Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many but four that come to mind are: - being in Takayama for the spring fair and seeing all of the giant shrines (yatai) in all their glory. - coming into Tsumago from the old Japanese Nakasendo highway. Like stepping back in time. - snow monkeys bathing in the hot springs. - a fantastic view of Mount Fuji from Lake Ashi (after not expecting any view at all!)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ayaka was absolutely fantastic, organising everything wonderfully and going above and beyond on our free days to ensure everybody saw what they wanted. She even came with us to Mount Fuji on one of our free days in Tokyo and what a difference it made (not only did we see the mountain from a perfect viewpoint, she also took us down the Tokaido highway, arranged a presentation at the secret box shop and made sure we caught the pirate boat across the lake). You could tell that she really wanted to make sure everybody had the perfect trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure to pack sturdy walking shoes as you will be on your feet a lot if you want to see everything this wonderful country has to offer. Assume you will be paying cash for everything and get the money before you go as ATMs accepting foreign cards are not prevalent. You can pay a little by credit card in Tokyo and Kyoto but, in general, everything is paid for in cash.

Most Inspirational Moment

Actually completing the Inca Trail, I found it so hard in places, and should of been fitter. But if I can do it, anyone can, and the encouragement from our guide just kept me going, It isn,t about reaching Macchu Picchu, but the journey. The feeling you get when you reach the Sun Gate is so emotional. As for the Amazon trip, its completely different, back to nature with a lot of wonderful trips to do through the day and in the dark.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide was Wilbert Ramos, he was inspirational, passionate and a true gentleman. He encouraged me so much on the trail, I was the slowest, but it did not matter. Wilbert walked with me , sometimes only managing a few steps at a time, but I did it!!! Wilbert is so spiritual and takes mother earth very seriously, we should all take a leaf out of his book. He also arranged lovely meals out for our group, and told us so many interesting things about the Incas. Our other guide was Abel, he was truly amazing to, being only 28 , he was so passionate about his surroundings and protecting their history and traditions, It was very emotional saying goodbye to them both. Also the porters, never stop!!! almost running the trail to put up your tents, and the cooks, I have no idea how they do it, but I have never had such delicious food, 5 star restaurant.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just to book and do it, you will have an amazing time and meet lovely people and have fantastic memories. I could not fault exodus and would definitely book with them again.You are so well looked after.

Most Inspirational Moment

Spending the last two days near Gubeikou walking along the wall and seeing the stretch completed and the stretch ahead - definitely very scenic. Also the cycling tour in Beijing was a wonderful experience. I was a bit apprehensive at first about cycling in the busy streets but it, surprisingly, felt safer than cycling the streets at home!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jerry was great - very organized and informative. He had a great sense of humour and was passionate about his country and its history. He was always concerned about the welfare of the group and went out of his way to ensure that everyone had a great time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As mentioned above, all of the group meals, including all meals in the homestays, are served communal style and individual meal choices are not available. As stated in the trip notes, vegetarian options are limited. Therefore, people with restricted diets or food preferences may want to consider either bringing their own food or considering another destination if they are not open to trying things they may not eat at home. Also, chopsticks are often the only utensils provided so if you are uncomfortable to use chopsticks you may want to consider packing some cutlery. Walking poles were a definite plus. There were a lot of steep up and down sections and the poles proved very useful, particularly in the descents.

Most Inspirational Moment

The variety of walks was a real high point. By walking in a different valley or at a different altitude on each walk every day had its own distinct landscape and character.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader did a great job of guiding us around the area. As well as the basics of looking after the group and getting everyone around the hikes he gave us some insights into the local way of life and history that really brought the landscape we were walking through to life.

Most Inspirational Moment

Lober Berat, lovely historic town and also the blue eye

Thoughts on Group Leader

See above very good, always recommended great places to eat.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Fairly long drives on windy roads, take precautions if you need to.

Most Inspirational Moment

The historical monuments were stunning. The sheer scale and colour was breathtaking. There was a nice mix of seeing the old alongside the new.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I can't speak highly enough of our tour leader Dilshod. Nothing was too much trouble. His knowledge of Uzbekistan history was incredible. He was helpful, informative and a real pleasure to have with us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a raincoat as we had a couple of cooler wet days. Tea is the national drink, taken without milk. If you enjoy coffee or milk take your own. The sun can be quite strong so take sun cream. All the hotels had wifi, although it could be very intermittent. Alcohol was widely available and very cheap, even in restaurants.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Sinharaja rainforest is breathtaking. The eco lodge was perfect. Sleeping in converted shipping containers in the middle of a rainforest was truly magical.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Exceptional. He was organised, caring and highly professional. He was very informative and entertaining. Our second guide, for the wildlife was incredibly knowledgeable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take binoculars, they say it's optional, but it should be a MUST.

Most Inspirational Moment

The final Salsa class with our Cuban dance partners; realising how hard most Cubans have to work in order to make ends meet; appreciating just how widespread the ability to perform music to a high standard is amongst the Cubans;

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lenay was a fabulous guide. Kind, helpful, very informative, assertive when needed, always smiley cheerful and positive, realistic about what we should expect, and she made it a great week for us all. She was very concerned that we were happy with the accommodation wherever we were, and that we let her know if anything wasn't as it might be. I don't think we could have had a better guide. A big thank you to Lenay for a great week, and for all her hard work.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect some long journeys; don't expect European luxuries or standards of accommodation everywhere; take time to learn some Spanish as the hosts in the cases particulares are extremely kind, and friendly; take things as you find them and with a sense of humour; understand that we are very wealthy/privileged in comparison to most Cubans; enjoy it all!

Most Inspirational Moment

Obviously Machu Picchu does not disappoint and the island stay is enlightening but sand boarding was so fun and I was impressed by the Nazca lines.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Aleks was great. He loves his country is knowledgeable and took really great care of us. We ate every evening as a group being taken to different restaurants.It makes the whole experience enriching.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do the optional excursions such as sand buggies, sacred valley and star gazing. We opted not to fly over Nazca lines as view from tower was good and I was worried about air sickness but those who did it loved it.The high altitude does slow you down so be prepared for taking longer to get anywhere. The sungate walk is a must at Machu Picchu and stay til chucking out time as you have the site to yourself. Meals were cheaper than I expected so we did not spend as much as I had budgeted for,which was great. It was cold in Cusco and on Lake Titicaca especially at night so warm clothes needed. Trip notes are accurate so take their advice.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views of the coast from the mountain and the sea.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fun, relaxed, good local knowledge.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take walking poles and be prepared for lots of steps.