Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The week of hiking in the Chamonix Valley was fantastic. The views of the Mont Blanc Massif from the different vantage points on our daily hikes were spectacular. The Chalet Chocolat was very comfortable, good beds and showers. We enjoyed the hot tub with views of Mont Blanc. John and Jane prepared great meals which we shared around the pine dining table. After a few days we all became good friends.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ian Fleming was our guide. An educated, erudite man who knows mountaineering and the Chamonix Valley. He regaled us with information about hiking techniques: how to use walking poles, how to safely hike downhill, etc, and information about alpine trees and flowers. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

I loved it, I hope you do also.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting Herculaneum - more atmospheric than Pompeii.The return boat trip after the Walk of the Gods and seeing all the walks we had done during the week.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suzy was excellent: friendly, competent and informative.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Having the guide for the historical visits added to the experience. Walking poles are strongly recommended. Wear a hat and carry lots! of water if it is hot.

Most Inspirational Moment

The beauty and nature of the Amazon forest. The first glimpse of Manchu Pichu. The serenity of Lake Titicaca and the warmth of our 'family' during our home stay. I think everyday was inspirational during the entire holiday!!!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Olie or Keanu as I call him is fantastic. He was all over the place keeping an eye out on everyone, providing us with options whenever we needed, great sense of humor....a few of us did not have our luggage arrive at the destination and he managed to get it sent to us at the Lodge the next day which definitely was no easy task.

Advice for Potential Travellers

2 hiking poles I found are a must for the trek!!! Keep the duffel bags to the limit stated of 7kg for the trek. Follow the advise of the group leader!

Most Inspirational Moment

Day 2 of the trail was a tough day, reaching Dead Womans Pass was a real sense of achievement and of course Machu Picchu was just breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Maritza our group leader was one of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet, nothing was too much trouble for her and she left us all with lots of happy memories.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Cusco was quite chilly at times so make sure you take some warmer clothes but dont forget the suncream either and dont bother with high heels as its all hills and cobbles. Think carefully about what you're going to pack in your kitbag, they do weigh them to make sure they're not over 7kg. Toilet wipes and antibac handgel are an absolute must, the toilet facilities on the trek are pretty basic to say the least! and a trekking pole is a great help.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are so many inspirational moments of the trip; climbing Lion Rock, the bike ride through villages (having not been on a bike since I was a child, this was a personal achievement), the walk through a forest and eating fruit that seconds earlier we had seen being picked from a tree are just a few that come to mind.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Sujan, was exceptional. His knowledge, passion and fun shone through and I have him to thank for making the trip so enjoyable.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery and the isolation

Thoughts on Group Leader

excellent. very knowledgeable. Looked after the group well - knew how to set the walking pace

Advice for Potential Travellers

don't under-estimate the physical work involved. If you're prepared then you'll love it.

Most Inspirational Moment

The combination of great walking, good weather, a fabulous group and the best Exodus leader I have had in 9 trips made this a really wonderful holiday. Walking in the snowfields up at the tops of the cols was a new experience for me and the level of exertion was enough to be a challenge without being excessively difficult!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rupert, our leader, was an absolute gentleman and could not have done more to look after the group. He was always attentive, thoughtful and considerate about everyone's different needs; good-humoured and kind. The fact that he was also a botanist was the icing on the cake for me.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a great trip for getting a good feel for the Mont Blanc area; has lovely variety in 3 countries and varying landscapes en route, and the three rest(!) days provide opportunity to explore Mont Blanc from other angles including taking the dramatic cable car up the Aiguille du Midi (the neighbouring mountain) and paragliding around the Chamonix valley. Pack it all in!!   

Most Inspirational Moment

The superb varied scenery of Andalucía. Great walks in very different locations.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alex was superb. A local guy - nothing was too much trouble. Knowledgeable about the area. Great company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a wide brimmed hat in hot weather.

Most Inspirational Moment

The climb up to Monte Piano and the Tres Cime although every day was a new experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Karl was an affable fellow who managed to cater for everybodys needs and wants without fuss. He led us superbly through terrain where the snow had covered the paths and his knowledge of the trek and historical content was great. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

May sound obvious but ensure your boots are well worn in and your travel insurance covers you for altitudes greater than 2500 metres. Most insurance policies cut out at this altitude (if you read the small print) and on some days you may go close to 3000 metres especially if you are on the challenge trek. Also be prepared for all weather events as the situation can change rapidly.  Lastly, if you are a pole person - use them.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many; the iron curtain memorials and the old crossing point beyond Mikulov  were the most moving; fields upon fields of sunflowers and wheat on rolling hills were beautiful;  the triple tier loggia at Jindrichov Hradec castle was just jaw-dropping; the smell of pine in the woods after a rainy night;  the fish restaurant in Trebon,  the gruner veltlinger wine; beautiful renaissance town 'squares';  watching Andy Murray lose a set  on TV in the fairy tale town of Cesky Krumlov;  the Sisi memorial in Vienna; Chris taking a tumble at the bottom the "Tower"; trying out the childrens' playgound in Znojmo;  Lorna paddling down the flume in Gyor; Jen giving us  cycling stats at the end of the day; Anna finding and feeding us mulberries , Lorna apricots, and David cherries. A really lovely time with a great group of people.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Anna was a fantastic and engaging leader and guide. She has a huge knowledge of the area and its history and was very generous in sharing that knowledge and her experiences. As well as keeping the cycling all on track, she took us to lots of interesting extra places  en route - amazing castles, a painted wine cave, iron curtain remains, a national canoe centre, a Hungarian spa pool... She knew some fabulous restaurants and was very sociable and tireless.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take anti-mozzy spray as well as sun cream. Not all the hotels have lifts (or air-conditioning)The cycling is rightly described as 'moderate'. Some hills in the Czech Republic, and a couple of longish (though flat) rides in Slovakia/Hungary, but really nothing too difficult if you've done some cycling and are reasonably fit.If you want to do more than scratch the surface of Prague, Vienna and Budapest, be inspried to come back.