Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

It's tricky to choose from so many. If it has to be a moment, perhaps I'll choose diving into an empty pool at 7am at the lovely Mandala Rosen in Kataragama. Music played underwater, then I came up to the quiet of birdsong as blossom floated down from the trees. More widely, it was the gentle smiling people and the beautiful countryside, especially in the hills.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Neelaka is a Sri Lankan gem. He looked after us with his unfailing cheerful calm. He must have been paddling hard beneath the surface to keep everything running so smoothly. At every hotel we were greeted with a cool cloth and a drink, while our cases were whisked away to our rooms. An absolute godsend was his dealing with tips and small payments. Without this we'd have been burdened continuously, as everyone needs tipping! We loved his little extra treats which included introducing us to fruit and veg we'd never heard of, let alone tasted. He guided us to interesting restaurants, took us to special places when we expressed interest and told us about local culture and behaviour, as well as describing in detail the places we visited. We learned about puberty rituals, which prepared us for the ceremony we saw scheduled in our last hotel, plus the surprising dependence of Sri Lankans on astrologers.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Activities are optional. As the group slow coach, I didn't complete the Lion Rock climb. I went part way and then waited and watched as the stream of visitors climbed the uneven steps. I also didn't complete the Horton Plains walk in torrential rain. (NB - make sure you have a good waterproof. Some didn't. Sri Lankan rain is serious!) If you have to stay at the Hill Club, don't eat there. Go next door to the Grand. If you do have to eat there, definitely avoid the set meal. Don't buy spices at the spice place if you want a good price. A sarong or similar could be very useful in many ways. You can buy one out there. Cash can be changed in many places, with your guide's local knowledge. Check hotel bills are in rupees, not £s or you'll be paying a hotel's exchange rate instead of the bank's.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alvaro is an exceptional leader and he clearly knows the area inside out. He was also able to predict the weather with extraordinary accuracy and I'm surprised he hasn't been headhunted by the Spanish Meteorological Agency! Alvaro was also very encouraging and we all enjoyed his mischievous sense of humour: 'if I return with 80% of you, it's not perfect, but it's not bad...'

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather is unpredictable so if you're wondering what to pack, bring everything just in case! However, I didn't wear a raincoat or fleece all week.

Most Inspirational Moment

The final day's walk to the World war 2 trenches on the Italy/ Austria border. A great climb up the mountain with wonderful views and very interesting historical sites at the top.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alex knew the area very well and planned for the fickle weather. He did not always give enough information regarding what to take on each walk but we were generally well prepared for all eventualities.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get plenty of walking training in before you go and you will love this trip. Be prepared for all weathers and walking poles are a must in my opinion.

Most Inspirational Moment

LOTS of this trip was inspirational. All the food we ate was phenomenal - if you like cooking I would highly recommend the cooking class in Hoi An which was great fun and educational. Riding through the backwaters and villages of Central Vietnam and the Mekong Delta was wonderful - the best way to see 'real' life for the majority of Vietnamese people. If you get chance to do the additional cycling day then take it! Kayaking at Halong Bay was great fun and the best way to see the limestone cliffs. The people of Vietnam are truly inspirational having been through so much conflict and to be so open and welcoming to tourists.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cong was absolutely fabulous. He was engaging and knowledgeable, very proud of his country and wanting us to love it as much as he does. He really understood our group and our sense of humour making the (sometimes long) bus journeys more fun! He encourages us to make the most of our time ("you can sleep on the plane!"). Every recommendation he made for experiences, restaurants, laundry, shopping etc turned out to be excellent. We cannot thank him enough and he was a great ambassador for Exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As our guide advised us... make the most of every second. Yes, it is a full on trip and you will sometimes feel tired. But the travelling was part of the experience for me and I learned a lot just by looking out of the bus window! Mosquito nets are provided everywhere. I only used my cotton sleeping bag liner on the train because it was a bit cold, otherwise it was not needed. Neck pillows did come in handy because of the amount of travelling. The bikes are reasonably good mountain bikes. I did use padded cycling shorts but my husband didn't to no real ill-effect. Don't take a lot of clothes... laundry is available very cheaply at several points on the trip. Almost everywhere we stayed provided soap / shampoo for washing you don't need loads of toiletries (if you are not fussy about what you use). Just take some for the first homestay in My Chau and on the train. They are provided on the boat and in the second homestay.

