Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Being able to cycle up all the hills without getting off was for me inspirational.  The views from the outdoor dining area at the hotel Castella d'Emporda  were wonderful, as well as the garden area.Pals was a lovely medieval town and we wish we had spent more time there rather than pedalling off to the next place on the itinerary

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alan was very efficient and keen to make sure the route directions were up to date and everything running smoothly.  His directions of how to get to and from Flaca station were invaluable. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

We flew into and out of Barcelona airport and on paper the onward train journey looked slightly complex.  However, if you follow Alan's instructions in the trip notes they are spot on and the journey is relatively easy.  Oddly enough, BA from Heathrow to Barcelona was cheaper than Ryanair to Girona at the time we booked but Girona is much nearer to Flaca where you can be picked up by Alan.. The price of drinks at hotel Castell d'Emporda and hotel Sa Punta seemed very high and were not itemised on the bill at check out. To avoid surprises at check out time you may want to do what some guests did and check the price at the time of ordering the drink.

Most Inspirational Moment

That was the first evening on the island surrounded by hills, great sunset and the first taste of the wildlife..

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was good and was always at hand for information & help. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

The advice I would give is that depends on what time of the year you go it does get very cold at night. The other thing to be awere of is that you can be on the river from around 8-9hrs a day with that and the packing and unpacking the boats and pitchibng and unpitching tents each day it can be alot of work....

Most Inspirational Moment

This was my second Exodus holiday and was as if not more enjoyable than the first.  It's amazing how 10 people from all walks of life just gelled.  The picnic lunch at the monastery was memorable - not only because of the quality of the fare but also the location and weather; you could have stayed there all day.  The day in Seville is to be recommended but do please be aware that you are not going to see it all in a day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chris was superb - had the remarkable ability to ensure that the more able members of the group were contained but at the same time ensured that the less able did not feel as if they were holding the group up. An excellent blend of people management and public relations skills. Made sure everyone felt part of it and that eveveryone's requirements were met. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Classed as a Leisurely to Moderate walk I would view that it was more leisurely, which was ideal given the hot weather.  If you are an experienced walker go for the more challenging weeks.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment for me personaly was seeing machu picchu for the 1st time as i went through the sun gate its a moment which ill treasure for ever, it was a very emotional and spiritual moment one to trteasure.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Bobby and Frank were very knowledgable throughout the walk both understood and spoke very good english both had a great sense of humour and i thoroughly enjoyed their company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a cheap blow up lilo for sleeping on , wear your walking boots through the airport my luggage was lost and had to hire boots that were uncomfortable and gave me blisters on top of my blisters, take a good quality plastic poncho with you it will keep you much drier than any expensive jacket as drying your clothes is impossible.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the bear sanctuary and seeing how much it means to both Katharina and Hermann was wonderful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Udo was fantastic. His passion for Romania and the wildlife was inspiring. His sense of humour was a highlight of the week.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book this trip before its too late - logging has already begun in the Carpathian Mountains so get there before its too late.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being in the mountains around Mt Blanc where the views and scenery were spectacular and varied.  Beautiful spring flowers and meadows, glaciers, dramatic peaks, and valleys.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very experinced and knowledgeable leader (been doing this for many seasons), managed the difficult snow conditions well, made all in the group feel comfortable, included and cared for without being intrusive or fussy. Took everything in his stride and excllent at judging everyone's capabilities and pace and accomodated needs in a relaxed and positive way.  He was also very attentive on food preferences/allergies/restrictions.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking is fairly strenuous, but if you are actively fit or an experienced walker it should not be too difficult, but there's quite a bit of up and down and some longish days.  Well worth getting fit for maximum enjoyment and also to ensure that the group can move along and complete all the route without compromises (luckily our group was all very capable and similar abilities which made it very enjoyable and fun).  Very glad we were on the hotel tour on the colder and wetter days.

Most Inspirational Moment

The cloud inversion on the first days walk. Disappointingly cloudy in the valley but we soon drove above the clouds and entered a different world.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic! Sara couldn't have been more helpful. Very group aware and encouraging in a very mixed ability group. She got us all to the top of the highest mountain in Tuscany and managed to lead us while giving us all the opportunity to go at our own pace. Her experience of the area was a great help especially on the free day when she was so helpful at helping people to plan their chosen day trips. Excellent driver as well!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The temperature in the hills is very different to Pisa so don't be fooled by googling the weather in Pisa!

Most Inspirational Moment

The lovely day cycle across Hvar island, truly beautiful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Krsto was good at organising the group without it feeling too much like a school trip

Advice for Potential Travellers

Gel saddle

Most Inspirational Moment

The countryside and the people. I had never been to Italy before but had been told it was beautiful, and once you get there you see why. Our ride through the country from Bolzano (so beautiful) to Mestre was fantastic. The friendliness of the people in the small towns and villages was warming and welcoming. A few words of Italian had us buying bread and cheese, meat and fruit. It was actually fun to go to the markets each day. Sampling the speciality of each region was great and Michele made sure that we ate in good restaurants and even organised some ‘off the menu’ dishes for us.   

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele made a great trip fantastic. He showed a level of professionalism I hadn’t expected and a level of care for each and every one of us that we’ll remember for the rest of our lives. He explained the individual aspects of every region we rode through and made each of us feel like we were the sole reason he was there. I can’t rate him highly enough. He allowed us to see things that we would have had no idea about had we not had a tour guide. Thanks Exodus for hiring him, he's a real asset to your company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it. Go, and you’ll be glad you did. Have faith in your guide and just have a good time. Allow a few days at the beginning and end as Bolzano is so beautiful, and Venice was nice too.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the Sun Gate on the Moonstone Trek and seeing Mount Veronica in all her glory with 2 Condors flying above us. Such a truly magical moment :)Getting to hold a Caimen on the river in the rainforest! Best holiday photos ever.

Thoughts on Group Leader

My group leader was lovely, he was very helpful and told us lots of useful and helpful information. I had him along with me for most of my trip and the replacement I had for the Moonstone trek was equally as good. They both went above and beyond to help make the trip magical.