Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

For me I think it was seeing Pygmy Elephants crossing the Kinabatangan river. We had overheard that there were elephants in the area, but I don't think any of us truly believed that we would see a herd of at least fifty swimming across the river right in front of us!! We also loved seeing the flying squirrel in Sepilok, and we managed to catch two flying lizards at the Sun Bear sanctuary! I also loved the truly magical sunsets encountered on this trip - I think the Sabah Tea Gardens Longhouse was a highlight, with the mighty Mount Kinabalu in the distance.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Manuel was absolutely brilliant. His knowledge of the wildlife and of Borneo is encyclopedic, and he is truly passionate about his country and conserving the natural resources. We all learnt so much and I think Manuel's enthusiasm was shared by each and every member of the group. I especially enjoyed the various food recommendations (Asam fish - delicious!!)

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is super hot! Bring quick dry clothing (especially t-shirts) as anything too thick or heavy will struggle to dry. Bring an individual water bottle so you can refill from the main bottle daily, rather than buying smaller bottles. Leech socks can be hired at Kinabatangan along with wellington boots, which were really necessary because of the mud! Take plenty of insect repellent (not that it stops the mozzies). A camera with a good zoom and/or binoculars is a really good thing to take - especially for your time at Kinabatangan.

Most Inspirational Moment

The early morning downhill from Ella to the waterfall

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was excellent - really experienced - well organised - very informative - arranged stops which introduced local topics and people - cooking lessons with good recipes to pass on - clearly enjoys his role !

Advice for Potential Travellers

Consider taking the bus on the last section up to the tea plantations - the climb is continuous and very long.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several wow moments for me on this trip: being inside the burial chamber of the Great Pyramid, visiting Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings and floating down the Nile on a boat looking at the beautiful countryside.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tarek was an excellent historian who shared his country with us enthusiastically.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Those travelling from the Uk don’t change your money into US dollars, you can change sterling into Egyptian pounds without problem. Consider packing an Egyptian adapter plug, lightweight long sleeved tops and trousers, a hat, swimsuits, scarves for women to cover their heads in mosques (I was also asked to wear a long skirt) and comfortable cool shoes. Medicine for stomachs - just incase- is a good idea too.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ayaka Tsukamoto:cannot praise her highly enough:great people skills, full of all appropriate knowledge,coped with herding us on all sorts of transport-without losing anyone!, great sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although not billed as a walking holiday-there is quite a lot of walking involved including steep steps to shrines and in Subway.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visit to Hiroshima was the most inspirational and thought provoking but each day had its own highlight - visiting Philosophers path in Kyoto, various shrines and temples, seeing Geisha dance and tea ceremony, the cherry blossom, travelling on the bullet trains, seeing snow monkeys, gorgeous gardens, Hida folk village, festival in Takayama, Matsumoto castle, Mount Fuji and various shopping markets. Staying in ryokans and Japanese baths

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good , helpful and knowledgeable , took very good care of her charges and made many suggestions to meet individual interests. She was excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip was full on and requires good level of energy and reasonable fitness to cope with walking especially in cities

