Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

This was my first solo adventure and I was a bit worried about what I was getting myself into! My fears were put to rest very early however as the group was lovely and the scenery amazing. The most inspirational moment for me was actually booking it, but the scenery we saw on our walks were awe-inspiring too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was called Zep and she was lovely, funny, friendly and always happy to help.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Our hotel was very basic but clean, but I would advise that single travellers pay the supplement for their own room as it would have been a bit awkward to have shared I think.Be prepared for a couple of hours walking a day, usually between 7 and 12km per day, but nothing too hard. Do not attempt if you are a bit unure on your feet or have virtigo as some of the walks are very narrow on cliff paths and very high up!

Most Inspirational Moment

Truth to tell, the trip through Turkey was inspirational in so many ways. Rather like analysing a rich tapestry, one has to admire the colour, texture, content and skill of the artist(s).The lavish Islamic architecture of Istanbul's Blue Mosque amongst others has to make such buildings remarkable icons of huge historic and modern importance. The Topkapi Palace evokes a sense of the huge lavish empire which was that of the Ottomans, while the phenomena of Cappadocia with its startling landscapes and the blazing white cliffs of Pammukale leave unforgettable images in the mind's eye.Ancient monuments of World Heritage status, the poignant juxtaposition of Galipolli's natural beauty alongside memorials to the many dead on both sides in that cruel war. All was inspirational

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was a very personable and skilled young man. He was knowledgeable and at the same time keen to interact with members of the group and to show an interest in each and every one.Clearly he was well versed in the necessary skills of diplomacy and always ready to be flexible whilst ensuring that we covered the salient items of the itinerary.I feel that we learned a great deal about Turkey from one of its proud citizens.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read about the country and try to learn a few words. Locals were very warm but especially to hear a few words in Turkish from visiting tourists. Be prepared to be amazed regardless of what you have read or seen in books or films. We travelled in October. Prepare for extremes of weather.North of the Taurus Range nights were cool and required warm clothing. Once we reached the south coast we experienced weather reminiscent of an excellent British Summer. Bring your swimmies!! 

Most Inspirational Moment

Snorkelling with a playful sea lion who just enjoyed playing with the strange humans.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cesar in Cuzco was brilliant. Well versed, good humoured and totally professional, a credit to himself and a great ambassador for Exodus.Franklin in the Galapagos was very, very knowledgable, no need for any guide books!! 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book your own flights to return from Guayaquil, not Quito. It was 3 days of pretty much constant travel to get home, where you could easily save a day by going from GYE rather than flying to Quito, only to fly back to GYE the next day to fly back to Europe.

Most Inspirational Moment

Even arriving in a country abroad is exciting with it's new smells and being a heat lover I enjoyed the change in climate to very hot. I loved going round the souks with the array of colours and so much merchandise to enjoy and haggle with these experienced businessmen. I love haggling so I very much enjoyed getting the price down!I think the last most inspirational moment is reaching the top of the mountain on the various walks and looking out over the most beautiful views. It makes you feel very small in comparison to these spectacular Atlas mountains. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was excellent. He was a very kind man who could not do enough for his guests and he worked exceptionally hard at keeping the group together and supplying all our needs.All of the group felt privileged to have such a knowledgeable man up in the mountains, you certainly could not survive without a good guide that is for sure.The food was always homemade and delicious and the group leader always served everyone in the group before himself and made sure we each got a good helping of this delicious food. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you take out enough money when you first arrive in the country, this sounds obvious but Morocco often seem to have 'holy day' celebrations and if you try to withdraw money on this day, then the machine does not always work and can die on you. I had this happen and found it very alarming, fortunately it came back to life and dispensed my card but I feel I was lucky!The walking is absolutely beautiful but do make sure you have good supporting walking boots. Again this sounds obvious but soft trainers or such like are no good on the often rocky surfaces and I found a good pair of walking boots with ankle grips made all the difference and good socks.On the first day you can get altitude sickness when walking up the mountain, which may make it hard to breathe and if you have not experienced this before it can take you by surprise. But don't worry by the second day you have acclimitised and then you are fine. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the summit of Monte Prado, with views for miles, and the summit of Pania Della Croce following an interesting walk uphill through beech woods then up through a field of boulders to the summit with views to Corsica and Sardinia standing above the cloud level in the sunshine.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was an excellent leader. Considerate of the individual ability of each of us, friendly, knowledgable regarding the area and with limitless energy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A must if you love walking at more than a leisurely pace and viewing beautiful scenery. Walking poles are very helpful if you are not used to walking up and down rocky surfaces and don't forget your camera. Avoid this one if you are allergic to dogs as Dora and Elvis walk with the group daily, but are very friendly.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cresting a hill to look down on the Sorrento peninsula stretching far out to sea and Positano way below us, stunning.An impromtu Salsa dancing party on our last nightWalking around the rim of Vesuvis   

