Reviews

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!

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.

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.