Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

My favourite walk, for range of surface underfoot, range of gradient and stunning views was the Tielve village at 620m to La Mesa peak in Main range of mountains at 1612m. The sun, fun and camaradarie were all perfect on that day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Álvaro was amzing. He took a personal interest in every member of the group and showed great pride in his area of Spain, while trying to cater for the needs of everybody with great humour. If he had any fault it was striving for a perfect experience every day - in the Picos weather, this can't happen.However, he adapted the itinerary accordingly each day, and even managed to salvage what would have been a thunderous disaster of a day by finding a riverside walk the was not on the agenda. He had a suberb instinct and excellent reflexes if a member was having some bother. He managed to be both rear and front leader at the same time, thanks to his mountain-goat qualities!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for any terrain, any climatic conditions. Be flexible.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the summit of Mt. Maglic after an arduous and long hike along many differing terrains. The descent was just as thrilling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eldar Fazlagic was one of the most patient and laconic guides we have spent time with. He was aware of everyone's capabilities and nuances and wisely managed the group to accommodate these points. He was informative and helpful when asked. He gave personal and interesting insights into the history of his country and the troubles that beset it during WW1 and the 1992-95 war. He gave the trip an "edge" that helped Andrew & I know we chose well in making the journey.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We did this trip when there was record heat in Eastern Europe, temps of 32-38 deg. I know this is unpredictable but another time of the year may reduce this possibility. Some of the walks are exposed and lengthy and in that heat a challenge. Listen to the guide. If his advice is that you may be better to have a day off, listen to him as day one is a good measure of a clients stamina and he goes from that. They will accommodate but if a less fit client makes the day 3 hike, it really slows the group and makes for a most difficult day. Also be aware there are lengthy trips in the bus that are necessary to get to starting and end points of day's hike. If this is not your zone, think again.

Most Inspirational Moment

The 30k downhill!

Thoughts on Group Leader

A lovely guy who was helpful and knowledgeable. He never stopped laughing which is a good thing and had an adorable personality but not quite sure if that was appropriate to laugh when my bag was stolen from a hotel!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Vietnam is a lovely country but not great for vegetarians. In some places you're limited to rice. Considering it's history, it's not surprising to know that it's quite undeveloped in terms of the infrastructure. The roads are very bumpy, especially when travelling on the bus. You get jostled a lot in Vietnam, especially in the cities. However, your money will go a long way in Vietnam!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention. I loved everything!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leaders were all great. very good communicators, and excellent cooks!! All were very knowledgeable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a very rocky climb on Sentinel Peak.

Most Inspirational Moment

One of my fellow travellers had cycled from the UK to Slovenia to join his part of his family for this trip. He was then intending to cycle into Eastern Europe and Asia before hopefully reaching Australia in 18 months time. Being invited into a small village church by a local neither of us understanding a word of what the other was saying but me getting the impression he was proud to show me round

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bugy or leader and Miha were both very good, they loved the outdoors. Both had climbed Triglav which made them a true Slovenian. In terms of the walking they were always looking out and ready to help anyone having difficulty with the walking. They would also suggest and take some of the trip on easier walks when we were in the Mountains. Both seemed to be known by loads of people which helped in bars and restaurants.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is a train track close to the accommodation and if your room is in that part of the Pension then this could disturb your sleep but you will soon get used to it and don't let this put you off booking. As for the walks this trip is graded 3 moderate, two of the days walk round stunning lakes but apart from one optional climb the walking of these days is flat and I would grade as 1 or possibly 2 . Of the other 3 days walking one day is through a gorge to some waterfalls with short sections of rocky narrow paths, whilst the remaining two are in the mountains and require a reasonable level of fitness for the up hill paths nothing worse than a day in the Lakeland fells. If you get chance for a barbecue at Lake Bohinj go for it - stacks of food and very cheap Slovenia is a cheap country compared with Western Europe especially for drink, however the food on the last day in the mountain hut is not.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably being with the gorillas was the greatest inspirational moment as the group of 19 which we visited had lots of playful youngsters who were obviously oblivious of the 7 metre rule for how near we should be. One passed only 6 ins from me while I was busy watching one further away, and the rolypolies down the slopes were very amusing. The Kasinga Channel was a brilliant afternoon too, plus the tree climbing lions and the chimps.

