Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There were very many inspirational moments including our visit to 'tremendos' Aspendos with it's 'stupendos' theatre, the spiritual experience of a performance by Whirling Dervishes of the Sema ceremony and exploring the superb city of Hierapolis which was completely unexpected above the travertines of Pumakkale. But for us, the most inspirational moment was undoubtedly in the peaceful setting of Celaleddin Rumi mausoleum in the Mevlana Museum in Konya.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely superb! He worked so hard to assist each one of us whenever he could and with great wit and humour in order to make our trip as enjoyable as possible. What a gem you have there. It was a great pleasure to meet him and share the journey with him and our fantastic driver - Unal - who was such a gracious traveling companion too. Unal was always there to pick us up on time and handle all our luggage and often went out of his way to assist us. His negotiation of rush hour traffic, especially in Ankara and Istanbul with patience and no little skill was exemplary.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We would probably advise potential travellers on this trip to extend their stay in Istanbul by a day before or after the tour, though we did get to see some of the many places of interest in this great city.

Most Inspirational Moment

When we got within metres of the summit - the entire group waited and we all summited together! True team spirit all the way. It was sad to all leave each other.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic Hassan kept us all organised, was a mind of fascinating information and really good fun. Lovely guy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I was really nervous about doing this trip as it was the first trip I had done alone. From the moment I landed, I was never alone. An amazing spirited group of new friends to share a fantastic experience with. We are already talking about our next trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment of the trip was when we were up on the ridge the second day and the fog opened like a stage curtain to reveal a sanctorum of mountain peaks.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leader gave a briefing the night before for each days hike as well as information both historically and geologically during the hike. The pace was moderate with several rest stops to reach viewpoints 3000 feet in elevation gain where the views were the best.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would highly recommend this trip for the reasons already mentioned and also for the opportunity to spend time in Chamonix.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through ancient olive groves and the first sight of Matera

Most Inspirational Moment

The views from the wall are stunning particularly those parts which are not developed and staying in the local villages gives a great insight into life in China. The visit to the Terracotta warriors was amazing but as above it was not possible to appreciate this fully because of the crowds.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kevin was fantastic - his leadership skills and knowledge of his country were exceptional! He made it a very special trip! He made changes to the itinerary as necessary including our trip to the Olympic Park.Our leader in Xian was fine but not in the same league as Kevin! He kept the group together well when walking and had a good pace for group walking.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you don't like steps - not the trip for you! Some parts of the wall are quite steep and scrambling is involved. You also need to remember that there can be quite steep climbs up on to the wall. Practise using chop sticks before you go!!! The food is good but very little meat BUT some excellent fresh vegetables!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Conquering the Grands Tsingy!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Looked after the group very well. Kept us informed during the trip and worked hard (and successfully) to source alternatives when our Itinerary changed. Even helped to check in online for the flight home for those of us who didn't have the technology to do so!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the long coach journeys and the heat. We travelled during Madagascar's spring and for half of the trip the temperature was +30C including the days walking in the Grands Tsingy and Isalo National Park. Yet the scenery is stunning and it was always worth arriving at a new and wonderful location where we would see more of Madagascar's amazing flora & fauna.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most memorable place was Gjirokastra, loved the castle and medieval houses, but the feel of the streets around our hotel was great...slow, relaxed, friendly

Thoughts on Group Leader

Armand guided us with authority and a passion for his country. His desire to show us the best of the food and culture was highly rewarding. He shared his time with all group members whilst out on the road and didn't just forge ahead.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be careful with hygiene, most trips have upset stomachs for some reason. Take flip-flops for the thermal springs but also for the showers and bathrooms in most hotels.... Be prepare for long but not particularly steep climbs (6%)

Most Inspirational Moment

The Valle de Ferrier walking from Amalfi to Ravello. Such a mix of interesting things from walking through Amalfi and seeing the Cathedral and tunnel walkways, to looking at the Nativity scenes along the way. The waterfalls in the valley were so beautiful that I agreed with our guide that we could be in a fairy glen. The plants and butterflies were gorgeous, the houses built into the cliff face and finally arriving in the beautiful town of Ravello and enjoying an iced coffee out of glasses with ceramic stems. (So beautiful were the glasses I bought one to bring home)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Christine was perfect as our leader. She knew what pace to keep so we all enjoyed the walks and did not feel left behind. Her knowledge of the area and the culture is extensive and she relate stories of the locals in a very interesting way. I would recommend her highly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is not a holiday for people who cannot cope with heights. Some of the walking is on paths with steep drops, though it is quite safe some people may struggle with the height. Also the nature of the walking means it is tough on the legs with the number of steps negotiated downhill. I recommend using walking poles.

Most Inspirational Moment

The towns/villages that we stayed in were really beautiful, but I think the Trulli house in Alberobello and the stay at the Masseria, made the trip a little more special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leaders were Marinella and Emanuele and their individual skills complemented the trip perfectly as Marinella was an excellent organizer, a special mention has to be for the recommendations for dinner and the arranging of lunches each day – no small task. Emanuele was our cycle leader who negotiated the route and pace for us and sorted out any mechanical issues that arose (very few) and was keen to invest time in a brief cultural highlights tour after the cycling had finished for the day for those who were interested. I have always maintained that an Exodus trip can be made/broken by the quality of the group leaders – I would say that both Marinella and Emanuele enhanced my experience of this trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Puglia is considered to be the flattest part of Italy – but that means the land is undulating rather than ‘alpine’ hilly. For anyone considering this trip who may be a tiny bit worried about hill climbing – don’t be, the pace ranged from 15-20 kph, a speed which suited our group well. Whilst I didn’t do it myself, a day before the trip in Matera and after the trip finishes in Lecce looks really worthwhile, I’ll just have to come back at some point. As with any cycle trip, if you have your own seat/pedals – do take them, the bikes available on this trip were sturdy but basic. For organizing the daily lunches, the leaders ask for 50 euro per person at the beginning of the trip. This then allows them to organize a really good lunch each day and any balance paid back at the end of the trip – this is a good option and one less thing to worry about. Given the quality of the lunches on offer, the money was well spent.

Most Inspirational Moment

I had high expectations of Turkey and this trip far exceeded them. There were many inspirational moments from the amazing rock formations of Cappadocia and Pamukkale, to the quiet contemplation of Mevlana Rumi Mausoleum in Konya, the poignancy of Gallipoli, and the remains of the ancient city of Ephesus.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Fatih was wonderful. Professional, flexible, and cheerful, he was always able to offer choices to the varied group of travellers. His knowledge and love of Turkey shone through. He was ably assisted by Unal the driver, who was also flexible about the itinerary and timings.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try not to be too disappointed if you can't take the balloon flight over Cappadocia, we were not able to as it was too windy on the first day and fully booked on the second. There are some long bus journeys, but the bus was comfortable, the driver excellent and the roads good, with regular stops on the way. There is not a huge amount of time in Istanbul so I would recommend adding at least a day at the beginning or end of the trip.