Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The scale of the exposed remains at Machu Picchu - it takes around 4 hours to walk along the signed route through the site. There's less of Choquequirao visible, but its remoteness and lack of crowds makes it special. The verticality of the landscape on the first half of the trek is impressive, and I found the variety of the cloud forest plants, and the differences in flora along the trek, fascinating.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabrizzio kept it all together, so the trek ran smoothly without issues visible to us. He will provide plenty of background on the Inkas. Beware Peruvian time though - it might pass quite slowly. He managed the different abilities of the group on the trek very well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We had rain most days for the late October departure, and even in between it was so humid that nothing dried - forget the idea of washing clothes on the trek. And do take adequate waterproofs. The biting flies on the first few days of the trek are for real and leave you itching for a week - insect repellent is essential. We experienced a wide range of temperatures - from steamy hot to sleet. A flexible sleeping bag system is useful. The trek earns its 6 grading - although distances are not long, there's a lot of uphill so steep that it needs steps. Some slopes are more than 45 degrees!

Most Inspirational Moment

2 days exploring Petra and a night in wadi rum. We cannot separate the 2 into a single moment. Floating in the Dead Sea and swimming in the Red Sea. Sleeping in the Red desert. !!!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

He quite simply, made the trip due to his knowledge of the locations, his historical knowhow and enthusiasm in providing it, to engage our interest. He is a real asset to exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don’t be put off by concerns about Jordan as we felt safe under the guidance of our leader and the onboard tourist policeman. Weather can be a problem as there were unusual rain falls while we were there but that is not usual. Hotels were a little less quality than we expected (having experienced 4 or 5 star hotels when we did Vietnam trip with Exodus) but comfortable. But that is a personal opinion and others were happy enough. Overall, don’t be put off. This is a special trip due to the locations visited and cycling is a great way to combine them with adventure and hiking around Petra.

Most Inspirational Moment

There was much to admire over the whole trip. The sand dunes of the Namibia-Naukluft, the strange rock scenery of the Kuiseb region and the salt pan in Etosha were all memorable. The majority of the lodges were excellent, especially the Ugab Terrace Lodge - one of the most spectacular places I've ever stayed. But the highlight of the trip must have been the sighting of two cheetahs in Etosha. There were lots of other vehicles there when we arrived, but, with the gates about to the park about to close, they all had to leave - apart from our vehicle and one other. We were able to watch as the cheetahs made their way to a waterhole and calmly had a drink for ten or fifteen minutes before wandering away in the opposite direction. A very special experience!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shane was excellent - a lovely man, very knowledgeable, an excellent driver, and full of enthusiasm for his country. Reuben provided us with fine food while on the road as well as sharing much of the work with Shane. However good an itinerary is, the success of this sort of holiday largely depends on the group of travellers and, especially, the leader. Fortunately this was a very friendly group, and Shane was an excellent leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes - there is a lot of time spent travelling on this holiday, and much of it is along rough roads - real African roads as Shane described them. There is some walking involved in the trip, although the walks are all optional; be aware that although none of these are long or arduous, the heat makes it harder work then you might expect!

Most Inspirational Moment

When the clouds cleared and we saw the views around Bomerano . Mostly we saw it in the rain and fog!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bomerano is a 40 minute windy road away from Amalfi, the journey you have to make most days before setting off for anywhere else.

Most Inspirational Moment

gorge walk from mt ohi to coast

Thoughts on Group Leader

excellent guide and very sociable

Advice for Potential Travellers

ensure you wear good boots and take adequate clothing .(water proofs)

Most Inspirational Moment

Camel ride into the desert and night in the camp. Otherwise: Chefchaoen - this was not on the itinerary, but was able to visit it before as I spent 4 days in Tangier before the trip and then took the train to Casablanca (20 Euros First class, highly recommended). Would recommend looking into the possibility of including Tangier and, in particular, Chefchaoen on the itinerary.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Late October should count as a "winter" departure. We were all very glad that we had packed a few warm clothes and should probably have packed more of them.

Most Inspirational Moment

The ascent other Thorong La Pass, the climb from Totopani to Ghorepani and of course the dramatic scenery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Good leader however a little authoritarian, demanding (not recommending or advising) the clothing I should wear rather than accepting that I have the experience and awareness of my tolerances to climate conditions.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The accommodation, wind and dust can pose challenges however if you can embrace these issues as being part of the Annapurna Circuit you'll enjoy the experience to its maximum effect.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the wild animals in their environment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Group leader Ronney Kavari was a great leader, explaining the plans for each day and telling us what to expect with plenty of local tips. He was an exceptional spotter of wildlife and we saw large numbers of a huge variety of animals and birds. He was also very knowledgeable about the animals, birds and plants as well as the country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to camp! Despite this being clear in the description some people found this tiring.

Most Inspirational Moment

The cycling was ok but very hot

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rit was ok quietly spoken and had lots of knowledge of his country

Advice for Potential Travellers

Hopefully if you go you will get a better group of people than I did please don't let this review put you off its just I had a very bad experience

Most Inspirational Moment

The view from the cliff top path from Fira to Ouia on Santorini - breathtaking!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thanos is a knowledgable, considerate and professional guide with a great sense of humour and a big personality.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is categorised as 1 but there are some quite tricky descents on some walks. The option to take the cable car down to the boat trip round the Caldera should be considered if you are not happy about a 600 step (uneven, in some places slippery) walk you share with donkeys carrying passengers up from the quayside. I know I would have preferred this, especially as I slipped and fell at one point.