Most Inspirational Moment

Together with other groups we formed a line across the top of Stromboli as the sun set. In the daylight, the volcano had made us aware it was active - growling and rumbling and spitting stones now and again. Once we had watched the sun go down, we could see that those showers of stones were red hot, and we viewed a series of spectacular fountains of fire from our vantage point.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In April, the temperature in Sicily is variable and not always as hot as you would expect. We walked through snow on Etna, and the wind on the top of Stromboli cuts like a knife. We had several beautiful warm sunny days, but don't forget to pack for the cold as well if you are on a trip early in the year.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational part of the trip was definitely seeing Tigers and other wildlife, like the Sloth Bear in Kahna and the Jungle Cat in Bandhavgarh. The Taj Mahal was second but a good way behind. I also thoroughly enjoyed the Tuk Tuk cycle ride in Delhi through the different streets, this was really interesting visiting the silver street, saree street jewellry street etc and the spices. Very very exciting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour guide Vijay Chansoria was absolutely excellent, so knowledgeable about the wildlife and surroundings and obviously loved his country. It was great when he was in the jeep with you as it was another pair of eyes. We couldn't fault him and he was so caring.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We have just come back (April) and the mornings in Kahna were really cold, so we had to wrap up well but by 9.00a.m. it was hot. Just put on layers. Regarding the train, someone previously mentioned to take a sleeping bag liner, this is not necessary as you are given two sheets, blanket and a pillow. yes you do actually sleep. it is a long journey but it was good 13+hrs. Don't change money at Mumbai airport, use an ATM instead as this gives a better rate. Mumbai airport is great, some super shops and much better than Delhi. Make sure you take something to cover your cameras as this area is very very dusty with very fine sand, you come back from each safari absolutely filthy and its great to get a cold towel to wipe hands and face when back at the Lodges. You don't really get chance to shop so don't think about purchasing gifts, just enjoy.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many but four that come to mind are: - being in Takayama for the spring fair and seeing all of the giant shrines (yatai) in all their glory. - coming into Tsumago from the old Japanese Nakasendo highway. Like stepping back in time. - snow monkeys bathing in the hot springs. - a fantastic view of Mount Fuji from Lake Ashi (after not expecting any view at all!)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ayaka was absolutely fantastic, organising everything wonderfully and going above and beyond on our free days to ensure everybody saw what they wanted. She even came with us to Mount Fuji on one of our free days in Tokyo and what a difference it made (not only did we see the mountain from a perfect viewpoint, she also took us down the Tokaido highway, arranged a presentation at the secret box shop and made sure we caught the pirate boat across the lake). You could tell that she really wanted to make sure everybody had the perfect trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure to pack sturdy walking shoes as you will be on your feet a lot if you want to see everything this wonderful country has to offer. Assume you will be paying cash for everything and get the money before you go as ATMs accepting foreign cards are not prevalent. You can pay a little by credit card in Tokyo and Kyoto but, in general, everything is paid for in cash.

Most Inspirational Moment

Actually completing the Inca Trail, I found it so hard in places, and should of been fitter. But if I can do it, anyone can, and the encouragement from our guide just kept me going, It isn,t about reaching Macchu Picchu, but the journey. The feeling you get when you reach the Sun Gate is so emotional. As for the Amazon trip, its completely different, back to nature with a lot of wonderful trips to do through the day and in the dark.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide was Wilbert Ramos, he was inspirational, passionate and a true gentleman. He encouraged me so much on the trail, I was the slowest, but it did not matter. Wilbert walked with me , sometimes only managing a few steps at a time, but I did it!!! Wilbert is so spiritual and takes mother earth very seriously, we should all take a leaf out of his book. He also arranged lovely meals out for our group, and told us so many interesting things about the Incas. Our other guide was Abel, he was truly amazing to, being only 28 , he was so passionate about his surroundings and protecting their history and traditions, It was very emotional saying goodbye to them both. Also the porters, never stop!!! almost running the trail to put up your tents, and the cooks, I have no idea how they do it, but I have never had such delicious food, 5 star restaurant.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just to book and do it, you will have an amazing time and meet lovely people and have fantastic memories. I could not fault exodus and would definitely book with them again.You are so well looked after.

Most Inspirational Moment

Spending the last two days near Gubeikou walking along the wall and seeing the stretch completed and the stretch ahead - definitely very scenic. Also the cycling tour in Beijing was a wonderful experience. I was a bit apprehensive at first about cycling in the busy streets but it, surprisingly, felt safer than cycling the streets at home!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jerry was great - very organized and informative. He had a great sense of humour and was passionate about his country and its history. He was always concerned about the welfare of the group and went out of his way to ensure that everyone had a great time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As mentioned above, all of the group meals, including all meals in the homestays, are served communal style and individual meal choices are not available. As stated in the trip notes, vegetarian options are limited. Therefore, people with restricted diets or food preferences may want to consider either bringing their own food or considering another destination if they are not open to trying things they may not eat at home. Also, chopsticks are often the only utensils provided so if you are uncomfortable to use chopsticks you may want to consider packing some cutlery. Walking poles were a definite plus. There were a lot of steep up and down sections and the poles proved very useful, particularly in the descents.