Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to pick just one. I loved all the spectacular views. Unfortunately we had a couple of days of cloudy weather at the start of the trip but the scenery was fantastic the entire trip. Take your time and take it all in.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele is a fantastic guide - friendly, helpful, enthusiastic and deals with any issues without fuss. We came across a couple of unexpected blockages on the trip and Michele was able to quickly find us safe alternative routes and get us back on track within no time. He is very passionate about Italy, in particular Vicenza - the most beautiful city in the world!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Unlike other Exodus cycling trips I've been on the bus doesn't follow the cyclists during the day. We were provided with a waterproof pannier, a water bottle and handlebar bag if wanted. Very useful for carrying everything you need while out on the bikes. We were also given a short guide book and map of the route. There were green arrows on stickers on lampposts throughout the trip ensuring that if you lost sight of the group because you stopped to take photos you were always sure you were still heading in the right direction. Sunglasses and clear glasses are useful for on the bike as even if it's not sunny they keep the dirt and bugs out your eyes. Venice is a wonderful place to get lost in. If you have the time stay a couple of extra days and explore the non-touristy areas.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day gave something new. The meadows were especially beautiful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nelly Radkova was an excellent leader. She was full of enthusiasm and fun. Being Bulgarian her local knowledge was excellent and she was obviously well liked by the local people. She spoke excellent English and was very kind and caring and eager to please at all times. She had a great love for the local environment and its conservation. She made the holiday very enjoyable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take flip flops for the wet room, and a hair drier if needed. Don't forget your camera and binoculars. The weather can be changeable so waterproofs and an umbrella are advised.

Most Inspirational Moment

The morning spent hiking up gorge of the Chairska River which is a spectacular route. The final half-day walk on the "Eco-trail" (before the transfer back to Sofia) is also excellent. Take a detour up to the waterfall, it's worth it!

Thoughts on Group Leader

A leader was Nelly, a local of the area. She had an excellent knowledge of the area including the flora and fauna. She's really easy going and everyone enjoyed walking with her. I particularly like being allowed to walk at my own pace and 're-grouping' at specific points.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The transfer from Sofia is five hours (including a half-hour beer stop). It's quite a slog but well worth it. Take flip-flops as the hotel has 'wet rooms' rather than separate shower + toilet. Also take a sink plug if you want to do any washing.

Most Inspirational Moment

Oh, so many! I leaned against a cool cave wall listening to our Navaho Indian guide drumming and singing. I did a day walk in the desert heat of Canyonlands National Park, and marvelled at the beauty of the immense natural rock garden.....sand, red rocks, flowering cacti, shrubs and architectural dried twisted tree trunks,.. Far better than any man made garden. I waded 7 miles through the Virgin River in the Narrows at Zion National Park, with the canyon walls soaring high above. I watched sunrise and sunsets paint fabulous colours on the Grand Canyon, Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, the red spires of Monument Valley and the pink and orange Hoodoos of Bryce Canyon. ..........Every day was a highlight! And we ate our lunches and 2 dinners in spectacular surroundings.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Evan and Brendon were fantastic leaders, and worked hard to make sure we got the most from our holiday. They were extremely knowledgable, good drivers, well organised, communicated clearly, and looked after us really well. On tricky scrambling or precarious parts of the walks, they gave confidence, and respected our limitations. They were fun and friendly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take clothes for all seasons ! We had snow, hail, rain, wind, as well as a lot of sun and heat.

Most Inspirational Moment

The challenging uphills were made worthwhile upon reaching the summit of the small mountains (1.500 m)...and then of course the smooth downhill cruise after.

Thoughts on Group Leader

fantastic

Most Inspirational Moment

I was very pleased to make the steepest ascent and descent of 460 metres on tricky mountain Paths.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Stephanie was always cheerful and professional. I always felt confident as she guided us along many different paths and taught us how to negotiate some difficult terrain. The whole holiday was well organised, including evening dinners . A definite plus for solo travellers.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't hesitate to step outside your comfort zone and challenge yourself, at any age. Our ages ranges from mid 40's to late 60's . Despite a few aches and pains we all coped well. It is wise to train before hand, including walking up and down steps!

Most Inspirational Moment

n/a - can't imagine what you want to know with this question....did I have a vision!?

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lovely tour leader with a great, dry sense of humour. Then again, I'm half Bavarian so I would say that! He was very keen to please his very big group of 16 and I believe everyone really liked Thomas.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you're fit for this one! There are long stretches with no breaks as people seem to race along. I took my time and stopped for photos and drinks but it meant I was constantly at the back. Take your own gel saddle and think about protection for your poor behind.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of Burdah Bridge. There are scenic views throughout and it was the first time I've climbed a rock bridge. The support from the local Bedouin people whilst climbing was excellent.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zuhair was a very experienced and enthusiastic tour leader. I felt that he went above and beyond to make the trip memorable for us and the pacing of the walks on each day was well set.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring a head torch whilst wild camping as it is easier to eat dinner in the desert without holding a torch. Have small denominations in Jordanian dinar on the trip where possible

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Kanchenjunga in all its splendor once the clouds moved on, on our final morning on the ridge. Magical.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jospal & Santos where truely amazing! Very very helpful, approachable, flexable. There English was better than mine! You want these guys on your trek!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Prepare for some wet days depending on the time of year you go. Dont skimp on decent waterproofs. Some of the team had Poncho's which seemed to provide the best solution to staying dry. I went April May and a 3 season sleeping bag wearing thermals where fine. Drinking water whilst treking can get boreing. Take energy tablets or condensed juce pods to add to your bottles in the morning. Some of the team had metal bottles which proved useful at night to stick in you sleeping back as a makeshift hot water bottle. Bring an open mind and a sense of humour!!!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The mountains. The drive to Cuzco was especially moving what with the mountains bracketing the roadway towering up into the sky above.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cesar was excellent! He was detail oriented and attentive to everyone's requests.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The altitude takes getting used to. I was focused on the altitude effects at Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca but didn't pay proper attention to the altitude effects from the journey to Cuzco, where you are over 12,000 feet ASL for two days and over 15,000 feet ASL for a day. It takes approximately 6-7 days to get used to the altitude and you need to manage your body. The viewing platform at the Nazca lines does not provide sufficient scope to truly experience them. My wife and I paid the USD125.00 for the airplane ride over the Nazca lines and this vastly improved our appreciation of them. However, since we went in early afternoon, when the sun was strongest, it was sometimes difficult to see the lines in the light colored sand. If possible, take the flight either early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun's rays are not as direct.