Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Obviously getting to the top, but the walk through villages, drinking tea in small hostels along the way, and the views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hesham was a great leader, tolerant and friendly who would go that extra mile for us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Exodus as usual took care of everything, so much to pack in to a short space of time. I wondered if the tour of Marrakesh would prove too much but was really interesting, again so much to see but makes me want to go back!

Most Inspirational Moment

Its hard to pick one! Seeing bears, the great views, the excellent food.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Julian is incredibly knowledgeable and full of enthusiasm for Bulgaria, the people and, most of all, the bears. His patience and good humour were unfailing and he gave exactly the right amount of information at the right time. The best leader on any Exodus trip that I've been on.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do take a box for your lunch, do take some honey home and do get Maria's cheesecake recipe.

Most Inspirational Moment

We were blown away by the “Cotton Castles” and, of course, Cappadocia and the underground dwellings. The rock formations in both those areas are really unusual and beautiful. Unfortunately the group was not able to take the balloon ride at Cappadocia because of weather conditions.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had just finished a tour of Sri Lanka with an outstanding guide so maybe it made us more dissatisfied with the guide we had on this trip. Her English was difficult to understand and her explanations more convoluted; she was often repetitive. It took up too much time at the site which could have been spent exploring. It might have been better given on the bus. A couple of times we wanted to stop for photographs, but told it was too dangerous or cost money when there was an obvious pull off or we would have been glad to pay. We did not really learn about other aspects of Turkish life, the politics, religion (except for Sufism) and culture.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We suggest that if you take this trip, you spend a few extra days in Istanbul before or after exploring Topkapi, Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, Dolmadahce Palace and various other museums, plus hanging out with the locals.

Most Inspirational Moment

Valley of temples.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Super as mentioned above.

Advice for Potential Travellers

None.

Most Inspirational Moment

The start in Leon was impressive, but the lovely people and hospitality along the route was inspirational.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both leaders very good

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get fit before hand. The trip is quite challenging.

Most Inspirational Moment

The antiquities

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both guides, both Dimitris's were great. They were knowledgeable engaging and did a many things that made the trip more of an adventure and and an experience I will never forget

Advice for Potential Travellers

Our group chose to share dinners. This allow us to share our day's experience , get to know one another and eat more great food.

Most Inspirational Moment

We had several hours to explore the beautiful town of Ortiga. It was a microcosm of the trip as a whole... after admiring the ruined temple in the main square, scoring an aranchine (Sicilian fried rice dumpling) and a cake for lunch, I spent hours exploring every tiny alleyway, my camera ever-ready, stopping off for gelato whenever I needed fuelling up...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Francesca was bubbly and enthusiastic, and brought the group together.

Most Inspirational Moment

I found the people to be most inspiring - they work so very hard and are accepting and welcoming.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Son was top notch - very organized - he made sure everyone was safe on the ride as well as provided insights into the culture, the towns/cities that we visited. His team did everything to insure that our holiday would be memorable. Loved the fresh fruit and lemonade provided on our stops. A must to prevent dehydration. Our bus driver, van driver and mechanic....kudos to them for working 24/7 keeping up with all of our activities and making sure we were comfortable and our bikes in good shape.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For anyone who has not been to Asia, Vietnam is so very special. It is perhaps not the 5 star beauty of Bali or the majesty of Angkor Wat or have the many awesome temples of Thailand, but it's own special charm grows on you as you travel through the country. Ha Long Bay!!! Whale Island ...two special places for me. The cycling was harder than expected mostly due to the heat and humidity. Also the traffic and noise in the busy cities may make it more difficult for some cyclists. I would definitely recommend training as we had some time constraints to finish each day's ride so that we could make it to our final day's destination.

Most Inspirational Moment

Bears. Bran Castle. Walking around mountain top in the fog.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was great. Gave a really interesting talk about Romania. Could maybe slightly improve navigation skills.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a compass.

Most Inspirational Moment

Realising that bears were probably within a kilometre or so of us as we walked through the forest. Julian's enthusiasm about all things 'bear' was catching. His expertise was not, however, limited to bears. The most photographed moment was on the last night when a small group of ladies from the village came to share traditional songs and dances. Seeing fellow walkers joining in with enthusiasm was a special moment.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Julian is a superbly knowledgeable leader. His long association with the region makes him an expert in the area's cultural heritage, as well as in local flora and fauna. His extensive knowledge of the mountain tracks and paths meant that there was always an alternative possible if weather conditions dictated a change of route.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for changes in the daily routes - the mountain weather is unpredictable and thunderstorms meant we had to abandon one climb for a more sheltered walk. Late snow also meant we did not reach the highest point described in the trip notes. The alternative were always carefully explained and fascinating. Bring waterproofs. Delicious four course meals can become a habit. Be prepared either to keep up the strenuous walking routine at home or suffer hunger pangs for the first few days at home.