Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

No one moment, so many different ones. Loved the sampling of fresh mozzarella, followed by delicious al fresco lunch at the farm. The food & wine was superb each evening, eating local produce and delicacies. We cycled through small country lanes with lovely scenery en route. Stayed in variety of accommodation which also helped make the trip, especially enjoyed the converted convent in the olive farm (with the welcoming swimming pool). It was great to do a walking tour (optional though no one declined) each evening with the tour leader of the historic towns we stayed in.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Emmanuele was a fabulous leader, and went out of his way to ensure we got the most of out trip, in his local area. His knowledge was great not just on local history but on food & drink too. If group members had specific requests he tried to fit these in too, without any detriment to the others. Although there were those with different cycling abilities on the trip he ensured all got as much as possible out of the days riding and no one was ever left struggling behind.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a waterproof what ever the time of the year. Be prepared for a windy ride when you head north up on the west coast road on the last day.

Most Inspirational Moment

Waking up each morning of the trek to see the sunrise over the mountains - just stunning. On the drive back after our trek, we stopped at the Jangchub Choeling monastery - where we were fortunate enough to be there when they were just starting a ceremony. We were able to sit in with over 100 monks and listen to them chanting mantras - it was absolutely beautiful, and I felt very priviliged to be there. So if your guide asks whether you want to stop at the Tibetan refuge camp, make sure you do!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gum was fantastic. Great company, knowledgeable, supportive and encouraging on the trek. He worked hard throughout the holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There's a lot of steps on the trek, and some steep ascents - but have seen exodus have now rated this as a grade 3 trip, not a 2 - which seems a better fit. We took our own walking poles, but they have ones there you can use - and would recommend them for the trekking. Getting the visas at the airport was very straight forward, hardly any queues - and they had staff there to help out with the machines. We did take passport photos with us just in case needed, and would be good to have in case the machines not working. We also changed our money up at the airport - you can do this in the same hall as the visas before you go through passport control. We also changed more money up at Pokhara - all looked to have the same rates, and no commission, so rates were slightly better than the airport (by about 3 ruppees). We took way too many clothes with us for the trek. So would definitely recommend packing light, and worst case you can always wash something if you run out! You can leave luggage at the Kathmandu hotel, but also at Pokhara which you'll go back to after the trek, before going to Chitwan, so worth doing that as well. Defininitely take up the option of the early morning bird walk at Chitwan - we saw a lot of bird and other wildlife while we were out walking.

Most Inspirational Moment

How wonderful the mules are. Well cared for and unbelievable what they managed to climb with so much baggage. Narrow ledges and steep drop offs at times!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Fabrizzio was great. Very attentive throughout the trip. From day 1 to departure. Extremely knowledgeable. Joshua the second in command was also excellent and thoroughly capable of being a team leader in his own right. Having the two was of great benefit as the group was of a vast abilities stretching out over a couple of miles.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not attempt this trek if you have any concerns with regard to fitness. This is not an easy trek. The days start at 4-4.30 a with a cup of tea then it’s full on. It’s like walking up Snowdon or Ben Nevis for 7/8 days but at high altitude. Read the notes. Most people like myself who have summited Kilimanjaro found this trek harder. It’s a grade 6 and Kilimanjaro and Everest Base camp are a 5. Take lots of mosquito repellent. The little midges are fierce. Sleeping mats are excellent. Tents adequately roomy. Food great but take plenty of snacks. You may be waiting a while on a few days, for your lunch till the ones at the rear arrive.

Most Inspirational Moment

Swimming with manta rays

Thoughts on Group Leader

excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have suitable sun protection for snorkelling .Buy an underwater camera

Most Inspirational Moment

There are several - The friendliness and courtesy of the Japanese people, the traditional inns, the cuisine and the well maintained roads, the incredible bullet train.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tatsuya ( Tea ) is a fantastic group leader. He loves his country and imparted so much knowledge of local customs and etiquette in only two weeks it felt as if I had been in Japan for months. Nothing was too much trouble for him either on or off the road

Advice for Potential Travellers

There isn't much need for a wide selection of "off the " bike clothes as you change into local dress ( provided ) almost immediately on arrival at hotels and inns. There are washing and drying facilities in most hotels. Take cash as Japan , perhaps surprisingly , is not a credit card culture

Most Inspirational Moment

Being able to touch and see the unfinished columns see where they were made, carved by the hand of 7000 slaves 100’s of years ago. Also the trip over the Athens.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was fantastic, had a good laugh with him and was very informative. He looked after us and hes always feeding you lol

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking poles are handy. It can get chilly 1000m up the mountain

Most Inspirational Moment

Mayan sites

Thoughts on Group Leader

Arturo was, quite simply, excellent. He has immense empathy, knowledge, good humour and patience. His command of English, including technical archaeological and geological terms, was outstanding. He also looked after me very, very well when I had a slight altercation with a park bench!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many inspirational moments on the trip and it is difficult to name just a few. There was a lovely ride for about five miles on the Noto peninsula; there were so many coastal views that we often stopped every few miles for a photo. The traditional inns were a unique experience which we felt privileged to share. If we had been doing this trip on our own without a tour guide and Exodus I'm sure we would have missed out on these unique experiences. The cycling in the mountains and experiencing the autumn colours was heavenly. The good weather and blue skies helped of course. Tokyo and Kyoto were fascinating places and we did a lot considering we were there for only a couple of days.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Tatsuya Yamasawa, was exceptional. He was very organised and methodical and made sure that the tour ran smoothly. He was kind, very friendly with an excellent sense of humour and camaraderie. Nothing was too much trouble for him and the whole group was so appreciative of all that he did for us. He was a credit to Japan and we all fell in love with the country partly due to him. We could not praise him highly enough.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In terms of advice I would say that the cycling is moderate to challenging. Our group was very good and no one had any problems, but some hills did require a bit of puffing. I certainly wouldn't recommend anyone to do this trip unless they were used to cycling up to 50 miles at a stretch over undulating terrain. Travellers should also be flexible as traditional inns and traditional food are very different from what we normally experience in the west. You have to be prepared to bite the bullet and eat the raw fish, the seaweed, the octopus legs and the snails if you want to experience a traditional meal. It's worth it though to experience something truly unique.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching base camp.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Amazing! Absolutely faultless.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are fit and have resilience. This isn't a trip for the faint hearted.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra

Thoughts on Group Leader

Provided a safe environment for us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It seemed like we got the less well positioned rooms; facing busy roads and in the basement with the noise of the restaurant starting at 6.30 am overhead. Ask to be moved. I does work sometimes.