Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Halong bay was my favourite part of the trip, kayaking from the boat to a lagoon then watching a monkey sitting the rocks eating. Hoi an was a close second with cycling at six in the morning to watch the sunrise over the spice fields (helped by the fact it was snowing in England at the time).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pheong was a brilliant fella, informative with a deep love of his country, always cheerful and amazingly patient, one morning even giving a meditation lesson for those who were interested and not only all that also a fantastic pool player.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be warned Hanoi and northern Vietnam can be colder than expected, although my trip was in January so maybe I should have been better prepared. Don't overpack you can get your laundry done at lots of different places on the trip. Also shopping is very good out there I bought a north face jacket for 45 dollars which is'nt too bad.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the bustle of Hanoi (hundreds of scooters), the limestone peaks of Halong Bay and cycling around the surrounding villages of historic Hoi An. Vietnam is a beautiful, lush country and it's people are so friendly. It was lovely to be greeted by local children as we cycled around the villages. We spend New Year in HCM City and it was awesome. I also really enjoyed the wonder of Siem Reap. Cambodians are very humble, friendly people. I wish I'd been there longer than 2 days.

Thoughts on Group Leader

If all the Exodus reps are as passionate about their country as our group leader then I can't wait to do another trip. Thang was knowledgeable, passionate about his work and country and extremely helpful. He put a lot of time and effort into making that we ate at the loveliest restaurants, gave us time to marvel at the awesome sites, made sure our individual needs were met and chivvied us up when we needed it! He was funny and really got involved with the group (he sings very well too)!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take US dollars as you really don't need to take local currency - I took both and it was fun working out the value of their notes but not necessary as everyone converts the cost into dollars if you need them to (you pay individually in all restaurants making it your choice of which currency to use). Definately use insect repellent and anti malaria tablets in CambodiaI completely recommend this trip; I still wake up every day and feel glad that I did it. Thanks Exodus!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment of my trip was the Hike in Silent Valley, wonderful scenery and lovely people along the way.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was truly wonderful, very helpful and always ready with a little anecdote and a glimpse into the real lives of the Indian people. Ajay really helped to make this a holiday to remember.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although this is advertised as a moderate trek, I did find some parts quite hard but with the help of the guides, Mani in particular I enjoyed every moment.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching Lutterkopf summit with a 360 degree panorama of the Dolomites and Austrian Alps

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara is an inspirational, knowledgeable and fun group leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you read the kit list to ensure you bring all the essential items

Most Inspirational Moment

There were a few stand out moments - seeing the work and support that Exodus has put in supporting the villagers in Tijhza and the benefits this provides to the area as a whole.  The stars in the Sahara were absolutely awesome and visiting the ruined Glaoui family kasbah at Telouet (having read Lords of the Atlas by Gavin Maxwell in preparation for the trip).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdullah was great, he was very knowledgeable about the history of Morocco and endlessly patient with his vistors who were a bit rubbish at the Arabic and Berber languages.  Sena Sieda!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I have Coeliac Disease so my advise to anyone else in this situation is to make sure you have plenty of snacks with you (for outside of mealtimes) and consider taking some corn/ rice cakes with you as a bread substitute at breakfast.  And read the trip notes!

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting in our truck surrounded by a family of elephants, then watching them wander off into the distance was hard to beat, as was drifting over the plains at dawn in our hot air balloon.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had two leaders, Ben and Davis. As there were 12 of us we spent most of the time split between two vehicles and we spent most of our time with Davis, who was very knowledgeable and informative. He had gone to great pains to ensure we had an appropriate vehicle for the trip and, despite being dogged by tyre problems, made sure we got the most out of our game drives.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take some snacks as the packed lunches are a bit of a disappointment. And do the balloon trip - yes it's pricey but worth it. Breakfasting with champagne on the plains afterwards is really something else!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking to the top of Penon and seeing all around for miles.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent on all counts

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take some good rainproof jackets and warm clothing, when it rained in the higher hills it was like walking in Scotland.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably the walled town of Napflio, which was an unexpected pleasure as I'd never heard of it before. We had a few hours to choose our own method of exploring and were spoilt for choice; some of us decided to cycle up the hill to the fortress dominating the town, and were rewarded with the most fantastic views (and a lovely freewheel back down).Or was it the optional cycle from Corinth, and swimming in the sea on the site of a Greek bath house and Roman villa?

Thoughts on Group Leader

Christiana, the leader, couldn't have done more for us. This was the inaugural trip, so there were a few adjustments needed - eg a change to the autumn ferry timetable meant a quick change to the first morning's plans. Her co-driver, Christos, was equally charming and capable, and his huge enthusiasm for cycling meant we got two guides from time to time, as well as the usual Exodus luxury of an expert puncture-mender.Alongside the cycling and guiding expertise came an infectious enthusiasm for the country, the countryside, the history, the food and the wine. What more could we want?

Advice for Potential Travellers

Having been on several Exodus Moderate trips, I would place this firmly in the same bracket.Some of the climbs were in full sun, so these can get pretty hot.

Most Inspirational Moment

I was inspired by a rider who at 58 (and not having had much riding experience), who had suffered breast cancer and leukemia in the previous few years completed the hardest day of the ride doing a 2000m climb to Nuwalia Aya. I was also inspired by Suresh, our Leaders' patience and attention to detail as well as his knowledge and ability to fix up all sorts of issues and problems.  No problem was ever too small for him.  He always put the riders first and himself last.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh our Group Leader is just the best.  Words cannot praise his patience in dealing with 14 diverse and sometimes demanding customers.  Nothing was too difficult for him to attend to, he catered for everyones needs, consulted when he thought it was appropriate (eg. food choices) and thought about everyone and their requirements.  Suresh you "rock" big time. Thanks ever so much for making this holiday pleasant, comfortable and one of the best cycling tours I have been on so far.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

Advice - take it easy, it's not a race, slow down and enjoy the "journey" and the vivid scenery.  For newbie riders, hydrate, hydrate and hydrate again. A fellow American rider said to us - you Aussies are the Kings of Hydration, we have to be, in 35+ heat in Summer.  Many Northern country riders who haven't ridden in hot countries are apt to get caught out.  Take at least 2 tubs of gatorade/rehydation fluid (available at most western supermarkets) for the 14 days to re-hydrate and chug it down all day with each refill of water.  Take your own bike water bottle as the plastic water bottles used means you'll have to physically stop to unscrew the lid to drink. If you haven't used nappy rash barrier cream (or chamois cream), get some and apply before riding (and at toilet stops), it'll help both male and female riders with chafing - big time.  Take a small back pack to carry and and re-apply 30/50+ sunscreen, plus camera, plus a moist flannel (to cool you down, clean off mud and re-apply sunscreen).  For the ladies, figure out how to use the hose toilets, thy're much more hygienic and cool you down - so practical for Asia

Most Inspirational Moment

Not crashing on that corner, and going through the tunnels near Cortina. Without crashing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Really rather good, handing out a perfect blend of instruction and patience.