Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Observing tigers (and leopards) in their habitat, some from only around 15 yards from the vehicle was a dream come true and so emotive.

Thoughts on Group Leader

For any tour you need an informed, interested and knowledgeable leader, not just on the tour 'main topic' but associated facts and information too. In Krishna we had someone that fitted the bill admirably. He 'knew his stuff' on a wide and extremely varied range of facts relating to India and the wildlife we encountered on our safari, and was never stuck for an answer. He made sure the trip was memorable for all the right reasons, and was always attentive to both the needs of the individual as well as those of the wider group. I came away with a collection of thoughts, information and images on India that will remain with me for a very long time, thanks in no small part to his enthusiasm. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't let pre-conceptions on things such as 'Delhi belly' dampen your thoughts about going on a holiday to India. Our tour was trouble free, due in no small part to the preparation undertaken by Exodus and it's staff. Relax and enjoy the experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

The delicioius dinners and the good company.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very impressive and capable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I had a good time. However, though I am very fit, and an experienced hiker, I found the first day hike more of a challenge than I had anticipated or than I desired. I skipped the 2nd day hike and chilled out at the farm, which was perfect. Before you sign up for this or any Exodus trip I suggest you do careful due diligence as to the nature of the terrain, etc.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the reincarnation of Desi Tenzin Rabgye Rimpoche at Tango monastery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Outstanding

Advice for Potential Travellers

What are you waiting for?  Go!

Most Inspirational Moment

Coming through the Sun Gate

Thoughts on Group Leader

ok

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is brilliant, but the organisation was disappointing in several areas:1. Promised a private toilet tent for each night of camping - Exodus changed their mind, but neglected to inform us pre-trip. This was inexcusable. One night this meant a long and unsafe walk to a shared toilet.  2. Flights changed by Exodux but no new ATOL certificate sent3. Whole group made to check in on-line in LAN offices in Cusco day before we left. This did not work. 4. Insurance paid for but not sent a certificate until requested5. Never received an evaluation form from Exodus Word of warning - tried to pick up bags in Lima but they were not there. Had to take next plane to Cusco - bags eventually arrived 24 hours later after a LOT of airport hassle. Not the best start to the day

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing Sigiriya rock Watching blue whales at Mirissa

Thoughts on Group Leader

She was really nice and considerate. Always smiling and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Lots of sun-screen

Most Inspirational Moment

Classically it has to be Macchu Picchu - an amazing place and luckily we  had glorious weather too. Have to say watching the condours came a very close second  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Marcial. He was a very good leader - informative (history, politics, literature, geology, flora and fauna were just some of the subjects covered). On the days where there was free time, he always offered to do something else for the group and all we had to do was pay for the transport. At meal times he ensured that we all had our own bills. Marcial made sure we all knew there was time set aside everyday if anyone needed to speak to him privately....overall he was great. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go and see everything that you have the opportunity to go and see - extra bits such as the hot springs  / Inca town & sites / Nazca lines flight are not included but will be on offer.....take a little extra cash and go everywhereFor the homestay, your guide will arrange for some gifts for the family however take something from home. We took some little Easter eggs, union jack pencils and pencil case and books for the kids....they were very much appreciated. Get involved in in the homestay - the families could not be more hospitable and welcoming  

Most Inspirational Moment

1. A great group of people - fun, interesting, friendly, relaxed, and patient2. Seeing Petra - awesome3. Camel ride at Wadi Rum - lots of laughs!4. Boat trip from Aqaba - great relaxation and great boat (and facilities)5. Long cycle ride to Aqaba - hard work but some great stretches of quiet road and stunning scenery6. The food - great everywhere we went (even lunches en route) except the Bedouin camp dinner (see below) 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zuhair spoke very good English, was very well organised, arranged some excellent lunches, and led the group effectively. He was a bundle of energy, making things happen, and leading us on interesting hiking expeditions when we weren't cycling. Nothing was too much trouble for him. He provided good information on the history and culture of Jordan, but sometimes the facts got lost in an overenthusiastic and verbose delivery! Some information on the geology of what we saw would have been a helpful and valuable additional resource.Habib was a very nice and capable bike leader, though his English was limited. However he did not allow for sufficient breaks for a drink and/or for laggards (like me!) to catch up. One day we cycled for 16km/80 mins in 30 degrees+ and into a headwind without stopping! To be fair, when questioned, Habib apologised and there were more frequent breaks after that.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go!....it is a great experience and a good way to see Jordan.

Most Inspirational Moment

Waking up on the boat in the middle of Halong Bay. Kayaking round islands and seeing the monkeys leap from tree to tree. Learning to cook by imitation and gestures in the Mekong Delta. Walking through emerald green paddy fields, up steep hills. Sleeping on a bamboo floor in a traditional Thai longhouse. Handling a python in the snake farm. Being entertained by local dancers, and being dragged up to dance the finale. Cycling through villages on windy canal paths, with little children rushing out to shout "hello!". 

Thoughts on Group Leader

A wonderful story teller, full of interesting anecdotes and insights into Vietnam history and culture. He even got out his guitar on occasion and entertained us with some of his songs!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for lots of travel, by coach, rail, road, boat, kayak, and air. Bring earplugs and a jumper, as Vietnam can dip below 20 degrees in the evenings. Be ready for all sorts of extras not necessarily on the itinerary. Don't worry about the Cu Chi tunnels: the bit you walk through is only right at the end and easily omitted if you're claustrophobic - the rest of it is fascinating. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Meeting great new friends

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent friendly and welcoming

Most Inspirational Moment

Making it up to the summit at Tizi n Test (height 2100 m).  It was a steep climb, and of course very hard on the weekend warrior muscles, being the 2nd day of the trip...However, the real challenge was on the last cycling day, where we had to go through dirt mountainous and steep slopes.  A few of us found that walking was faster than cycling, and therefore chose the easy way.  I am glad, for myself, I had opted for this rather than the Atlas Descent (which although very exciting would have been most likely above my level).  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alejandro was an excellent leader.  He has that particular trait that makes his clients comfortable and confident about his knowledge and expertise.  He made sure the front and rear cyclists were not separated by a long interval, through regrouping at no maximum of 22 km depending on the terrain.  This reinforces the camaderie among the participants.  His instructions for the cycling stretches were colorful, detailed and complete.   There was only one short section where anyone was lost, and even then, it got righted within a short time.  Such was the focus on safety.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for an exciting week.  My group had participants from Canada (2), Norway (2), Norway/France (1), Dutch (1), Singapore (2), and Brits (7), of which 5 were females.  Sleep early, as the ride is demanding...there is very little time to do anything else (except in the big towns such as Essaioura, and Marrakech).