Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Spending time and having tea with the Nomads, their children, the camel ride, learning about the Medinas and getting to know the Berber people and their families. The Et-Taous African drum band and dancers was such a delight and it was joyful and fun. We enjoyed the overall history of the country, its past, present and current richness. The historical guides were extremely informative and knowledgeable. Each unique with rich stories to tell.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader, Idblaaid Lahcen, was the best. He went out of his way to take care of everyone and to make all feel special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

To the travelers, this is a fantastic tour however, if you have a disability this may not be the tour for you. My husband, who is as fit as a fiddle, enjoyed all of the walking tours, all of the hikes as well as every aspect of this trip. The high Atlas Mountains hike was one of the highlights for him. He said, “He’d love to do it again.” This is an unforgettable experience, one you’d never forget. In spite of my health challenges, I am so very grateful that I was able to make this incredible trip. I learned so much about my ancestors which was so inspiring to me. I met so many beautiful people who felt like family. I will never forget them. They will remain vibrant in my heart forever. This is a beautiful tour. It’s full of spectacular sunsets and stunning sunrises. The road trip allows you to see so much of the countryside and so many aspects of the Moroccan North African culture. The Et-Taous African drum, dancers were very colorful, stimulating and exciting to see. To Exodus, I explained to Exodus that I had a disability and what my limitations were. They assured me that this tour would not be strenuous. However, this is a vigorous tour. But, Lahcen and all of the guides, upon being made aware of my challenges, quickly found rest areas and other options for me. Exodus might think about changing the description of this tour. They also need to listen more effectively to the customer to better accommodate their expectations. The Exodus team should take this tour so that they are aware and know firsthand the tour’s difficulties and the customer experience. Then perhaps change the rating from “moderate” to “vigorous or moderately strenuous”. Also, I suggest for this tour the maximum group be limited to 12 participants, instead of 16. It would be nice too if customers had a dedicated contact person at Exodus to work with them from the onset of the booking and afterwards, instead of the generic customer service contact number and email once the tour has been booked. This is an amazing tour and I highly recommend it!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The last two days, (Panama), which were probably the most challenging in terms of hills... cycling on backroads through Panama's beautiful countryside, small welcoming villages, children keen to interact and lush tropical scenery and climate.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I'd give him a pretty good 10 out of 10. Exceptional leader and I've had 16 now with Exodus and 2 with other companies. Memo has considerable assets which shone through, not least his sense of fun and humour which was in fact, more British than some in our group ;-).. He had a warm, boyish charm and a vulnerability which was endearing, and he could manage the egos of 6 pre- to post menopausal women- and one Russian bloke - with just the right touch of humour and sociability. He is very professional, jollying everyone along whilst maintaining he was working and it that it was our holiday. He chatted daily with everyone to check their well-being and performed a few tasks that went above and beyond the call of duty to help us out when needed. He was well-organised and assertive when needed - such as when I wanted to keep cycling in a tropical thunderstorm... safety first. I always felt in safe hands with him and in my experience would rank him amongst the top of leaders.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's a fab trip, but the downside for me was the highway cycling in Costa Rica. I expected it to be more like the Sri Lanka cycling tour not like the Cuba tour; but I would still do it again at the cost for the experience. No elephants (lol!), but plenty of tropical wildlife to view. The optional extra tours were amazing and ideal way to experience a tropical desert island, snorkelling, lobster lunch. The hot springs and rainforest guided walk were also awesome. Panama was a nice surprise...and the company was fab which made the tour. Now I want to cycle down through South America, so thanks to Exodus for giving me a taster... :-)

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day was inspiring but the views on our last day of walking around the Penon Crag where impressive as Michael was able to point out all the areas we had walked in earlier in the week. A lovely touch which rounded off the whole trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michael is an outstanding, experienced leader, so knowledgeable on so many levels and, most importantly, able to pass on that knowledge in an enthusiastic and fun way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's a classic trip that should be on everyone's bucket list. The terrain is rough at times so walking boots are recommended and bring your walking poles if you are used to using them. Some walks are exposed and we had hot days even in early October so bring your sunscreen, sunhats , a long sleeved shirt and at least 2 water bottles. Also don't forget the insect repellent as you'll want to sit out for dinner on the amazing terrace every evening you can and watch the sun go down.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling beside the cliffs

Thoughts on Group Leader

Riccardo was excellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the old theatres, sitting in the stands and imagining what life felt like during these times. Oh and running on the original Olympic track of course!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Maria has a large and incredible knowledge of the sites we visited - we were able to ask intricate questions and receive an in depth response.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Brush up on your ancient Greek history before the tour - this will allow you to truly appreciate the sites and artifacts you see.

Most Inspirational Moment

Taormina sunset and landscape.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tiziano is entertaining, enthusiastic and sharing his knowledge and love for Sicily. He used every chance to introduce us Sicilian traditions and especially food. Also he is accommodating to all needs of the group travellers.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do your homework in advance before the trip to ask the right questions and remember the places you visit.

Most Inspirational Moment

Not really one moment for me. I loved the walks in beautiful Tuscany. The suppers we had together were really nice.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jordan was amazing. He really went above and beyond to make sure we all had an amazing trip, which we did.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The number of kilometres each day was not a lot, but be ready to do up and down of hills - Tuscany is a beautiful mountainous region.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to choose: The Lunch we had with a local family in their home in the beautiful high village. Apolonia & Butrint Ancient Sites,Gjirokaster, the view from the bridge in Permet & when at the top of the mountains generally. Just the views!!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Edjon was quite a character..a walking history book on Albania! However, sometimes all that travellers need is a simple bullet point answer from a question & Edjon didnt seem to 'get' that. Some of his talks were v long speeches with too much info so in the end you dont absorb anything. I cant identify with recent Reviews here with regard to Ed socialising with the group as the only meal Ed had with us was the final evening & that was q brief. However that could be down to Group dynamics or it being the end of a long season.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack lightly as you are moving every morning. Be prepared for a couple of days long drives. Take GBP & change them into LEK when there (you cant buy LEK in the UK). Most places take cards & Euros but you need local currency as well. If you're not very mobile then it's essential to take a walking pole for 1 of the walks (which is really a hike uphill).