Most Inspirational Moment
The spectacular wild flower meadows.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Udo Krauss is excellent. Simply the best.
Advice for Potential Travellers
You will have a great holiday.
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
Carpathians Walking & Bears holiday
All excellent: accommodation, food, hosts, itinerary and weather.
Cycle Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama
The guides are fantastic, the wildlife too,
It’s like riding along in a giant zoo,
You see toucans and sloths from your perch in the saddle
Iguanas and crocs when you go for a paddle
Some days you’ll be filthy and covered in sweat
Sat on a bus next to folks you just met
But you’ll still have a ball every day of this ride
These beautiful lands make you smile inside.
Ok, sorry about the atrocious poetry, I blame it on too much sunshine and cycling….it’s a brilliant trip and we’ve written a few tips to help you enjoy it as much as we did….
Most Inspirational Moment
I hate this question, every time I think of an answer, it doesn’t adequately capture the spirit of this trip…..toucans, iguanas, crocs, volcanoes, running into the Pacific after a muddy cycle, toucans, holding my very first snake, sloths, turtles, monkeys, toucans, the spectacular Panama Canal, getting a sense of immersion in the countries from your bike, drinking cocktails in hot springs as night falls, dolphins, did I mention the toucans?
Thoughts on Group Leader
One word….Genius! Janiel (call her ‘J’) is the most organised and friendly guide I’ve ever had the pleasure of travelling with. I’ve been on numerous excellent Exodus trips and on this one we received the most thorough briefing ever, detailed day by day trip notes, maps and ride profiles, supremely smart meal and bill organisation to handle Central American ideas on service, and excellent handling of potentially nightmarish border crossings - we crossed the Nicaragua - Costa Rica border in just an hour & a half, that may be some sort of record. Nothing was too much trouble and she handled even the most irritating of requests and questions with humour and good grace. She was very ably supported by Luis and Ronald, great bike leader and driver. The bikes were very good quality and Luis expertly fixed any small bits & pieces along the way. Also, he’s just started learning English so make him practice, it’s good for him and he does really well as his confidence grows. Overall a great team, happy to go on tour with them anytime.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don’t worry about whether you can manage the cycling, you can. There are regular breaks, the bus is always there if you need it and the slower you ride, the more wildlife you’ll see. Take small denomination US$, everywhere takes $ but generally change is in local currency and changing $100 bills can be a pain. Quick dry clothes are brilliant. Take sunscreen and insect repellent – we also took a bite & sting relief pen, which was brilliant. Take a little handlebar bag or bumbag for cycling. The bus is with you throughout so you don’t need to carry much more than your camera while cycling. Unlimited drinking water is available from the bus and the bikes have bottles – just make sure you remember to keep drinking as it gets really hot. In La Fortuna there’s an optional day off the bike and multiple other activities available – ask the guide a day or two in advance so you have time to decide what you fancy. Nicaragua is noticeably poorer than the other two countries and the school children really appreciate gifts of stationery & toys. Leave an extra layer or two on the bus – even on short transfers you can get cold (particularly if the weather is wet in the RAINforest) and you’ll only get cold on the bus once before you remember to do this!
Walking in Mallorca
I thoroughly enjoyed this tour. I had only chosen it as the dates fitted in with subsequent travel in Spain and Morocco. I knew little about Mallorca apart from the trip notes but was keen to do some hiking. We had a really cohesive group which definitely helped with enjoyment each day. Although I had 3 weeks of further travel after this hike, I could have easily returned to Australia after the 8 days totally satisfied. I would highly recommend this trip!
Most Inspirational Moment
I really enjoyed walking each day in amongst amazing mountain scenery and then finishing each day off with a swim in the Mediterranean. Our traditional Mallorcan picnic lunches were also a highlight, with Eduard providing different supplies each day to expose us to a wide variety of Mallorcan cheeses, meats and vegetables. Most days involved a hike in the mountains with a chance to wander around a different village. I also enjoyed the couple of stops for fresh juice and delicious cakes.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Eduard was an exceptional leader. His deep knowledge of the history of Mallorca along with all sorts of fascinating information on the local flora and fauna made each walk all the more interesting. He was friendly and sensitive and his passion for this island was evident throughout the tour.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Make sure you are fit enough for a moderate grade. Initially I expected the pace to be a little slower and was concerned about managing, but as the ascents became steeper, Eduard slowed the pace accordingly. I found the walk on day 2 quite challenging and I believe a few others did too.
A journey through a beautiful country
This is a thoroughly rewarding experience through a beautiful country. Still coming to terms with the 150 years of occupation and war, the trip took us from North to South in a hectic but fascinating two week trip. You’ll learn a lot about the recent history which still effects the country today. The people make this trip, from it’s busy markets, the millions of scooters to the smiling children playing on the streets its hard not to be totally charmed by the place and it’s culture. The country is stunning, halong bay being an obvious highlight, but the temples, pagodas, beaches, jungle and rice fields all help make this trip one of the best I’ve been on.
Most Inspirational Moment
The highlight was kayaking at Halong Bay while the sun set. I was unsure about doing this, but went for it and certainly didn't regret it. Paddling through small caves into areas larger boats can't go, we found ourselves completly alone in a most beautiful place. If you go on this trip, make sure you do it !
Thoughts on Group Leader
Linh was our tour leader and he was an absolute star. It was a few days before we realised all the phone calls, quiet chats with locals were all about organising us (the group). He was amazingly efficient at getting us at the right place at the right time. His stories about life in Vietnam were one of the highlights of trip, giving the tour a personal touch that would otherwise have been missing. I couldn't commend Linh enough and congratulate him on helping create a really rewarding trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be aware you may not spend as much as you think ! Food and drink is really cheap and I ended up with a fair bit of cash left over. You may be surprised at the standard of the hotels, they are on the whole really good, all come with air conditioning (with the exception of the home stay) and with wi fi. Breakfast at the hotels can be a bit lacking though and I think that's probably the case across the board. The rest of the meals you will have are exceptionally good, Vietnamese food is amazing !
