Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

It was fantastic cycling through Cuba rather than sitting on a bus. There was so much time to enjoy the peace and quiet of the quiet roads, fully appreciate the scenery and make lots of stops at road side stalls for refreshments. Trinidad was a beautiful town with lots of great photo opportunities. The history of Cuba was fascinating and, having never visited this part of the world before, it was great to experience the music and feel the salsa beat! Staying in the Casa in Trinidad was a great experience and one that I would highly recommend.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide, Yuri, had a quirky sense of humour and managed our large group of 18 people very well. He was full of information about Cuba and suggested some really nice restaurants to go to on the days when food was not included.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I took quite a lot of snacks, but found that I did not need them. Food was plentiful and the portions large, so I ended up giving most of my food to our guide. Definitely take loads of biros and soap to give to local people, hotel chambermaids etc. as they really appreciate it. Our guide wanted any medicines that we had too, especially paracetamol, and also sun cream, so it would be worth taking spare with you to give to your guide. The cycling was reasonably leisurely, although the hills, when they came, were killers! I cycled in trail shoes and others in my group just in sandals, and both were fine. I would definitely recommend taking a gel saddle and padded cycling shorts-I am so glad that I had both! People are not joking when they say Havana immigration is lengthy-it took me two and a half hours to get through! Make sure you have plenty of water (as it was very hot in the arrivals hall), snacks, a book and a whole lot of patience!!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Definitely the hot air balloon ride. Be prepared for an early morning start (4:45am) but it is well worth it. So quiet and smooth and amazing to drift over the valley and at one point to sail just a few feet above a local hotel's swimming pool!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zafer is an extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guide. He took us to many additional ancient sites that were not on the itinerary. He made sure our group dinners were in local restaurants which allowed us to eat very well, mix with the local people and the meals were always at a lower cost than in the hotels. He often treated us to some Turkish sweets. I was glad to have him as our tour leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some long bus rides. Always have bottled water with you. September/October the weather is iffy so layer clothing. Some of the ancient sites are on the top of a hill - so there are long uneven pathways to hike up. CATS! Hundreds of them. All strays and very hungry especially in the smaller towns. So be prepared to eat lunch and/or dinner and have at least two little faces looking up at you hoping for a handout.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching wildlife while sipping on red wine at the floodlit waterhole in Etosha. Sandboarding in Swakopmund. Climbing up the sand dune at dawn.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sven was great leader. Very good local knowledge both in terms of culture and wildlife. And his sidekicks Rocky and Jonas were brilliant too in keeping us well fed during the rides and while camping. A special thanks from my partner, who is on a restricted diet (gluten & dairy allergy). He was very well catered for during the whole trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I'm a coffee addict and thanks to reading a previous review I took my own fresh coffee with me (with a travel cafetiere mug). It made all the difference on early morning breakfasts on campsites. Most of the cycling is on bumpy gravel roads so take your own saddle or saddle cover unless you're a seasoned mountain biker used to it.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many I could mention..... but the major one was the breathtaking balloon ride at sunrise - yes,expensive but an experience that should not be missed as it will live in your memory forever. Despite the initial weather glitch of early morning fog which meant no balloons went up that morning, after much effort by Zafer who knew how keen we were to go up, the flight took place the next morning - truly amazing. I also loved the relaxed atmosphere of Fethiye in a great hotel by the beautiful marina. The stunning white cascades of Pamukkale were another unique sight followed by evening shopping and dining amongst the locals in the nearby town.

Thoughts on Group Leader

After many Exodus trips I can truly say that Zafer put in more effort than anyone else in the past to ensure that our trip was everything we wanted it to be. Everyday he was very clear about the proposed itinerary and kept us updated enroute with information (something that has been lacking on previous trips) he had the patience of a saint and a great sense of humour. The long journeys were interspersed with plenty of information about the areas were were travelling through and unscheduled stops at places of interest along the way - the Sultanhanı Kervansarayı was a wonderful historic place and a fascinating mosque with wooden pillars - the only one of its kind. Zafer was archaeological graduate who provided sufficient information on sites but never bored us and always had fascinating historic stories to tell. He gave 100% and even gave us the option of being taken to Ölüdeniz and Kayaköy on his day off! Nothing was ever a problem or too much effort and he provided us with various great dining options and experiences which were always to out advantage - wonderful sunset from the hill town of Assos is a great memory.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are a true 'traveller' you won't be deterred by a couple of long days on the coach -we had a great like-minded group who had rarely wanted to leave each others company which made the two weeks fly by. The hotels were varied (some with swimming pools) but more than adequate and realistically are a bed for the night after a fulfilled and exhausted day, a good meal and a few beers!! The weather was lovely in Turkey in September with plenty of hot days so take hats and plenty of suncream, but then evening on th coast chilled off.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking in the rain on the canopy walk while looking down on the luxuriant vegetation. Watching the antics of the wide range of humming birds was of course, a lasting experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very pleasant character; well informed on all aspects of the trip with a sound knowledge of the country's flora & fauna and always ready and willing to help. Of our 15 trips with Exodus he was among the best of the leaders, all of which have been very good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You have to be interested in natural history to take maximum benefit from the trip and thus be ready for quite a bit of walking which, even at age of 82/84, we really enjoyed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Interactions with the locals

