Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra is unique and unforgettable. The Dead Sea, Jerash and Mount Nebo also linger long in the memory

Thoughts on Group Leader

Unfortunately we were not impressed by our leader who should probably remain nameless (his name does not appear on any recent reviews). He was knowledgeable and well organised, but on occasions he seemed bored, with a tendency to disappear for lengthy periods. For example in Petra we were left to our own devices for almost 24 hours. He rarely dined with the group, and on one occasion we watched at an autoroute stop as he, our driver, and the accompanying tourist policeman enjoyed what appeared to be a complementary meal whilst the group tried to fathom how the system worked. We have been on several holidays with Exodus and other companies and this leader was in our opinion by far the poorest.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Our night at Wadi Rum in March was very cold and the rain started to find its way through the tents at around 2AM. We were supplied with warm bedding and sleeping bags, but we had not anticipated the bitter cold and rain. Roads in and out of Petra were blocked by snow so be prepared for cold weather. In contrast the weather 2 days later at Aqaba was perfect - warm and sunny. Falafels in pitta bread make a wonderful cheap snack lunch and can often be bought at small stands and outlets in places like Petra and Amman. In contrast the restaurant that we were taken to for lunch at Jerash was very expensive and clearly aimed at 'wealthy' tourists. This was probably the only time we felt we were being treated in this way.

Most Inspirational Moment

Impossible to give just one on a trip of such variety; every day had something new and unique. Getting to the top of Peak Boby was a great feeling; catching a rainbow arching over the hills as we drank beer with our feet in the river after our longest day of trekking was magical; dancing round the campfire with the porters under the stars was indescribably special; seeing a stunning sunset over the sea under the palm trees on a white sand beach was gorgeous; catching glimpses of the black-and-white ruffed lemur and the mouse lemur was unexpected; getting up close to the cheeky ring-tailed lemurs was highly entertaining; swimming in spectacular waterfalls was amazing; soaking up the most amazing silent landscapes was breath-taking; being invited into the homes of local villagers was heart-warming; and seeing the smiles and being treated like a celebrity by each and every Madagascan person we met is incomparable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Armel was brilliant! Entertaining, knowledgeable, inspiring, but most of all with an energy and drive to share with us everything he loved about his country, he made sure that every one of us also fell in love with Madagascar!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't miss Madagascar, it's the most incredible country with the most incredible people!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were a couple of inspirational moments. Finally getting to the top of Dead Woman's Pass, which is only the first pass on the trail, but at 13,776ft it was amazing!! Obviously Machu Pichu is the other. Our first sighting of it at the Sun Gate, was just awsome!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Carlos, our leader was just about the best leader we could have had. He is so passionate about his Incan history, and so knowledgable, we felt as though we were living amongst them. I have had a long held passion for ancient people's, and really felt a connection!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepaired for the altitude. It is the first trip I have done at altitude, and although I am a fit 67yr old, and I've done several trips in hilly and mountainous regions, I found it tough, even though you spend several days aclimatising.

Most Inspirational Moment

Near the end of the Inca Trail is the Sun Gate, when you walk through there you suddenly have your first sighting of Machu Pichu which is stunning. You suddenly realise that this is what you came for and you will never see another sight like it. Amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our Group Leader was called Carlos and he was fantastic. He could not have been more helpful. He was very passionate about his country and the history behind the Incas which in turn made him very knowledgable. He looked after us very well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My only advice would be to make sure you have good walking boots and take walking poles, even if you don't normally use them (I don't), they are a great help. Most of all enjoy it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving at the top of the Monte de la Cruz de Ferro where the guides had organised a picnic of local produce that was more like a banquet.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic, informative, caring, passionate about his country and very funny.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many. Wandering the ancient streets of Khiva was awe-inspring, the magnificent architecture in general, also the desert - travelling through the wilderness to get a measure of the challenges experienced by Silk Road travellers, spotting an eagle with a snake in its beak, being invited to join a school reunion party during a lunch stop. Above all, Uzbek people were so friendly and welcoming, and keen to have their photos taken with us and converse (English has been introduced into schools now).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader, Dilshod, was excellent. He had a warm personality, was very efficient, highly knowledgeable and everything was done for our interest, enjoyment and safety (always had plenty of bottes of water available to prevent dehydration!).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Public toilets can be grim!

Most Inspirational Moment

I think there were at least two particularly memorable ones, though every day was inspirational: The two that for me stand out the most were: in the middle of the night when one of the gang was yelling and shouting outside the huts - the Aurora Borealis was performing - absolutely wonderful; the other was looking down at a fierce fierce waterfall covered by a shelf of ice......and meeting some lovely people who enjoyed the outdoors and the sense of adventure....not to mention the introduction to hot chocolate laced with mint liqueur (bottle purchased at Helsinki on return trip and still being enjoyed!)

Thoughts on Group Leader

In a word, fantastic. Most of the leading was undertaken by Tessa, who was so very knowledgeable about the wildlife, tracking, and leading us through some dramatic scenery. Always cheerful, friendly and encouraging she was great to be with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it! You'll not regret it....and make sure you pack a spare battery/batteries for your camera plus charger

Most Inspirational Moment

Exploring Petra.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to pick any one but certain moments stand out such as nearly being blown over by the wind and managing to remain upright on my skiis but mostly it is about the lovely scenery and great off track skiing which makes a great change from the European loipe

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Isle and Mary are excellant leaders and put in so much work into making it a great trip for everyone whatever level of skier you are.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Good to bring a bottle of something alcoholic from duty free. Vegetarians don't worry as the food is excellant. No need to bring any extras.

Most Inspirational Moment

This was driving into the edge of the Gobi desert and finding that our drivers local village were having a horse race for 2 year old horses over 15KM the jockeys were all young boys and girls under the age of 10. Some of them were riding bare backed and a girl riding like this was second in the race. We then spent 2 nights in a remote Ger camp near to the village. We were the only Westerners present for the 2 days we were there. magic. Seeing a Cinereous vulture at close hand and watching it take off was like seeing a feathered Vulcan bomber on a bomb run. They are enormous (wing span up to 2.95M)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was a very likeable lady and immensely charming. However as it has been a year since she last led a trip and had not been able to practice her English language conversational skills it was difficult to understand her pronunciation of some words. This also meant that many questions posed to her went unanswered or were met with a smile and a blank look

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a small thermarest, or similar, padded seat with you. A few small balloons to entertain the many (very, very many) small children you will encounter along the way. This helps to break the ice with their parents etc. and can lead to some very cute photographs. if you are interested in bird life, particularly Raptors take a small pair of binoculars as there is a lot to be seen.