Long, gentle ups - and hair-raising downs
Surprisingly diverse mountain landscapes and the two extremes of Morocco’s coastal tourist spots (Agadir and Essaouira).
Most Inspirational Moment
Day 7 from Imouzzer towards Essaouira, with a dangerous descent behind us and the road following a palm-fringed river amongst traditional villages. Glorious.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Tug was an affable fellow, but unfortunately didn't have much common language with the local 'guides' who did all the driving, lunch preparation and (through their company) the hotel bookings. It did seem a bit odd to have a Brit in charge when the Moroccans were doing all the work.
Advice for Potential Travellers
There are numerous long ascents, but these can easily be tackled by dropping into a low gear and twiddling - none are insurmountable to the moderately fit! I don't normally cycle with a helmet, but was glad I took mine, as some the descents are pretty hairy - made more so by the frequent road works and quantities of gravel on the roads. As a vegetarian I endured some memorably awful meals, surviving on omelettes (the last of which provided a memorable post-holiday bonus).
Spectacular wildlife expedition, especially great for birders
Undoubtedly the most spectacular wildlife expedition I have participated in. Great leadership from Roni, wonderful real life jungle experience. Mammalian wildlife a bit thin on the ground outside of the reserves, but birdlife abounded and our top birder noted over 90 species during the trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
The sense of achievement in completing the long jungle march from the river to Sepilok. Five hours to cover nine km in 34 c and 90% plus humidity and lots of ups and downs. Seeing Orang Utans is always moving, even if just semi wild. We did see them in the wild a couple of times and that was an awesome experience. Speaking as one who lives to eat, the food alone in that part of the world makes the trip worthwhile. Gotta love rice and noodles, however!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Roni was the key element in the success of the trip. Pretty varied group, strong representation from birders but Roni managed to keep everybody involved and interested. Got me up early three days to go look for birds! Managed the whole project with a professional, thoughtful style laced with a great deal of good humour. Roni's vast birding knowledge greatly appreciated by those members of the gang.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do not be put off by the constant reference to birding. Even if like me you are not that much into birds it is well worth getting a couple of bird books and a decent pair of binoculars and allow the enthusiasm of the 'proper' birders to infect you. For me the trip was primarily about the jungle and walking, with the wildlife a bonus and you will have gathered I had a great time!
National Parks walk
The content of this trip was excellent and we had a very good holiday. There were a few minor deficiencies however, mostly concerning information/communication….. We travelled with others who had booked through Grand American Adventures and they appear to have been better served: they arrived earlier in Las Vegas and had time to explore the city whereas we had time only for a quick dash in, despite the trip notes listing day 1 as a city day. We arrived at the hotel at 6.00pm, just in time for the briefing. We were advised that our guide would expect tips of $5-7 per person per day but we were surprised to hear that there were two guides and they expected $10 per day each. As a couple, therefore, we paid $400 which was way above budget. There were other minor ‘annoyances’ … we were told that no meals were included but our GAA were told some breakfasts were included. We were left unsure but caught on eventually and gained a couple of meals! The Alexis Park was disappointing: they took 1 hour to collect us on arrival, the room was shoddy (and the door lock fell off) and it is a good 15 mins brisk walk to town. We thought we might also have been dropped at the airport for our return flight, as we passed the door, rather than return to the Alexis Park and immediately return to the airport. Sedona, the last minute addition to the itinerary, was very nice and we felt we could have made more of the walking opportunities there. A short town tour and lie by the pool was all that was needed!
Most Inspirational Moment
The helicopter ride over Grand Canyon is (ridiculously) expensive but not to be missed.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Both leaders were unreservedly excellent in all aspects.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Check the details and check the real costs.
A great Group tour!
Jordan has spectacular sights and friendly people, despite turmoil in the region it felt very safe.
Most Inspirational Moment
I loved trekking over the craggy hills to approach the treasury in Petra from above! (Optional) Also had a great meal out in a Bedouin cave!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Khalid was very sensitive to the groups wishes. He arranged some tasty meals out but advised those who wanted to make their own arrangements. He was happy to talk frankly about regional politics. He is clearly proud of his country.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Get to Jordan now, its a nation you have to see but the regional politics may make it harder in the future.If going to Petra at night do it before you see it by day…it doubles the wonder!
Spectacular Peru
For anybody who wishes to see the sights of southern Peru this trip covers it all
Most Inspirational Moment
There were many highlights but the day that stood out the most was the day we left Nasca and made our way through the Andes. The changing scenery and amazing views were something to behold.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Leo the legend. Leo is a very good tour leader, speaks very good english, is very knowledgable about the areas that we visited, is very efficcient in his organisation, willing to participate with the group but was not obtrusive.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Two quite long days on the tour but take them in your stride and treat these days as just part of the adventure. Plenty of opportunity to take care of laundry when you arrive in Cusco.
cycling the cape
the views are fantastic the cycling is good but I was a bit disappointed with the tour guide he either wanted to cook for us or take us to a restaurant of his choice so we never had a chance to look around the towns we visited. It would have been nice to have a choice a few evenings just to do your own thing .
Most Inspirational Moment
The highlight was seeing the Right Whales. Was one of the most beautiful places I have visited
Thoughts on Group Leader
I think he needs a change
Advice for Potential Travellers
Watch out for the strong winds