Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the pandas in Chengdu but all the food from start to finish if trip was excellent. Our guide Kris made sure we had opportunity to sample all the local cuisines.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kris was in hand for all group members and while there were no major incidents there were some flight challenges which Kris excellently supported with. We had a mixed group but one that got on well woth each other and Kris on request of the group helped with lunch and evening meals most days ensuring everyone in the group got to sample the local food. Kros was very professional yet friendly throughout the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk on the last day with all the spring/summer flowers and the trip to Venice, exploring the back streets.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Best tour guide ever. Just a lovely caring person. Always smiling. Nothing was to much trouble.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing bear tracks & communication posts. The scenery, the fantastic walks, the wildflowers. The excellent food at the hotel. The wonderful company of the other members of the group. And finally, the person who made it all beyond fantastic was Julian our leader. What an amazing human being.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Julian is one of the best leaders I've had the pleasure of spending time with on an Exodus trip. What Julian doesn't know about the mountains, the history of Bulgaria, the local culture, the bears and other wildlife, the flora and even the weather, isn't worth knowing. He made every walk so interesting telling us stories, pointing out special plants, bear prints & communication posts, showing us what deer, boar & chamois prints look like.

Most Inspirational Moment

There was a highlight every day. Obviously Machu Picchu was wonderful. But other locations, like Arequipa, were unexpected gems

Thoughts on Group Leader

Honestly, could not have wished for a better leader in Luis. Also, in rainforest Roldan was exceptional.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through the misty Fanal Forest felt magical, with its ancient laurel trees, followed by breathtaking views above the clouds in the mountains – a perfect contrast in one unforgettable day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was knowledgeable, friendly and shared great insight into Madeira’s culture, nature and history. His enthusiasm really added to the overall experience and made everyone feel welcome.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Come prepared for varied terrain and weather – good walking boots and layers are essential. Don’t underestimate the sun, even on cooler days, and bring a refillable water bottle. Most importantly, take your time to enjoy the scenery – this is a destination where every turn offers another incredible view.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the hiking, the scenery is so beautiful. Seeing bears was amazing. The group i travelled with were great!

Thoughts on Group Leader

It was lovely to have a very local guide, he was very interesting and looked after us very well. He was very conscientious on the hikes to check everyone was ok

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking in silence to search for bears and wolves. The birdsong was amazing and we were all so excited to see bear tracks for a mother and cubs and adolescent male.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Julian is a passionate and enthusiastic leader. So knowledgeable on the trails, wildlife, animals, flora and fauna of the area. We all enjoyed his stories and talks and learning more about brown bears. He ensured the group were safe on the trails and made sure we were fully prepared for each walk and the quickly changing weather.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It can start off very sunny but the weather can change quickly so layers, shorts and long trousers and good waterproofs are a must. Hiking poles are useful especially on the descents although some of my group used these all the time. If like me you enjoy black tea or English breakfast make sure to bring some teabags although the local herbal tea was a nice alternative. I was grateful for my travel kettle! The trip notes are very accurate so if you feel like you would like more time in Sofia it really is worth arranging an extra night or two or ensuring that you have booked suitable flight times. A few of my group regretted not having a later flight.

Most Inspirational Moment

The masseria visit (olive oil tasting, pasta making and lunch) and different masseria for overnight stop. The guided tours of Matera, Alberobello and Lecce.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was excellent in every way and was pivotal to the success of the tour. I particularly liked how he made suggestions to improve the itinerary and gained agreement from the group. Also particularly liked his use of a WhatsApp group for sharing information - all of which was super useful.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Dolomites and meeting the people in the group and along the hikes.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rob Mason is a phenomenal leader who ensured that we were prepared for the coming days activities by imparting details of what to expect and what would be needed to prepare us for success. In addition, his knowledge of the area, to include history, sites, monuments and nature, was amazing.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Art Nouveau tour in Riga was excellent. The hotel in Riga was also a highlight as the roof terrace was a wonderful place for views, drinks and dinner. Dinner on our last night in Tallinn was an inspired choice with 'ancient' dishes and a private space. Geat fun. The visit and tour of Rundale Palace was splendid. Such magnificence, unlike anything else we saw, and Olafs was perfect, knowledgeable and very funny. The personal stories from our guide gave depth and colour to the history. The to

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bob came to life as he told us the history of the region and shared some personal history, and as he got to know us. He was great communicating with us each day through the WhatsApp group and making suggestions for using our free time. He was always available for a while after we arrived at a hotel in case we had questions, and also each evening. He is very knowledgeable as I've come to expect with Exodus. He made sure to check on me the day I wasn't well which I appreciated.