Most Inspirational Moment
There were many memorable sights during the trip but for me it was the rock formation at Meteora.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Fantastic!!
Advice for Potential Travellers
No
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
Memorable Meterora in Gorgeous Greece
A wonderful adventure due to our fantastic guide Aris ,the spectacular scenery , the lovely people in the group and our driver Elias.
Allora, Andiamo!
This was my 2nd cycle trip (both with Exodus). And it did not disappoint. Fabulous and challenging. This is a beautiful region in Italy. We enjoyed great food and wine and lovely accommodations. The weather was hot and sunny, although we did out-cycle a few potential storms! The group of 16 were terrific and our leader, Emanuele, was wonderful ~ so well organized, and tireless in his efforts to meet all the diverse needs.
Most Inspirational Moment
Being from eastern Ontario, where the land is quite flat, I was really challenged on our first day out by the length, pace, heat, and "undulating" terrain. Our last day involved cycling against some pretty significant winds. By the end of the week, apart from being very sad it was over, I really felt good about my accomplishment and becoming a better cyclist as a result . I had great encouragement from our whole group and from Emanuele.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Emanuele is just a wonderful person and excellent leader. He is kind and organized and hard working. His goal is to make sure that everyone is enjoying their experience. He really loves and is proud of the whole region. And it showed in his great story-telling and history lessons. He was able to answer all our questions, and to take us places and point out so many things we would have missed otherwise.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Enjoy the challenge ~ there are definitely hills and there can be winds. Be prepared. Although, my British buddies seemed to find them much less surprising and challenging than I did!
Aeolian Islands Odyssey
This was a great trip. Everyone got on well, the hotels and food were very good and the weather very kind. The walking was quite strenuous in the heat but an attentive leader made sure everyone was ok. The trip was especially interesting for anyone interested in geology (like me). Vulcano and Stromboli were excellent destinations to see volcanic action. Etna was a little disappointing because of low cloud and I ducked the summit trek which proved to be a wise move as the alternative walk on the lava flows was very interesting. Stromboli’s summit was very atmospheric (literally) with plenty of smoke, fire and dust. But well worth the effort.
Most Inspirational Moment
Oddly I think it was our first ascent on the island of Vulcano. We came over the brim and were suddenly faced with a large crater still steaming away and the sulphurous fumaroles which we had to negotiate. A lovely island as well.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Marco was superb. He was very attentive - nothing was too much trouble. Being a professional geologist he was able to answer my queries in some depth (in technical English) but looked after everyone whatever their interest. He smiled a lot, as well, which always helps! Everything worked well. My wife decided not to attempt the Stromboli ascent and he insisted on arranging a coastal cruise for her instead to view the eruptions from the sea. I think she saw more than we did from the summit!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go. It is a great trip. Be aware that you will need to buy and carry a lot of water as the local stuff is not recommended for human (visitor?) consumption and the temperatures can be high. You will sweat a lot. Read the instructions regarding the necessary gear carefully - you can't get away with a pair of trainers instead of boots.
A Little Gem
This is an absolute gem of a cycling trip. There is something for every cyclist; from undulating and flat roads to tough climbs up two volcanoes (particularly the 2nd climb up Mt Ijen); plus a little off-road riding thrown in, most interestingly through an old lava field (from the 1963 eruption of Mt Batur). Every day was something different and interesting. Outside the South East corner (Denpasar area), Bali is a beautiful island, lush and vibrant, with flowers and tropical plants abundant everywhere. Some of the hotels we stayed in were incredible. I particularly liked the ones in Ubud and Menjangan (quiet location, infinity pool, hot tub, great food, etc), but all the accommodation was very good quality bar a couple of exceptions that could not be avoided. Plenty of opportunities to swim in volcanic hot pools, swimming pools and the sea. We went in May and experienced a couple of rain showers. Fortunately, most days were cloudy and ideal for cycling, as the sun near the equator is very strong. Indonesia is a lovely country to visit and quite a revelation.
Most Inspirational Moment
The challenging climb up to the crater rim of Mt Ijen was rewarding, and inside the volcano the acid lake and steam were impressive as was the sulphur mining by some exhausted locals. The Snorkelling was great and I was amazed they provided a mask for short sighted people like me so I could actually see all the various tropical fish. Overall it was the people of Bali and Java that stood out, very friendly, always smiling, so kind.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Wira was outstanding. An excellent communicator, extremely informative about all the flora and fauna, politics, etc; and a great sense of humour. This was my 8th Exodus cycle trip and Wira is the best Tour leader I have met Indeed, the whole Indonesia team were faultless, as though they had done it hundreds of times (even though it was quite a new trip). Everything ran very smoothly. They were the A-Team.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The climb up Mt Ijen is tough so get in some hill miles unless you want to take the bus. Snorkels and masks are provided (even for short sighted people) so you don't need to bring them. Take some toilet paper. Also, swimming gear, as there are numerous places to take a dip. You will sweat a lot as it is very hot & humid.
