Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Ravello and the gardens of the Villa Cimbrone were probably the highpoint of the trip, and I say that as not really a 'garden person'. Ravello is stunning, and was much quieter and more laid back than other places visited such as Positano and Amalfi. Pompeii was everything I expected, although I am glad we arrived early as it was getting extremely busy by midday.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Christine had everything meticulously planned, even transport and guides for 'day off' activities (more important than you might think, as public transport options seem to be very limited in this part of the world). Christine also made a real attempt to engage us with the history and geography of the area - providing us with maps, books etc on a daily basis, as well as useful practical advice on what to expect from each walk.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The August heat made some of the walks seem more strenuous than the grade 2 rating suggested, but we still got an insight into the area and an appreciation of its sights that you just can't get from inside a coach; the colours and views really are dazzling. The village of Bomerano is more an attractive small town, with a reasonable selection of shops and eating places, so you won't go without an ice cream or a beer. Having so many of the walks start directly from the hotel is a real bonus, particularly for those of us not keen on the 'hairpin bends in coaches' experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Fellow trekkers. Scenery. Guide and Ladaki people

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. No other words to explain him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it!! Weather a little hotter than I expected

Most Inspirational Moment

Finishing the whole loop, without skipping any sections. And. Interaction with the group members.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leader was great. Good organizer, and preparing great lunches. However, I would like her to pay a little more attention, that 1/3 of the group were faster walkers, following her, and the rest of the group a little slower, after walking for an hour we will be about 100-200 m behind. Twice the front group "disappeared" and we had to look for the trail. Sometimes we were rushed to catc a bus, walking quickly on rough terrain, it was not so safe to do that. And when we arrived at the bus station, we were left with 45 min to wait for the bus ( that was on time as scheduled)

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared. Eat & drink a lot of water, And walk slowly...specially on accents.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Sentinel Pass walk was a highlight, as was jumping into the lake at Waterton after a long, hot day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take insect repellant (and use it).

Most Inspirational Moment

It was on one of the walking days I missed; the Aguide Du Midi cable car excursion must be done especially if the weather is great as the views are spectacular. From a walking point of view the best day was when we crossed the Grand Col Ferret; some of the best landscape I have seen. The walk from Les Contamines to Les Houche was also excellent (it is long day but worth doing).

Thoughts on Group Leader

John was the best group leader I have come across in all my previous Exodus run trips. Not only was he highly sociable but he knows his stuff and how to manage and solve issues as they arose. Claire who looked after us at camp and managed the support vehicle was also great. Excellent food was provided.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't underestimate the trails. I have trekked in many countries and many of the trails weren't as difficult as those on the circuit. Lots of small steps and trust the advice that the guide gives. Under no circumstances don't do this trip without trekking poles. The trip really will wreck your knees if you don't.

Most Inspirational Moment

Amazon -Being introduced to the entire of the Napo staff, their names, their roles and being given the opportunity to say our thanks to the "backstage" staff you rarely see. Listening to Howler monkeys. Galápagos - sitting on the upper deck of the Cachalote, staring up at the big Southern Hemisphere sky feeling blessed, having just swam with sea lions, sharks and dolphins. Darwin is an incredibly knowledgeable guide who genuinely loves what he does. His excitement is contagious and his ability to find what you want to see is unreal.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had 2 guides in the Amazon and both were fantastic at spotting animals and birds as well as being able to identify everything! They were happy to answer questions and spend time with each of the group members. Darwin was our guide in the Galápagos and his knowledge was outstanding. He was approachable, happy to answer questions and keen to adapt to the groups needs. The best thing I could say is that when I return to the Galápagos, I will only go with Darwin and the Cachalote crew.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get up early, be adventurous and sit quietly in order to truly appreciate the beauty of your surroundings. Take your snorkel stuff with you on every panga ride (if you are allowed), you just never know when you'll see something amazing. And if you go in August - take seasickness pills (I never got sick and it only took me 2 days to get my sea legs but the seasickness pills saved me)

