Most Inspirational Moment
The penguins waddling down the street holding wings!!!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Warren was amazing
Advice for Potential Travellers
There are quite a few hills so I would advise getting a few of these in before you go.
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
This trip was awesome. One of the best cycling holidays I've done. The contrast in the scenery that you cycle through is amazing; mountains, passes, vineyards, the coast fabulous. Wine tasting at the end of a ride. Oh and the penguins!
Great cycling, quite hilly but stunning, very varied. Great accommodation and very varied. Loved the penguins.
What a wonderful introduction to Walking Holidays and this region of Tuscany!
This was my first experience of an organised walking holiday and I can’t say I was disappointed.
Stunning scenery, delicious food and marvelous company. The weather left a little to be desired but didn’t really spoil the week at all.
When we weren’t walking we were looked after by Angela and her team at Braccicorti. Always a warm, welcoming smile and sometimes a chat over a cup of tea!
The accommodation in the farmhouse is simple but comfortable and warm, with plenty of communal areas to discuss the day’s activities or find a quiet corner to just relax.
I love my food and I loved the fare dished up during the week. Traditional, homely, delicious and plenty of it.
I have got to give a special mention to our Tuesday guide, Pierluigi, whose enthusiasm, in the face of lashing rain, knew no bounds.
And finally, our wonderful guide for the week, Sara, who had a wealth of knowledge about the area’s history and geography as well as its flora & fauna. Her leadership throughout the week made it for me.
Most Inspirational Moment
Although the scenery was stunningly beautiful with so many Instagram worthy vistas, it was the people – group members, our hosts and Sara our guide.
Thoughts on Group Leader
What can i say...Inspirational. A wealth of knowledge and experience.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Read the trip notes and make sure your fitness is up to muster. Although nothing extreme, there’s a fair amount of altitude to be ascended.
Hints and tips
This is not a restful trip. It is full on from the start but it gave us everything we wanted to see in China and our guide Kris made it very easy for us. She had a good sense of humour and warned us if there was anything she thought might be difficult for us. Be prepared for crowds. Most of the tourist sights are busy with Chinese tourists, especially the Terracotta Warriors and the Pandas at Chengdu.
Most Inspirational Moment
It was a great holiday. The Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, the pandas, the Three Gorges, Jangshuo and the Three Kingdoms show. Couldn’t pick one out. A possible improvement might be to take another overnight train rather than have the overnight stop in Wuhan. After visiting the dam we travelled for one and a half days on a series of trains and coaches whereas getting an overnight train would have been more restful.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Kris was a great group leader - funny, patient, informative and took care of everybody. She is one of the best guides we have had and we have done quite a few Exodus holidays.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Travel light. I would suggest not more than 15KG and wheeled luggage. You will be moving around a lot. Take toilet roll and hand gel with you when outside the hotel. Pack a mug, spoon , tea bags and coffee as hot water is available on trains and at airports. Don't expect cold milk though, take powdered if you like your tea white - it wasn't always available except in better hotels. Laundry is cheap to do in Jangshuo. The Three Kingdoms show was fantastic. Can't comment on the others but the rest of the group thought all shows were good, especially the acrobatic show in Shanghai. Carry money and passport at all times. Take cash as credit cards can't be used when the group leader is organising meals etc. The trip notes were about right in terms of what you need for money. China is not as cheap as you might think. Shanghai was the only place we used credit cards and even then not everywhere. Luggage is X- rayed before you get on trains and flammables and sharp objects ( even scissors) may be confiscated. We got away with a penknife but one of our group had their aerosol deodorant confiscated. Keep power packs and camera batteries in hand luggage, even leaving Shanghai. They will get you to open your luggage even after you have handed it over at check in. You will need sunscreen and insect repellent. Trainers were fine, walking boots not needed, but you will be walking quite a lot. If you upgrade to first on the overnight train you will get your own loo and 2 in a cabin (£70 each). Some of the group thought this was definitely a plus. Accommodation on the boat was better than I expected ( not necessary to upgrade) but it is worth upgrading for the food as it means you will eating with a group of 30-40, rather than 300.
Fabulous Jordan
A wonderful trip to a beautiful and welcoming country. The experience far outstripped our expectations. The scenery was stunning, the variety of sites amazing, and the accommodation and transport arrangements excellent. Our guide Nidal was brilliant and ensured we got the very most from our trip. He looked after us so well and helped us experience the “real” Jordan and meet the ever so friendly Jordanians as well as seeing the tourist hot spots. We’ve been on many Exodus trips and this is without doubt one of the best.
