Most Inspirational Moment
Getting to the end of Table Mountain on hike.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very pleasant , excellent flora and fauna knowledge.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for long drives .
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
Could have been brilliant!
Let down by inappropriate vechicle, poor logistics and frequent changes.
Stunning scenery and spectacular walks
Recently back from the Amalfi Coast Trip. It was amazing. Lots of spectacular walks with stunning scenery, together with wonderful trips to Pompeii and Herculaneum and the day off spent on the island of Capri. We were extremely lucky with the weather for nearing the end of October with blue skies and warm sun every day. We were lucky to have a fantastic group of like minded people from USA, Australia, Canada and of course the UK, as well as the best of leaders, Vania. Very comfortable family run hotel too, and enjoyed the pizza and tiramisu making evenings, and the trip to the Mozarella factory. One of the best walking holidays we’ve had.
Most Inspirational Moment
Difficult to pick one out as it’s all inspirational, but if I have to, then the Path of the Gods.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Vania, was absolutely amazing and truly made our holiday the success it was. She was always smiling, always cheerful, and with boundless energy and enthusiasm made every walk a treat.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I would emphasise the “good level of fitness required” as I found the first walk to Monte Tre Calli a bit of a challenge, but the rest of the walks were not as tough, though pretty hard on your knees! Definitely bring walking poles, and proper sturdy walking boots. Buy the Amalfi Coast Walks map from the hotel reception for €8 and bring a highlighter pen to mark your walks!
Cycle Madagascar
Absolutely loved it.
My only criticism being that I felt like we should have set the bikes up on the evening of our first get-together. We spent a lot of time fussing with bikes on the first morning.
That way we could have got away earlier on Day 1. We could have got out of the city earlier and quicker, had more time watching the Dancing Limas at the Reserve and not been biking so long in the hot sun.
Also, the trip to Ramofama was unpleasant – too many tourists all there at the same time and scrabbling through and breaking the native forest. We saw very little in the way of Limas – saw many more further on in the trip.The evening event was great so you would really only need to stay there one day.
Most Inspirational Moment
Having lots of time and room to see the ring tailed Limas at one of the smaller parks. Going there in the afternoon was great value - much better than using up valuable cool cycling time the following morning.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Absolutely outstanding. Patient, funny, supremely organised, caring, considerate, always aware of what was happening. A delightful man whom we were privileged to have and get to know. We learnt so much about the local people and areas because of him
Advice for Potential Travellers
Carry diarrhoea and vomiting tablets - be super careful about water, salads, hand washing
Cycle Madagascar
Absolutely loved it.
My only criticism being that I felt like we should have set the bikes up on the evening of our first get-together. We spent a lot of time fussing with bikes on the first morning.
That way we could have got away earlier on Day 1. We could have got out of the city earlier and quicker, had more time watching the Dancing Limas at the Reserve and not been biking so long in the hot sun.
Also, the trip to Ramofama was unpleasant – too many tourists all there at the same time and scrabbling through and breaking the native forest. We saw very little in the way of Limas – saw many more further on in the trip.The evening event was great so you would really only need to stay there one day.
Most Inspirational Moment
Having lots of time and room to see the ring tailed Limas at one of the smaller parks. Going there in the afternoon was great value - much better than using up valuable cool cycling time the following morning.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Absolutely outstanding. Patient, funny, supremely organised, caring, considerate, always aware of what was happening. A delightful man whom we were privileged to have and get to know. We learnt so much about the local people and areas because of him
Advice for Potential Travellers
Carry diarrhoea and vomiting tablets - be super careful about water, salads, hand washing
Beauty, as to be found nowhere else.
Waking up every morning to the glorious Autumn colours of the Carpathians is something I will remember for the rest of my life. The beauty of the forests, the splendour of the mountains and the simplicity of the life there is something I never imagined. Granted, I was initially inspired by my interest in the Dracula legend to go but after experiencing the wilderness there, I can honestly say that I fell in love with “the land beyond the forest”.
Most Inspirational Moment
When I managed to make it to the top of the mountain on the long hike without collapsing :-). Seeing Bran castle. Sitting up at the monastery, looking at the mountains with the sun behind them. The views of the scenery during our lunch breaks in various locations. Being on top of the mountains and looking down at the clouds.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Thomas was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the natural environment of Romania and its history. He also has a great sense of humour that kept us entertained. With his experience as a leader and training in the army, I definitely felt safe and in capable hands. And he was unexpectedly charming.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Try to remain as healthy as possible the week before this trip. I came down with a 24 hour stomach virus 2 days before the trip and it made the first few days difficult as I was still weakened. Also, walking poles are your friends. Definitely learn how to use a pair before you begin.
Porto to Lisbon 22/9
We had an excellent cycling holiday with great leaders and a very sociable group of fellow travellers.
Most Inspirational Moment
Our favourite aspects of the trip were: • Good cycling with relaxing stops at many cafes to enjoy coffee and pasteis de nata • Comfortable hotels • Great choice of restaurants with excellent fish • Very friendly locals wherever we went • Spectacular coastline, especially the huge waves at Nazaré • Great weather (if maybe a little too hot!)
