Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole trip was incredible. Apart from the listed itinerary we were treated to 3 experiences (humming bird garden, crocodile and bird watching boat trip, and the stone spheres at Fina 6) which we were not included by Exodus but were suggested by our guide Edwin, All three were and amazing additions to our holiday. Thrilling moment was seeing several quetzels but I was also delighted by how close we got to wild life in general.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Edwin was inspiring. His enthusiasm for Costa Rica was so apparent and the knowledge of the country he passed on to me was exceptional. He was also a very caring and considerate group leader sensitive to our needs and safety He was consistently courteous and was an excellent conversationalist, his knowledge of the English language is amazing and he was always keen to learn new words or phrases often with good humour and laughter resulting in a really fun time. I have very happy memories of both Costa Rica and Edwin, and thank him for additions to trip (see above).N

Advice for Potential Travellers

No, the trip notes covered the holiday. My only major problem was with Houston airport. My husband and I were taken aside, our travel documents taken by a very stern American and with no explanation we were instructed to sit down. After about half an hour he appeared with our suitcases that had been extracted from all the luggage being transferrred directly from our UK / Houston flight to the Houston / San Jose flight. he then went though our luggage. This delay (with no explantion) meant we then had to race for our connecting flight. I do not want to fly via USA again.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Angkor Temples - despite seeing lots of documentaries/films/etc about them, the size of the complex still takes your breath away. Best cycling days - The cycle from Siem Riep to Banteay Srei with lots of interesting villages on the way. And the winding narrow paths in the Mekong delta on the last day of Vietnam cycling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rit never stopped smiling :-) He had a very good knowledge of all three countries, was always helpful & very enthusiastic about cycling. The local cycling teams were great too. Tiet in Vietnam deserves a special comment for his very interesting overview of his country's history.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you haven't been to Bangkok before, book an extra day to explore the city. Unless you have special dietary requests, no need to bring own snacks - these were plenty in all three countries. Do bring a "temple dress" though - needs to cover your shoulders and knees - for the day you're cycling in the Angkor. Pack some cycling gear in your hand luggage. Some of us lost our luggage on the way there and didn't get it until the evening of the day 2 cycling.

Most Inspirational Moment

Halong Bay, the home stay in the Mekong Delta and our 3 day stay in Hoi An were all very special

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader Bien Tran was exceptional- he always went above and beyond what we expected and nothing was ever too much trouble and he was incredibly knowledgeable

Most Inspirational Moment

Feeling the heat from the fumerols in the crater on Vesuvius. The views from the top of Vesuvius Walking in the sunshine up the valley of the paper mills in Amalfi

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good, excellent local knowledge, warm friendly manner with out fuss. Constantly keeping an eye on the needs of the whole group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

When the trip notes say STEPS, they mean steps in abundance. If your knees are a bit 'iffy' take poles. According to Christina 'every thing is do able' .Just take it at your own pace. This is allowed.

Most Inspirational Moment

How many inspirations can one have on a holiday? There were many for me, I loved seeing the diversity of the land, the cities were chaotic and crossing the roads a hazard but what vibrant and different places they were. The people of Vietnam were friendly and their children were an absolute delight, running out onto the edge of the road in the country areas calling 'hello' whenever they saw us cycling. They were our inspiration during the tough cycling times and their enthusiasm, openness and joy in calling was quite infectious to our own happiness.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lam our group leader was the best! He made a special connection with each of us and was constantly positive, happy and so very knowledgeable. He made our holiday into the best we could have wished for.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We gave ourselves two nights in Saigon before the actual tour and we enjoyed that. Also cycling fitness helps to make the trip an even happier and enjoyable one.

