Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The final walk through the pine forest and down to Sourp Magyar was exhilarating and the view at our final location of Kyrenia Rock was amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Geetha was excellent - knowledgeable, approachable, and passionate about his area. He always spent time getting to know his guests and knew who to trust to lead the way while assisting the members of our group who may have been struggling. Gave us a good advice on the creatures of the area and was not phased when we ran into a couple of snakes! He provided us with some great recommendations to eat in the evenings and where to go on our downtime.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The arrival and meet at Larnaca Airport seemed a bit chaotic but once Geeta became involved things calmed down and we arrived at our hotel in Kyrenia through the border controls in Nicosia without problem. Make sure you bring water bottles with you and good stout walking boots as there is quite a bit of walking on scree and boulders.

Most Inspirational Moment

Personalized attention from Exodus staff

Thoughts on Group Leader

Best yet

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't consider travelling with Exodus if it cancels Cuba tours for political reasons - as is rumoured

Most Inspirational Moment

Personalized attention from Exodus staff

Thoughts on Group Leader

Best yet

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't consider travelling with Exodus if it cancels Cuba tours for political reasons - as is rumoured

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the sunset at Dubrovnik old town, plus the views from the summits we visited were absolutely stunning (my favourite was probably from Vidova Gora on Brac island).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zeljko, our guide, was fantastic. He couldn't have been any better. He was extremely knowledgeable and was able to answer everybody's questions. He loved his country and wanted to share his knowledge with us whenever he got the opportunity. We got a real insight into the complicated history of the country and into the way people live. We were caught out by an unexpected storm while up on a mountain walk one day. The Bora winds were far stronger than forecast and we had to get off the mountain as it was dangerous. Zeljko was calm and professional, got everyone to safety and managed to organise alternative transport for us all to get us to our destination on the island of Brac. He also made sure that everyone got to where they needed to be at the end of the week (as not everyone was travelling home on the group flight).

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want to swim, the sea around Dubrovnik was lovely and warm but at Starigrad Paklenica it was chilly (to say the least)! This could just be because of the weather but it's possibly more protected around Dubrovnik. Also the opportunity to swim around the Skradinski Buk waterfalls was not quite what I had imagined. It's fairly touristy and the area for swimming is quite restricted. Also, if you want to wander around the waterfalls on the wooden walkways you won't have time to swim as well. Many of the mountain paths are rocky and loose. If you are used to mountain walking you won't have a problem but some people in the group found this more difficult. We went at the end of September and it was chillier than expected on some days (but very hot on others). As well as light hiking gear, make sure you take a waterproof jacket AND trousers, take some long trousers - not just shorts, and possibly even a pair of light gloves and a hat.

Most Inspirational Moment

The sense of pride at reaching the summit was immense. Having not had much sleep the previous few nights and then the unexpected heavy snow made the achievement even more worthwhile. If you are lucky to get a clear sky at the top, like we were, the views are breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lahcen was fantastic - patient and kind and we felt completely safe with him. We had a 2nd guide, Mohammed, at the back of our team of 8 on the summit day who was equally great.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It took us 6hrs (with breaks) on the 1st day to get to the Refuge. It felt like we would never get there! Due to the unexpected snow we were given crampons at the Refuge but thankfully it wasn’t icy so we didn’t need them. The timings of the summit day were longer than the itinerary suggested so I began to have doubts but dug deep and made it! We got up at 3am, left at 4 and reached the summit at 8. Magnificent 🎉 We spent about 45mins at the top taking pictures, snacking and taking in the scenery. It took 3.5hrs to get back down to the Refuge for a hearty lunch then a further 3.5hrs to make the final descent to the gite for the night. This last bit was draining but you know you are on the final stretch. Bring snacks but there are lots of places to stop en route to the Refuge. Our group did not have any problems with altitude sickness. The guides walk at a gentle pace which helps you acclimatise.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Nicosia; the green line and the very pretty old town.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gizer was fabulous in every way, I couldn't fault him. Punctual, thoughtful, funny and caring.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to walk up 680 steps to one castle, possibly in the heat, and then continual walking for the next couple of hours. Wear strong walking shoes or boots, definitely take walking sticks.

Most Inspirational Moment

The two highlights had to be cruising and kaiaking on Halong Bay and seeing Angkor Wat at sunrise, however learning about the history of both Vietnam and Cambodia was also fascinating. Travelling south by road meant that we crossed the DMZ and could visit the museum there. We also went to the War Remnants museum in Ho Chi Minh. We did a cooking class in Hoy An which was another must do. Our guide helped us out with finding an excellent class which we thoroughly enjoyed.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had four guides during our trip and all were excellent. Helpful, informative and passionate about their country and its treasures. It really added to the enjoyment of the trip that they were able to answer our questions and guide us through the process of getting to know the culture and lifestyle of this fascinating area.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Vietnam and Cambodia are great places to visit. They feel very safe and there is so much to see and do. The tailor made trip worked very well for us as we had our two daughters with us who are 21 and 23. They enjoyed the freedom of being able to choose places to eat in the evenings but were also keen to do all the activities

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the first tough summit and realising I am still pedalling the bike with gentle encouragement!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lovely thoughtful person- at ease and aware of all of the party. Good organisation skills ensured a very smooth trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Early October weather was perfect- warm enough still to Enjoy a week of fresh air and swims . We saw one amazing storm from the van but we’re back on bikes within the hour riding home happily!

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of each hill is so rewarding. You definitely earn the views!

Most Inspirational Moment

The second day of walking going to O Cebreiro. The mountain scenery was stunning. Also the most wonderful groups of people met along the way.

Thoughts on Group Leader

N/A

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't pay 30 Euros for a taxi from Madrid airport to Charmartin Rail Station. If you have your rail ticket to Leon then just go by free shuttle bus to Terminal 4, use the machines and get a free rail transfer to Charmartin. Staff are at the machines to help if you get stuck.