A wonderful walking and wildlife experience!
This really is the best walking and wildlife combination I’ve ever been on. Loved that we did good mountain walks in the day time through varied and stunning scenery whilst focusing on wildlife along the way. Visiting the bear hide in the evenings was really fantastic, loved seeing so many bears in their natural habitat, so exciting! Julian was such a brilliant guide, so professional, knowledgeable, capable and fun, thanks Julian!
Most Inspirational Moment
The most inspiration part of the trip was witnessing bears during the day, a mother and her cubs foraging around in the open! This was truly amazing!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Julian really is such a great guide, he certainly knows his stuff and is extremely passionate about it. Julian obviously loves his job and therefore he's such fantastic company to be around. As a group we were all traveling on our own and Julian really helped gel the group together, it was a really fun and informative week, loved it so much! Julian was also extremely professional when it came to safety and giving us information in great detail about each walk for the day ahead. Loved that he offered us little snacks just when we needed them! Thanks so much Julian, you're a really great asset to Exodus.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I would suggest don't go with expectations that you're definitely going to see bears in the wild then you'll be really excited when you do! Make to most of going to the bear hide, try not to miss a night...... when will be your next opportunity be to spend the evening in a bear hide! Make sure you've got a good level of fitness and these wonderful walks are hilly. Take binoculars!
Wonderful walks from the railway
A varied set of walks in a beautiful green island. Woods, rivers, waterfalls among the mountains. The walks weren’t crowded and we were mostly the only walkers on the trail.
Most Inspirational Moment
Swimming in the mountain rivers to cool down.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Tom was a first time guide and he led us in a relaxed, friendly manner. He was always keen to hear our opinions about the routes we took.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take a travel kettle to make tea and coffee. The lunch baguette is enormous and full of as many fillings as you could want. You can also take 2 pieces of fruit. Dinner was always plentiful and tasty. Try to speak a bit of French - it is always appreciated.
Peru explorer - see everything!
This trip was fabulous, there was just so much to see and do it really was amazing how much we crammed in. If you want a trip that shows you all of Peru then this is the one for you as you truly explore all of it.
Its a long trip and i absolutely loved it!
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) :(
Amazing trip in an incredible country
Had never been to Morocco before and I must admit it took me by surprise. I’m not sure what I expected really but it was so much more than my expectations; I’ll certainly be back. I arrived in Marrakech the evening before the normal arrival day, Exodus booking me into the arrival hotel and arranged transfer from the airport which simplified things.
Climbing Mount Toubkal itself is a fear challenge in such a short time and I was worried about my fitness. Abdul, our guide, though insisted we all took it slowly; which we did, and we made it. It’s tough, but entirely doable. Loved the stay on the mountain in the mountain hut, though didn’t sleep much, which meant the 3am rise was actually a relief. Heading off in the darkness, with just the small patch of light created by your head torch is an amazing experience, only beaten by standing at the summit.
The quality o food on the trip was amazing, given we were on the side of a mountain. Lovely, fresh food and lots of it; believe me you will need it on summit day. After the long descent we’d have eaten most out of house and home, but there was more than enough to satisfy us all.
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.
Fantastic trip
Wonderful trip in a beautiful part of Italy. The walking was not challenging, which was a good thing given the heat in mid-June, and covered some stunning and scenic routes. Great food and accommodation in all three locations.
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
Unforgettable Trip!
This was the best trip I’ve been on in years.
It’s so rare to have a trip which includes both walking and wildlife, but Julian created the perfect combination of the two with this trip. The scenery was spectacular, and it was just the right level of challenging for a townie who doesn’t normally do that much walking!
The locals in Yagodina are absolutely lovely, and the hotel staff couldn’t do enough for us.
The food was nearly all homemade and was so delicious. We certainly didn’t go hungry!
We were also so lucky to see as many bears and other wildlife as we did, and to have such a lovely group and guide who got on as well as we all did. We didn’t stop laughing all week!
I highly recommend this trip to anyone who likes walking, wildlife, stunning mountain and meadow views, delicious food and lovely people (what’s not to like??)
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!