Most Inspirational Moment

Personally, standing on top of Mount Nebo looking out over the wilderness the Israelites had to negotiate on their way out from Egypt. The sites at Jerash and Little Petra were also so much more than expected - and, of course Petra itself was amazing. The mountain ranges are awesome - so vast - and it felt like stepping back in time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Remember that Jordan is a "dry" country so be prepared to pay high prices for alcohol when it is available. Good walking shoes with grip soles are necessary for Petra especially if you intend to do the "High Places" walk on day 2 (for which you need a reasonable head for heights as well as a good fitness level). I think we walked about 9 miles on day 1 in Petra. The cost of Petra by night was 17 dinar not 12 as stated in trip notes - this is quite expensive for what it is but a nice experience all the same. Don't expect much by way of "local entertainment" during the evening there. Go down a bit later than advertised and you will get a lovely quiet walk down to the site otherwise you will be walking with dozens of others and the atmosphere is lost. A packed lunch was organised for us on day 1 in Petra - us ladies certainly only needed half of it so just order 1 between 2. Save space in your luggage and don't take a towel - you can get one at the Dead Sea and on the Red Sea boats. Don't expect to be in a remote/totally natural place at the Dead Sea. You access the beach through a commercialised pool area which you can then use after your dip. Use insect repellent if you intend to sleep out at Wadi Rum - I was bitten 14 times on my face alone. Most of us didn't bother with sleeping bags although we weren't offered any at the camp. Plenty of layers and 2 thick blankets (provided) were adequate. Star watching isn't that great - there is light pollution from the camp which has lights on all night. Better viewing from home actually. Don't expect to be miles from anywhere at Wadi Rum - it only took minutes to drive back to the bus in the morning. Eating out in Jordan is not "cheap" as in other Middle Eastern countries so you will need spending money as recommended to cover this.

Most Inspirational Moment

No one thing, but of course the size and grandeur of Angkor Watt which was amazing. Then on a totally different scale, the Genocide Museum, which was hard to visit and accept, but had to be done. Throughout the trip the Cambodian people were smiling and welcoming.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pheap was an excellent guide and leader. Always available with a smile, lots of information and of course his singing voice, a song for every city we visited! He is an asset to Exodus. Every time we left or returned to the coach we were offered drinking water. It was lovely when we stopped at roadside markets etc and he would buy things for us to taste, some with more success than others!

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is quite busy, although there is a free day. Some of our group then did a waterfall/trek, while others took a boat trip to a "tropical" island. The journey there and back took over 2 hours each way, and although the island and the lunch we ate there was lovely, we didn't enjoy the visit of sand flies. Many of us got bitten very badly. The food throughout was varied and tasty, we loved the bargain priced cocktails, especially at happy hour. The hotels were all very acceptable and the excellent wi fi connection was a welcome surprise.

Most Inspirational Moment

Crossing the Continental Divide and stopping on the summit to experience the Trade Winds. How far do you dare to lean without falling ? Look right and you see the Caribbean side of the country, look left and there's the Pacific side. Visit the Hummingbird Farm at Antonio Manuel National Park, there is no possible way you could leave without a huge smile on your face. Ziiiippp, slurp, ziiiippp.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Group Leader was Edwin and our bus driver was Michael. Great guys - many thanks for looking after us and showing us your country with obvious passion.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some advice (i) Book this trip (ii) Packing list combination of optional + essential items is fairly accurate but dump the brolly, take hiking shoes (don't really need boots), zip-off hiking trousers/shorts, one warm up layer only (fleece or jumper), maybe some clothes washing powder/ liquid and make sure your camera has good telephoto lens for birds/animal photos, at least 250MM for SLR or 6x zoom for digital (10x better) (iii) check out flight options to avoid US Immigration, travelling from London to San Jose on Iberia via Madrid seems a better route and arrival time.

Most Inspirational Moment

The visit to the killing fields was awe inspiring and the visit to the war museum in Saigon equally memorable however I think getting up at 04.00 to go and watch the sun rise over Ankor Watt ......I will never forget

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was so kind and thoughtful to the needs of all the group. He had the patience of a saint as we had one, and there is always one, who would test anyone, yet he treated him with respect and patience where as I and others would have sent him in the opposite direction several times!!!!!! His local knowledge was fascinating and he really loved his job which was evident throughout the trip. Therefore we were so sad to say goodbye when the trip was over. Other guides form other countries when meeting him you could see their respect for him. Rik is a gem if you get him you will have a fab time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Advice for others considering this trip I would say go for it. I am 3 months off 60 with little or no training done for this trip however I can cycle a road bike so the transition to mountain bike was no problem. Just check the size of your frame before you set off as I was given a large frame I am 5ft 3ins!!! It took me 2 days to realise I had the wrong size of bike!!!! The food you will enjoy is outstanding as your guide will bring you to local restaurants. The local knowledge each guide has and their enthusiam is 10 out of 10. You feel safe and privileged to see the local villages and people. Bring american dollars rather than the local currency.

Most Inspirational Moment

I particularly enjoyed the Walk of the Gods, and the descent to Amalfi was memorable, probably for the 2000 steps!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Paul was very sociable and enthusiastic. He talked us through all of the walks beforehand, and had excellent local knowledge. He judged the pace of the walks very well, so no one was left behind, and chose some beautiful picnic spots.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to exert yourself - the rewards are worth it, and as several of my fellow travellers have said, expect lots and lots of steps! Good boots and hiking poles are a great help.