Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting in the Case de la Trova in Trinidad listening to the band - youngest member 50, oldest 88 - playing music with love, passion and commitment. We danced the chachacha and drank rum cocktails. Yes, before noon, but who cares? This is Cuba, this is where the music lives.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ray was a total and utter star. Probably the best leader I've ever had. Charming, funny, knowledgeable, organised, responsive to the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Change money at the airport, but there are ATMs in Trinidad and Havana, and maybe more if I'd looked. It's easier than I thought to get money. No need to worry about saving $25 for departure tax either, it's included in your ticket. Read up on Cuban history before you come.

Most Inspirational Moment

The bear-watching was pretty special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This holiday will be fine for anyone who does some walking back at home. There are a couple of longer days but nothing particularly difficult. The weather up on the mountains can turn on a sixpence so I recommend you take waterproofs. Most of our party had poles but I'm not sure they were really necessary.

Most Inspirational Moment

Of course Machu Picchu, but also the visit to Colca Canyon, we waited about an hour for the Condors to rise but only had a few sightings, as we were ready to board the coach to leave they all came up and gave the most fantastic display, the sight of huge Condors flying just over our heads will stay with me forever.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader was Alex, if you book this tour and get Alex.....lucky you, he's the best!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book only with Exodus

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many with one highlight following another! The Nazca Lines, especially from the light aircraft. Only by being at Machu Pichu is it possible to appreciate the true scale of the site and surroundings. Photos can never do it full justice! The homestay on Lake Titicaca and the condors over the Colca Canyon as well as the stunning scenery were also truly inspirational.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Aleks was a brilliant group leader. His meticulous organisation, flexibility, good humour and patience meant that all aspects of the trip went smoothly. He gave sound advice on dealing with the altitude, especially as he suffered himself from the effects to some extent. Unfortunately, a few of the group suffered the usual travellers sickness, common on a trip like this, but Aleks was always there to help. He even assisted in changing a bus wheel when we discovered we had a flat tyre!! A really first class leader and if you get Aleks, you will be very lucky indeed!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes very carefully. They are very detailed and contain much useful information about the country and the kit you will need for the various parts of the itinerary. This is a "full on" trip with many early starts and long drives but necessary to cover the itinerary and more than compensated for by the sites and the ever changing, stunning scenery

Most Inspirational Moment

I doubt I'd describe any moment as "inspirational;" it was overall just a pleasant experience. I did like meeting other pilgrims, some of whom were walking the Camino alone. It is obvious that the experiences they were having were much richer and perhaps more inspirational than can be had trekking with a group.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I can only give Jose the highest praise. He was fun, informed, sociable, and very concerned about the welfare of his group. I fell (in a cafe, not on the Camino !!!) and broke my pelvis four days into the walk, and although there was nothing to be done but to drop out and rest, he did his best to see to my comfort for the rest of the tour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This walk is not particularly difficult, but the pace is quite fast, and there really isn't time to stop for short periods to savor the gorgeous views or to take photographs. The tour is rated "moderate" and asks for a"reasonable degree of fitness". Such wording is a bit too vague. I am over 70 and am very fit for my age, but as I said, I was a slower walker than most people in the group and always felt a little pushed to increase my pace.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing a view of Matera for the first time

Thoughts on Group Leader

Angelo was brilliant. Clearly passionate about the area he was leading us around and very knowledgeable. He arranged some fantastic picnics and thought of everything. He took us to some lovely restaurants and tried to make sure we had opportunities to try local foods and drinks. He was also a really approachable and helpful leader and had a great sense of humour. I would certainly go on another trip if Angelo was leading.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a wonderful holiday, embrace the scenary, food and the wine! Make sure you have a hat - walking on some of the days, it was very hot and there was no shade.

Most Inspirational Moment

Dubrovnik

Thoughts on Group Leader

Are group leader was wonderful. His knowledge and enthusiasm mixed with humor and patience was impressive. His command of the English language made it possible for our group to experience Croatia with a master.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to ride a mountain bike on road as well as rough terrain.

Most Inspirational Moment

I really enjoyed the high atlas mountains and the chance to mix with the Berber villagers. We sat and had tea and homemade almond cake with a one lady whilst we found out more about her culture and daily lives, and she found out about ours. It was full of laughs and interesting information. Further to this we also learnt a lot from our guide and visited a local school. At the school, we treated (well this is debatable) the kids to a rendition of Ba Ba Black sheep and they sung us a beautiful Arabic song. The Camel ride was also fun although you prob will get camel saws! ha. Star gazing in the Sahara was also a highlight for me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Knowledgeable and had a passion for his country that was contagious.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You will be staying at a different place most nights so be prepared for this. I have traveled before and so was used to being on the go and also taking in the long drives (to be honest the longest is six hours) there are also lots of breaks and different photo opportunities. But it is something to be aware of. Also, if you are veggie, options are limited for most of the trip. I mean I do like Omelet but really is that or tagine until the last two nights. So perhaps bring some extra snackage I would say - Embrace everything and go with the flow.

Most Inspirational Moment

Biking through the ancient walls.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The first 2 days of biking are challenging.

Most Inspirational Moment

There is no guarantee that you will see a volcanic eruption, but we were very lucky. We saw the Etna erupting. Alessandro took us on an extra evening hike because he knew she was erupting. For me it was the best night of the entire trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide, Alessandro Vianni is a great guy. He was very enthusiastic about HIS islands. He knew and told us so much about the history, geology and of course his passion with volcanoes.