Most Inspirational Moment
Not sure there was one tbh.
Thoughts on Group Leader
FABULOUS
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring warm clothes, only 2 days of the 10 were not chilly, bordering on cold...and that was last week of June, July.
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
An interesting tour
I had never been to this part of Europe so was excited to go. The cities we visited were lovely, our tour guide, excellent and the places we stayed varied and often charming. We visited a lot of different restaurants and most of the food was ve y good. I was slightly surprised to find it was not as cheap as i expected, but i enjoyed it.
The cycling …level 2 was not hard, mostly very level terrain, but some of the rides were not that varied which is inevitable given the location. Weather was much cooler than i expected in parts, i am only mentioning it for future travellers may want to bring an extra fleece!!!! I did love several of the places we stayed and visited.
Just Wow!
Since coming back from this trip, I am finding it extremely difficult to put into words just how amazing it really was, so writing a review is going to be even harder. The wildlife is exceptional and not in short supply. The scenery both in the day and in the night is just phenomenal. And finally the whole experience is once in a lifetime!
Most Inspirational Moment
Jumping out of the minibus just hours after we landed, in the pitch black night, and looking towards the sky to see the brightest sky I have ever witnessed
Thoughts on Group Leader
CB and Besty were amazing group leaders. We did not have to lift a finger at all over the 6 days.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I wouldn't worry about taking too many clothes as everyone is in the same boat (excuse the pun!) I would take shoes that you don't mind getting reasonably wet or ones which are easily dried Buy your alcohol at the store on the way to the first campsite (For a 6pk it is around 80 Kwacha)
One of the best holidays yet.
My wife and I had an amazing time. The combination of cycling, culture, new friends and fantastic guiding made this truely memorable. Thank you Mchele and Martino, and of course all the other members of our group. One more thing,… was it needing it or was the food fantastic anyway?
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing that Vicenza lived up to the description. The dinner in the square with the group, Martino and Michele's family was wonderful.
Thoughts on Group Leader
I could not praise Michele enough. I shall be joing him again soon for another trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just do it!
I can quite understand why this holiday is an Exodus best seller....
Much of what I would say has already been said in reviews below. This was a thoroughly enjoyable holiday in every respect. Moderately challenging walking, at a leisurely pace, in gorgeous scenery, with a delightful, professional and knowledgeable young guide (Martina Cipola) just about sums it up. Then add a relaxed and congenial family run hotel, with excellent food plus amiable travel companions and it’s easy to see why this is a winner. Ideally based in the hills above the coast, away from the crowds was perfect – I loved exploring the authentic little town of Bomerano. We (my daughter and I) really had fun and lots of laughs!
Most Inspirational Moment
Hard to pick one out - perhaps the beautiful walk from Amalfi, taking in industrial archaeology, lemon groves and a steep climb - to be rewarded by Ravello.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Amazing - bright, fun, caring, knowledgeable and professional.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I don't usually use walking poles, but I did find them useful on the long downhill sections. Take at least one warm item - the temperature differences can be quite marked during a typical walking day.
Appropriate
This was a great holiday with a good size group (10 people). I wouldn’t have liked many more. Marco our guide was excellent. The trip notes were good but could perhaps be more accurate abound the difficulty leve and the need to sign safety waivers for Stromboli and Etna. We had group members who I think expected that they would be able to do the climbs but realised after Vulcan that it was beyond them. Also we had a couple who were not experienced trekkers and were a bit taken aback at the difficulty level although they persevered and made the climbs.
Most Inspirational Moment
The first volcano, Vulcan and realising I was on the edge of a live volcano. Also Marco and his knowledge of volcanoes, the geology and knowledge of plants, rocks and the history of the volcanoes.
Thoughts on Group Leader
He was fantastic. I couldn't rate him highly enough. He had such wonderful knowledge, a remarkable grasp of the English language, and a lovely gentle manner and a great sense of humour. He was very caring towards every member of the group and was well organised. I felt very safe with him in charge.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Make sure you are fit enough to climb long hard hauls and flexible enough to run downhill in deep and steep sand and rocks. Dont under estimate the need for good quality hiking gear. Even in summer it's cold at the top and you really should have the right layers.
beautiful scenery and varied walks
First time in Corsica and was surprised by its beauty and the variety of walks along wooded valleys and mountain climbs in starker scenery above the tree line – not just the GR20. Enjoyed travelling on the scenic railway and we had a great group and guide. Modest accommodation more than made up for by the views from the hotel, friendly owner and the hearty food. Would recommend going in June when its still very green and lots of wild flowers on display.
Most Inspirational Moment
Finishing the final walk which had some wonderful views at the summit, for the heavens to open 20 minutes from the hotel with our first rain all week and a dramatic thunder storm to completely soak us and turn the roads to rivers and remind us how quickly things can change in the mountains and the power of nature
Thoughts on Group Leader
It was his first trip as lone guide for Exodus and he proved to be responsive to the group offering different alternatives, great company and very adaptable. Also brought his extensive medical knowledge, which always helps!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Apart from the rest day you are very much away from towns and shops so make sure you have Euros in cash, bring any medication, toiletries etc... you think you will need and if you like to have cereal for breakfast bring your own! (I preferred the wonderful croissants!)