Most Inspirational Moment
To try and sum this up is a challenge. There were so many and so varied. They range from walking through Petra with the amazing carved rocks faces, to watching the pale crag martins (birds) "floating" along the cliff faces; watching the sun-set over the Martian like landscape of Wadi Rum and then drinking tea around an open fire in the desert camp; Taking in the 360 vista of the quiet flat rocky desert around Qasr El Kharana, to travelling alongside the Dead Sea knowing you're 380+ metres below sea level; and finally being waved to by the whole school when we stopped outside, to taking in the view of Jordans own Grand Canyon - Wadi Mujib.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Nidal was a great guide, very experienced and excellent company. He seemed to know everyone, and everyone knew him too. Very knowledgeable and friendly, and a great ambassador for his country. He took care of all our needs and ensured we got to see every aspect of Jordan. He was ably assisted by our great driver Mather.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This is a well balanced trip that ensures you see and experience a great deal of Jordan. Although jam packed it was well paced and we had enough time to really soak in all of the sites and meet the locals. I would not hesitate to recommend this trip.
One of the best trips
Fabulous trip but, as with all Exodus holidays, the success is dependent on the tour guide. We had Jerry and he was faaaantastic! What a guy! Knowledgeable, committed and with a wonderful sense of humour. Thank you Jerry – you made the trip gloriously memorable.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking the Great Wall in the mountains with hardly anyone else in sight. Great opportunity for silent meditation whilst walking.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jerry was fantastic. Knowledgeable, funny, energetic and an amazing, last-minute organiser despite difficulties caused by a large Beijing conference.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you only consider yourself moderately fit, I would recommend doing a bit of training before the holiday to avoid stiff legs in the morning. Parts of the wall are exceptionally steep, both up and down, and the trip involves walking for 6 consecutive days. And if you go in April, be prepared for all weathers - we had freezing temperatures and sleet one day.
EVEREST BASE CAMP..... GO FOR IT !!
My 2nd trekking excursion to Nepal, the first was Annapurna Base Camp,(ABC) 10 days round trip, up to 4130 meters (13,550 ft) That was enough to energize my batteries to go higher, for I’ve been near or at 14,000 ft on 3 occasions without any AMS symptoms.
I was anticipating Everest Base Camp (EBC) to be the trek that let me experience some AMS symptoms, however my pre-trip training (indoors at sea level) had my legs in shape and genetics most likely had a lot to the NO AMS, along with the gradual acclimatization in the trek was very well planned and organized. The research I have read says no one can predict who will get AMS, and genetics has a lot to do with it per some mountain guide I knew in Alaska.
AS for the conditions in Nepal, well….. I am used to “ROUGHING” it in the bush of Alaska on fly out hunting trips for over 25 years,(tents, sleeping bags on cold ground, grizzly bears)…. so the TEA HOUSES are luxurious compared to the bush of ALASKA, Hot tea at your door every morning.
SO, if you are a pampered city slicker and not used to roughing it, YES, it will be a shock as Michelle M stated in the review before me.
REMEMBER your training, and expect the worst, and hope (and Pray) for the Best. SUKMAN and the assistant guides were beyond fabulous, we all owe a debt of gratitude to them for getting us up that 5545 meters the last day for a SPECTACULAR view of the “TOP of the WORLD”
CHEERS and BEERS from JW in ALASKA. THANKS SUKMAN.
Most Inspirational Moment
SEEING the TOP OF THE WORLD from 5545 meters (18,200 ft)
Thoughts on Group Leader
FANTASTIC !!
Advice for Potential Travellers
READ my review above and TRAIN your legs for up, down and ENDURANCE.
EVEREST BASE CAMP..... GO FOR IT !!
My 2nd trekking excursion to Nepal, the first was Annapurna Base Camp,(ABC) 10 days round trip, up to 4130 meters (13,550 ft) That was enough to energize my batteries to go higher, for I’ve been near or at 14,000 ft on 3 occasions without any AMS symptoms.
I was anticipating Everest Base Camp (EBC) to be the trek that let me experience some AMS symptoms, however my pre-trip training (indoors at sea level) had my legs in shape and genetics most likely had a lot to the NO AMS, along with the gradual acclimatization in the trek was very well planned and organized. The research I have read says no one can predict who will get AMS, and genetics has a lot to do with it per some mountain guide I knew in Alaska.
