Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting Petra and seeing the Treasury for the first time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alaa was clearly very knowledgeable about the history of Jordan and the sites that we visited. He was very friendly and helpful if you asked him a question. He gave us the opportunity to see the sites by ourselves once he had given us an overview, which was good and made the holiday feel less rushed. The main issue I had with him was that there were a number of occasions with poor communication. For example: - He said that Dead Sea mud products were expensive at the Dead Sea resort but cheaper at a shop we stopped at later, but this was not the case and the price difference was substantial. - He didn't explain that it was possible to buy Dead Sea mud at the Dead Sea from vendors on the seafront and therefore that we should take money with us down to the sea shore, rather than put it all in the lockers 5 minutes walk away. - There was confusion about whether we needed to pack a separate bag when staying at the Bedouin tent, but our main bags were brought to the camp anyway, despite being told this was not the case. - At the Red Sea resort it was not explained that there were other options for food, rather than just paying the 11JD for the group buffet. It would have been nice to have had the opportunity to try different foods rather than just the standard bread, hummus, meat skewers etc. - We stopped at a shop during one of the drives, and Alaa didn't explain why he got out but we couldn't. However, these were minor issues and the vast majority of the week was very well organised and planned.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Have fun - it's a fantastic and fascinating country. Bring some comfy shoes for Petra.

Most Inspirational Moment

Having what some would call bad weather, which made the experience more of an adventure. Spending time gelling with the group. Spiritual drinks. The Haman.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdul the 1st was very knowledgeable and took time to speak to all members of the group. Was also helpful when mine and another member of the groups bags broke.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a scarf at least 2 meters in length.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the diversity of the scenery and the wild animals in Kruger.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tallis ably assisted by Vuyo were first rate tending to all our requirements. All the meals prepared by the leaders were excellent considering the facilities available to them, more than enough for everyone and dietary requirements well catered for.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some long challenging hill climbs but scenery is worth the effort.

Most Inspirational Moment

Leon Cathedral

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Chose great places to eat and stop for coffee

Advice for Potential Travellers

I thought it was more like a level 5 cycle rather than 4. Much more challenging than the coast to coast India trip we did earlier in the year even though that is a 4 as well. More off road than I thought there would be.

Most Inspirational Moment

In Armenia, the food and wine was amazing and tasted as food should. Each day we stopped for lunch at a small out of the way restaurant in a picturesque location and were experted dined to wonderful fresh salads, BBQ trout or meat along with freshly cooked lavash (flatbread). In Georgia, taking the cable car in Tbilisi just before sunset up to the fort and then having a beer in a small café overlooking the city all lit up.

Thoughts on Group Leader

All three group leaders were amazing. In Armenia, we had Rafik whose command of English was outstanding. As was his ability to impart in-depth knowledge about his beloved country. In Georgia, we had Nino who was equally good at imparting knowledge about her country and its numerous churches along with their saints. Then in Azerbaijan, Rizwan. We only had him for a short time, two days but he also excelled in his knowledge delivery.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For ladies, do take dresses and skirts. In Armenia and Georgia in late September/early October, it was warm, in the late 20C or early 30C with beautiful warm sunny days. I realise that most Exodus travellers wear trousers, but if you like wearing summer frocks, this would be your opportunity. You may be concerned about the churches but as long as your dress/skirt is at least below the knee you will be fine. For quite a few churches in Georgia, ladies without skirts had to don one from a basket at the church door! In fact this statement goes for all nine of the former Soviet republics, where you can wear exactly the same clothes as the UK. I made a big mistake when travelling to the Stans, as I thought ladies would have to cover up, long sleeves, long dresses but it’s not true. Also do think about taking sandals both for ladies and men. Some of the men on the trip were very envious that I had my walking sandals as they mentioned they wished they had brought theirs. If you want some presents, look out for the lovely pale blue moonstone jewellery. You can find these both in Armenia and Georgia. They make lovely presents. Also when visiting Signagi in Georgia, do venture up the main street and over the top, through an arch towards the city walls where there are a couple of shops selling cotton rugs (very similar to kilims) in beautiful colours and designs and ever so cheap. I bought two, one 4’ x 2 1/2’ for £5 and the other 3’ x 2’ for £3. I wish I’d bought more as they make great bedside rugs. Do seriously consider the Azerbaijan extension, which although being very expensive for what turned out to be only two full days touring, was certainly extremely worthwhile as it did complete the story between the three countries.

Most Inspirational Moment

The chance to see the underground city.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was always good humoured full of knowledge of all the sites. He was always prepared to come with us to see us ready to take on the system of shopping and other sightseeing. as well as available on the walks and meal times to give the instructions.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of tea and coffee with you - the local stuff is undrinkable. Remember to buy some alcohol before the meal times!

Most Inspirational Moment

Great day going to Tiscali

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabulous! Energetic and personable. Alexi worked hard to ensure participants were happy and doing well

Most Inspirational Moment

Making it to the top of Mt Ijen, camping under the starry skies

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wira is calm, knowledgeable, organised, always motivating and giving us notice before treacherous or difficult stretches. His team were perfect, worked very well together, cooking delicious lunches, preparing refreshments, fixing bikes and catering for our needs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Train before this trip and expect to cycle in temperatures of 30-35C on a daily basis. The accommodation was very good standard, however be prepared for very basic facilities at camping and homestay sites.

Most Inspirational Moment

Riding up to the temples in Pasteum at sunset was a wonderful moment after a ~60km day. It capped a day filled with rolling on quiet roads, through small towns, swimming in the Mediterranean, and enjoying lovely food and drink.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Paulo, made the trip a pleasure with well-thought out routing and pacing of the day. Paulo was very knowledgeable and passionate about the region. We also very much appreciated Raffaele, who followed the group with the van, provided water and the bike mechanic support, and gave a lift on the few occassions someone in the group needed it. Often he helped guide us through busy intersections.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some climbing and descending. The trip notes are very accurate regarding the elevation gain/loss, distance and type of terrain for each day. Be ready to encounter the heavier scooter and car traffic on Amalfi coast so you are comfortable in this busier section.

Most Inspirational Moment

Without doubt the three day 4WD jeep safari to the Salar de Uyuni. We saw the train cemetery, salt flats which are half the size of Wales, lagoons, and cactus island. Some of the days were long, but we felt that we saw it all and as we are unlikely to go back then it was good to pack it in, although perhaps an extra day here would have been good. We had great fun taking optical illusion photos on the salt plains, as well as other surprises the guide and jeep drivers laid on for us. The scenery was just beautiful, I took a lot of photos but there were so many photo opportunities I could have been there twice as long !

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marco was enthusiastic about his country and genuinely wanted us to enjoy it. His English is excellent and he explained a lot of things to us along with local guides.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely go if you are thinking about it. the trip notes say take lots of layers, this is good advice as its pretty hot at times, but did get quite cold also. I took far to much, there were opportunities to wash a few things out even though we move hotels regularly. Sun screen a must, particularly on the salt plains when some people got pretty burnt, hats and sunglasses to vital for here. We thought there would be lots of nice coffee in hotels at breakfast but often it was a jar of instant, so coffee bags might be a good idea. Be prepared to feel the effects of the altitude, most were tired and a bit breathless at times from it, its manageable though and the guides do look out for you and carry oxygen if it was necessary.