Thoughts on Group Leader

All three of our leaders were excellent and dry knowledgable. Bryn was especially good at bird identification. They also went beyond the call of duty ensuring power through the night which my husband needed for a health issue, even when the accommodation had only generator power. They used the land cruiser battery with an inverter.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do take gardening gloves and pole/s for the gorilla trek. We were lucky enough to have only a short trek to the gorillas but others had long and steep trekking. It is really an impenetrable forest. Also hire a porter as it not only saves you energy but helps to keep local people employed in a very poor and remote area. Also be prepared for some good, but some very poor and rough roads, but our drivers were second to none and we always felt safe. We had independently booked an extra few days to visit Murchison Falls and it was a highlight of our trip. It also avoided that final day of a long, hot drive ending at the airport for the flight home. Not something we would have wanted to do. Or alternatively book an extra night by Lake Victoria before you fly home.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Verdon Gorges hike was truly magnificent. Spectacular views and quite easy hiking trail to follow. Hiking in the natural scenery along the canyon,listening to the sounds of nature and chatting to fellow hikers is my idea of a perfect day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jean Bernard is a lovely man, very informative on the flora , fauna , historical and geological areas. He has a passion for his career which shines through. He is a very experienced hiking guide and looked after the group very well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes carefully and plan accordingly. I chose this trip as i love France and i wished to spend my birthday hiking. As mentioned above be aware of the grade of hiking and the temperature at the time of year to make sure it will be suitable for you. I would recommend wearing long pants over shorts as they protect from sun exposure, insect bites and thorn scratches.

Most Inspirational Moment

Swim at the beach at Positano following walk of the gods. Last evening meal at the hotel. Lemoncello in Positano.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Took every opportunity to profiteer from the group for example we were over charged as a group on taxi rides in the idle if Capri should have been 20 euros for group of 7 however Eduardo charged 20 euros per person. He used every opportunity to profiteer from group.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is difficult to chose between the sunrise a Angkor Wat which although cloudy was a great experience, the homestay which was a real insight and fantastic experience. However I think for all of our group one key momentous event was meeting the 2 only survivors of the S21 prison in Cambodia, this will stay with me forever and I feel honoured to have met such strong, inspirational characters.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our instructor Is was hard working, dedicated and a true professional. Nothing was too much and I do feel she went above and beyond to ensure the trip was thoroughly enjoyed by all, which in itself was a difficult fate having such a wide range of nationalities, age groups and personalities. Is ensured that every single one of the group felt fully involved and we very much felt like a real team immediately. She is a real asset to Exodus, her personal pride and work ethic is admirable. the success of the trip is testament to this. If there was an award for group leader of the year, she would without doubt receive 18 votes, 1 from every member of our group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Decent cycle shorts with gel padding and lots of mosquito spray, a huge memory card for your camera.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing the sand dunes in the desert. It was physically very challenging but also beautiful and exilarating.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Erdene (Eddie) was an excellent group leader. His English is excellent and he is very knowledgable. He was very attentive and accommodated everyone on the group, despite very different needs. He was well organized and advocated for the group when necessary. I'd highly recommend him!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip involves lots of long drives over bumpy terrain. The scenery is beautiful and I found the drives quite relaxing. Staying in the ger camps was fun, and interesting. It was more luxurious than I expected, but having said that, there were times when there wasn't electricity, most times the water was cold, and at times water (shower and toilet) was not available. Realize though, that if you can't tolerate such drives and lack of water, or cold water, this trip is not for you (a number of people on my group couldn't, and all they did was complain). After all people, this is the desert!!