Most Inspirational Moment

This was such a good trip to many to pick just one , one of my highlights was getting to the top of lions rock by 9 am in the morning and seeing that view, breath-taking. The elephant safari was very crowded too many jeeps but did see some magnificent elephants, even better when we got to our hotel (The Lake) we saw the elephants in the distance coming down to the water for and evening drink totally on their own while we were laying by the pool what a sight!! The bike ride and lunch that followed again such a lovely day, white water rafting is a must, great fun. The temples and history was fascinating. The traditional games we played on one of the days was great fun, we were a group of 16 mixed ages from 17 to 70from solo travellers to 1 family of 4 we just hit it off from day one and were like one big family.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Neelaka was fantastic, nothing was too much trouble, everything was explained to us about the history, temples, best way to see things, he new exactly were and when we had to be somewhere to get the best view, experience on each day, this did mean a few early starts but well worth it, his knowledge and passion for his country showed in everything he did. One of the group had a birthday which none of us new about, Neelaka organised a card for us all to sign. decorated the bus with balloons and streamers and arranged a cake for our meal that evening what a special day. He stopped off on the side of the road to show us things, brought fruits for us to try, corn on the cobs, drink queen coconut milk and stopped off to see a family who produce more things from a coconut than you would ever think possible, non of this was on the itinerary .

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go and see this beautiful country for your selves before it gets ruined by tourism. Be prepared for many changes in temperature and weather we went from 33 degrees to 14 and back to 36 degrees sun and rain, and make the most of every day.

Most Inspirational Moment

The day 2 hike up Dead woman's pace with my partner and friend was wonderful. Walking at our own pace, stopping to enjoy the view and each other's company was special and made possible by Julio and Shandy who quietly walked behind us never hurrying us. A wonderful day in a fantastic trip. Thank you!!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Julio and Shandy were superb. Real professionals that dealt with all manner of issues quietly and professionally.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just book this trip!! Peru is fantastic and an unexpected delight. We loved Lima too it's well worth 2 or 3 days before you arrive in Cusco to see the sights and enjoy the fab restaurants.

Most Inspirational Moment

The short scramble to the summit of one of the mountains was fun and the views were awesome!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alvaro was an excellent leader - he had outstanding local knowledge and this was combined with a genuine desire to make sure everyone in the group was comfortable and enjoying themselves. Top marks!!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bilboa can be easily reached from the airport by a frequent bus service, so if you have time before or after the trip, it's a nice place to visit!

Most Inspirational Moment

I think it was hospitality of local people. Even when we were stuck somewhere in the mountains somebody always offered us place to stay. Even Tbilisi and Yerevan is very friendly. At naniko (car renal company www.naniko.ge) they helped us plan everything. At Tbilisi Apartments (www.tbilisi.apartments) they help with tickets and suggested where to go. I mean people there are the best thing to see. Not many places left like this.

Most Inspirational Moment

I wouldn't say inspirational but it's something that has stuck with me, and is very humbling: learning and understanding the culture and histories each of these three countries has lived through.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chaiya: what an amazingly professional and knowledgable guide! Greeted every morning with his smile and great sense of humour! The trip wouldn't have run so smoothly had it not been for him. From the cycling to lunch breaks, to organised visits. Got to see, taste and do so much thanks to Chai.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As always I over packed, but make sure you have really (really) good padded cycling shorts, breathable cycling tops, and just go for it. Book this trip!! Make the most of it and enjoy!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking in the Alps with fabulous views of the mountains and glaciers. Our chalet hosts' warm welcome and fabulous food as well as our mountain guide's professionalism.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our walking leader Mark was excellent, giving a brief explanation of the next days walk before dinner. He provided regular opportunities for rest and photo breaks whilst sharing his knowledge of the area.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are not very sporty, it is useful to do some training to strengthen your knee muscles. Most people found the descents harder than the ascents ! Don't expect to loose any weight during this trip as you fully enjoy the fabulous food provided by Sarah!