Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

So many fabulous views -- not one more than any other. Loved both the long views across the valley from the mountains tops but also the sun shining through the trees on the nice mountain paths and the charming old villages and towns we passed through.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara Bull was simply excellent in all ways -- superbly fit, professional, knowledgeable but also going totally above and beyond as well. Kind, fun, patient, generous and incredibly devoted and hardworking. A very special person. We all loved her.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day brought new experiences and sights from the busy streets of Ho Chi Min to the quite backwaters and fishing villages we cycled through. Hoi An was a great location for a stop over.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Long was a great tour leader. His organisation was excellent and he was very knowledgeable about Vietnam and the areas we travelled through. Great sense of humour and worked well with his support team ensuring that during the cycling days we were frequently fed and watered.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a great way to see Vietnam. Accommodation was good throughout and no safety concerns at all. The cycling was rated as moderate, but in reality was verging on easy and the only challenging part (if you wanted it to be) was Hoi Van Pass. Be prepared for some long stints in the coach though......

Most Inspirational Moment

The evening and night in the desert. But that is one amongst many.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdoul was fantastic. He was quickly able to bond our group of 16. He was always kind and helpful; and he was fun to be with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't expect a luxury holiday. But it is a trip that introduces you to a very different culture--so deeply interesting.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day had it's own highlight but spending 2 nights at a beach hotel on the Indian Ocean at the end of the holiday after many days of tough riding was particularly memorable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was simply superb. Knowledgable, organised, personable with a great sense of humour. The best we have ever experienced.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Worthwhile to come with a reasonable level of fitness.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our tour leader- Genny- made sure everyone in the group gelled as a unit. She had a genial, happy, enthusiastic nature which rubbed off/transmitted to everyone else.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Amazing. Very considerate, caring and knowledgeable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Always make sure you mingle with everyone else.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the white water rafting and floating down the river kept afloat by life jacket. Swimming in Indian ocean also high on hit list

Thoughts on Group Leader

Neelaka has the broadest grin ever. He was so knowledgeable about all sorts, plants, animals, birds, temples, history, religion, geography- like many guides has a repertoire of anecdotes. He had time for everyone, no 'problem' was too small and was sorted immediately. Definitely made the holiday - a good group leader, one of best I have encountered

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a prepaid card for money. ATMs available and cash can be exchanged at airport. Buy goods in Kandy - best prices here. Laundry available in some hotels - you do not need to take loads of clothes. Try all the food - even curry for breakfast - has to be done Be aware the train may be mega crowded

Most Inspirational Moment

The event that I will never forget involved Alexis' readiness to defend us hikers from a charging bull. While walking through an open area with cattle, one of the bulls feinted a charge. Alexis, who was closest to it, took off his pack and was ready to do battle if the bull continued his charge - I was impressed and felt that Alexis should add that skill to his resume! The bull must have been intimidated by Alexis because it stopped its aggression, and we continued walking by without further incident.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alexis was a large part of why the trip was so enjoyable. He spoke Spanish, English, and French fluently; knew history of the local area; had a fun and relaxed attitude; answered our innumerable questions without complaint; and came up with alternate plans when necessary. Please note the bull-fighting skill above as well!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be flexible. The first days of our stay were warm and good hiking weather, but the last 2 days had 30mph winds, necessitating a change in our last 2 scheduled hikes. While it was disappointing not to hike the Caminito del Rey in the gorge, it was closed not by our guide but by the park administration. Fortunately, Alexis came up with alternate plans for the last 2 hikes that introduced us to interesting areas that we all enjoyed. I respected the change in plans, as it demonstrated that Exodus Travel considered its clients' safety first and foremost.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Matera for the first time, trying the local cuisine.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great leader!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Wear good shoes - some of the hike trails are a bit stony.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of Ooty Hill. Physically, the toughest thing I've ever done (it's brutal) - despite taking on electrolyes and other fluids, being in shape and generally sporty (I'm mid 30's and not carrying any weight) I got badly dehydrated and must of stopped 12-15 times. However, I was enormously proud of myself for cycling the full 13km /1,300m of height gain. And next time I'll know the sort of training I need to do! The other highlight was seeing an elephant in the wild for the first time on the game drive, which again was a lot more fun that I expected.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Safi was easily the best group leader I've had and I've done these group tours all over the world. He was incredibly conscientious and kind as well as being exceptionally well organised - time and again he went the extra mile. He'd always phone ahead so everywhere we stopped was expecting us and his advice on things like what not to eat was greatly appreciated. Finally, when he needed to put his foot down with either us or his team he'd do so in a gentle, understated way - often with a chuckle. He had a great sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go when it's a bit cooler, padded cycling shorts are a must and take electrolytes if you sweat a lot. Oh and try the Kerala bread - kind of a cross between naan bread, a pancake and puff pastry (I couldn't get enough of it!)

Most Inspirational Moment

The People. so polite. And very helpful

Thoughts on Group Leader

She was very good and helpful. Would have been helpful if she have had a small flag to hold up Because when ther was a lot off people I had trouble seeing her. Because she was small . But she was very good .

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes gust go and see this beautiful country.