Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

For me the most inspirational part was walking the Inca Trail and arriving into Macchu Picchu. The hiking really felt like I was in deepest darkest Peru, I kept thinking I would bump into Paddington Bear around the next corner. There's loads to see along the trail and I never got bored, I even enjoyed the steps!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ollie was superb, very knowledgeable and constantly organising the next part of the trip, when people on the trip were suffering from altitude sickness he was so kind and caring and really supported those that suffered, he really earned his tip! Ollie totally knew his stuff and was happy to answer any questions or help any time at all. He was also very patient and level headed when he needed to be. A superb leader, i'd like to nominate him for an award!

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is full on and if you are planning to do the Inca Trail do not under estimate the difficulty of the hiking. Whilst this is perfectly doable even if you have some difficulties physically you really do need to train properly in order to get the most out of the walk for you and your fellow members of the group. I strongly recommend that you follow the training plan on the exodus website and work to the level 4 plan not level 3. Its the altitude that makes it harder. Make sure you take enough clothes to keep you warm on this trip as i was cold for most of it (particularly at night) :(

Most Inspirational Moment

Setting off in the darkness, in my own little bubble of my head torch light.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdul was incredible. Always smiling, chatty and proud of his country. He talked to us about his country and its customs, his life but was also interested in ours. He couldn't do enough for us all throughout the trip. Dinner in Marrakech on the final evening was amazing and he's a pretty good singer.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A water bladder is very useful; I actually had a bladder and a water bottle, the bottle I regularly topped up whenever possible. Head torch is essential for the early morning climb. A wide brimmed sunhat, or something which covers your neck, and suncream also. I would also recommend walking poles.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views from Montescaglioso at the start of our walk

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vanessa was fantastic - knowledgeable, patient, and full of passion for her native country and region

Most Inspirational Moment

All the bear sightings - especially the cubs! I was also blown away by how spectacular the views were in the mountains.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Julian was a truly excellent group leader. He's a real expert in bears and other wildlife in this area, and it's very evident how important their welfare is to him. He has also had such a fascinating life so far, and has a lot of amazing and hilarious stories to tell! We had a real laugh with him during our week in the mountains, and I really think that this trip wouldn't be the same without him. He really made it special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect to walk a lot, and some of the peaks are quite high if you have issues with heights. The food in Yagodina is delicious, but the portions are huge so don't expect to lose any weight! Also take some binoculars - I didn't and I really wish I had!

Most Inspirational Moment

Views of some nice mountains, although nothing to match what we saw further north after the cycling when we hired a car to drive up to Olbia.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good, except that he did not seem to grasp that, for the English at least, the sort of people who go on cycling holidays are in general not the sort of people who want to lie on the beach in the middle of the day. On his last attempt to rouse us from a shady bar to go to the beach 100% of the group declined to go, preferring to push on to the lunchtime restaurant. He was absolutely brilliant is dealing with my dietary requirements as a coeliac.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Difficult to persuade Sardinian restaurants to provide any vegetables! If you are a vegetarian be prepared to live on pasta with tomato sauce, and salads consisting of little but iceberg lettuce.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the sunrise over the snowy mountain tops on Day 4 of the trek.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabricio was a very good leader and we felt in very capable hands. He gave us very clear information prior to all our journeys and activities. He was patient, encouraging and very knowledgeable about all sorts of things.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the summit of Piz Boe.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Martin was an excellent leader. He provided support when needed for those who were slightly less confident on the more exposed routes. He coped with the varied ability of the group well, so that those at the front and those at the back of the group all enjoyed the hikes.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Great if you’re uncertain if you’re able to deal with grade 5 walks as grade 3 walks are also available each day.

Most Inspirational Moment

This was my daughter's first cycling trip. She is athletic but not an experienced cyclist. She had a wonderful experience without injury because of the excellent leadership and great bunch of other cyclists in this group. We enjoyed every moment! Kyung and Lea

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz the group leader was an excellent person in every way. She is one of the best cycling leaders I ever had. She is very responsible, knowledgeable, and professional. Suzy was also very fun and caring.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Excellent tour company.

Most Inspirational Moment

Lunch time on the first hiking day. I stood on the hill and the mountains opened up to me. It was honestly like the film, “The Sound of Music!” Used to London air conditioning and urban air. Being on these hills, I felt I could breathe properly away from pollution. As a child I read Heidi and matched my imagination so well. The scenery was what I had read about in my geography lessons as a child. This included the glacier cut landscapes and the rivers in the valleys.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pete was obviously very experienced, educated and professional. To add to this he was always genuinely thoughtful about our welfare and safety. He was extremely kind, caring, and sensitive to our individual needs. I was rather anxious about this hiking trip. He certainly helped me increase my confidence in my abilities and next time go into something like this I’ll be more confident in my own abilities.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you read the advice, especially in the trip notes before going and make sure you don’t rush your preparation in the last minute. I would advise you to make sure you take all the suggested clothing/equipment as stated as it’s very helpful to have it as such. It includes the ear plugs as chalets are not especially sound proof. I went straight from work to travelling there and it’s always good to have some time to unwind and rest before and after. I found it a bit of a mental adjustment from inner city urban London. That way is the best way to appreciate the holiday the most.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being able to see the bears behaving entirely naturally was something I'll never forget. I realised just how gentle they are. In Bulgaria, where they are fully protected and therefore not hunted, it is possible to see them behaving as they should. Simply minding their own business and quietly eating their berries.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Julian is a wonderful guide. His knowledge of the bears and the local wildlife is second to none. His sense of humour and friendliness contributed to making this a very enjoyable tour.