Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several highlights.  In spite of extremely unusual downpours in Jerash, you could still appreciate the vast and majestic ruins (Umbrellas were on sale for 5 dinars!).  Petra itself lived up to its reputation as one of the wonders of the world - the huge site could justify even more time there.  The night spent in Wadi Rum and the optional camel trek in the silent desert landscape, as well as the delicious meal, were relaxing moments in a hectic week.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Khaled Al Aamar, the tour leader, was knowledgeable, pleasant and experienced and gave an insight into the cultural, political and geographical background of his country.  It is not easy dealing with an international group of 20 foreigners varying in age, interests and with different priorities.  In my opinion, he struck a sensible balance between providing adequate information and not interfering with individual independence.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Exodus does advise everyone to bring waterproof and warm clothing, especially for the winter months - these were needed.  Comfortable shoes with non-slip soles are essential as Petra walking routes and other sites could be lethal.  You do need to have a reasonable fitness level and a good head for heights, as there is a lot of scrambling when going on the very good optional excusion with a Bedouin lady guide.  The climbs to the Monastery and to the High Place of Sacrifice were great but if you are in the the slightly unfit category (like me!), hit the gym before going!  Do not forget the anti-bacterial wipes and exercise caution with re-heated buffets in the hotels - at least 6 out of the 20 group members fell ill. It would have been useful to know which hotels were used in advance but apart from the Edom Hotel in Petra, where some rooms needed repairs and an upgrade, the accommodation was good.  The "Red Cave" near the entrance to Petra and the reasonably priced "Mystic Pizza" nearby were good value and the "Ali Baba" in Aqaba was recommended to us.  Meals can be expensive and most hotels and restaurants do not serve alcohol (just accept the Muslim culture).  A towel is provided for floating in the Dead Sea, think about a sarong, ladies, and plastic sandals are a boon, sea salt crystals are very sharp underfoot! Long sleeved discreet clothing and trousers are essential for women travellers. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking on the glacier definitely, closely followed by the lava cave and seeing the Northern Lights.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kristjian was great, very knowledgeable and passionate about his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is well worth doing, even if you are not lucky enough to see the Northern Lights.  Be prepared for any weather.  Gerdi guesthouse was comfortable and catered well for vegetarians, but if you are eating out, Iceland is not particularly veggie-friendly.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the full moon rising, and appearing to roll up the side of a distant mountain as the moon's path followed the same angle.Being above the tree line with views of the Dolomites and the other mountain ranges.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was excellent - always encouraging, and supportive, with a good sense of humour, lots of patience and plenty of sweets!She went  to a lot of trouble to get me information about travelling to Bolsano on my day off to see the Iceman (Otzi), and gave me some photocopies of Geology info when she found I was interested.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are fit - it's hard work, not just walking in snowshoes, but there's quite a bit of height gain involved - over 1500 feet on 3 of the days.  On the Exodus website there is (fairly well hidden - didn't find it until I got back) a suggested schedule of fitness training for a grade B which would give an idea of the level of training that would be useful.  A bit more help than the "reasonable fitness" in the part of the brochure I found.I took my own travel kettle as suggested in an earlier review- the hotel charges for filling a flask - possibly 2 Euros. (My favourite drink for cold walking is lemon and ginger tea, easily made from teabags, no milk required - you might like to try it). They also charge 75c for tapwater at the evening meal so it's worth either having a drink from your room before going down, or taking your own bottle.On the free day I went to see Otzi, the Iceman, a 5,300 year old well preserved body found in the ice in 1991 with all his clothing and travelling equipment, a lot of it very well preserved.  A unique find.  He is now in a purpose built museum in Bolsano, a 2 hour fairly scenic railway journey away.  Entry to the Museum 11 euros I think.  I was in there 3 hours, but 2 might be more normnal.  I'd read about him years ago and one of the reasons I selected this trip was to go and see him.  Google it, if you haven't heard of him.  It gives your legs a day off too, which mine appreciated more than they would have appreciated trying cross country skiing......  Your leader will I'm sure be able to provide you with info.  Trains every 30 mins.  One change at Fortessa.  If you go when the ticket office is open (after 9.15 am I think) you can get a return for 15 euros, otherwise 30 from the ticket machine.  But if on the cheaper ticket beware Eurocity  trains (Ec in the timetable) as you will pay a supplement on board.  Also beware the small print in the timetable for one of the return trains from Fortessa -can't remember the time but around 5 pm, written in pale brown with a H at the top of the column - it's Bank Holiday Fridays only. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Favourite tours were the tunnels, watching food being made in the Mekong Delta, home stay in the MeKong Delta, Marble Mountain's astonishing natural 'cathedral' and the magnificent giant Buddha hiding around the corner in a secluded magical sunbathed grotto. Most inspirational were the wonderful scenes of Vietnamese people going about their business, giving us lip in the markets, and dealing with traffic. The winner on that score was the woman crossing the street in HCM City while about 15 motorbikes, cars, trucks and buses moved abreast in a wave toward her, while she carefully counted a wad of cash, a tiny baby sleeping on her shoulder, not even glancing at the traffic, instead letting it weave its way around her. SO Vietnam. Another favorite moment was when Anh performed a song in the middle of a field, inspired by a flower there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

