Reviews

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views from the top of Mt Toubkal were humbling, and so beautiful. Equally inspring was walking back down through the mountain villages, that appeared even more beautiful than they had on the trip up.  The beauty and calm was spellbinding. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Hassan was absolutely faultless; his attention to everyone's needs was quietly perfect and completely admirable. Absolutely lovely person and couldn't ask for better. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you enjoy being in mountains, don't hesitate --- do it!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many memorable moments. In the mountains, the emotions are torn between the uplifting  majesty of the scenery contrasting so poignantly with the evidence of brutal human conflict.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Karl was excellent. He was informative, humorous and sensitive to the capabilities of the group members. We all thoroughly enjoyed his leadership and company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want a walking holiday amongst fantastic scenery based in a high quality hotel, you will enjoy this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Great Wall was amazing and each stretch confirmed that the Wall is well worth the visit.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jerry Wu was knowledgeable and attentive throughout the trek, and Mr Han the driver was good and safe, and kept us supplied with water!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do it and note that I am 71 and managed without problem so you can.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of the long climbs on days 3 and 4.The views.   Not missing a photo opportunity due to sitting on the wrong side of a coach. Snack stops - just what you need to keep you going until lunchtime.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very professional.  Took time to check everything was ok before, during and after the days cycling.  Local staff also very helpful and informative.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip was classed as moderate and that you should be of average fitness.  If you are not fit, or used to cycling distances, then you may find some of the days not so enjoyable.   Don't worry about being left behind - you won't be.  The group always re-groups at a junction so no-one gets lost.Take as long as you like - stop for a photo whenever you want.Be organised for a beach stop every day.  If you don't like the beach, take a book with you or do a bit of extra cycling.   

Most Inspirational Moment

Not sure about inspirational, but memorable highlights included: (1) Second half of Day 3 ride along Hvar towards Sucaraj - cruising along the narrow part of the island with amazing sea views to left and right. I had got in my stride and thought: this is cycling at its best. (2) Lunch at Mate restaurant on Day 5, Korcula - simple but traditional fayre, a great stop over on a relaxing day of cycling. (3) Traditional dinner on Day 5 at family establishment just outside Korcula - amazing slow cooked lamb and simple but delicious salads, great setting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Good overall - responsible, responsive and took good care of us in general. However, he could have been more communicative: I (and I think some other fellow travellers) would have preferred if he had provided more detailed information in the daily briefings.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some reasonably long climbs - eg, 11k and 9k climbs on Days 2 and 3. Whether or not they are "challenging" depends of course on what cycling you are used to. But I think if you do not have any experience of cycling in hilly areas, then some of the hills would be quite challenging. Also beware that whilst you can decide at the bottom of the big climbs to go in the van instead, there was no option of quitting half way (no place for van to stop).

Most Inspirational Moment

For me the border crossings, from France to Switzerland, Switzerland to Italy and Italy to France were all spectacular - difficult days that made me feel a sense of achievement as passes were crossed, moving from one country to another. On two of the rest days I took the opprtunity to take the respective cable cars up to stations high up on glaciers. An amazing experience to see the high mountains without having to be a mountaineer. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Jenny was quite frankly superb. She was organised, kept us well briefed throughout the trek, and was tremendous fun to socialise with. It was pretty obvious she had many years of leading and her experience showed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For anyone who walks regularly or is reasonably active, this trek should not pose any significant physical challenges as long as you are reasonably fit before you come on this trek. That being said the more physical preparation you can do pre departure, the more you can enjoy the trek. Read the pre departre notes and even look at the Exodus trekking fitness guide and be honest with yourself you can do what's described. You want a challenge not an ordeal.