Reviews

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

The highlight for me was probably Cilento - your ride through small coastal villages and the locals seem genuinely happy for you to be there. The few cars you encounter are incredibly considerate even on some pretty narrow roads so you never feel in danger.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paolo was absolutely fantastic. His leadership style certainly taught me a few things. Getting 16 people of all ages and backgrounds to do exactly what he wants when he wants and all enjoying the experience - absolutely no conflict what so ever. Incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic. A real asset to the company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light - you can wash your shirts and shorts along the way. Leave your laptop at home and relax.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first time we climbed up onto the Wall and were able to appreciate its stunning location.

Thoughts on Group Leader

"Jerry" was a top man. Constant good humour. Very knowledgable about the Wall. Loads of laughs had by all.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walk of the gods and finishing up in the picturesque Positano a dream place for a well-deserved beer and swim followed by a scenic ferry ride along the coast back to Amalfi what a wonderful finish to the week and the Valle Delle Ferriere National Park and its natural landscapes . Apart from all the walks it had to be exploring the ruins of Pompeii in the morning and Mount Vesuvius in the afternoon. And most of all meeting some wonderful and interesting people.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paul was a very knowledgeable and an entertaining group leader who took time to engage with all members of the group we could not have had a better guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just book !!! all good worth it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Definitely the "optional" mountain climb on the last day. I took the leader's advice and skipped the hills exiting Himare earlier in the day and saved myself for 1km vertical gain mountain pass. It was a serious workout -- two hours of constant climbing, but so rewarding to get to the top. Glad a did it that way.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Armand was great -- knowledgeable about Albania and very willing to share his thoughts about anything and everything.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely take your own snacks if you think you'll need them on the ride. The itinerary each day includes fewer rest stops than I'm used to, so you have to make your own breaks if you need it. And be ready for a serious challenge -- the hills are tough and some training on hills before you go would be a really good idea.

Most Inspirational Moment

I think probably coming on a herd of about 30 wild elephants thoroughly enjoying bathing in a waterhole but the floodlit waterhole in Etosha was very special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Knowledgeable , hard working and experienced.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You need a South African power converter if you have anything other than the odd camera battery to charge. The camp sites have points and the inverters in the land cruisers are limited. I am glad to have done the Swakopmund extension but given the long journey in the crowded shuttle to get there and back it really needed another day and the option to book activities before you arrive.

Most Inspirational Moment

* Climbing to the Tigers Nest monastery ,,, physically challenging ... mentally and spiritually stimulating. * Witnessing the festivals at Thimpu (capital city) and Phobjikha (small village) and interacting with the people in festive mode at each event. Calm and reserved people give way to excited participants. * Being in a country where the "National Highway" is an abominable "track" and everybody (locals and tourists) enjoys it ... part of the Bhutan's famous Happiness Index.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was a quiet man with a calm personality, ideal for his situation in this unique country. He was helpful, knowledgeable, friendly and humorous, willing and able to expound an all aspects of Bhutan, the people, the way of life, the history and the cultural changes that tourism in introducing . His input at every level enhanced our experience and added to the enjoyment of our trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

* Don't have expectations or preconceptions of Bhutan. The reality will in all likelihood be different. Accept the calm of the place and the people. Enjoy the uniqueness for what it is. Be part of it while it is as it is. *Try for a window seat on the left when flying in to Bhutan and the same on the right when flying out. Hope for a clear sky and you'll enjoy a magic view of the Himalayas.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery on all the walks was stunning. The village of Moena was very Alpine in style and lovely.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We did the level 5 walks all week with Albert. He was very knowledgeable and knew the area very well. We had to change routes several times due to weather conditions but he still provided great walks. Eric led the level 3 walks and was also very knowledgeable and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a great trip if you are unsure of your ability as you can choose level 3 or level 5 each day. Level 5 walks were mainly 16 - 20 km long and 800 - 1000 metres ascent. Lunches are normally bought and eaten in the Rifugios. One day we took our own lunch (bought from local bakery) and ate outside to sit and admire the scenery and this was a not a problem.