Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Taking the wooden sampan boat on the river in Hoi An during the night, the river was full of beautiful floating lanterns. We were lucky enough to be in Hoi An over the full moon and the city had such a buzz about the place. Another highlight would be visiting the War Remnants museum in Saigon, a very emotionally moving set of exhibitions where it really hit home for me how much the friendly and happy people of this country have suffered in the past.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bac was an excellent leader, he was knowledgeable and very keen to give us an in depth understanding of his country. His English was fantastic and he always answered our many questions enthusiastically. Bac's ability to solve any problem quickly and effortlessly was very impressive.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Budget to take more money than the trip notes suggest, there are lots of optional excursions offered for between £15-30 each and they're so good that you won't want to miss them. The extra cycling tour in Hoi An was a particularly good one. Take cycling shorts or a padded bike seat cover for the cycling tour in Hue, the saddles are extremely hard.

Most Inspirational Moment

There was beautiful scenery throughout the trip with hospitality that was second to none. I enjoyed visiting this region with such a welcoming and friendly group from all walks of life. The welcome, food and accommodation provided at the Triangle Woodhouse in Montenegro was brilliant. Argon (owner) was very proud of his food, home and Raki! Enjoyed it so much I bought the T-shirt! I enjoyed how peaceful the shepherd huts were. The only noise and light was natural and to hear all of the animals including a wolf whilst camping was rather cool.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dorian and Arvin were two very passionate and proud Albanians who clearly loved their country and tried their very best to showcase what Albania and its culture had to offer across the region. Both answered any and all questions to the best of their ability. Dorian was the leader who used his contacts in the region while Arvin was the smiling face of the operation - both complimented each other well and ensured everybody enjoyed their time in this beautiful part of the world.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Being a new Exodus trip at times the distances in the trip notes were slightly different to what was actually walked - mainly more - however being a walking holiday, walking is to be expected. Embrace what the region has to offer. During the last evening meal in Tirana, tourism in the area was described as 'embryonic' and very much in its infancy. Give the region a chance and expect the unexpected at times but also expect and experience exceptional hospitality from all throughout.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking along a narrow ridge with steep drops of hundreds of feet on both sides. It felt both risky and exhilarating at the same time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both of the group leaders - Albert and Martin - were superb. They had a first class knowledge of the routes, the terrain, the region and its culture. They were always on hand to give us help and guidance on a wide variety of matters - those related to the walks and extra-curricular activities too. They had high energy levels and nothing was too much trouble for them. They were the main reason the trip was so enjoyable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Prepare for any kind of weather! We went in late August and the first two days we had unseasonal snowfall which created a good covering, including some pretty deep drifts up on the mountains. Plenty of layers, gloves and hats were all necessary. The next two days it was 25 degrees, so sun cream was essential. The next two, it rained pretty heavily at times so waterproofs were the order of the day. Be prepared for anything and take what you can reasonably carry. It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it - especially when you're 3000 metres up!

Most Inspirational Moment

My favourite time was in the yurt camp at Son Kul lake. After a really hectic couple of weeks this was a brilliant place to relax and chill, walk and ride local horses. There are very few places in the world with no phone or internet access and no sound of roads, planes or trains - but this is one of them. I would have stayed another week here just to unwind and enjoy the spectacular surroundings if I could have.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Alejandro, was quite exceptional - his patience, calmness, kindness and good humour kept us all together as a group for this long and quite intense trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip requires a really small wardrobe in order to manage a lot of one-night stopovers, with very cool lightweight, easily washable clothing for the incredibly hot places (Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan) and a down jacket, hat, gloves and thermals for the much cooler places (Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan). If you take the Astana extension - just make sure your free day is NOT a Monday, when everything (yes, literally everything!) is closed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through the mountains on our longest hike and then swimming in a beautiful lake in the middle of glorious views -magic!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hassan was professional, polite and friendly - an absolute gem.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take enough money for tips and extras! And it's a great trip if you like both culture and hiking.

Most Inspirational Moment

Panoramic views of Mont Blanc and valley are spectacular. So nice to visit Courmayeur too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Shaun, very cleverly tailored the walking itinerary to suit the group's wishes and the weather conditions so we got the very best out of each walk every day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You won't go hungry on this trip. Food is high-end, sumptuous and plentiful.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our guide Lina Duseviciene´s told us her family´s history. In Kolkja villagers where selling their onions -

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the summit of Monte Tre Calli and seeing Positano and the coastline for the first time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Martina Cipolia has an outgoing personality and is very passionate about hiking, the Amalfi coast region and Italy in general. She set the hiking pace at a level where everyone could keep up. There were plenty of opportunities for taking photographs. On our free day she organised for our transport to Herculaneum.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The Exodus website mentions bringing water bottles. If you are taking this trip in the summer months it is recommended you bring water bottles which can hold 2 litres.

Most Inspirational Moment

The fact that I got on and managed to stay and hold on for a camel ride of 1 1/2 hours to our Sahara camp. Seriously, the late afternoon, early evening thunderstorm in the Sahara desert was a wonderful sight to behold and one I won't forget. The next morning the shades of the orange sand with the different levels of moisture from the rain overnight were truly beautiful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mohammed was a good leader for our trip. He was well organized and phoned ahead for our meals and reservations in advance. He was very knowledgeable about the places we went to and he also subcontracted to local guides so we got a more personable experience. On several occasions, he purchased extra water to supplement our supply, which was of great benefit. I particularly enjoyed the personal touches he made by our group having dinner with a local family and tea with other families in other towns, so we got an up close personal feel to our trip, which made it very memorable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would like to recommend to potential travelers that they purchase and drink plenty of water to keep hydrated while on the trip as the temperature in Morocco was anywhere from 35-42 degrees in August. Wear a floppy hat and definitely apply sun cream regularly too.

Most Inspirational Moment

Kotor,Cetinje ,the Montenegrin scenery;Sarajevo in general and atmospheric Mostar all impress

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sabina is an excellent cheerful guide who manages the tour friendly and efficiently, she imparts her keen enthusiasm for these countries and is willing to share her personal insight into their history.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Like others have said,just visit and enjoy the experience.