Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The 'Walk of the Gods' is the most inspirational coast walk that I have done anywhere in the world. Cycling in the Agerola area on a bike borrowed from the hotel was memorable. Drinks on the terrace of a 5 star hotel at Ravello watching an afternoon thunderstorm was a fitting end to the final walk. Herculaneum brings home the human devastation of the Vesuvius eruption.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Suzie was excellent. She worked very hard to make this a special holiday for everyone, and in the evenings socialised with the whole group. Her knowledge of the area is vast, and we frequently benefited from her contacts with local people. She led the walks with consideration for each person's ability and safety.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a walking holiday not to be missed. The balance of walking, sightseeing and leisure is just right. Be prepared for lots of steps both up and down and drink plenty of water on the walks as it can get very hot. A 'Camelbag' type of waterbottle proved very useful.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving in to Santiago with the group, surrounded by other fellow pilgrims.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Saint José, who kept us in wine from Samos to Santiago made the trip that much more enjoyable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

30km is as far, if not further, than it sounds and depending on your experience of walking in hot weather a light walking shoe or robust sandal might be preferable to full boots.

Most Inspirational Moment

Views of Mount Ararat - and Mount Kazbek

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both were very good and a fund of historical and theological knowledge - almost too much to absorb at times I'm afraid! But we had been warned there'd be a lot of churches - and they are a very important part of the history of these countries.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware that the quite appalling roads in Armenia and almost as bad in Georgia will make the journeys by bus from place to place very uncomfortable. We hadn't realised that we would spend so much of each day having our bones shaken to this extent! Anyone with back problems take heed. Make sure you have good footwear - you'll be walking on a lot of very uneven surfaces and some very steep and slippery rocks if you take all the opportunities offered.

Most Inspirational Moment

Camp below Salcantay, seeing the moon set and sun rise over the Andes. Sense of achievement in reaching Macchu Picchu Witnessing, from a safe distance , avalanche on Salcantay. We were at top of pass (5000m) on day three when tis occurred

Thoughts on Group Leader

our leader bobby was very knowledgeable and experienced, showed a real passion for his country and Inca history. he also had a good sense of humour

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have a 4 season sleeping bag or hire one,. camp at Salcantay can be very cold

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking in the Caucasus though I would have preferred to walk up to the church rather than being unable to see much from a bumpy car. Walking down was treat. The Cascade in Yerevan was a real treat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Marina and Anna were well informed. Perhaps it was me but I did not get an answer from either of them when I tried to ask questions, so I gave up asking.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip should really not be labelled moderately strenuous (I am 76!)

Most Inspirational Moment

The visit to Tortuguero with its flowers, wildlife and calm waters, Arenal volcano emerging from the clouds and the thunderstorm in Esquinas were all memorable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gustavo was very friendly, knowledgeable and professional. His experience and advice meant we were able to see things we wouldn't otherwise have seen.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for rain at any time! (advice from Gustavo) Expect your clothes to get creased and crumpled due to the high humidity but be assured there are opportunities to get them washed. Take waterproof footwear, not necessarily walking boots, is an absolute must. Most of the walking is not too strenuous, but be prepared for lots of steps up and down.

Most Inspirational Moment

Waking up each morning with a view of Mt. Blanc and the Bossons Glacier knowing that each day of hiking would bring us through forests, alpine meadows, mountain passes in unparalleled scenery. Paragliding off Aiguille du Midi right up against Mt. Blanc and over the glacier, across the valley, over Chamonix for a perfect landing. At 68 I might not have had the nerve to do this but was encouraged by two young women in the group to do it together and it was one of the most awe inspiring things I have ever done. Thanks Emily and Vickie!!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Simon was a true professional, extremely well organized, eager to share his wealth of knowledge about the area, the trails we were on, even the alpine flowers and animals (Ibex, marmots) that we encountered. He obviously cared deeply that everyone was safe and comfortable each day of the hike and went out of his way to be with the group, sharing amazing stories and bringing fun and laughter to us all. You could not ask for a better leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are used to hiking up and down mountains before you go. Also not everyone will get the perfect weather our group had so make sure you have appropriate gear for rain and cold. Spend your day off paragliding off the Aiguille du Midi - YOLO!

Most Inspirational Moment

When I climbed the 4215m summit on day 2 with the help of fellow group members who egged me on

Thoughts on Group Leader

Knowledgeable, considerate and funny. Can do with a bit of training on handling issues

Advice for Potential Travellers

1. If you have special dietary requirements, make sure this is passed onto the airlines, too by Exodus. I was taken care of during the trek but flights each way didn't cater to my special diet and it being long haul ones, it wasn't nice to live on cheese& crackers and salads 2. As a group, I'd suggest not to take the Sacred Valley Tour the next day of landing in Cusco. It seemed like a good idea but by evening everyone had a headache, couldn't eat propery and some were nauseous. This creates a general concern on being fit for the trek that starts the next day.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking up the hill behind Kotor old town for views of the bay. Zabljek mountain scenery in Montenegro was beautiful. Sarajevo fascinating. Mostar stunning - go up the minaret in the mosque for best view. Dubrovnik was a nice end to the trip, try and walk around the city walls before dinner, only takes 50 minutes.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mustafa was excellent, and we were lucky to have Evelin as a second guide, he will be taking the tour in future. Both passionate about Bosnia and good fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Watch the biting bugs in Mostar if you are near the river. Do those little extra walks/climbs for worthwhile views.

Most Inspirational Moment

The day trip to the island of Mljet was brilliant, clear blue waters to swim in and quiet cycling

Thoughts on Group Leader

Krsto was knowledgeable and kept us laughing with a great sense of humour