Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Spending two nights at base camp, experiencing a Puja ceremony to offer prayer for the safety of the climbers and Sherpas, and walking on the Klumba glacier. (The food at base camp was also exceptional).

Thoughts on Group Leader

I had high expectations of Sukman as the Exodus 2022 guide of the year, and he didn't disappoint. He was always smiling, was organised, highly knowledgeable and very supportive through good and tough times. In particular he demonstrated tremendous kindness and care to individual group members at times of need.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're tempted to book, go for it! But do train for this trip as it provided a physical/mental challenge to most of the group on many occasions. Even the descent involves a lot of ascent over a relatively short distance.

Suggestions

Pack for all weathers as the temperature can vary significantly during a day and between days. I hired a -30 degree sleeping bag that was great at base camp but was otherwise too hot, heavy and bulky so I wished I hadn't bothered. All the teahouses had clean duvets and we hired a good blanket for base camp from Goran Shep. The teahouses were generally of a higher quality than those on the less touristy Langtang trek.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the treasury at Petra the first time

Thoughts on Group Leader

Muayal our guide was Incredibly knowledgable, he has a deep passion for his country and the subject he looked after all of our needs and requirements

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely worth paying the extra for the 5 star tour, take good quality walking shoes and socks

Suggestions

My husband and I had an inspiring time a great adventure and met some lovely people, locals and other members of our tour group

Most Inspirational Moment

Appreciating the value of democracy and freedom after visiting the underground soviet missile base in Lithuania.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vilija was a great tour leader. She was very knowledgeable and told us many interesting things about the culture and history of the Baltics, made all the more poignant by her personal experience growing up in Lithuania during Soviet occupation. Vilija was very patient and took time to make sure all members of the group were enjoying themselves and their needs were met. She had a great sense of humour too. A lovely person.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring lots of layers so you can dress for all weathers; we had a cold snap and snow, followed by 18 degree sunshine a few days later.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Salt cathedral. I don't know what I expected but it didn't come anywhere close to how spectacular it is. I just stood looking up thinking who on earth came up with the idea of doing this.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Juan Carlos was very good. One of the planned Itinerary days had to be abandoned due to protesters blocking the road. His plan b were boats to take the group down river to the coast & we saw wildlife that we wouldn't have otherwise during the trip so ended up being better than the planned itinerary. There were niggles within the group which he did his utmost to sort out diplomatically. One problem was a vocal member of the group who would not accept that if you don't pay the single supplement you may have to share.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't let protesters blocking roads & delaying journeys so that you may not get to your hotel late upset you.

Suggestions

Make sure you attend the rum (& chocolate) on the final evening. Overall a very enjoyable trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Sierra Maestra

Thoughts on Group Leader

Competent and patient

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is full on. Travelling can be exhausting but well worth it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Waking up to look out over Matera from The Sassi Hotel. The view across to the sea from the beautifully adapted Masseria Morrone. Ancient Olive trees as living history.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Knowledgeable in his own field. More information would have been helpfully shared with clearer language.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack all the usual requirements for day walks at home.

Suggestions

I actually found it very pleasant that this was a small group of 4. We made a cohesive team. This holiday began with a pretty high basic cost, so the necessity to purchase so many meals out, although a good way to relate to the place, was a significant extra cost.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too difficult to select from so many great experiences, but the wild flowers and lack of crowds in the Basto region, and three memorable lunches including Carla's home-made picnic, will stay in our memories for a long time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lina was very well-informed and made every effort to ensure we enjoyed our first three days despite some personal difficulties. Nothing was too much trouble for Carla and her knowledge of and love for her home district of Basto were an inspiration.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Late April is a great time to do this trip as the wild flowers are stunning at this time of year, but the walks are very definitely "leisurely". Note that it is, in fact, very easy to get to the start hotel in Regua by direct train from Porto.

Suggestions

There is scope for doing significantly longer, but not too demanding, walks both in the Douro and particularly in the quiet and spectacularly beautiful Basto region. Exodus might consider alternating trips with the current itinerary with trips with longer walks, rated as Leisurely/Moderate, in this fascinating and largely unspoilt region. We plan to return, either with Exodus or independently.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved Assisi.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nico

Advice for Potential Travellers

The hotel is centre-based and is lovely, with a spa and swimming pools, outside bar and incredible views.

Suggestions

I highly recommend this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Pre Alps and the Dolomites for the first time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vania was a wonderful guide. Such knowledge of the area thanks to being born and living there.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Unwind and enjoy the slow pace of the hills life.

Most Inspirational Moment

Entering the 100 Club (100kms in one day).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hoang Trong Tung - fabulous leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Moderate fitness required. There is a 10km hill climb halfway through which tests stamina. The option of an e-bike to book for this tour.

Suggestions

This tour was professionally organised and supported by a knowledgeable and wonderful team of local drivers and mechanics. Our tour leader spoke great English and shared with us Vietnam’s history along the way. Would thoroughly recommend this tour for anyone who has a cycling passion.