We were among the first people to test out this Exodus itinerary, our group of 11 being the third to undertake Laos in Comfort since it was added to the schedule.
I have been hankering to tour Laos for some years, having already been with Exodus to Vietnam and Cambodia, and for me it was the destination and not the comfort that was of prime importance. Having said that, all the hotels we stayed at were excellent, offering comfortable facilities with welcoming pools and good breakfasts.
It was a joy to visit Luang Prabang, which is really Buddhist Central, and in particular getting up before sunrise to hand out alms to passing monks. We also enjoyed kayaking on the river at Vang Vieng and visiting (and swimming in) the waterfalls at Nam Kat.
Our adventure included four journeys on the high speed train, which now cuts through Laos from China. While this was a new experience for me, I felt it was at least one high speed trip too many. For me, Luang Prabang was such a high I didn’t want to return to Vientiane for our final farewell. Hopefully in future Exodus travellers will enjoy an extra night in Luang Prabang and end the trip with flights from there.

Neil Thomas Discover Laos in Comfort

Walking the Island of Madeira was our first hiking tour and it was a delight! The five hikes were wonderfully varied, taking place on different parts of the island. From soaring cliffs, surf pounding jagged rocks, lush green forest and farms, charming towns – this series of walks had it all. We went in late February/early March, knowing the weather could be a bit unpredictable and it was. We got rained on, the “official” trails were closed by the government due to high winds one day, and a freak snowfall made the final hike atop Pico Arieiro impossible. But through it all, our guide Paulo proved unflappable. He rolled with the conditions, adapted, and came up with new routes that continually showcased the charm and beauty of his home island. We loved the exposure to the off-the-beaten-path small towns and local coffee shops and pubs where the locals go. Everything was quite affordable (two pints for $3.90 Euros in one neighbourhood cafe). This was less the case, though, in the capital of Funchal which has some very touristy areas with cruise ships docking. Overall, this was a relaxing, fascinating week on this hidden gem of an island.

Karen Mayne Walking the Island of Madeira

Brilliant trip for seeing wildlife & very varied landscapes.

Elizabeth Morgan Discover Namibia – Lodges

This trip was an excellent way to see a lot of Sri Lanka in 2 weeks. There was so much variety in the places we visited and the activities undertaken. We were able to experience culture and history in the temples and towns and then enjoy the wildlife on the safaris and the cycling trip. The Sri Lankan people were very welcoming.

Ann Gordon Discover Sri Lanka

From Port Elizabeth to Cape Town, we loved every minute of the tour, learning so much about the country, the culture, the people, the food and the wildlife. Our guide Marco had a wealth of knowledge on all of the above and with boundless energy was prepared to go to enormous lengths to make the trip special (he also has a wonderful sense of humour).
The group comprising 15 people (about the right size) was so warm and friendly, making it a pleasure to get to know everyone.
The hotels were all well equipped, with some better than others: Tsitsikama had amazing views of the sea, House Martin was a clear step up (run by a lovely couple), while The Windsor was great provided you have a sea facing room (do pay for this to avoid overlooking the car park). City Lodge is a typical city travellers hotel but has just been refurbished so it was in good condition.
The trip may not be super-active but the pace is full on as you move from activity to activity and from location to location. We ate in some fantastic spots and Marco was always on hand to recommend the local specialities / what not to eat at each restaurant. He even managed to convince us to try Mopane worms by the end!
Wine tasting under the trees in Stellenbosch was lovely despite the food and tour around the facility being a little shambolic.
When in Cape Town, the Robben Island tour was well worth attending especially for the second part when you are guided by an ex-political prisoner. Our last night of the tour at Marco’s Restaurant (not related) in Cape Town which was such a fun way to bring it to an end.
Overall, a fabulous trip which we thoroughly enjoyed and would highly recommend.

Paul OLeary Cape Town & the Garden Route

A perfect one week away from dreadful weather in the UK doing some challenging walking!

Steve Hammond Hike Spain's Sierra de Aitana