Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

For me the second to last evening that we were all together as a group. The guitars of the resident band were hi-jacked and tributes,with lyrics writen by group members, were sung to the tunes of "O-bla-dee, O-blah-da", "Your Song" and "I'll tak the high road..." which express the feelings of comaraderie that had grown within the group, including the staff, and especially the leader.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Just think of all the appropriate flattering superlatives you can think of and you will have it about right

Advice for Potential Travellers

IT IS NOT ABOUT THE BIKE. OK I know it is a cycle tour but remember you are in a richly exotic part of the world with an interesting culture and a lively people. Take the time along the way to interact with and enjoy them. The following story is an example. Taking my time as usual I found that I had seen no one for a while and wondered if I had taken a wrong turn, so I stopped at a wayside fruit stall to ask. Two lovely ladies who spoke no English and I, who did not speak their language, managed to communicate that the villages I was asking about were "just round the corner" and " 5 klms away" respectively, that I should take their photo in front of their stall and that here was the address to which I should mail a copy!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate, having just scaled what felt like an impossible set of steps! Experiencing the warmth of the Peruvian people and generally just pinching myself that I really had just unzipped my tent to reveal a snow covered mountain shrouded in wisps of mist right outside. The scenery was stunning and we experienced sun, rain and cold weather during our trek.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Flaminia was incredibly patient, well organised and keen to share her knowledge of the country which was appreciated by all members of the group. Freddie helped me get through the worst parts of the trek for me, in terms of my difficulty with heights and was unfailingly patient.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking poles were great for the harder parts of the trek and helped me keep my balance. Wipes and loo paper were essential for loos etc. Hand sanitizer was a must. You can hire a towel and buy shampoo when you get to the hot springs in aguas calientes which was well worth a visit as after four days we all felt in need of some hot water. Don't forget your swimming things as the springs were incredibly relaxing after the trek. Also take some small coins with you to pay for some of the loos on the trip, also for some extra water if you need it. I had a warm waterproof hat which was really useful. Every night we filled our water bottles at camp with hot water and these were great when put in your sleeping bag to keep you warm during the colder nights. A disposable camera is great if you have problems with your camera, like one member of our group. The ponchos are really good as they are lightweight and keep you and your rucksack dry and are easy to take on and off. Don't underestimate the altitude and several members of our group took altitude sickness tablets. This helped one of our group who had been very ill on arrival in Cuzco.

Most Inspirational Moment

All the wildlife spotting was great but I particularly love monkeys, lizards & sloths, of which there were plenty to see. Seeing capuchins so up close & personal at Manuel Antonio was fab!Zipwiring at Monteverde was fantastic - so much fun & great to be high up in the canopy close to the howler monkeys.Savegre was beautiful, peaceful, relaxing & refreshing - great place to end the trip!  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was friendly, helpful & kept everything running smoothly. Jeffrey, our driver, was great - I felt really safe despite the rough roads & lousy weather .

Advice for Potential Travellers

Invest in a decent poncho - when it rains it really rains & a raincoat just isn't enough! Despite what trip notes may say, you are able to take all your luggage to Tortuguero, so no need to worry.Definitely make use of the wellies provided at Esquinas Lodge - the trails are very wet, muddy & you have to walk thru some streams. US dollars are universally accepted & there were ATM's in most places we went to. Be prepared for things to be expensive (food especially).

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking out into the silent desert as the sun was rising, watching it light up all rocky outcrops and sandy plains, bathing them in a golden orange glow.  The later, riding through the desert on camels.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Full of passion for his country, with a great depth of knowledge on its history and culture, all of which he was very eager to share with us. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring Jordanian money with you - if you bring sterling or dollars you have to keep changing it through the guide - good rate, but more convenient to have your own money ready.  The desert in November wasn't all that cold at night, but bring jumpers anyway.If you go to the Turkish Bath "Bring your personal things" means "Bring your swimming things"!!Do NOT open your eyes in the Dead Sea!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Matera - I could have stayed all day on the balcony watching the birds hovering, then occasionally swoooping and diving.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Angelo and Enzo went out of their way to be extremely helpful as I was on a temporary exclusion diet for medical reasons, and the picnic they put together on the day we walked along the viaduct had to be seen to be believed - we even had the Ramblers group who passed by hanging over the wall and exclaiming "they've even got wine!"

