Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed all parts of the trip. Some particular highlights were the trip to Lukomir, Bosnia's highest village - it took quite a long drive up a gravel road to get there (mention must go to our fantastic driver, who approached this, as well as the frequent hairpin bends up and down mountains throughout the trip, with calm expertise!) but was worth the drive. We started with a fairly easy hike to a mountain waterfall (I found the hike down easier than the hike back up, but that might be my fitness level!) and afterwards were were rewarded by a delicious homemade lunch provided for us by one of the village families. It was fantastic to do as it would not have been possible had I not been traveling with the Exodus group I also found visiting Sarajevo very interesting, and we were able to get a good introduction to the recent history in the city. We visited the Sarajevo Tunnel museum and our group leader was happy to share his experiences of the 1990s siege. Sarajevo itself was a beautiful city with very diverse culture and history.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Alen, was fantastic. He was very easy-going and friendly, and provided us with lots of interesting information about the places we visited and the culture of the region. He was happy to answer our group's many questions, made sure we had good information about things to do during our free time, shared with us his personal experiences of the 1990s conflicts and was a wonderful ambassador for Bosnia and Sarajevo.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Those of us who spent a few days in Dubrovnik before or after the group trip were glad we had arranged this - the time in Dubrovnik is limited (arrival in the afternoon and group flight was the next lunchtime) so there was really just time for a late-afternoon visit to Dubrovnik Old Town and supper. I also recommend taking walking boots - it does advise these in the trip information, but I wasn't sure it would be necessary for the walks we were doing. I was very glad to have mine in the end, as the ground on the walks was not necessarily easy underfoot, especially with some loose stones etc underfoot on the Lukomir walk. I also advise good insect repellent if you are susceptible to bites - I did get bitten by mosquitoes on both occasions that I didn't wear any repellent. Zip off shorts-trousers, or a long skirt for women would be handy for the monastery trips - something that could be stored in a backpack. They did tend to provide wrap-around skirts and headscarves to borrow if you needed them but some people might prefer to have their own.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing Hoi Van Pass. Coping with Vietnamese roundabouts. Cycling into and around Hue. Vietnamese beer at 50p a pint!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lam was first class. Always attentive. Knowledgeable. In sympathy with cycling. He had an excellent team, along with mechanic and the 2 drivers. He led them well, and they were excellent in everything they did.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go on this trip. You will enjoy every aspect of it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through snow on the final day of walking in Italy with blue sky and bright sunshine....lush!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Simon was our group leader.He was friendly, informative and fun as a leader. I felt safe and confident with him as the guide.

Most Inspirational Moment

The lemurs ! That's what I looked forward to and I was not disappointed. I particularly enjoyed Lemur Island early on in the holiday, as the lemurs were habituated to humans and were virtually 'all over us'. I enjoyed the Tsingy and the walk in Isalo equally.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was a good leader. Always appeared cheerful even though he possibly didn't feel it. Most things went smoothly and he dealt with issues as they arose.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip notes prepared us for most eventualities such as the rough roads and long drives and problems with hot water/power- I was grateful for that preparation. If anything, I was surprised at the low-ish temperature in the east of Madagascar and could have done with taking a couple of more warm garments.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing 2 rhino bringing there young to the waterhole one was still suckling. Watching & listening to a lion lap water whilst a rhino slurped at the other side of a waterhole - then getting a full blown lion roaring session. The cessna flight back over the areas just visited is well worth the cost - it puts the vastness of everything in perspective and shows just how little is not sand!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Washing can be done for you at the lodge in Swakopmond - fixed price for a basket load. All the toilets were good with paper - but it is single ply and rough...keep all your N$1 coins as you need these for the service station loos. Take a water bottle as the water is drinkable everywhere - although a bit yucky at Brandberg. Good binoculars make a huge difference to seeing all the extra creatures at the waterholes. Camping mats provided are good thick ones - nothing extra needed. It is VERY cold after dark in July so take lots of layers. The Cessna flight from Swakopmond is brilliant but you will need to book it asap as they only take out 5 people at a go. Also the restaurants need booking - we were lucky and got tables but it was only for 2 people.