See above. Wonderful.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is impossible to pick one thing. The sense of achievement that came from mastering (in even the loosest sense of the word) a wide range of new activities was addictive, the fresh clean air was exhilerating and the sense of peace in the surroundings as well as the complete lack of light pollution was completely relaxing. The perfect package.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Friendly, helpful, fun. Outstanding

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't pack too many clothes, for the daytime activities everything is provided.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day was packed full of great activities which we will never forget. Our first daylight experience of Finland was the Husky Sled experience. The scenery was breathtakingly beautiful, the dogs amazing and friendly and capped off with hot drinks in a Teepee. This activity blew us away right at the beginning of our holiday.

Thoughts on Group Leader

All the leaders at Basecamp Oulanka were superb, accommodating, helpful and friendly. The family group leader Tessa was brilliant with all the children. She managed to support the whole group through new activities while educating us in Finnish traditions. Tessa was always smiling! Our boys loved making an Igloo with her.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip was an excellent introduction to winter activities. This holiday was varied, fun-packed and energetic. Our boys (aged 6 and 8) really enjoyed trying new activities and are keen to have another winter holiday!The food was good, and although there were times when we were not keen on the main option - there was plenty of bread and salad, and the kitchen was keen to accommodate and no-one ever went hungry.Basecamp Oulanka was well stocked with equipment and clothing which was accessible throughout. With temperatures reaching minus 29C we were grateful of the quality clothing available. Take swimming costumes to make use of the sauna and the hot tub - a great way to relax before supper!

Most Inspirational Moment

The gently relaxed state induced by walking in the sun high-up in the Atlas.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, a credit to the company, ensured all the groups needs were met with care and consideration; shared his lifelong knowledge of the area in a very accessable way and added greatly to our enjoyment, whislt keeping a good pace up.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This was January so be prepared for coldnights and going to bed early to keep warm, whilst needing a sun hat during the day!

Most Inspirational Moment

I don't know if it is inspirational as such, but amidst the beautiful scenery and exceptionally varied history, the thing which struck me the most was the modern history, particularly the no-man's-land visible in Famagusta. It's a shame that such a beautiful country is tinged with division and sadness, with the ongoing political and diplomatic struggles trapping the local people in the middle. Struggles and change throughout history are evident across the island, showcased by the visits to the castles, mosques, abbeys, monasteries and both ancient and modern ruins, in which the influence of Roman, Crusader, Arab and Turk can be seen. Not to mention the British...The natural landscape of the Karpaz is a fantastic contrast. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roz was friendly, knowledgeable and very funny. I hadn't realised from reading previous reviews that she was British and so I was doubly impressed by her spoken Turkish language skills! She was able to advise on just about everything, including suggesting places to eat and drink and even passing on a list of North Cyprus-related literature for anyone interested in learning a bit more.With her at the head and a great group of fellow travellers, I spent a hearty proportion of every day laughing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Say "yes" to everything! Say yes to the optional day trip to Famagusta, say yes to the evening dinner cruise, say yes to the chance to swim in the sea, say yes to the delicious barbecue...However, in amongst saying "yes" to everything... Consider packing a snack or two (ensuring it is not something that melts) in case the lunch food is not to your taste (it's freshly-prepared local food and I thought it was delicious!). Also, be prepared for a scratch or two on the leg on the forest walk. I loved the walk but some of the shrubs are hardy and unforgiving!The only definite thing which should be remembered? If flying with Pegasus from Stansted via Istanbul to Ercan, take food onto the plane for your journey!

Most Inspirational Moment

So many it's hard to decide. Each day I would wake up knowing I would be experience something new and that's a very cool feeling! The laughter and chat around the campfire. Finally reaching the top of the second highest peak, didn't think I would make it, but a lot of encouragement I did it. Was a good feeling! As soon as Ajthi brought the chocolate out, we knew we would be climbing uphill. Watching the group play cricket with local kids.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ajthi was fantastic, he really made the trip for everyone. He had boundless energy and enthusiasm. His knowledge was incredible making this not only a fun trip but absolutely fascinating. I'll never look at tea and spices in the same way!

Advice for Potential Travellers

You will not be disappointed. go for the penthouse suite (top tent), as Lady Laura can vouch for it:-) Always have some small change for public loos and tips. Take your own loo roll

Most Inspirational Moment

So many memorable moments but the vibrancy of the Cuban music which emanates from every corner of the island has to be a big plus.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Mirta, was inspriational and certainly made the trip very special.  She gave us great insight into the life of everyday Cuban people.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go prepared for long travel days and a packed itinerary, but the many interesting stops make this wonderful tour well worth experiencing.