Most Inspirational Moment

There was the moment when we heard a choir singing the most transcendent Armenian sacred music in a chapel carved out of rock at the Geghard Monastery. That was my moment for Armenia. In Georgia the moment would have to be the walk up from Stepantsminda to Holy Trinity church and the view over the High Caucasus mountains.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Armenia: Rafik Santrosyan - a brilliant young man who really enriched our experience throughout the trip. He gave us fascinating and often hilarious insights into all aspects of Armenian history, politics, language and culture and kept us all entertained and fully briefed and informed all the time we were with him. Georgia: Anna Koriphadze - a very different personality but wonderfully thorough, conscientious and reliable. She was highly organised and took great pains to help us with all kinds of things throughout the time we were with her in Georgia. She kept us very well informed throughout the trip and was excellent in ensuring that we were safe at all times. I would very highly commend both these guides.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take some good walking shoes or trainers. Do spend as much time as possible on your free evenings exploring Yerevan and Tbilisi by foot. There is a huge amount to see in both cities.

Most Inspirational Moment

Wonderful moments in shady spots alongside the waterways, after hiking up the hot hillsides. Seeing the beautiful oleanders growing wild, so much colour in the landscape. The friendliness of the locals. Roman columns left half-carved in the marble quarry, exposed for 2,000 years.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cecile is delightful and very very energetic.

Most Inspirational Moment

I'll share three with you, all slightly different.... 1) Swimming in the waterfall at La Fortuna, after a long walk down the steps to get there. The refreshing water was certainly welcomed after the humid day! 2) Sloths - Spotting a sloth with her baby clinging on (for dear life it seemed!) slowly moving from tree to tree. The second sloth encounter at the side of the road as we were driving past was just a fantastic sight and one we were so lucky to see. 3) The beaches - Although the beach at Tortuguero was not the most picturesque with its black sand, it was still a beautiful sight and only a stones throw away from the village. It was also lovely to spend a couple of hours at the beach at Manuel Antonio with its white sand and crystal clear waters.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gustavo was very knowledgeable about everything! Plants, birds, wildlife, you name it and he could give us some information about it! Anything he didn't know he looked up as he was so keen to please and ensure we had an answer. Gustavo was always very professional and wanted to make sure everyone enjoyed the trip. He arranged some very nice meals at local restaurants and even ensured we got back to watch the Olympics opening ceremony in San Jose on our last day!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Costa Rica is certainly not a cheap country but do not worry about taking local currency. Take a lot of US Dollars and you will be given the change in local currency (Colones). Even in the markets, stallholders were able to quote prices in and accept US Dollars. Just be sure to find the ATMs that dispense Dollars as not all do! It is a very hot and humid country, particularly in the cloud forest and rainforest regions. I only wore my waterproof a couple of times, preferring in these areas to wear a cheap plastic poncho to cover my rucksack, camera and me. A small umbrella also wouldn't go amiss! I went in the 'wet season' and as such we did have a fair amount of rain. Luckily this was usually confined to times when we were on the bus, or of an afternoon or evening when we had reached our hotel or lodge. However you might wish to carry a poncho or small umbrella with you at all times as the rain does come in quickly! You do spend a reasonable amount of time on the bus. It is air conditioned and has wifi however! The travelling time is broken up with lots of stops so keep your camera handy in case your leader spots some elusive wildlife en route! Food is good to excellent - some places it is a set menu, others you order from a small choice and a couple of places have a buffet. No-one will starve but you may need to be a little flexible if the set meal is not to your liking. Most hotels have a laundry service and have a speedy turnaround (often drop off before 8am means return by 5pm). Check whether the cost is per item or per bag as we got stung with a $15 bill for 4 items as the charge was per bag!

Most Inspirational Moment

their are many but having lunch on the terraces at pinchaunuyoc absolutely stunning , lunch and seeing condors at parador abra san juan. valentine and achillies prepared the most amazing food. every day something different macho picchu

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rolando saico excellent new his country and the history of the sites has a real passion for his country . this really came across then speaking with him. nothing was to much trouble. made the difference of this being not a good holiday but a brilliant holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

if your thinking about this trip do it now . I thin with new infrastructure going on this trail is going to get a whole lot busier. insect repellent don't forget it. their not about most of the time, but make up for it when they are.