Advice for Potential Travellers

A gentler walking holiday than most, but nevertheless interesting in a less well known area of Italy.  In early May it was already 25 degrees most days and we had the added benefit of lots of wild flowers - at the height of summer it must be more onerous as there were several fairly exposed walks.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the summit after a torch-lit trudge up the mountain - and realising that everyone else had also made it since 3 or 4 of the group found it really tough.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Meke estimated that he had been up the mountain about 200 times and he was a calm and reassuring presence all week. The other guides were also very friendly and welcoming throughout the week - and many had been lead guides on other trips. Four of the group who were struggling were each allocated an individual guide on summit day - and each said that they may not have made it without their support. It still left Meke and 4 guides to lead the remainder of us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The food was excellent all trip and there was always plenty of it - with some snacks as well. Every person in the group was paired with a tent porter. They would overtake you during the day (except summit day) along with the other porters and then meet you as you arrived at the next campsite to take your daypack. You would be lead to your erected tent with sleeping mats and main bag already inside. It was another nice touch that contributed to the feeling of being well looked after the whole way.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were three really great moments on the trip for me.  The first was on the Falkland Islands, when we were at Port Stanley and we had done a brief guided walk around the town before being given free time - it was suggested by the Expedition Leader that the Globe Pub was a great place to visit as they serve good beer and fresh fish and chips!  Unfortunately the chef was not working so there was no food available but as far as I was concerned we did better than that - there was a Falklands War veteran there, from 3 Paras who spent nearly 45 mins chatting with 3 of us.  He was very emotional and he showed us on the map on the wall how they had done their manovers during the war.Secondly was visiting Sailsbury Plain on South Georgia where there were 250,000 King penguins, fluffy brown chicks and adults as well as many fur seals.  It is very difficult to re describe seeing so many en-mass and with the noise and smell they produce!  It was great and if you stood or sat still they would come very close and did not appear to be at all bothered by lots of people walking around in red clothing!Thirdly was our last zodiac ride in Fournier Bay on the Antartic Peninsular - the sea was flat calm for most of our time around the Peninsular (thankfully!) but as we sailed in to the circular Fournier bay, the sun was shining, the sky was blue, the glaciers and mountains were bright white and we had great reflections in the water. We dropped anchor before getting in the zodiacs. It was so calm and we had a bit of a speedy ride (for fun) before looking for wildlife on the icebergs.  We were not disappointed and to me it was just how I had imagned Antarctica to be like. We found 3 penguins sitting on top of an iceberg which made for great photos, seals lazing in the sun on the icebergs and then about 24 penguins waiting to dive in to the water which they duely did!  It was then ended by a celebratory champagne farewell on the boat as we set sail and even the whales did a "swim by!"

Thoughts on Group Leader

Boris Wise was our main Expedition leader - helped by a further 18 members of staff and about 45 crew.  Every one was excellent and nothing was too much trouble for any of them.  The whole trip was run in a very professional and slick way and a time schedule but nothing ever felt rushed.Safety was paramount at all times from getting on and off the zodiacs to being advised not to go out side as the decks were covered in ice.  All the staff had radios so if for example you needed the doctor any one would just call for him.We also had an American professional photographer on board who gave talks and helped people with any camera issues, 2 excellent bird and wildlife spotters, 2 people who had worked / been involved with Antarctica and South Georgia for many years, a British professional wildlife artist as well as 2 kayak guides, zodiac drivers who all have good knowledge, massage and yoga professionals and excellent "hotel managers"Exodus as such does not provide a specific leader for their own clients on this trip (which is not a problem) as there are all the staff members as above. The boat was filled with various groups from places throughout the world and one of the larger groups did bring a fairly vocal agent with them!  You just have to learn to turn a deaf ear to them!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just book it....it may be costly but it is worth it!I also did the option of going to the Iguassu falls (I believe Patigonia extensions are also available which is worth visiting too) which I did for 3 days before the start of the trip which I found to be very good as it meant I had caught up with any time changes. It also meant that I was also in Argentina and closer to Ushuaia - Areolinas Argentina sometimes delay and cancel flights at very short notice. Make sure you get to Ushuaia at least one day before leaving with the ship - there is plenty to do there and it is better to be early than miss the boat.We had very changable weather and discovered fairly early on that the wet skin tousers were not completely water proof - easy solution was just to wear a thin pair of water proofs under neath which also gave an extra layer of warmth (so pack your own just to be on the safe side).Take plenty of layers as you will definately need them - as the guide said on several occassions "put on all the clothes you have!"   On a couple of times I had 8 layers on my top and 5 on my bottom half and I was very glad I did. If you think you may be going to feel sea sick, book a cabin on deck 3 as it is the most stable area of the boat in rough seas..........None of the cabin doors lock - this is for health and safety reasons (if some one was ill / had an accident it would be very difficult to gain access).  However this was not a problem and infact many of the staff members left their doors wide open with all their belongings on show.  There was a safe available on request.The power supply was 2 round pin plugs but worth taking a double adapter or multi plug so you can do lots of charging at the same time as the cold weather uses up your batteries and you will also take lots of photos / videos.The Shackleton walk is worth getting up at 530am for - it is medium to hard but walking poles are provided.  Steep ascent to start and end but worth it for the views.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of Toubkal and Ouanoukrim

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mohammed was excellent and made the trip thoroughly enjoyable. Excellent local knowledge and went out of his way to help everyone in the group. Organising a trip to the local Hamman was definitely a new experience for us all & one which will not be forgotten!!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

take plenty of warm clothes & ear plugs for the refuge!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Floating on the Dead Sea - so relaxing!Making it up all the stairs to Monastery at Petra - well worth it as more spectacular than the Treasury and less tourists 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zuhair was always friendly & enthusiastic about his country and his faith.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Fira to Oia walk on Santorini was spectacular and we had great weather for our 5km easy walk....the scenery just kept getting more spectacular as you got closer to Oia. Picture postcard stuff.We were kindly invited by locals jamming in Lefkes to a traditional music festival in Paros, in the town of Naoussa, and it was fun just people-watching. The dancing by young and old was a lot of fun to see. I'm glad I went as it was just so Greek!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cecile was a very friendly and helpful guide and gave a good insight into being an expat in Greece. I thought she guided the walks well with the different speed levels. Good communication at times did not always work well as I think our group was a straggly bunch but Cecile did her best to keep us all informed of the group's plans. She booked us a fabulous guide at the Akrotiri archaeological site, very informative and well worth the trip. Exodus should really include it not as an option but as an inclusion: our entire group went to see it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

September was a great time to visit Santorini, Paros and Naxos: warm but not unbearable and tourist numbers are much lower. There is a music festival held at the Naxos castle in August and September so I recommend taking in a show. The organiser was a real character and you get to try several homemade alcoholic beverages as part of your ticket price.