Reviews

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Augustine was very good. He provided us with plenty of information about the walks and lots of options for our rest day (which was a rainy day).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be wary of the disconnect between the Exodus main office staff and their local agents. (1) I was told the wrong rest day. This was rectified but still caused some inconvenience (I had pre-booked a paraglide). (2) After being denied a single supplement solo room I requested if any situation arose whereby I could secure a solo room then I would like one. I ended up sharing so it was frustrating to later discover:- (a) that four people on the trip had solo rooms without paying the supplement (one of whom booked just days before the departure date and two who were split out of a shared twin room because there was an empty room!), (b) that my request had never been passed to the local agents who do the room allocation! Hence only four stars.

Most Inspirational Moment

Meeting a beautiful octopus in a tide pool and being surrounded by giraffes on a game ride.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Petro felt more like a friend than a group leader. She is so proud of her country and it was inspiring to see it through her eyes.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Being prepared will make the trip easier. Load the Uber app if you don't already have it. Pack some flashlights and a backup phone charger. I am so glad I followed the trip notes because the power was out a few times. Layers are your friend on this trip because the weather changes quite a bit. Enjoy!

Most Inspirational Moment

The early morning climb to the Tre Cime de Lavaredo, before the tourists arrived

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mark Brown was our guide. Everyone in our 14-person group admired his skill, tact, thoughtfulness and expert information. He looked out for everyone in the group and was always available to offer suggestions, encouragement and insights to local customs and history.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Poles and lighter weight hiking boots or trail shoes for the rocky ground. Come prepared to take on both challenging ascents and descents and to enjoy wonderful accommodations and food at the Hotel Adler!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the different lifestyles every city had to offer

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant leader! Cilfredo was a fountain of knowledge and extremely passionate about his country

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take some really good walking shoes as there are a lot of walking days

Most Inspirational Moment

Tallinn was the most picturesque city,cycling through countryside of baltics was very scenic The company of the other cyclists was excellent and the group got along very well

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lina-a excellent guide who was very informative of history and the struggles of the region.A great sense of humour

Advice for Potential Travellers

Relatively flat and easy cycling

Most Inspirational Moment

A place that had not seen by mass tourism. As name suggest, it is hidden from mass. A tracking place for world best trackers.

Thoughts on Group Leader

As you wish.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Who person likes the silent and hilly place. Tracking and group vocation lover can join each other.

Most Inspirational Moment

My favourite walk was on São Jorge. We started early, high up in the clouds, but luck was on our side — the skies cleared and we spent the rest of the hike descending under brilliant blue skies. Surrounded by blooming hydrangeas and vibrant greenery, the whole experience felt incredibly special, like stepping into a living painting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jorge Valerio was an amazing leader ! He was very inclusive and made the effort to circulate around the group throughout the trip which made everyone feel welcome and included. He listened to the groups needs regarding dietary requirements and tailor restaurant options so that we could all eat together.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack for all seasons in a day, we would have sunshine, then rain, then sunshine then wind. It's quite an unpredictable weather system, however it never drops below 15 degrees year round so is quite good for someone who hates the cold!

Most Inspirational Moment

Ah, there were so many but I guess when we summited the Durrenstein 2,839m under clear blue skies comes close to the top, as does the night we had the hotel's winery to ourselves for the Tyrolean dinning experience, and a note on the food it's definitely a case of quality over quantity but we loved it, it always tasted great and it delivered for powering us up those hills.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour guide Mark Brown was great, always enthusiastic, full of energy, super knowledgable and unflappable, just what you want from a guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you're fit before you go, take poles because they really help on the climbs and the downhill sections, and make sure your kit is fully waterproof as the weather is often varied to say the least.

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole area of Transylvania is inspirational and there were many individual stories that were shared with us of people striving to keep traditions going. It was also brilliant to be part of a great group of fellow cyclists who provided a huge amount of inspiration and support.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cristina was very positive throughout the week and along with Radu provided lots of information about the culture and the history of the areas we visited.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A few things: Take what you need for the 1st day's cycle in your hand luggage on the plane, if you can. My luggage was delayed as left by the airline at Warsaw from the connecting flight. Food is good and largely what the locals eat, so don't expect "posh food". Lots of variety though, not just pork and beef - we had chicken a few times, beef, pork and trout. As the notes say - get Romanian Lei at the airport - either with your cash (just before arrivals) or from an ATM with a debit card. As most meals are provided in the villages, you wont need much though except for extras (e.g. beer, wine) There are hills on this trip but most are the "long and steady gradient" type so most cyclists will be able to manage them. There are one or two steep hills but don't worry about getting off and pushing your bike if hills are not your thing! The bikes are ok, but seem a bit old so don't expect the quality of the bike you have at home. I found the gear changes were not as responsive as I am used to on my own bike.

Most Inspirational Moment

Most of our dinners were with a view-- beautiful!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent in every way

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely bring rain gear-- it rained on 2 of our rides! Not the whole time, but worth bringing something. Do your family research before you come to this area because if you have ancestors from this place, it would be fun to know that!