Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

I think it was the 4 hours spent in the hide one night not actually seeing anything and remembering that the bears are wild animals and so when we went on another night and seeing the bear and cubs arrive, that was the most awe inspiring moment! I also loved going to the summit of the mountain and looking at the incredible panoramic view of mountains and forest! simply a view that would take me back there in a heartbeat!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Julian was very accommodating, very friendly and very knowledgeable. He could answer any question that the group had and more!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a moment to sit on the side of the mountain and take in the views. Even if you don't see a bear the walks are worth it!

Most Inspirational Moment

The jungle sounds when we arrived in Mulu; plus those enormous, beautiful butterflies! That's when I knew I was really going to enjoy my holiday.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Manuel is my favourite guide! To say he went above and beyond the call of duty is to put it mildly. Always knowledgeable, approachable, friendly and funny. He was an integral part of my enjoyment of the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring long trekking trousers, 3/4 lengths and shorts. Accept that you're going to be hot and sweaty most of the time. Don't bring Deet in an aerosol or you will inhale and choke. And remember: 'go when you can, not when you need to'...

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the old City of Dubrovnik at twilight on our penultimate day. If you havent been it is a truly beautiful place. Do visit the hilltop overlooking Dubrovnik too - either by walking up or the cable car, there is an interesting Bosnian War museum there and a surprisingly good cliff top cafe (not for vertigo sufferers!) with stunning views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mario was fairly new to the job but proved himself to be enthusiastic, hard working, good humoured and nothing was too much trouble for him. Very good leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Avoid the Hotel Sumratin in Dubrovnik if at all possible. At the time of our staying there it was ranked by Trip Advisor as 62 out of 68 hotels in Dubrovnik.

Most Inspirational Moment

The mornings cycle ride was great fun as was the lunch we had with a local family, the Sri Lankan’s are such friendly people. The elephant safari was just amazing, highlighted by seeing a week old baby elephant. Also a personal achievement and highlight for me was getting to the top of the Sigiria Rock, I don’t do heights and the stairs around the side were quite an experience - but I made it! The views were breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dileepa our tour leader was just brilliant. He was funny, very informative and obviously loved his country. Dileepa always made sure everyone had everything they needed and went out of his way to achieve this. We could not of asked for a better tour leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go, having travelled to India last year and Cambodia/Vietnam the year before this would of been a good place to start as not so much of a cultural shock. The Sri Lankan’s are such friendly people and it is a beautiful county.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Great Wall was great, the Three Gorges cruise on the Yangtze, the cycling in the country amongst the limestone karsts, amazing landscape. There were a number of other WOW factors not least of which was the food.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Leon was excellent: very knowledgeable about all the areas that we visited, he was helpful on a personal level as well as to the group particularly when it came to ordering food where the menus were only in Chinese. He was well up to the standard of tour leaders that I had come to expect of Exodus. His English was excellent also.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travelling in China could be a bit of a challenge particularly as there is little English spoken and much of the signs even at airports and railway stations are in Chinese. Having a competent Chinese speaker with you, such as we had, made life much easier. The trip was billed as 1 leisurely. I think a 2 grading would be more exact; the steps up to the great wall and later on up to the Moon Rock were something of a challenge for some.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the magnificent coast from Tre Calli on the first day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Satva was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and fun. She was keen to get us walking as a group so everyone felt part of the experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get some training in before the trip - there are a lot of steps and the downhill can really stretch your calf muscles! Bring sticks as they will help a lot. Good walking boots are a must.

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to pick one thing, so I have chosen 3 things. -Seeing so many different types of Lemur, we saw Lemurs on 4 separate occasions. -The 10k downhill cycle through Ranomafana national park -Swimming in the natural pool at Liliha waterfall. There's nothing like a refreshing swim when you are hot from cycling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Armel (Mel) was great. He really loves his country and is personally involved in supporting the rural communities.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Credit cards are only accepted in Antananarivo, and ATM/Cash machines are few and far between, so planning money is a bit tricky. Taking extra Euros or dollars as a back up is an option. There were lots of picnics, some smart people in our group bought a foam garden kneeler to sit on. A sarong makes a good improvised changing room for the 2 natural swimming days.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the iconic spot in OIA for photo of the blue chapel domes. But many “wow’ moments

Thoughts on Group Leader

A passionate Greek man, very sociable, conscientious with a great sense of humour. Very easy going if you did not want to join in the evening meal, which we did once so we could try out a specific taverna we had heard of.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking pole useful for the trip I felt for safety.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving at Machu Picchu was the most awe inspiring moment of my life to date!

Most Inspirational Moment

Tricky! I love volcanoes, so being able to see 3 at close quarters was very special but actually, swimming in the sea in brilliant sunshine while watching an active volcano was pretty spectacular.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Genny was amazing! The weather was unsettled and there was the potential for hydrofoils to be cancelled and our itinerary altered. She was unflappable and in constant contact with companies to get up to date information and she ensured that we made the sailings that were available. One of our group had an issue with the room in our final hotel; Genny gave up her room. She was knowledgeable and took time to explain the fascinating geology in terms we could understand! Also, a number of our party had specific dietary issues, which she handled for us, ensuring that we were safe to eat what was given to us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't be frightened of the night hike on Stromboli or the crater hike on Etna; both are well within the capabilities of anyone who is reasonable fit and the guides are experienced. Both experiences are unlike any other and it's a real privilege to be able to stand so close to active volcanoes.