Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The Great Wall itself. Until you walk on it and experience it up close, you cannot possibly appreciate just what a feat of engineering it is, and to think it was built so many years ago without today's modern equipment.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jerry was a treasure. He was very helpful and knowledgable, he fit in well with the group and would happily chose him as a guide again on another visit to China should the opportunity arise.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, the trip notes sat soft bags which it right, but make sure they have wheels still! A couple of drop offs from the coach involved a walk, not long for most but with 20kg of weight after a day's walking would not suit everyone.

Most Inspirational Moment

Absolutely amazing landscape enjoyed away from the crowds; so many occasions to simply stand and appreciate this unique piece of engineering and perseverance. From a personal point of view, both of us sat at the top of wherever we stopped, taking on some water, getting our breath back from the view (and the walk) and simply feeling privileged to be enjoying this experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very simply, Jerry made this trip from very, very Good to most definitely Excellent. The Wall and the sights are fantastic but his additional insights, local knowledge, ensuring you were okay in the various overnight venues and finally his ability to understand, take and give back British humour meant we had a memorable trip. Many thanks Jerry. PS I enjoyed the Long versions!

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a great trip. However, unless you are a very regular walker (we are fair weather, occasional walkers), then you should treat this as Challenging; the Wall is not flat! That aside the sense of achievement each day when you look back at where you walked is well worth it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Loads!!!! But watching the sun come up on the Great Wall was pretty special. Also, loved the early morning visit to the Temple of Heaven park in Beijing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dennis was fantastic - was great to have a Chinese guide with to provide such informed insights into China- past and present. Also helped that Dennis had a great sense of humour and nothing was too much tropuble.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Food was variable and some accommodation was a little nippy at night. But no real complaints as came prepared and the trip was excellent value for money.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the sun set over the mountains on the first day, and looking down into the valley to see how far we’d climbed. The almost vertical ’spiderman wall' was a bit daunting at first, but I really enjoyed it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jerry was fantastic – funny, sociable and professional. When I hurt my foot and couldn't walk, he literally carried me down off the hill! After that, he did his best to include me in other parts of the trip as much as possible (e.g. asking his friend to drive me to the bottom of the wall so I could take pictures). Jerry and the rest of the group, who were all brilliant and really fun, made a big difference in salvaging what could have been a frustrating few days for me.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring snacks – breakfasts weren’t always that substantial and there was sometimes a long time till lunch, so I definitely needed a mid-morning chocolate bar. And take warm clothes for the evening as it was freezing once the sun went down.

Most Inspirational Moment

Looking back , realising what we had achieved at the end of each day and thinking that for an "old fart", 66 years of age and overweight that I still could tick stuff off the bucket list

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jerry was the best tour leader I have ever encountered in all the years of trekking/hiking throughout the world. You could always see that he double checking things in his mind. From early morning to late at night , he was always there to ensure all was OK He is a great asset to Exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you take stocks with you (particularly if you have knee or hip problems) - they really help on negotiating the steps. Take a small, lightweight camera with you - it is a pain have to drag good camera gear out of your backpack every time you want to take a snapshot.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being on top of the wall in quite solitary places and getting a sense of the level of engineering, foresight, and work that went into its construction. It's a wonder, yes, but I hadn't expected it to be so beautiful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kevin is a brilliant group leader: focused, fit, friendly, intelligent, knowledgeable, caring, humorous and fun. Not only is he highly skilled at his work, but he's a super multi-tasker willing to take on any job to make our visit easier. He served tables, made us tea and even sorted out the plumbing. The four of us who went onto Xian couldn't have found our way around the rail station in Beijing without Kevin's help. Plus he makes a point about being transparent about how our tip money is spent. Exodus and its clients are lucky to have him!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware that a certain level of fitness is required for this holiday. Several of our group were daunted by the steps, the heights, and the ladders. The ability to manage steep paths is essential. Take warm clothes if you go in October, as the nights can be cool (2 C) and the homestays are neither well heated nor insulated. Wear layers. Always carry toilet paper with you.

Most Inspirational Moment

I think the first day of seeing the wall was the most impressive! And the first few days we all kept taking tons of photos of it because it just looked amazing. I think it wasn't until the last day that I slowed down taking pictures.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Jerry, was full of energy, cheerful and friendly and he shared great knowledge about the wall, what it was used for (way more than just a defense like I thought), history and life in China in general.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you don't want to be surrounded by too many people, don't go in golden week as all Chinese people are on holiday then and even the parts of the wall that are usually quiet were quite busy. But at the same time, the weather is perfect at that time of the year as it's not too hot and it's doesn't rain much. I can imagine walking on some of the slopes being quite dangerous if it's very wet.

Most Inspirational Moment

seeing the wall fro the first time and climbing the crouching tiger

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jerry was fantastic from when we meet till we left nothing was to much trouble and he was always on hand to help.

Advice for Potential Travellers

pack a warm jacket, fleece as at night it did get cold.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views from the wall are stunning particularly those parts which are not developed and staying in the local villages gives a great insight into life in China. The visit to the Terracotta warriors was amazing but as above it was not possible to appreciate this fully because of the crowds.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kevin was fantastic - his leadership skills and knowledge of his country were exceptional! He made it a very special trip! He made changes to the itinerary as necessary including our trip to the Olympic Park.Our leader in Xian was fine but not in the same league as Kevin! He kept the group together well when walking and had a good pace for group walking.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you don't like steps - not the trip for you! Some parts of the wall are quite steep and scrambling is involved. You also need to remember that there can be quite steep climbs up on to the wall. Practise using chop sticks before you go!!! The food is good but very little meat BUT some excellent fresh vegetables!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The first time we climbed up onto the Wall and were able to appreciate its stunning location.

Thoughts on Group Leader

"Jerry" was a top man. Constant good humour. Very knowledgable about the Wall. Loads of laughs had by all.