AS for the conditions in Nepal, well….. I am used to “ROUGHING” it in the bush of Alaska for over 25 years, so the TEA HOUSES are luxurious compared to the bush of ALASKA. SO if you are a pampered city slicker and not used to roughing it, YES, it will be a shock as Michelle M stated in the review before me.
REMEMBER your training, and expect the worst, and hope (and Pray) for the Best. SUKMAN and the assistant guides were beyond fabulous, we all owe a debt of gratitude to them for getting us up that 5545 meters the last day for a SPECTACULAR view of the “TOP of the WORLD”
CHEERS and BEERS from JW in ALASKA. THANKS SUKMAN.
Most Inspirational Moment
SEEING the TOP OF THE WORLD from 5545 meters (18,200 ft)
Thoughts on Group Leader
FANTASTIC !!
Advice for Potential Travellers
READ my review above and TRAIN your legs for up, down and ENDURANCE.
Happy memories of Sri Lanka
This was a wonderful trip with great cycling, eating, sight-seeing and so much more. We got a great insight into the local history, culture and economy. The group got on well and enjoyed the wit and humour of its members, but the tone was set by the leader, Suresh, who informed us and amused us in equal measure.
Most Inspirational Moment
Completing the hill climb on day 7. Also the whale watching was spectacular.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader did an excellent job of rolling out the programme each day and delivering it in a confident and relaxed manner. He took time to make sure everyone was happy.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring cycling gloves that you can get on and off easily when your hands are hot and sweaty. Have a good level of fitness so that you can enjoy the cycling
Konichiwa and arigato!
This trip exceeded expectations in many ways – incredibly well-organised with a good balance between group activities and private exploration. The breadth of Japanese culture, both ancient and modern, was well covered, the accommodations were excellent, the food was extraordinary and the transport system very impressive. And the Japanese we met were always polite, respectful, friendly and calm. We came home with the feeling that the UK has a lot to learn!
Most Inspirational Moment
Too many to choose - seeing Mt Fuji floating on a bed of cloud, Matsumoto Castle floodlit, a Kabuki performance, exquisitely presented and tasty food in the ryokans, onsen, standing on a station as a shinkansen raced through at 160+mph, the tragedy of Hiroshima, the architecture of the Shinto shrines, temples and gardens, and more. Phew!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Mayuko Terao was superb, and couldn't do enough for us. Her ability to keep 17 disparate adults in order while negotiating the often crowded and complex transport system was remarkable. Her knowledge, communication skills and sense of fun were second to none. She gave up much of her own free time to ensure that we got the most out of our visit.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for a lot of walking, often in crowded tourist sites and on the transport system. There are many convenience stores near the hotels to buy food if you don't want to pay for the expensive hotel buffet breakfasts (ryokans excluded). Our camera broke down towards the end of the trip, and it was SO liberating! So, don't view everything you see through a camera lens all the time. Japan is so visually engaging.
Fabulous!
I would recommend this trip to anyone. A level of fitness is a must – certainly more than a few brisk walks around the block – it’s challenging but rewarding!
Sara – our guide – was absolutely amazing – calm, knowledgeable, patient, kind, tough. She looked after us as a group and individually – nothing was too much trouble.
The farmhouse is amazing and the family who prepared our meals were so welcoming, kind and fun! The meals by the way – beautiful simple, rustic, locally sourced food – every evening we ate at the farmhouse was a treat! The idea of being able to create your own lunch from the choices laid out was a brilliant idea and you were able to take as much or as little as you wanted. Breakfasts set you up for the day!
The accommodation is lovely with real charm and plenty of warmth, heating, drying room, roasting fire in the lounge when cold and a swimming pool with amazing views.
Most Inspirational Moment
So many - the walks up the mountains, the valley walk, trip into Lucca - a beautiful roman town with so much history and beauty. Meeting so many interesting and kind people who made the week that bit extra special. A superb guide and the kindness and friendliness of the family
Thoughts on Group Leader
A....MAZ...ING! There are not superlatives to describe Sara - it will be difficult to find a better guide on any future trips - that's for sure!!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take the advice on the web-site - the right walking gear and walking poles are a huge asset for this week. There are 2 tough walks but certainly do-able and worthwhile - I felt a real sense of achievement at the end of the week in spite of a wobble on day 2!