An enjoyable adventure
I really enjoyed this trip. It packed a lot into the 7 day period (ex travelling days). Petra was everything I had expected it to be. The cycling days were relatively short but being a novice to cycling holidays and being June and hot, they were sufficient. I thought the cycling guide and support team were excellent with great equipment, support and encouragement.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking Petra.... it was everything I expected and more. We walked from our hotel to the monastery and the viewing point behind it. It's a long walk but definitely worth it. I think the monastery was my favourite as the treasury building can be very busy with people, camels, donkeys and someone trying to sell you something or other !
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our guide was Sami. His mum was ill and I'm sure he was distracted by this. He didn't engage with us and I felt we were working to his time schedule. His food choices were expensive relative to the A la carte options in the same restaurants. There were some minor clashes with the group too. Overall he was satisfactory as we completed our trip successfully.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I found it very hot in June ... so bring an umbrella, it creates great shade when you are walking a site like Petra. Cycling sleeves are great for protection from the sun when cycling. Jordan is expensive - it's European prices .... so be prepared to pay 7-8€ for a beer. Our bank cards didn't work in all cash machines, so pre order currency at home before you arrive.
So much better than I'd anticipated
My husband and I are from the other side of the world and our primary reason for being in Europe during June was to go cycling. When my husband suggested we follow our cycling holiday up with a walking trip to see the Sicilian volcanoes my first thought was – meh (shoulder shrug and lack of interest). How wrong I was. I really enjoyed the trip. It was my favourite week or our four week holiday. The trip was extremely well organised; the volcanoes fascinating, the accommodation good value and the walks varied and interesting. We also had a nice group of fellow travellers. We developed a good camaraderie over the week and that added to our enjoyment of the trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing and walking through the fumaroles on the island of Volcano was a highlight. I also really enjoyed Stromboli, both the two walks up the volcano and also wandering around parts of this lovely island.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had a great group leader. Marco is a qualified geologist who speaks excellent English. There is no point walking through the type of landscape we visited unless you have some understanding of how a volcano is formed or of the impact of volcanic activity and eruptions on the surrounding rock formations and landscape . Marco was able to explain complex geological concepts to us in a simple (but not simplistic) way. He also has a wealth of knowledge about the local flora and of many aspects of the region (including local legends and history). This trip does take you to places that are potentially hazardous. With charm and good humour Marco made it clear to the group he was the leader and would be the person that would make the call when and if it became necessary to make decisions affecting our safety. He instilled us with confidence and really looked after us throughout the week.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I underestimated how cold it would be on top of Stromboli and Etna. It is possible to hire jackets at both Stromboli and Mt Etna. If you can't fit sufficiently warm clothing into your luggage you should hire them because even in June it was freezing at the top.
Stunning Views & Great Craic
Having completed the Camino last year, with Exodus, we decided to take on the challenge of the Dolomites and certainly weren’t disappointed. The scenery was stunning, the group were great fun, the leaders really professional and the hotel was just perfect.
The routes are graded 3 & 5 with 5 tending to be longer and higher ascents and descents. In truth, both have their challenges but both so rewarding. Having said that we had a varying age group and everyone was able to cope very well. The terrain can be a little rough at times so good boots and I would definitely recommend a pair of poles.
The transport to access the routes (buses, cable cars and chair lifts) were very punctual and not too crowded. Be prepared to pay 76 euro.
The hotel was superbly run by Stephano, Grabrielle and their staff. Evening meals went like clockwork and although they were extremely busy the staff always had a greeting and a smile.
We would certainly recommend the trip ,for the hotel, the scenery and the organisation by Exodus.
Most Inspirational Moment
Has to be the scenery. Seen the area as a ski resort but some of the colours takes it to a different level.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Albert and Martin were true professionals, with great local knowledge and a great sense of humour. We had a briefing meeting, each evening, explaining in great detail the routes for the following day, including the grades, the terrain and levels of ascent and descent.
Advice for Potential Travellers
We flew from Manchester, via Germany and again all went very smoothly. There is a a wait of about 4 hours, for the transfer to resort and a little less on the return. For a more relaxing café, at the airport follow the signs for the water taxis. Its from the first floor of the airport and takes about 10 mins to walk. well worth it. Good boots, a pair of poles and get it booked!
Corsica Hiking
Well balanced group and trip in good location for trains to hiking trails. The first days route was poor especially in comparison to the rest of the days.
Most Inspirational Moment
I do a lot of hiking in different countries so it is difficult to say there was an inspirational moment. However, this was my first group hiking trip with a leader and I would do it again.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very good, Tom was more like a group member. He was in control in a relaxed way, explained the route and we were able to walk alone or with other group members.