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our guide was João (JP) and assistant guide was Oscar. We can’t compliment them highly enough for the tireless work that they put in to make sure everyone had a great time. They coped with all adversities thrown at them, including making sure everyone stayed hydrated in very hot weather, rescuing people with punctures, coping with a broken down ferry, travellers who couldn’t decide what they wanted to do (!), all with smiles on their faces.
Advice for Potential Travellers
We really enjoyed having an extra night in Porto, which allowed us to see more of the city. Don’t underestimate the undulations, there are some!
Italy October 2018
The Chianti Walking and Wine Tour was truly incredible. It was a vacation for my personal sensory system….to touch the ground that leads to…….the smell of the crisp Italian forest air, the taste of the locally sourced wine and fresh cheese, to see the vineyards, the cypress trees and the villas and to hear the sound of silence and peace, that can only be found walking the Tuscany Country. The tour was about being aware and in the moment, then taking those memories and sharing them with friends.
Most Inspirational Moment
The whole trip was inspirational. For me to comprehend we walked where only the local people walked. The only other tourists were the nine people within the group and our group leader. That's it....no crowds, no noise....how much more inspirational can that be...
Thoughts on Group Leader
Mark Middleton....super, great and loved his job. This made us enjoy the tour even more.
Advice for Potential Travellers
From personal experience....proper hikers or really supportive runners. The walks can be more adventurous than expected.
Best Ever
Every part of this trip was wonderful, from the people, to the rides, to the organization, to the food, etc. I loved it.
Most Inspirational Moment
It's hard to choose one, but maybe getting to the top of that looong climb on the last day. I also really appreciated the history and cultural info that Erlis imparted to us throughout the trip.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Erlis was an amazing group leader! I had put in place a lot of structures that made our trip as easy and smooth as it could have been. He shared a lot of history and cultural information that really enhanced our travels and understanding of Albania. He was kind and patient and funny, and the trip would not have been as incredible without him at the helm. Tani, our driver/mechanic/snack procurer/hydrator was also an integral part of the group. He was incredibly thoughtful and accommodating, and anticipated needs we didn't even know we'd have.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go on this trip! The trip notes and packing list covered everything very thoroughly.
Peru Holiday
A superb holiday from start to finish, taking in many different facets of Peru as a country. From Pacific coast to historical sites, magnificent mountains, glorious wildlife and fascinating jungle. This trip had it all. Add in the variety of different modes of transport and there is something to appeal to anyone.
Most Inspirational Moment
The completion of the Inca trail trek, despite the dreadful weather, was a moment of true inspiration. Firstly for having completed the physically demanding trek and secondly for the panoramic view of the historic site of Macchupiccu, and realising the scale of it all.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader was excellent, dealing with every situation in a cool, efficient manner. His personality was very endearing and his knowledge of the various different places was inspirational. His frankness about the problems facing Peru as a country was refreshing to hear.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do not be fooled by the Exodus rating of the trip. It is harder than they would have you believe. In fact probably one of the most physically challenging things I have ever undertaken. Despite significant preparation there is no way, living in Britain, can you prepare for the altitude effect which affected the majority of our group to some degree.
Let One Hundred Flowers Bloom
Space, and the (temporary) frontier abound provided that you go boldly, up, more up, and even more up; cast aside fears of teeming hordes, and remember, the people, and the people alone, are the motive force in the making of world history. At times, you become the ‘attraction’ – videoconferencing a chap’s wife on her drive home so she could practice her English (at the top of the Wall, naturally). That was a first. High fiving hundreds of school kids, while teachers convulsed with laughter (on the wall too), in a society where physical contact is not a thing, also a first. Underpinning it all, a long past with, to quote a fellow traveller, “zero history of democracy”. And the kittens really do want their fluffy tummies tickled, oh yes they do.
Most Inspirational Moment
Decades of watching China from afar, dissolving whilst sitting on some unused telegraph poles, on a country road, alone at sunset.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Pema. Well, it's always handy to have a Tibetan guide, when you bump into some Tibetan monks, looking for a group photograph with some westerners for their Instagram. Or need to explain the fire in your room. Retrieve a confiscated bank card. Discuss the geological formations under the wall and the materials in it. Get you through 'Security' painlessly. And be objective about Tibet's relationship with China.
Advice for Potential Travellers
1) the Dong Fang has a machine which converts cash banknotes (sterling, USD, canadianD, euros, and many more) into yuan, which is very handy indeed. 2) two types of ATM exist, ones that hand out cash and return the card, ones that are for account management only, and hold onto the card. Make sure you are using an international bank, and a real ATM. Worth watching what other people are doing for a few minutes. 3) Euro / US plugs sometimes work in the local sockets, but if you require mains, take a three pin Chinese adapter. Not many amps in the supply, so charging is slow. 4) Do not, repeat do not, leave electric oil radiators switched on in an empty room. And stand by for a few minutes to pull the plug out of the socket after switching on. 5) keep an eye out, and the camera hot, for feral panda spotting.