Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving in the old town in Santiago and the service in the Cathedral with the "swinging" incense - even if you are not Catholic you will find this a very special ending to the trek.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hose was the perfect guide - he made sure everyone enjoyed the trek and managed the pace very well. He looked after those with blisters and dealt with any other problems with great professionalism. You won't find a better guide anywhere in the world!

Advice for Potential Travellers

You don't need heavy walking boots as much of this trek is on lanes or hard surfaces - good walking shoes are more than adequate. Everyone in our group was an experienced walker but the hard surfaces caused the blisters - some walked in strong sandals which worked quite well.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were a few inspirational moments in the trip, the beautiful city of Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Telc, Vienna, the Cathedral in Esztergom and the beautiful Budapest. The ride along the Danube was also very beautiful and not to be missed.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader Johan had an excellent historical knowledge which he was able to pass on where ever we turned up to. He made sure the group were well provided for and made to feel safe throughout. His excellent knowledge of the route brought in some great little coffee and lunch stops at just the right time in local restuarants along the way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would recommend taking an extra day at the start and end of the trip or an early/late flight so that you get to explore Prague and Budapest more fully as they are both beautiful cities with a lot to see.

Most Inspirational Moment

The organisation was faultless. The feel of achieving my goals

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, go for it

Most Inspirational Moment

Making it to the top of the long hills without dismounting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ana was awesome. Very knowledgeable of the countryside. Knew all the good restaurants. Very personable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Great views good roads and ability to push a little harder than expected with good results

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Would go on any trio radu and Liz lead

Advice for Potential Travellers

Train for hills. Some steep and long

Most Inspirational Moment

The country itself was the real highlight, but making the top on the last day's riding was a buzz.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Armand (tour leader), Arjan and Dhimo (guides) worked hard throughout, did a great job and were good ambassadors for Albania. They organised the cycling so that people could go at their own speed, which I think suited everyone with no pressure to speed up/slow down.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go - before everyone else does.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through the canyon at Petra and slowly having the treasury revealed to us. It's stunning every time you walk past it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wael was an amazing guide! Friendly with an infectious laugh. A lot of local and historical knowledge and he knew exactly how to get the most out of our trip. He even gave us great advice about visiting the capital (which we did on our own time outside of this trip). I was genuinely sad to say goodbye to him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Talk to people! We didn't meet a single unfriendly person in Jordan. Everyone was wonderful and happy to talk.

Most Inspirational Moment

If you love wildlife the highlights are the plentiful opportunities to see the wide variety of species indigenous to the country. Howler monkeys are your alarm clock at your hotel in Tortuguero National Park. Capuchins and spider monkeys watch as your boat glides quietly through the forest waterways. A whole range of birds, reptiles and insects occupy the various levels of the canopy - and then, of course, there are the sloths! For those who like snorkelling there is also a chance to see a wide range of marine life off Cano Island during your stay at the lovely Drake Bay Wilderness Resort.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Antonio, the group leader, was the perfect host and ensured the trip ran smoothly and serenely. He spoke excellent English and was extremely knowledgable about all the flora and fauna and the history of Costa Rica. He was quietly efficient, professional but friendly and clearly proud of his country. A mention too for our main driver Juan who was a star!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take heed of the advice in the trip notes - it's good advice. US dollars are widely accepted but do take some local currency too. Several of the hotels offer a laundry service [ and at the Drake Bay hotel it's free ], so you can afford to pack fewer clothes than you might think. The sun is fierce - wear a T shirt when snorkelling.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the stars at night on the inca trail and reaching the sun gate and getting our first glimpse of macchu picchu.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Really helpful and knowledgeable about Peru and the culture and history, very organized and enthusiastic always wanting to enhance the travelers experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Train hard for the inca trail I found it fairly hard and I would say I was an experienced walker and have done a previous trek with exodus which was rated as a 6 which I felt was appropriate. I did feel that the exodus rating of 3 was a little low as they are long days and the weather changes so quickly it can be very hot which makes challenging walking even harder. Cold nights and some rain also. The walk is described as undulating which in areas it is but there is still a fair amount of uphill walking in altitude. There is a lot of driving in this trip so be aware of this but a great way to see the outstanding scenery.

Most Inspirational Moment

The sleeper train to Hanoi - including a conga down the length of the train following on from our leader's generous pouring of mojitos and G&T . One of our group was 78 years old and with the support of the group and our group leader managed all the trip without getting on the bus

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danh was a great tour guide - exceptionally well organised and very knowledgable. He was also great at getting the cycling group to quickly gel into one very friendly and fun group

Advice for Potential Travellers

Visit Sapa after the trip for a 2 or 3 day trek - book it with Sapa sisters