Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Trinidad was amazing - then we had a very heavy storm - I have not laughed so much in ages, running through the cobbled streets completely wet through to the safety of the bus.  We also went to a nightclub in a cave, and were made to feel very welcome if a little inadequate on the dance floor!I loved Havana, just being able to explore and wonder around. Definitely check out the market and drive a hard bargain on art work before retiring for another cocktail with your purchases. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Toni was great, knowledgable without it feeling like he had a set amount of information he was supposed to tell you.  Andreas, our driver, was also fantastic - a very skilful driver of a very clean bus. Both Toni and Andreas included all in the group and made sure all needs were catered for, we had a very mixed age group and a disabled traveller, they made all feel included and really made a positive impact on the holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring a big memory stick for photos and a spare battery for the camera. And a torch - if you are walking back at night its a good idea (although if you aren't keen on bugs and spiders perhaps better without one!)

Most Inspirational Moment

Hearing the monks chanting in Kyoto; hearing the Taiko drums outside Matsumoto Castle; seeing the snow monkeys; sleeping in Ryokans. We know - that's more than one great moment!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Catherine and Alexi were tremendous. Catherine provided the experience and was friendly yet professional and we felt very confident in her ability to lead the group. Alexi was lovely and a great complement to Catherine. Although a novice, his ability to speak Japanese was a great help and he was so helpful and accommodating. Together they made a great team. They were present at the beginning and end of each day that we had on our own in case we needed them but we always felt we had choices. They were both fantastic.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Only to do their homework about currency, bank machines, access to WiFi and the amount of walking expected. Most of us were fine but one couple seemed to choose the wrong trip so doing your homework and reading all of the material from Exodus thoroughly is really imporrtant.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the poverty vs the aging spleandour of some of the buildings in Havanna. The atmosphere in Trinidad.the sheer number of crabs when cycling through the woods Seeing how the locals spend Friday nights, partying out on the streets, and how much a safe feeling family affair it is.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great, very helpful and enthusiastic. Knowledgable about his country, and told us interesting facts when they were relevant.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Dont be afraid to duck out of the group meals. There are a lot of hotel buffets on the trip, whilst some places, particularly Havanna and Trinidad have some great little restaurants if you do a bit of research

Most Inspirational Moment

Inspirational moments that is a tricky one...Definitely seeing the sun rise (and set just an hour later) that little ball of red on the horizon just adds so much beauty to an already stunning place.Snow-shoeing round the bear trail was an experience but the views of complete wilderness and tranquility you get are something special. Also f your if really lucky and quiet you might just get yourself run over by a reindeer or two.If I name much more I think I will have just mentioned the entire holiday, everything has its special moments from dog-sledding to being the only one on the slope in Ruka. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eki and his colleagues are great they are helpful, informative and a barrel of laughs. If you get a chance ask them about some Finnish card games, playing 'Pass the Salt' was a well spent evening.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Mate, it's freezing out there!! Think about the layers you need and then wear some more. I did manage my planning very well and realise halfway to the airport (whilst on a train) that I didn't have a coat. This wasn't a problem once I got to Oulanka basecamp but I definitely felt it standing at the airport waiting to board the plane!! I think my recommendations for all of the rest of you considering this, aside from to stop umm-ing and aahh-ing and look into your crsytal ball and see that you really must go, is to have a go at the Little Bear Trail or if thats a bit too far for the time you have avaliable head out to Castle rocks! Its just a whole other world out there.

Most Inspirational Moment

Undoubtedly, the walk through the Cares Gorge.  24 Km with 300 m of ascent but worth every footstep.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alvaro was a superb leader.  He knew every footpath - and they are not all easy to find in the Picos - he was knowledgeable about the mountains and about the history and culture of his native Asturias, about where to go for refreshments, and he spoke good English. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you like walking in mountains, go!  The Picos are "Spain's Dolomites" but far less visited by tourists.  Best to learn a bit of Spanish, as few people speak English in this area.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Petra was just amazing. Sunset in Wadi Rum.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great. But he didn't cycle with us!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your own alcoholic drinks into Wadi Rum

Most Inspirational Moment

Auberge in the Sahara, camel trip into the desert and desert camp.Mountain hostel and very friendly people.  The rest of the group really made this a great holiday - would be very difficult to improve on. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mustapha was an excellent guide and really looked after us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip introduced us to the real Morocco which was awesome.  At the end of the trip we encountered Marrakech souk which was disappointing - everybody decided it was "plastic Morocco" just for the tourists.  The Majorelle Gardens were very pleasant and well worth a visit.  The new town area near the hotel was fine too with some good restaurants and bars.   

Most Inspirational Moment

Most inspirational part of the trip was the group itself. Being the youngest member of the group I was always inspired to keep peddling even if I felt a little tired at some times seeing how the rest of the group were cracking on kept me going. Visiting the villages was also inspirational and gave us the chance to see the real India. Seeing the women working in the fields whilst the men were smoking, drinking chai, and chatting made me appreciate how strong the womens work ethic is. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was very approachable and would sort any issues out that we had. He kept the group motivated and made sure we all were ok and decide on a plan for the day that the whole group was happy with. He picked up on the groups abilities very quickly. Quite a character!!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a gel seat cover with you :) (i took my old one and left it there). May need a couple of sachets of dioralyte as however careful you are Delhi belly is inevitable. I also took some pens with me and gave out to the children in the villages. Take plenty of layers.

Most Inspirational Moment

My favourite part of the trip was the day out in Mljet. We were treated to fantastic weather, which allowed us to enjoy the beauty of the island. After the climb up to the viewpoint in the heat, I felt I fully deserved my refreshing plunge into the saltwater lake.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader was fantastic. Effortlessly keeping control of the group, friendly, funny and genuinely interested to show us the country. He really made the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the history of the country, the 1950 cars in Havana and the visit to Che Guevara mausoleum/museum.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader brightened up as the trip went along, I think she finds it as tiring as we did.  On the trip from the airport many of us were concerned that we had picked the worst destination ever, she made a point of telling us all the bad points and did not tell us all the positive things.  Once we got to know her she cheered up and things got better.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are going to Cuba make sure you have a torch, sample the mojito's - as the Cubans say the rum is free! and make yourself open to new experiences.  Some of the hotels are not up to our standards and there is wildlife around but make the most of it, you will have a great time.