Reviews

So good we’ve done it twice!

The perfect antidote to overindulging over Christmas (although don’t expect to lose weight)! Spectacularly beautiful scenery with some of the finest mountain walking in the world. Conditions can vary – we had reduced snow levels, but that just meant we donned universal crampons (provided by Exodus) and headed up into the hills on good trails. The walking is well graded, increasing (a little) in difficulty through the week.

The hotel offers superb accommodation and exceptional food. It has a small, well equipped wellness centre and gym, and offers spa services (massages were highly rated by those who had them).

Excellent but challenging

This is a great trip but not what you might expect ! !.. the scenery is fantastic, with clear skies, mountain views, green valleys and rushing bubbling rivers. The people are friendly and we saw many happy smiling children wanting to say hello as we walked through their villages…. prayer wheels and flags are a regular recurring feature on all the trails…and watch out for the trains of yaks and donkeys carrying everything up and down the ‘very dusty’ trails. Long days and in winter frigid temperatures above 4,000 metres when the sun goes down, but the sun warms nicely during the day. A slow steady pace on the way up with constant descents and ascents but on well formed paths.

Amazing experience but challenging conditions

This was a busy and varied trip through northern Ethiopia. I had a great time and met lots of friendly, interesting and kind people. We bonded as a group and with our guide, which made it really special.

The Simien Mountains are stunning and we got to see them from the national park, during the long drives and on the mule trek and climb up to a church in Lalibela. Our guide let us stop frequently on the long drives to take pictures, which broke up the journey and made it interesting.

The unique paintings in the monastery churches in Lake Tana were breathtaking when we first saw them and the rock hewn churches in Lalibela were a true wonder.

When we were there, the Ethiopians celebrated their Christmas and we experienced the pilgrimage that thousands of people make to Lalibela for the Christmas Day service. On Christmas Eve, we went up to the church in the Simiens by mule and on foot, which was dangerous and crowded coming down, but which was an amazing and unforgettable experience. We managed because of paid helpers who were mostly young lads trying to earn money for their education and I did not begrudge this at all. Also, the Ethiopians were kind, understanding and allowed us to pass safely, amazed that foreigners were there at all.

In the evening, at 10 pm, some of us went to the rock hewn church of St Mary and joined thousands of pilgrims who were spending the night there, some holding candle wicks and watching the night time service. It was really atmospheric. Thankfully, we went back to the hotel to sleep. Others got up at 7 am
to make it to the Christmas Day service itself and were seen in the crowd on Ethiopian tv!

The accommodation was varied, some ok and some below standard. The wifi is unreliable and weak, even if the hotels say that it is available. The functionality of the plumbing, general cleanliness and availability of hot water is varied amongst all the hotels where we stayed and were the main problems. The availability of clean and functional toilets outside the hotels during the day was sparse. Be prepared to tolerate all of this when you go on this trip.

A happy time with new friends, lots to do in a glorious place. Very special week.

Whats not to like? Dog sledding on a snowy christmas morning, the fabulous walk we took just the two of us on the Bear Trail, the group snow shoe hike up in the Riisitunturi National Park or the laughing tumbles practicing our cross country skiiing, or the group dinners with lots of joyful tales of our days, and a sip or two of Cloudberry Liquer? Elina always ready with a grin, a story or some good advice. The Oulanka Basecamp staff with their smiles at all times of the day, and hearty offerings of food and drink. We will return!

Cycling in Laos, and Thailand

I was lucky enough to be part of an adventurous crowd who socialized well. The steep bits came early on and then it got easier, although there was one day competing with Chinese lorries over pock marked dusty roads which Exodus might care to re-consider, and on another day we chose a quieter alternative offered. Some of the scenery was not the most inspiring I’ve seen but it was enjoyable to explore an undiscovered country and the people in both Laos and Thailand are charming.

Best trip so far

This was our second Exodus trip as a family of four, all adults of course. The trip had a bumpy start as we were delayed and missed connections so ended joining the trip 24 hrs later, have to say Exodus were incredibly helpful and easy to contact outside of hours.
We loved the scenery, saw loads of condors and some truly amazing views. The weather was perfect and the transfers mostly short. We also enjoyed some spectacular scenic lake crossings.

Amazing Amalfi

There is a reason while Amalfi is one of the best selling tours offered by Exodus Tours. It is a gorgeous place to visit (even in January when it is freezing cold!) I love the variety of expeditions. My favorites were hiking 3,000 steps down to Amalfi, walking the Path of the Gods and celebrating January 1 on the Circuito Tre Calli. I also enjoyed the private tours of Pompei and Herculaneum.

Don’t understand what you want here

Some days could have had longer scheduled activities especially cross country skiing and snowshoeing – could make more of this aspect and explore further/more

Pretty accurate title, though we had 3 days in the interior

We had a terrific fortnight. I would have given 5 stars but for the hotel in Cahuita and for the choice of that location. We saw a great many birds and animals, did some wonderful walks and boat trips and experienced some of the lesser known parts of Costa Rica which were well worth experiencing. A small group – only 6 of us – but we got on excellently and it was a lovely atmosphere.

I think I would have reduced the amount of road travel slightly. The drive to and from Cahuita was long and I don’t think any of us felt it was really worth it, although we did good sloth spotting there and the walk in the National Park was lovely. We couldn’t go in the sea as it was too rough (both there and in Tortuguero) which was a big disappointment, as it meant we only swam and snorkelled on the Pacific side at Drake’s Bay, and for me, the snorkelling was one of the main draws.

Amazing!

What an adventure! We had been planning this trip for a couple of years and it did not disappoint. It was a real test of character – the coldest winter in a long time and -27 at base camp. The views are simply stunning – we had clear skies so every step was a different view. There were times when sat in our icy teahouse room that we questionned what we were doing but it really is a once in a lifetime experience that we will never forget.