Thoughts on Group Leader

Totally wonderful: enthusiastic, patient, funny, he got to know everyone really quickly and we were soon a real family. I cannot praise Alejandro enough.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ask to be in Alejandro's group!

Most Inspirational Moment

The amazing classical ruins of course and the mosaics in the Byzantine churches. Blue skies over Taormina: what views! Grey skies lowering appropriately over the black lava of Etna. Short lived scirocco and cloud burst lent flavour and experiences with the oh so friendly locals: lashing down restaurant tables in Cefalu and having to take a leisurely lunch in a market bar in Palermo were the bonuses. Must admit that the Etna wine-tasting was a total revelation with antipasti overflowing and excellent local wines. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabio was fab! Great local knowledge, especially of restaurants. he seemd to know the best and most varied menus for all parts of the island. Don't miss his steer to the Genovesi cakes in Erice.Fabio took us to two great places not on the itinerary, without skimping on anything else. I recommend Modica for the chocolate factory and shop [with samples to taste and buy] and lunch at a restaurant on the shore of the salt pans. Our driver,Maurizio, made up the great Sicilan team. He was kindness itself, steered the minbus round corners that seemed impossible and helped with local knowledge as well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

When it says take stout shoes for the Etna climb-- it means it: don't skimp. Good walking shoes are useful to the cliff-top walk at the Zingaro nature reserve too. Mosquitoes bit us in the daytime at Segesta! Take precautions.

Most Inspirational Moment

Dropping down through the mountains to Vanilla County with mist over the rainforest and waterfalls everywhere. Simply magic - so much so I had to start singing!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very flexible to the needs of the group, great knowledge of the country and culture.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the walking up, down and all over Petra, the cycling was great with the roads mainly in very good condition, getting chased by camels down the highway. But my top moment was camping in wadi rum and sleeping in the desert.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zahir was a fantastic guide showing us the best of his country, with humour, patience with a real pride in his country and his job. Also cannot praise the cycling team high enough Firas and Abeed were absolutely brilliant, really good fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The nights can be a little bit colder than I was expecting so a jumper is worth taking. Also this trip is very busy without much time to just sit about which I like but some people may prefer a little more down time. But book this trip I thought it was amazing.

Most Inspirational Moment

Like most, I went expecting Samarkand to be fabulous (and it was) but Khiva was a real surprise.  Beautiful, calm, quiet and understated it was a joy to simply wander around.  No pressure, no overt-tourism, simple but lovely accommodation (and cold beer!) it felt safe, gentle, authentic and undiscovered.  A lovely old city right outside the door or our hotel, much to explore and a real gem of a discovery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dilshod Khaitov (of Asia Adventures used by Exodus) was probably the best Guide and Tour Leader I have experienced over many years of worldwide travel.  Always there, willing and helpful, never intruding, full of knowledge and eager to share, he is a diamond among leaders.  I cannot enough praise the contribution he made to the success of the holiday and his advice was always accurate and timely.However, ladies - you may need to ask him specifically what is best to buy where as, like most men, his appreciation of retail therapy could be worked upon!  However, remembering that, he will quickly advise what is best to buy where and will give advice to prices (i.e., the amount to be bargained down). 

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is a complete lack of ATMs so you will need to take US$ in cash, in a body belt.  However, at no time did I feel under threat as a "rich tourist" for mugging, etc and even when I needed to access the body belt in a shop, there was no worry about theft.  You will be subject to the usual small children selling postcards etc,but considerably less than other countries.  Bring your postcards home to post if you really want them to arrive but with advice from you guide as to what to buy where, you should end up with some lovely, unusual (if not unique) souvenirs.   Toilet paper is thicker than anything I have ever pasted on a wall (apart from Tashkent) so something moist from home will be appreciated. Hand gel is mandatory, due to the dust and whilst showers usually work (sometimes even with warm water!) be prepared for shortages.  In other words, pack a sense of humour!