Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

It is difficult to choose any single inspirational moment from the serenity of the temples when you got away from the crowds, the friendliness of the people or the rush you feel when bullet trains go shooting through the stations at high speed. However, we were lucky to have fantastic views of Mount Fuji on a fun jaunt around Hakone on the various modes of transport.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ayaka Tsukamoto was a brilliant tour leader who was tireless in her enthusiasm and commitment to ensuring we had a fantastic and fulfilling tour. Even on our free days she helped by ensuring we used the most effective transport to maximise our time and in recommending places to visit and where to eat. She took us to restaurants that we would not normally have chosen and these were some of the best restaurants that provided us with great experiences along with the authentic cuisine. Throughout the tour she kept us informed of historical and cultural details and amused us with her anecdotes that gave us an insight into growing up in Japan.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a tour with lots of walking and some long days so that you get the most out of your time on holiday. Using public transport gives you more contact with the friendly Japanese people and is much more ecological than using coaches.

Most Inspirational Moment

Throughout the trip Mike told us the journey was more special than the destination. He was completely correct. The final camp site provided a stunning backdrop for a sunset and sun rise. A true moment to reflect on the past days hiking and camping.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mike was the best tour leader we have ever had. He was always full of energy and really made the trip special. I hope that we are able to do another trip with him. There was a balance of detailed knowledge of the South American history, fun and laughter within the whole group and a keen eye on safety. He is a true asset to exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip was harder than expected (the second day is a real hike!!) and having a few days to feel comfortable at altitude was key for us.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first walk of the week a wonderful circuit of the mountain overlooking the hotel. And all the meals at the hotel which were truly superb!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vania was truly excellent ensuring all the group felt part of the family. Her expertise and local knowledge were invaluable but more importantly her positive attitude encouragement and sense of humour were undoubtedly what made the holiday so exceptional for us both.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walks involve numerous steps and going downhill could be a little tough on the calf muscles so make sure you get a little bit of practice in before the trip.!

Most Inspirational Moment

Agrigento .. we had an excellent local guide. We also had an excellent local guide at piazza armerina.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were very disappointed in the group leader. See above.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many inspirational moments. Here are a few: 1. the panoramic views on our walks 2. the Duomo (especially the Piccolomini Library) and the Piazza del Campo in Siena 3. the views of Florence from San Miniato al Monte, plus Giotto's Campanile beside the Duomo in the centre of the city 4. the frescoes in the Collegiata church in San Gimignano

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Liz Proctor, was exceptional in every way. Her briefings before each day's outing contained all the information we needed, and her advice was always very sound. She seemed to have an encyclopaedic knowledge of all the Tuscan roads, tracks and paths we travelled on, as well as restaurants and other places of interest when we arrived at our destination. She was an excellent driver, and we always felt in safe hands. She was very patient with those who walked more slowly than others and concerned for everybody's welfare. Her fitness was such that she was able to retrace her steps with apparent ease at the end of a walk in order to retrieve the minibus (while the rest of us were having lunch and looking round the place we'd arrived at!).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Our weather was pretty mixed, so an anorak was an essential piece of clothing, and there were moments on some of the muddier, rockier paths of our walks when we would have been happier wearing walking boots than simply trainers.

Most Inspirational Moment

Angkor temple.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Probably the best guide I’ve had (rit) and I’ve been on a few trips now.

Most Inspirational Moment

Meeting people I'd never met before who had clearly done this kind of holiday before but didn't mind (on the whole) that we hadn't. Thank you for allowing us into your world. Can't wait to be part of it again!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Serena was young, beautiful, fit, knowledgeable, informative, friendly, caring, patient and just plain fantastic! Thank you. For every single moment!

Advice for Potential Travellers

DO IT. GO. YOU WON'T REGRET A MOMENT!

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing the highest peak in Tuscany through the snow at the top. Wonderful views and lovely team spirit in our group. relaxed by the pool at Braccicorti on our return before another lovely home cooked supper in the farmhouse.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara Bull is fantastic. She is so thoughtful and makes wonderful home made flapjack and muffins to keep you going however steep the climb. She puts herself out to make the most of your transfer days so we had a lovely half day in Castel Nuovo before returning to Pisa airport to fly home. Her dog Elvis came on most of our walks and keeps an eye on us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book it now!! It is fantastic.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many moments to mention.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide was excellent - well informed, interesting, patient and good humoured.

Advice for Potential Travellers

At the end of May, it may rain, or be cloudy and misty - it's pot luck. I was very lucky! I'm pretty fit but hadn't done much ascent recently and all the walks were within my capability, with some folk opting for easier sections when available.

Most Inspirational Moment

evening walks through Oritiga, Piazza Amerina, and Erice.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Milena was the most outstanding group leader I have ever had the pleasure to meet in my 20 years of travel, knowledgeable, good natured, caring on a personal level, without overreaching, making everyone happy and comfortable. on the long rides, giving commentary on scenery, history, any topic, but at the same time, letting people rest, sleep, and then introduce us to a new town. taking us out for dinner,as a group or letting people do their own things and helping them to find a suitable restaurant.

Advice for Potential Travellers

must be able to carry your laguage up or down stone steps to the hotel , or inside hotels. walking in towns up and down cobblestone lanes.