Most Inspirational Moment

Couldn't pick one in particular. I remember how we all felt during the day at the Dead Sea (day 3?) and I think we all secretly felt that nothing could match that day, but they all certainly did! Out on a yacht in the middle of the Red Sea snorkelling, some scuba diving too.. Sleeping under the stars in Wadi Rum, the endless hours you can spend trekking around the lost city of Petra.. Too many to mention

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Ala, was very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable and could answer any question we threw at him. He kept referring to Jordan as "in my country..." so you could tell how proud he was to be Jordanian and how happy he was to be taking us around his country! Johnny (our driver) and Laith (bike mechanic) were very approachable, friendly blokes too. Nothing was too much trouble for them. A special mention however must go to our cycle guide, Abid (sp)!! Arabian cycling champion.. Abid is a character that, if you have the honour of meeting him, you certainly will not forget him! Anybody who was on this holiday (and I'm sure on others with Abid as the cycle guide) will agree that he was the cherry on top of the cake...and more! One of the most likeable blokes I have ever met and it was such a shame to say goodbye at the end of the holiday. I can't vouch for any other cycle guides on this trip (I'm sure they're all great) but Abid was something very very special and we couldn't have been luckier to have met him

Advice for Potential Travellers

Carry a certain amount of low denomination currency as much as you can, and put it in a separate pocket out of your wallet/purse. Last thing you want is for locals (in Petra particularly) to see that you have a weeks worth of money on you. Don't worry, it is perfectly safe, but they will be cheeky and expect a bigger tip from you. If you give them a couple of dinar from your pocket where you only have a few notes, it looks a lot better than from a wad of cash that you have for the whole week. Don't let that put you off though, I've never been to a place where I have felt as safe as I did in Jordan, genuinely!

Most Inspirational Moment

On a personal level, completing a walk I had not been able to do last year was a massive boost. For the group I feel that the traditional Albanian meal in Berat within the walls of the castle was a brilliant evening. The insights into Albanian culture gave me food for thought which will stay with me for a long time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide was very friendly and helpful at all times, always looking to show us the best of Albania and making sure that at all the "sites" expert guides were available which enhanced the experience. There was also time to be spontaneous and adapt to what the group wanted to do.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is always a risk of electricity cuts in the country so a torch is essential. I do not normally need walking poles but I found them essential in Albania.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Col de Ferret was a spectacular day and the beauty of Trient with its pink church! The scenery was spectacular and was exactly how we imagined it to be! The cable car to the top of the Aiguille du Midi was brilliant especially the blizzard conditions at the top!! Also had the pleasure of meeting Dawa Sherpa in Chamonix!! Would also recommend the chairlift to the Glacier des Bossons.

Thoughts on Group Leader

John was an excellent leader. Extremely knowledgeable and always happy to tell stories and teach those who were interested, bushcraft/mountain skills. He was extremely patient and reassuring with me on exposed sections and I had the utmost confidence in him. I have learnt alot from him during the trip. Happy to give information about things to do on free days. Graham was superb. Always chatty and friendly and had lots of jokes to tell (we will let you be the judge as to whether they are good or not!!) Nothing ever too much trouble and his food could not be faulted! Charlotte was wonderful and always had the kettle on and the biscuit tin full for the end of our days walking!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take lots of pairs of socks and would highly recommend taking an umbrella (as odd as it may seem). The trek is certainly challenging in some places so definitely recommend being as fit as you can be. Walking poles are very helpful for the steep descents. Four seasons in a day is a definite possibility so be well prepared! On a free day in Chamonix the multi-pass for all of the chairlifts and cables cars is a must! Cake and tea during walking days adds up so budget for this.

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to decide! Maybe having to start the trip with a canoe in the dark across the Zambezi avoiding hippos to get to our first nights camp. Or maybe the sight of a young elephant swimming in front of us with only his little trunk sticking out of the water. Or maybe the sight of the Milky Way every night. Or maybe the laughs we had every evening with my fellow travellers. Or maybe the amazing knowledge of CB our guide....is there any animal or bird he doesn't know?......or maybe the lovely kids school we visited. Or maybe just about every moment......you guessed it I had a good time!

Thoughts on Group Leader

CB was fantastic. Great knowledge and a perfect host and cook. He was quiet in character and just let his guests enjoy themselves without trying to be in any way the centre of attention.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take as little as you can for yourself and use the rest of your space in your bag to provide clothes for the kids at the orphanage. You won't need any extra food as you get more than enough but a few sweets to give you a sugar boost now and again a sensible idea. A few beers purchased at the supermarket in Lusaka were great fully drunk once the tents were pitched.

Most Inspirational Moment

This was definitely Wadi Rum for me and Petra by candle light. Having never seen Petra before, it was a great introduction to do it by candle light.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danny was superb, extremely knowledgeable and a fun guy to be around. He definitely helped make it a good week. He always seem to be looking for fun things for us to do.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a scarf with you for Wadi Rum (men and women). Although getting something authentic in the Little Petra market is always a good idea.