Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The views

Thoughts on Group Leader

Stephanie was very knowledgeable and as stated above tried to cater to everyone.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Check out exactly what you will be walking, and make up of group. If you are a solo traveller I would advise a single room as rooms are not that big.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is difficult to single out any particular hike as each day was different and had spectacular views of the alpine scenery. However, the impromtu shoe shoeing on day 2 up to the Col de Balme was great fun which was added to the slightly altered itinery as some of the passes were still off limits due to too much snow/risk of averlances.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Simon made everyones holiday fun, and his sense of humour clearly stood out. He is a very competent montain leader with an approachable manner. However, the hosts of Chalet Chocolat John and Jayne also deserve a special mentioning as they made everyone feel at home and the food was really fantastic.  No special requests were too much,  not even stodgy porridge for breakfast as aked for by a certain Scotsman.

Most Inspirational Moment

I found parts of some of the walks a little challenging having trained mostly on the flat. However finishing the most challenging walk of the week-albeit the last to finish the warm welcome and congratulations I received from the group when I joined them in the bar at the end of a long day -and the realisation that I not only completed the walk I actually enjoyed it was a truly rewarding moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chris was great. He was encouraging and supportive on the walks and good company when we were more relaxed. His local knowledge was faultless.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are wondering if this is the holiday for you I would absolutely say-go for it. I really don't think you will regret it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Machu Picchu  and exploring the site was awe inspiring - be prepared for some serious walking up and down the terraces and up and down umpteen steps.  We were very fortunate to see at least 15 condors flying in Colca Canyon and one landed on a rock that was so close even my small digital camera took a reasonable photo.  I would recommend a very good camera with zoom lens fortunately a member of our group had one and has sent us the superb photo's he took of the condors, eagles, flamingoes and humming bird.

Thoughts on Group Leader

 Our Tour leader Marcial was excellent, a mind of information and nothing was too much trouble.  He took us to some excellent resturants where the food was first class and not too expensive.  Nothing was too much trouble

Advice for Potential Travellers

You will need to have a moderate fitness level to climb the Inca terraces. There is a 1hour hike to Amantani Village which is all up hill, anyone with knee joint problems will struggle with this part of the trip. What we saw of the Nazca Lines were disappointing and it was recommended that they be viewed from a light aircraft at an extra cost of $100 + 25 Soles airport tax.  Those that did the trip stated it was well worth doing.The flight is long and Air France seats are compact with very little leg room - try and get an aisle seat.US$ dollars travellers cheques can be difficult to exchange and the rate is very poor I would recommend exchanging the majority of your dollars into Soles

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention. The scenery, the people, the history, The exceptional well organised trip, with a good balance of pre arranged excursions and free time. The culture, The Italian Ice-Cream !!! Im addicted.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Exceptionally caring, fun, knowledgable, and went the extra mile. Passionate about her role, and an inspiration. She was amazing, and a very special person. Thank you.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, the walks tended to be more moderate than leisurely, with some really steep ascents and step climbing. Good walking shoes are essential. Avoid the sit down lunches that could be long and drawn out, Go into a bakery, order the local pastries, find somewhere nice, and walk or sit and soak up the ambience and culture.Have dinner with the group. Purchase the swimming shoes that are sold in abundance, to swim in the Adriatic Sea, as the beaches are stones not sand, if you are going in summer or at warmer times. And definitely do this trip, it is amazing !!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the town of Sospel was a highlight as well as seeing the WW2 bunkers.

Thoughts on Group Leader

She was awesome and I would love to take another walking trip with her as the guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring a pair of water shoes if you plan to swim in the Med as the beach is quite rocky.  If you plan to stay an extra day before/after the tour book directly through the hotel as it's quite a bit less expensive than booking through Exodus.  I used walking sticks and I was glad to have them.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment was seeing the panaramic views from the top of Mount Toubkal - it was so beautiful I felt quite emotional.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was fantastic. I felt I could totally trust him and felt safe with him. Whilst our safely was his main concern he also entertained us with his local knowledge, impressive language skills and great sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it!

Most Inspirational Moment

For me Sarajevo and Mostar having just read a history of the Balkans. I could have spent weeks happily sitting in the old town of Sarajevo watching the world go by. The scars of recent history are everywhere and the visit to the tunnel was compelling as was the short video presentation in Mostar on the destruction of the bridge.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lorec was superb, as was Suleiman the driver. He simply couldn't have done more.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I've seen comments along the lines of 'why did Exodus tell us to take warm clothes when we never needed them?' Well the weather, particularly in May and June is very changeable in the mountains...we had brilliant sunshine, hot days, cold days, hail and the most ridiculous rainstorm when we were walking around Cetinje.

Most Inspirational Moment

Realising the history of the island, being able to see the marble columns still insitu at the quarry and marvelling how they ever got them down to the sea, as well as across the world!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thanos was absolutely brilliant, extremely helpful, an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide.  Nothing was too much trouble for him - a great credit to Exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For walking, long trousers or zip-offs are a good idea, as some of the bushes/grasses can scratch!

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery is just breathtaking, but if I had to choose a moment it was probably the walk around and into the crater on Vesuvius.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Christine did pretty much all she could to make sure the group had a good week. Very friendly and open, Christine has made very good local connections which help in making things run smoothly. Christine uses her knowledge of the area and its people to enrich the walks. Excellent job! 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Many people would probably find walking poles useful, whether for going up or down (or both), particularly the longer flights of steps.