Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

1. On the last but one morning Gio gave us the opportunity to go Quetzal spotting. We met at 5.15 am and WOW was it worth it. I think that they put on a display specially for us ( or maybe the quetzals had heard that Gerado - our driver - had threatened to dress up in his quetzal outfit if the real thing didn't appear!!) 2. Walking down to the waterfall at La Fortuna and swimming in the pool at the bottom A-MAZE-ING. 3. Being with the group - definitely added to the enjoyment 100%

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gio was ace. We haven't done group trips before but can't imagine anyone better. He stuck a perfect balance between friendliness and professionalism. We knew exactly what time to be everywhere, what to wear, what to bring with us etc. He is a brilliant bird spotter - sharing my passion - and found stuff we would never have seen on our own. Also he made sure that I was well catered for food wise as I am vegetarian. He is very knowledgeable about his beautiful country and shared that with us. Word must also be given to our brilliant driver Gerado. He did a great job.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We flew via the states - 5 hour wait in NY on the way - all perfectly smooth but very long day. Take Imodium and Dioralyte with you just in case. You need to be careful with hand washing etc. but don't let it put you off. You won't starve in CR but don't expect haute cuisine. It's fine for vegetarians. Just take US dollars - they give you change in Colones ( local currency) but all transparent and everyone seemed honest. You spend quite a lot of time on the ( comfortable AC ) coach. Just relax and enjoy the scenery or snooze.

Most Inspirational Moment

We particularly enjoyed the boat trip to and inside Tortuguero National Park, there is lots of wildlife to see in its peaceful surroundings. The short visits to the primary school and the local farm also gave a good insight into local people and life styles. The short walks in the Rain & Cloud Forests were also magical.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Gio Madrigal, was top rate. His enthusiasm, local knowledge & wildlife expertise were second to none. We have been on many Exodus trips and Gio is certainly one of the best.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of Imodium and hydration salts as almost all of our group suffered with "The Runs" at some stage (but it did not spoil the trip). The Rain Forests are very hot & humid so take plastic / waterproof bags to keep your clothes dry. It's not necessary to take local currency as American Dollars are accepted everywhere. The prices overall are about the same as the UK so don't expect it to be cheap. We took walking poles but found them unnecessary.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably Vesuvius, realising the size of the 79 AD eruption. Also being on top and looking down!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Very professional, very well organised, very supportive without being intrusive.

Advice for Potential Travellers

TRY EXODUS!

Most Inspirational Moment

Making contact with my relatives in Lithuania for the 1st time, and then meeting up them after the cycling tour was over and having a fantastic time with my uncle, aunts, cousins and their kids.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Probably covered it in my summary

Most Inspirational Moment

A delicious home cooked meal and pasta making demonstration at a traditional farmhouse near Alberobello was a fantastic experience. Wine tasting on a rooftop with views over the trulli houses was also great.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marinella was a fantastic guide. Well organised, patient and very diplomatic. Together with Giuseppe they were enthusiastic and great fun throughout the week.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I travelled in April and although the days were warm, evenings could be deceptively cool! Be prepared for lots of (wonderful) food.....

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking along the raised aqueduct through the countryside on a beautiful sunny day with wild flowers on either side

Thoughts on Group Leader

She was excellent. Friendly, amusing, full of genuine enthusiasm and knowledge about the towns and countryside and food.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our leader was fantastic. We had someone is our group fall and badly sprain their ankle, a few miles from any accessible road, he carried her on his back and arranged transport to the hospital and still managed to get the rest of us to our destination in time. Patience, kind and caring.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Amazing man. Knowledgeable, patience, kind, understanding. He couldn't do enough for us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book a trip with Exodus now! The trip note are only a highlight of what you get from a holiday with them. There are surprises and treats when you least expect it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Husky Dog Sledding was voted most inspirational by our family. Our 7 year old got really attached to one of the beautiful huskies called Hamara! It was wonderful morning, so very peaceful sledding through the forest. Our 11 year old daughter voted for downhill skiing in Ruka, which she had not done before. After just one lesson in Ruka, she was ready to go! Cross country skiing was thoroughly enjoyed by all of us, especially as it is so accessible from Basecamp. You just pop on the shoes, grab the skis and poles and off you go, across the lake or through the forest for a challenge! Last but not least, we thoroughly enjoyed the fun of snow-shoeing and did a little hike through the National Park on a free afternoon. It was incredibly serene.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hanna was an exceptional group leader. She is very genuine person, kind, friendly, fun, really great with the children. She was also extremely hardworking, taking care to meet the different requests of the group. She made the holiday very special indeed. We loved her interaction with the children and our girls especially loved the afternoon of Kids activities while parents were free to roam! Their favourite activity was the sledge train, which Hanna led! she introduced us to some great games, including Dobble!

Advice for Potential Travellers

We enjoyed going later in the season at Easter time. The weather was good - it varied between about -4 and +4 degrees C and it was light from the morning through till 8pm ish, which meant our days were longer and the children never complained of being cold. All the kit provided is perfect, in good condition and there really is no need to take your own! Do take sunglasses though, the sun is bright against the snow! Basecamp Oulanka is happily in the middle of nowhere, it is very unspoiled.

Most Inspirational Moment

Matera was a unique and fascinating place to stay.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I have been on walking holidays in the past and Marinella was the best group leader yet, very friendly, helpful and with lots of local knowledge and contacts which all made for a fantastic and authentic holiday experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

I had the privilege to snorkel with some of the most beautiful biodiverse creatures in the world including whale sharks, manta rays and sea turtles which were each awe inspiring and magical. I also had the pleasure of scuba diving for the first time in my life which is an experience I will never forget.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kamey was a good leader and certainly knew a lot of information about the areas we visited. He enjoyed having fun with the group and worked well with the ships crew to ensure all needs were met. Kamey is a confident swimmer, snorkeler and diver, so you are in safe hands!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The Felicity has a generator that runs throughout the day and night, if you are a light sleeper or if noise disrupts your sleep then I would advise ear plugs for this trip. Plugs in the cabins are English (or at least it was in my cabin). Snorkel equipment and fins are provided so you don't necessarily need to purchase your own. Some of the group were cold at night due to the air conditioning/fan, therefore it might be worth packing a blanket. Alternatively you can turn the air con or fan off. Beach towels and bathroom towels are provided. Beware of stormy weather - its tropical and it happens! The sun is very strong in the Maldives, take a t-shirt to swim in. I ended up wearing more clothes swimming than when I was on the boat! Take a spare pair of socks - if your fins start to rub your toes (like mine did) just snorkel with socks on :) Underwater camera is a must if you wish to take unforgettable shots! Factor 50 sun cream is recommended but its up to you. I used 30 and crisped up too much and too easily. You need to be confident in the water. You are not swimming in a milk pond, there are currents and you can spend a couple of hours in the water at a time. The water is warm day and night, even in rain. Evenings are warm and pleasant I was unsure if I would need a wrap in case the temperature dropped. It didn't drop much and was nice after a hot day.