Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Most inspirational moments were:++ sheltering from really monsoon rain near the cu chi tunnels++ celebrating the awesome Sai Gon rush-hour++ speaking (obviously nonsense) vietnamese to the nun in charge of a local orphanage++ capturing the most beautiful flowers on camera in a peaceful garden++ a new and untried fruit for lunch most days ++ Han Oi

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nam was ever cheerful, with enormous amounts of energy and lots of interesting tales to tell.  He will make the trip for many who travel with him.  Key phrase; 'are we feeling heavy?' - which you could take to mean;1. Do we need an exceptionally strong local coffee?or 2. Is it so long since we had a pee that we have acquired an additional 10Kg in weight?Huge thanks to Nam for his energy and good humour. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Key advice - dont take so much stuff with you!!!Oh - and - do visit the backpacker area in Sai Gon after dark if you like to see what the local (and international) folks get up to.  A real treat to drink beer hoi and watch the hundreds of people sitting in the street. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Weather was a mixed bag, so the best day was when we went to Italy and got good weather so we could see the mountain tops.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Group leader (Nick) was good. I though he took really good care of us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take waterproof trousers. Also, I was wondering whether to use boots or trail shoes so I took both. I never used the shoes, I would say that the walks definently need boots.Oh and go up the Aiguille du midi cable car, Its really expensive (about £50 return) but well worth it!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking along the natural sections of the great wall, including the more challenging sections that made me realise the conditions those who both guarded the country from insurgents and overcame the battles to move forward and the conditions they must have survived from. Not forgetting those who built the walls all those years ago. Add to this our visit to the Terracotta Army, I can only say it blew me away when I entered Pit 2. and all the interesting info structure.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kevin working from Beijing gave 100% and made the trip + additional activities work without a hitch, it was a sad time when Kevin put us on the overnight train to Xi'an.The following morning we were met by Dominic who soon took over our care and carried on the support we had grown to accept as normal. The drivers were professional under quite strenuous driving conditions you can only understand when being in the traffic in China.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some tough conditions underfoot, and openly accept gracefully the conditions within the home stay especially the Wet Rooms that do live up to their name, but accept it as part of the overall experience.If you add on the Xi'an extension you will experience first class accommodation, enjoy it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Creeping up on the Gryphon vultures perched on top of a hill.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader is one of the best I have ever had. Very enthusiastic and knowledgable about all the flora and fauna, geography and geology of the Picos.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, book this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The long walk across the mountains from Santana was best part, starting with the sunrise.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Here I would like to say that the guide (Andrea) was first rate and his interest in photography was a real bonus along with his vast knowledge of flora and fauna.

Most Inspirational Moment

The cycle ride down the Curonian Spit a Unesco site.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Because of circumstances we had two guides (Polish) who spoke perfect English and were well versed especially from an historical point of view.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You will not be totally fed on dumplings and pork. The food may come as a surprise as will the quality of the accommodation

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of Monte Piano via the Pioneer's Path.  Walking on virgin snow...in September.  Enjoying the evening sunshine on a bench above Villabassa and just taking in the view.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Karl was very friendly (even came out with us for dinner on the 'free' night) and very knowledgable about the local area and history. Perhaps a little authoritarian about long trousers and walking poles....And surprisingly (to me!) he's a Brit - being a Karl with a 'K' I had assumed he would be local/Austrian!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't be intimidated by the grade C trips.  While the walking did have its moments and everyone on the group has done some quite serious walking before, the group was pretty mixed in terms of age etc and no-one really struggled.Take walking poles: Karl was insistent that we used them on some days, so if you don't want to borrow mis-matched ones from the hotel, take your own.  And if Exodus book you onto an EasyJet flight, make sure they fit in your hold luggage: they won't let you check them in as a separate item or take them as hand luggage.And despite being in Italy, the majority language spoken is actually German, so dust off your GCSE.

Most Inspirational Moment

We had pretty poor weather for most of the week. On one of the days we had climbed for 2/3 hours without seeing very much as there was very thick fog. But on our way down the sun came out and through the deep clouds the peak of mount blanc appeared. It was the most beautiful sight - simply breathtaking

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was very good. Lead the group well and allowed us to go at our own pace aswell as keeping together. Had lots of fascinating stories to tell from previous expeditions

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely do it !!!! Will recommend to anyone looking for a bit of a challenge and beautiful scenery

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing and being part of the countries  lifestyle's  and seeing the countries as they actually are. The safety consciousness taken for the clients to the utmost level.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Unforgetable and very, very responsible and helpful.  It was mentioned among the group (several who had travelled with Exodus and other companies) that she was the best they had ever come across.   

Most Inspirational Moment

Quite a few inspirational moments to choose from on this magical trip, but my favourite moment was when we came alongside a pod of orcas during the Campbell River grizzly bear boat trip - our guide, Jack, cut the motor, and as the orcas swam around us we could hear them breathing in the silence. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jo was terrific, and her practical skills, knowledge, friendliness and flexibility made the difference between a good holiday and a great one.  The lunch-time picnics she organized were wonderful (and always in beautiful locations), she made dinner reservations for us in great restaurants each evening, and most importantly she was tremendous fun, but at the same time very restful to be with.  Full marks!      

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't be put off if you're not sure whether a group tour is for you - we really enjoyed the company, and were amazed at how much could be packed into a 10-day trip.