Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Early June was a great time to go (green landscapes and some lavender/sunflowers) not too hot for comfortable walking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yuves was a perfect, very experienced tour manager/walking guide - well organised, great knowledge of the routes and local history. He was very conscious of peoples' differing abilities and client safety. As well as the expected walks, Yuves frequently 'went the extra mile' by introducing to some 'extra' beautiful villages. (On one day, when I left my walking pole behind he insisted on walking back some distance to retrieve it for me!) Because of his friendliness, great sense of humor and efficiency he is my nomination for 'Tour Manager of the Year'.

Most Inspirational Moment

On the final day, after an extremely steep climb, celebrating at the top of a pass with fantastic views. Finally getting a good look at marmots that we'd heard alarm-calling all week. Floating silently down a mountain in a chair lift - magical! Often, if we stopped and looked back, we could see our impressive path for miles behind. We regularly felt a sense of real pride as we realised what we had achieved.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We did not walk with Lizz's group, but she was extremely helpful, friendly and organised regarding other aspects of the holiday. We have had Albert as Group Leader on a previous trip (Espedalen, cross-country skiing) and we were delighted to discover that he was leading us again. His laid-back style engenders a really nice atmosphere in a group and he has the knack of making you work just hard enough to feel achievement without feeling pushed too hard. His selection of routes was surprisingly varied and we would love to have him leading us on future trips.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take walking poles. There were lots of long, steep descents and poles really help take the strain off knees. Take a backpack hydration system. It can be hot, hard work and regular sips of water as you go along are much better than waiting until the stops and then drinking loads. Prepare for the holiday by improving your fitness as much as you can.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through the villages and towns always places you nearer the local people and their cultures, but the scenery made the trip for me personally. Visiting the beaches and the salt pools added to the variety of the Mediterranean countryside and a stop for photos of Sardinia's flamingos was always going to be a treat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mikele and Giovanni were very caring and attentive to our needs and worked hard to ensure the whole group were together at important points/ junctions. Their local knowledge was extremely comprehensive and this added to the whole trip. We have to especially thank them for their thoughtfulness towards ensuring that those with special diets were catered for.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If it wasn't for the fact that there is so much to see and do in the world I would do it again. If you are thinking about doing it and it all seems within your range, then do it! You will not be disappointed and the coastal scenery in June is beautifully colourful. Be mindful of looking after yourself in the sun( although it wasn't overpoweringly hot ) and you will enjoy the company of like-minded cyclists.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery,it was breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Karl Mather was brilliant!! His leadership skills were excellent,his knowledge of the area was second nature.He was very interesting and made our holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book this trip with Karl,you will have a great ,interesting trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

A fresh understanding of a different culture was a highlight as well as the mental and physical challenge of the cycling, which I am new to.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lam was a star. Very organised and always cheerfully encouraging. He also had great support team who worked hard and made every step easy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Even though the trip is described as moderate, you will enjoy it more if you do a bit of training. I cycled for an hour, including hills, 3 days a week for a month before departure and that was a big help. Seasonal temperatures play a big part in energy levels also. Next trip will definitely be in spring or autumn. The 10km hill climb on day 10 was a killer in July heat. Check with Exodus contacts regarding equipment needed. We did not need sleeping sheets or torches but a little handle bar bag would have been useful for camera, money etc, rather than the heat of a backpack.

Most Inspirational Moment

Summit of Pena Main, summit of Mancondiu, Cares Gorge

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lovely chap. Always helpful. Full of enthusiasm. Handled a difficult situation well. Could have a career in meterology.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Itinerary subject to change with weather

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving at a col each day at just under 3000 metres after a long, hard ascent and the stunning blue sky views that awaited us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

As a result of Simon's background he was a fast paced, no-nonsense leader which, on occasions, was necessary due to the challenging/tough nature of this trek. However, a slightly slower pace to meet the total group needs might have been more appropriate as those who were at the back every day struggled to keep up and we had to keep waiting for them to catch up. Conversely, you really need to be a good and very fit mountain walker to get the best out of this trek.

Advice for Potential Travellers

On your first day off at Les Bossons, Chamonix (the warm-up day), do the ascent and descent from the campsite to the Refuge de Bellachat at altitude 2152 metres. This will give you a good feel for what the daily ascents and descents are like, whilst warming you up nicely for what is in store most days. If you make it, try the delicious omelettes at the Refuge and the views are also very stunning. For the huts and auberge take a head torch with a red light so as not to wake people up with a bright LED and also ear plugs. You only need to take a sleeping bag liner in your day pack and no flip-flops for the huts as croc shoes are provided. You will need to take a towel and soap etc as you can have a shower in the Mountain Huts at a cost of 5 Francs and they are free in the auberge. The long descents can be very arduous on your knees - definitely take and use two poles.

Most Inspirational Moment

Traversing the Cols between different countries on the trek - Plus the transportation on the cable cars both within the package and as an optional trip on 'rest days'.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lotte was superb. Very pleasant and supportive to all group members. Managed the timings seamlessly and made adjustments to the route to suit the group and make it even more enjoyable. Ably supported by Charlie.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Consider a single tent and dont expect to loose weight even allowing for the long days walking - In my opinion there is no need to take/consume extra 'energy' snacks etc

Most Inspirational Moment

Making it to the end! Whilst I never got on the support vehicle, I did walk up a few hills.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dana, our leader was fabulous, well organised and kept everyone going at a good pace. Had great local knowledge and history on the areas as well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Day 2 and 3 cycling have a few hills and I found the hardest. It's a fair amount of cycling everyday so do some training before you go!

Most Inspirational Moment

the summit reaching 5895m and watching the sunrise over the Kenyan border around 5am

Thoughts on Group Leader

Florence and his team of guides were amazing. all 9 of my group made it to the summit. Positive motivation, experience, mental attitude, care and pole pole helped us all to the summit.

Advice for Potential Travellers

a hand brush or flannel to help washing time and dust! a shewee is a big help and lots of layers.