Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

our tour leader Dilshod who was unfailingly cheerful, knowledgeable, efficient, tactful etc etc., one of the finest of many trips (50+) but the country is revelatory, relieved of Soviet domination, apparently thriving (natural gas) and happy (although we went off route, deliberately, in Tashkent and walked through districts which had never seen a tourist, a total difference to the sanitised "open" areas, and the cleanliness of the streets was an object lesson)) the "heritage" is spectacular, the most wondrous monuments, heavily restored to almost too spick and span mode creature comforts adequate, the hotels varied from the Soviet in Tashkent to boutique style in Bokhara to less than modest in Samarkand; acceptable, never less than so but never more, always hot water but lacking in individuality or recommendation food very samey, excellent salads for those who dared (the markets were most impressive in the wealth and depth of produce), ; 75%+ suffered from intestinal hurry; those of we lucky who eat off the streets were happily spared

Thoughts on Group Leader

brilliant

Advice for Potential Travellers

go go go

Most Inspirational Moment

The final day's walk - a circular walk from the hotel which gives you fantastic views across the valley back to Berchules. Although it is the most taxing walk, it is not too much hard work and it is worth it for the views from the other side of the valley.

Thoughts on Group Leader

George has a passion for the local area and his knowledge is second to none given he has lived in the area for over ten years. He was also very good at making sure people of mixed abilities were catered for on all the walks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The afternoon in Granada was very rushed, just too much to try and fit in. Therefore, if you are thinking of extending your holiday I would recommend an extra night or two in Granada for sightseeing.

Most Inspirational Moment

The moment in the bear hide when we saw the first bears appear into the clearing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Udo was our group leader. He was friendly, approachable and his local knowledge which he was only too willing to impart was excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Listen to your leader! They are the experts. Be prepared for lots of walking over sometimes challenging terrain. It is a mountain area so obviously there is a lot of up and down on rocky ground so make sure you have appropriate footwear.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views when we reached the summits of our climbs

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was great very informative but she always had our safety in minds

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was laid back, which was good. He was interesting and informative. He did not need to eat through the day so he didn't think we needed to!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure you have lunch about your person. The days are long, either in the coach or on the various sightseeing trips.

Most Inspirational Moment

More like highlights, of which there were many. The walk up to the Tiger's Nest Monastery. An out of programme trip organised by our leaders to visit the beautiful dzong in Punakha together with an impromptu visit to a local festival in Wangdue Phodrang. Stories of the Divine Madman and seeing phalluses painted all over the houses which are a sign of good luck here. Watching boy monks dancing in costume inside their dzong. Assisting in a ceremony inside one of the temples. Watching the festival in Thimpu and observing the locals dressed in their best ceremonial clothes, and more mundane things - but not least important! - like hot water bottles at night on trek, solar lamps, delicious pizza and cake made by the camp chef.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Norbu and Karma were excellent leaders. Both were well organised and took great care of the group. Karma took care of the monastic/temples side of the trip explaining everything about the Buddhist religion, whilst Norbu told us more about the politics, royal family and social/environmental structure of the country and how they are striving to get it all right. Both were complimentary to each other. Karma fell over backwards to try and keep us happy......during the rain! He even washed our muddy boots in the river at the end of the trek!

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is NOT a trek for BEGINNERS. The altitude is something to be taken seriously (over 4000mts asl) and also physical fitness is an absolute must. Trekking, albeit the foothills, in the Himalayas is hard on the body. However, if you are used to hill walking , you will love it.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many unforgettable events on this trip! But, some of my favourite times were the coastal drives drives, swimming in the Mediterannean and enjoying lovely, long evening dinners with our travelling companions.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I could not say enough wonderful things about our group leader Thomas. Attentive, knowledgable and engaging! Our 2 accompanying drivers, both named Guiseppe, were also terrific.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Cycling in Sicily is classified as a 'moderate' level. I would suggest that it is leaning towards challenging, due to the regular steepness of hills. I am a regular cyclist and am comfortable with distances, however, my experience was for the most part on flat roads. I thought this would put me into a 'moderate' category but, I was incorrect. I would make sure that you are comfortable with long, very steep climbs if you are considering this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Most inspirational moment was watching the sunset in Dubrovnik from the top of the cable car Also need to mention the island of Mljet, enjoyed the hike to the fire station - what an incredible view and the swim in the lakes - so peaceful and refreshing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader Marko was outstanding, always had a smile and very enthusiastic about his country. Helpful in providing options and supportive to those who required additional assistance. The local guides where very knowledgeable during the city tours and provided excellent advice on places to eat.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take the advice of the group leader and local guides, they help make the best of your time. Go early to the Old Town's you will have the place almost to yourself Stay longer and do a few other tours on your own

Most Inspirational Moment

Skiing down the ash sands on the side of Etna. Watching the Lava eruptions at night on the top of Stromboli and yes we saw a Lava lake when the wind changed and the smoke drifted away. Lipari was a lovely relaxed island a far cry from the Chaos of the mainland

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great leader, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about his country and surrounding area

Advice for Potential Travellers

Gaters worked really well with Ash descents. And don't be like me and forget the Mozzie repellant; it might be Sicily, but the little critters can bite

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing flocks of large fruit bats flying across the moon-lit sky over Kandy Seeing huge black rat snake in bamboo-grove at Kandy botanical gardens Seeing bear-faced monkeys leaping through Palm trees Seeing buddhas in Dambulla stone temple and at Polunnaruwa Delicious Sri Lankan food three times a day Very friendly smiling Sri-lankan people

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh* was a cycle-tour guide Who took British guests for a ride. He was everyone's friend; We got there in the end And best of all, nobody died! He gave us all good advice Bought elephants at the right price; Each restaurant and bar Was the best one so far For Lion-lager, curry and rice! He asked for two minutes of time He gave soda-water and lime; And "max damage" at meals; Now everyone feels He's the Exodus leader sublime! *Suresh Bandara won the Exodus Leader of the Year award recently and having just had him as our leader it is easy to see why.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You dont need to take your own snacks as masses of food and snacks are provided Walking round Kandy city centre is a bit of a waste of time. Better way to spend the Kandy day is in the botanical gardens. train ride from Kandy to Nuriwa Eliya is good alternative to very hard uphill, but train is very crowded on Saturdays - so if you know you are going to go on train try to book first class observation carriage in advance otherwise you will probably be standing for 4 hours in second class Try to fit in a surfing lesson/session near Kobbala beach - looks fun