Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Although not included in the itinerary, I took the advice of an Exodus member of staff and booked on a flight over the Namib desert from Swakopmund. To say it took my breath away is an understatement, I haven't seen as much sand since the last time I sat through "Lawrence of Arabia"! Also, flying up the coast and seeing Swakopmund almost clinging onto Africa by its fingertips was pretty amazing. The best thing of all was that it only cost about £160 for two and a half hours which was very good value.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Steven's command of english wasn't bad but he did sometimes seem to be struggling to find the right words so it helped if you'd read the trip notes so you could help him along. He did, however, really know his job and he was very helpful in arranging the flight above, even to the extent of walking down to the travel agency with me.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Contrary to the impression given in the Trip Info, some of the driving days were very long and on at least one occasion we were erecting tents in darkness. Added to which the dirt roads become pretty punishing after a while so there were days which I endured rather than enjoyed. With regard to the camping, the tents were good and the food even better but be warned that it can still be very cold at night in August / September so pack accordingly.

Most Inspirational Moment

When the clouds cleared and we saw Mont Blanc for the first time. Just beautiful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Really knowledgeable. Interesting to talk to.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In my view there are only a couple of difficult days really, the rest can be long but are not too strenuous. I was worried it would be harder than it actually was.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking above the clouds in the morning after spending a night in Rifugio Battisti, on our way to Monte Cusna, the second highest mountain in Emilia Romagna, the peaks of distant hills seeming like islands above the sea of clouds...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara and Ale (Aleandro) were both excellent leaders. Sara was very organised and knows the area very well. Ale led most of the walks, and has a great sense of humour. He even carried a heavy bottle of Prosecco (as well as hundreds of biscuits) all the way up the mountain to Rifugio Battisti, to share with us to celebrate his birthday!

Advice for Potential Travellers

There a few slightly awkward sections of the trails that have wires/cables that you have to hold on to for extra security, but they're only short sections (perhaps 10-20 metres) and not at all technical. The walking is no more difficult than most Munro walks in Scotland.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first part was in the Amazon - the highlight was definitely after the long hike through the jungle to reach the lake, we spent a couple of hours in canoes, being gently paddled around the lake, and surrounded by butterflies, with them landing on us constantly.  Seeing monkeys and toucans as little turtles as well.  A fabulous day.The second part was the Inca Trail.  The first two days were the hardest physical challenge of my life, and the second two were full of fun and laughter with my new friends, whilst the pain was forgotten.  And when we arrived at Machu Picchu I couldn't help but cry with joy and relief at the beautiful sight of the ruins in the late afternoon sun.   We had worked hard and earned the view, and it was well worth it.Lastly, the brief stay on Amantani Island on Lake Titicaca was something else.  Having dinner in the evening and getting to know our host was special.  I felt like I'd really done something to help the local community.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Juan was superb.  He knew everything about everything.  With a degree in archeology there was nothing about the incas and other local empires he didn't know.  Plus his passion for all flora and fauna meant he was able to point out and name every animal and plant we saw.  Quite amazing.  And he had a great sense of homour too!Juan - thank you for making this trip unforgettable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't underestimate the Inca Trail, but if a desk potato like me can do it, so can you!Oh, and take blister plasters, even if you never get blisters, and clean socks for every day of the trail. Plus wet wipes are good, and hand cleanser.Take more clothes than you think you need for the jungle, and some detergent, as you'll end up taking 2 - 3 showers each day. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Freewheeling down to the Dead Sea in the warm breeze followed by a float! The spectacular views from The Monastery over the Rift Valley below Night under the stars in Wadi Rum

Thoughts on Group Leader

Most informative. Cycle leaders were the best, reassuring, entertaining and thoughtful, taking good care of us all the way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy every moment, go at your own pace and have a gel seat!

Most Inspirational Moment

First sight of the Matterhorn from a col

Thoughts on Group Leader

Warm, accomplished, highly experienced, confident with an easy relaxed style - but we still all knew who was in charge.  Right out of the top drawer.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Despite the bulk, try to take a substantial mat for sleeping on the hard ground.  Self-inflating but with a 5cm height would be preferable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sami is playful, intelligent, highly committed, proud of his country and his culture. He consistently exceeded what one would have expected from a group leader.  It was a privilege to spend time with him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I generally felt safer in Jordan than I do in Canada or America. Jordan demonstrates a level of hospitality and generosity we rarely encounter in the West. If you have any doubts about this trip, but feel like it might be something you’d like to experience, GO!There were more than enough blankets at the Wadi Rum camp, so if you’re tight for packing space you can ditch the sleeping bag, particularly at this time of year. I hadn’t realized just how toasty it can get in the South; Aqaba was 45 C due to a little heat wave. Drink lots, before you get thirsty. The heat and my asthma conspired to make some of the cycling in the desert difficult and I ended up riding the bus more than I would have liked, but the bus was always available and riding it was a positive experience in its own way. I arrived a week early to acclimatize and explore Amman. Despite what some guide books suggest, Amman is incredible and you can easily spend a week on foot in the downtown core just experiencing local culture, a mosaic of Jordanians, Palestinians, Syrians, and Iraqis.  I stayed at the Amman Pasha Hotel, which was cheap and wonderful and across the street from the Roman Amphitheater. The Exodus starting hotel is nice (with helpful staff, a pool and a gym), but in a somewhat isolated area. It’s ideal for the night before the start of the trip, but if you arrive early, you’ll find staying downtown a much richer experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Anna, our tour leader, was most knowledgeable about the history of the areas we visited and provided insights we otherwise might not have gleaned.   I know this suggestion will impact the price of the tour, but I think the ride leader needed help with this size group – perhaps an assistant.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a very active tour - moving to a new hotel each day, with several transfers - affording little downtime.  Recommend that you not bring a lot of, or big, luggage and be prepared for a busy tour.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Barranco Wall was fun - it looked really dauting from below but actually you had to take it slowly because there were lots of porters moving past us (they are truly incredible). Somehow the guides were always in exactly the right place to help each of us past tricky bits. Wonderful views at the top and a perfect spot for photos. Getting to Stella and then Uhuru was fantastic too of course. I think we were a really slow group - by the time we got to Uhuru it was lovely, sunny and uncrowded.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was very organised and efficient - it is a big operation to get us, food, water, tents etc up the mountain and it all ran very smoothly. He always sent someone on ahead to get a good spot at the next camp.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My top tip is to do what your guides tell you to do - they are experts at getting people up to the top e.g. extra acclimatisation walks, drinking lots, eating well and communicating with them if you have a problem.  Other tips: an iPod on summit night really helped me - I wasn't tired of the of the walking but was a bit bored, it was a good motivator and the girl behind said she saw my bopping my way up the mountain.  Get a thermal tube for your camelbak (you can get a cheap generic one from Decathlon) and generally getting used to all your kit in advance. Mentally prepare yourself for the scree descent from the summit - personally I found this a lot harder that going up. Keep some snacks for the descent. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through remote villages and hordes of smiling children waving and shouting "hello" or "good morning", the temples, the wildlife, the scenery, the hills and the wonderful food. - and the beer was pretty good too!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh is a star - incredibly knowledgeable, well organised and a great communicator. Nothing is too much trouble and he works incredibly hard to make sure all aspects of the trip are right.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Road surfaces vary between very very good and very very bad but the bikes can cope, the long miles day and the long hill climb day means some butt powder would be useful. With the heat/humidity drink plenty of water and consider gels/ salt supplements etc, personally don't think clip on pedals are necessary My best advice would be to book this trip - without doubt a truly memorable one