delighted by each breakfast and dinner - prepared with joy and a warm heart by the chef.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose Miguel is warm, kind, thoughtful and dedicated. He looked after each one of us and shared his knowledge and passion of the locale with us to ensure we experienced the most we could on our holiday. Please consider taping his inspiration for the Cabo del Gaga Trek, as I surely would sign up. Jose Miguel ensured that we all were well looked after and that each of our dietary requirements were satisfied. I know he put forth extra effort for me and I wish to extend my genuine gratitude.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a wonderful adventure and to experience beautiful old world hospitality at the hostal. What a wonderful adventure.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is difficult to choose any single inspirational moment from the serenity of the temples when you got away from the crowds, the friendliness of the people or the rush you feel when bullet trains go shooting through the stations at high speed. However, we were lucky to have fantastic views of Mount Fuji on a fun jaunt around Hakone on the various modes of transport.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ayaka Tsukamoto was a brilliant tour leader who was tireless in her enthusiasm and commitment to ensuring we had a fantastic and fulfilling tour. Even on our free days she helped by ensuring we used the most effective transport to maximise our time and in recommending places to visit and where to eat. She took us to restaurants that we would not normally have chosen and these were some of the best restaurants that provided us with great experiences along with the authentic cuisine. Throughout the tour she kept us informed of historical and cultural details and amused us with her anecdotes that gave us an insight into growing up in Japan.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a tour with lots of walking and some long days so that you get the most out of your time on holiday. Using public transport gives you more contact with the friendly Japanese people and is much more ecological than using coaches.

Most Inspirational Moment

Throughout the trip Mike told us the journey was more special than the destination. He was completely correct. The final camp site provided a stunning backdrop for a sunset and sun rise. A true moment to reflect on the past days hiking and camping.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mike was the best tour leader we have ever had. He was always full of energy and really made the trip special. I hope that we are able to do another trip with him. There was a balance of detailed knowledge of the South American history, fun and laughter within the whole group and a keen eye on safety. He is a true asset to exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip was harder than expected (the second day is a real hike!!) and having a few days to feel comfortable at altitude was key for us.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first walk of the week a wonderful circuit of the mountain overlooking the hotel. And all the meals at the hotel which were truly superb!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vania was truly excellent ensuring all the group felt part of the family. Her expertise and local knowledge were invaluable but more importantly her positive attitude encouragement and sense of humour were undoubtedly what made the holiday so exceptional for us both.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walks involve numerous steps and going downhill could be a little tough on the calf muscles so make sure you get a little bit of practice in before the trip.!

Most Inspirational Moment

Agrigento .. we had an excellent local guide. We also had an excellent local guide at piazza armerina.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were very disappointed in the group leader. See above.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many inspirational moments. Here are a few: 1. the panoramic views on our walks 2. the Duomo (especially the Piccolomini Library) and the Piazza del Campo in Siena 3. the views of Florence from San Miniato al Monte, plus Giotto's Campanile beside the Duomo in the centre of the city 4. the frescoes in the Collegiata church in San Gimignano

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Liz Proctor, was exceptional in every way. Her briefings before each day's outing contained all the information we needed, and her advice was always very sound. She seemed to have an encyclopaedic knowledge of all the Tuscan roads, tracks and paths we travelled on, as well as restaurants and other places of interest when we arrived at our destination. She was an excellent driver, and we always felt in safe hands. She was very patient with those who walked more slowly than others and concerned for everybody's welfare. Her fitness was such that she was able to retrace her steps with apparent ease at the end of a walk in order to retrieve the minibus (while the rest of us were having lunch and looking round the place we'd arrived at!).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Our weather was pretty mixed, so an anorak was an essential piece of clothing, and there were moments on some of the muddier, rockier paths of our walks when we would have been happier wearing walking boots than simply trainers.