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, responsive to the group, helpful, knowledgeable, fun

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several moments, including: - the day our group leader found a live sloth on the side of the road. Paul picked up the sloth (scary!!) and gently placed it in a nearby tree; - seeing the Pacific Ocean at the end of a great day of cycling - arriving at the Caribbean at the end of another great day of cycling - crossing the Continental Divide between the Pacific and Caribbean Seas

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leaders were the best! They checked our bikes and our demeanors every day to make sure both were ready to meet the day's cycling challenge. Despite our special dietary needs, mechanical needs and mental health needs, the group leaders worked tirelessly to make sure every need was met. We couldn't ask for a better support team with our cycling guides and fantastic driver.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for heat and humidity. We were lucky to have several overcast and rainy days which were a welcome relief to the heat. If tropical weather is not your favorite, don't despair. The support vehicle will transport you anywhere and at any time.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through the rural landscape of three contrasting countries with an excellent back-up team. Visiting Phnom Penh and Saigon, two vibrant cities in SE Asia. Staying in a homestay on the Mekong Delta.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nee was absolutely first class. I have been on a number of trips with Exodus and she ranks as one of the best!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your own gel saddle if you have one and also take some toe clips or pedals with cleats. The mechanics will put them on your bike very quickly. Don't bother taking any energy drinks or snacks, they are provided for you at every stop. Don't forget sun tan lotion and mosquito repellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being befriended by a spirited, dynamic girl while she was back visiting her parents for a few days. Four of us stopped for a drink while "free" for a few hours and later were given chai while Shakira talked about her life and asked about ours. She then took us home to see their house and told us some sad family history which we were privileged that she shared. Her mum then appeared intending to make us dosa. but we had to decline this hospitality as we needed to get back to meet up with the rest of the group. Indians are such wonderful, friendly, welcoming people.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Joseph managed to make his job look easy although keeping 14 of us happy and safe for 2 weeks was presumably no mean feat. He was able to warn us of the dangers of particular sections of the ride and get us to pay attention without scaring us. Joseph took us to small roadside cafes and snack shops and eating establishments use by locals without us succumbing to Delhi-belly. We even ate street food and salad under his supervision. Everything was well organised but appeared casual.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of antibacterial hand gel. I suspect people who do become ill infect themselves. It was very hot in November and I had far too many warmer clothes for the evenings and when in the hills. The downside of the local eating places is that they may not be air-conditioned. Be ready to eat curry, curry and more curry - it was all wonderful. Sometimes the spoon or fork took a while to arrive as many places expected you to just use your hands. I turned lout to be the only one on the trip who didn't cycle for a past-time at home. It was tough but I managed by missing out cycling up Ooty Hill which was far steeper than I had expected. I had thought I'd be able to manage some of it but I was wrong. I walked a bit and then gave up completely and got in the support vehicle. I would say you can mange this trip even if you're not a regular cyclist at home as long as you are pretty fit.

Most Inspirational Moment

The friendliness of the people en-route.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour guide (Sutinee Rasp) was absolutely amazing. So well organised, positive, informative, friendly she would go the extra mile to make sure we all thoroughly enjoyed the trip. The only huge disappointment was to hear on our return that her parent company (Peak Adventure Thailand) have apparently sacked her because some of the local team felt her to be "too bossy"! This has left all of use who traveled absolutely speechless. We have all made appeals through Exodus to support her as her treatment by her parent company is totally unfair. Let's hope they listen to those who traveled - at the end of the day it should be the views of the customer rather than some of the local team which matter.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure your take some DEET as the mossies will be around. Also, it would be useful to take an overnight bag for the stay with the local company as you can't take your main luggage. It's not mentioned in the trip notes but is needed for packing the essentials.