Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There were lots. Two that stand out are - the day the heavens opened and we had to negotiate the trickiest part of the hike through horizontal rain and mud but, working as a team, we got through it. The day we all climbed to the top of Cop Tricot in under an hour (I staggered in at 57 minutes) - a first for any of John's groups. We were so pleased with ourselves, we called our Whatsapp group "Team Tricot"!

Thoughts on Group Leader

My trip wasn't just about the wonderful scenery and hiking. A large part of its success was the team spirit that we enjoyed and the friendships we made. This happened mainly because of our group leader, John Briggs. Through his wit and patience, he was able to bring us together and even when things got tough, he would have us laughing. He obviously loves his job and is full of knowledge and interesting facts which made the whole experience richer. He taught us the "Alpine Plod" which is a way of getting up the steep bits without slipping or tiring. I've since taught all my hiking friends! It wasn't just the days that were fun. He kept us entertained in the evenings with "Camp Karaoke" - we even have a team song! John was aided and abetted by the very capable Emily Scott. She was the camp cook but also quickly became a good friend. It is still a mystery to me how she was able to conjure up a delicious 3-course meal in the middle of nowhere on a gas stove.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I'm used to carrying everything I need on my back when I do overnight hikes, so I packed too lightly. As a result, I didnt have all the weather gear I needed - particular waterproof pants!. Emily drives the support vehicle each day to the next camp site with your tent and luggage and there's ample space. The weather can change in an instant and the tops of those mountains can be windy. So pack for every season.

Most Inspirational Moment

I think walking for a day in Italy with the spectacular views

Thoughts on Group Leader

jenny was brilliant

Advice for Potential Travellers

A couple of our group were a bit slow and I think the walking was more than they expected. People should make sure they can walk for 5-6 hours at a reasonable pace Maybe in a large group (14 persons) there should be another guide at the back who can take people on a reduced slower route if necessary. One person in our group was recovering from a broke ankle - I ask you!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Uzbekistan was the best part of the trip, with an enormous amount of history and beautiful buildings. As a nation, they seem to have totally reclaimed their national identity following their independence. During our night in the mountains staying in a yurt, the magical, mesmerising Milky Way was also clearly visible (and even better with binoculars).

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leaders really knew their stuff, and if they didn't know the answer to a question, they came back to us with it the next day. The leaders were willing to answer questions on social matters, like marriage, Russian influences/legacies, school, cotton picking. This gave us a better understanding of each country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you buy your souvenirs in Uzbekistan (ikat prints, scarves, pottery, rugs) as there really is very little opportunity to buy anything worthwhile in either Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan. You'll regret it if you don't. Be prepared to haggle a little bit. The currency exchange app a fellow traveller told me about, XE Currency, was extremely useful for converting all currencies. Take a fork and spoon for picnic lunches, and socks for the night in the mountains. No medication containing Codeine is allowed in Uzbekistan.

Most Inspirational Moment

Finishing each walk!

Thoughts on Group Leader

N/a

Advice for Potential Travellers

The rating of leisurely/moderate does not take into account some of the ascents and descents, and the narrow footing along some of the levadas so pre trip training and a good head for heights required.

Most Inspirational Moment

The pandas at Chengdu,the terracotta warriors, the scenery at Yangzhou, the dam,the cycle ride on the walls at Xian, the food..... Good fun learning Mahjong! The Great Wall is excellent although it takes ages to get there because of the traffic. Fantastic walking. Shanghai is very interesting....lots to see.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alan Liu is such a good leader. He is always smiling and his English is excellent. His knowledge of history and politics is very good and he is very good at explaining ideas.He was always counting us...no one got lost! He was so good in the restaurants choosing dishes for us to share....the food was wonderful. He was always on task....everything worked like clockwork. He really is a five star leader and such a nice person. He was very patient... the group although small had varying levels of fitness and he always waited to make sure no one got left behind. I felt very confident travelling with him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is full on but no more than other Exodus trips. The luggage situation at stations was not so bad as I expected....there are slopes beside stairs so you can roll your bag up or down but the Chinese people are so friendly and I had help every time without asking! You do need a sleeping bag liner...the train duvets etc are ok but not great. The third train trip is from 1.00pm to 5.00 in the morning....then a bus ride, then a orientation tour, then a Chinese cookery class. Drink lots of water there...I got really ill as did a few others that day. Just a bit too much in the heat. There are lots of washing opportunities. The hotels are generally good...you don't usually get shampoo etc but always a toothbrush!

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through the forests of Czech Republic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dana was excellent, communicated well, socialized well and is obviously very knowledgeable about this part of Europe; thanks Dana, come to NZ some time and see us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be cycling fit prior to commencing the trip and take clothing for all weathers.

Most Inspirational Moment

Star gazing at Les Chapieux and the scenery every day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

John B was great, his confidence and steady pace kept the group together and allowed everyone to relax and enjoy the trip. He understood the group and was responsive to individual peoples requirements, providing distractions, gentle encoragement or timely rest breaks when needed. Egle Camp Manager was also fantastic, she was always ready for us at the end of the day with a cup of tea, the tents put up, a smile and a fantastic three course meal cooked on two burners. Together, we couldn't have asked for better.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring walking poles the descents, especially the switch backs are pretty brutal on the knees.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the clouds part to reveal a new mountain with its glaciers. Experiencing a cloudless day in Chamonix at the end of the trip. Cheering on over 2000 participants in the UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc) as they pass you on the trail after having run through the night only to later realize that the leaders completed in hours which took us days. To be part of a group lead by Jeff.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I have done dozens of trips that required a guide. I can only recall a few of their names. In my mind there will always be an association between the Tour du Mont Blanc and our guide Jeff. To quote a walker who did the trip with Jeff earlier this summer "..he was fantastic..professional, intelligent, engaging, fun, friendly, safety conscious and very caring towards his clients." It is not easy leading a group of 14 hikers with various skill levels and insuring they stay together.

Advice for Potential Travellers

First and foremost this is a group hike. You are part of a team whose goal is for all to complete the Tour and to enjoy their experience on the trail. Do not underestimate the need to do a good amount of walking before the trip. Focus on distance yes, an of course climbing. Include going down steep hills and plenty of steps. Insure your feet are in good shape. Figure out the right weight and sock combination before the trip. The trail conditions vary and it is important to have plenty of tread on your hiking boots. Things I found helpful: my own bar of soap; spare bootlaces; a travel clothesline for in room washing; lotions for the feet after the day's walk; good pair of sandals as your hiking boots are not allowed in the auberges and in some hotels and finally--earplugs. (Laundromats could be found near the Hotel Richemond in Chamonix and the Hotel Val Joly in St Gervais {Day 10 & 11}).

Most Inspirational Moment

Everyone provided warm and genuine birthday wishes on my special day!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Enrico was terrific with his local knowledge and dry sense of humor. Simone as sidekick took care of all the background logistics without any issues.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared that the hills on day two and three are going to be harder than you expect! But it's worth it. E-bike option might be worth it.

Most Inspirational Moment

The stars in the evening were amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

An inspiration