Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Inspiration is a little strong for this trip. There were many enjoyable moments, Herculaneum, Pompeii, Vesuvius and the wonderful views along the coast. The moment that will stay in the mind is the view from the café in Villa Cimbrone.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eric was very enthusiastic about this trip and was always eager to stop and point out views or matters of interest. He was helpful in organising activities and meals on our free day and seemed to enjoy the trip as much as we did.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Think carefully about what you take. For us, walking poles and boots (even 2 season) were a little OTT and we could have managed very well with approach shoes. Whilst walking kit and rucksack was fine whilst on the trail when we reached some of our destinations we did feel a little scruffy and out of place.

Most Inspirational Moment

The fact that I could manage all the walks

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellant

Most Inspirational Moment

The view of The Amphitheatre in the Drakensberg

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Colly, and his assistants were excellent. They were patient and knowledgeable. It was great to witness young men with such a passion for their surroundings.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My only reservation is that I didn't get to the ladders on The Sentinel climb. My advice is to NOT LOOK DOWN at the exposed sections (I didn't do this). Your leaders will make sure you are safe the whole way.

Most Inspirational Moment

No one moment, just Sara.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was an inspirational leader. I have never met anyone like her before. Her strength (both physical and mental) was awe-inspiring. Despite being in pain and recovering from recent concussion, she never let her personal feelings show and was always full of good humour and information to enhance our trip. She was an excellent walking guide and ensured that we all knew the route, the terrain and where to stop and wait for others if walking at a slower pace. Even on our day off, she provided maps, purchased train tickets and organised taxis and a restaurant for the evening. She provided a lot of things at her own cost, to ensure people had everything they needed

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sara introduced me to Magnesium supplements (which she kindly provided to us at her own cost each day) which help muscles recover from the strenuous activity. They definitely helped, so maybe worth taking some with you. Make sure your boots are comfortable and well worn in. The terrain is rocky and some of the descents tricky in wet conditions. Take clothing layers, we went from T shirts to full winter gear including hat and gloves. Take 2 walking poles.

Most Inspirational Moment

Summiting Puig Campana on the final day

Thoughts on Group Leader

An excellent guide very experienced & good company. His brother also joined us who enjoys sharing mountain survival skills & detailed local knowledge. He creates the best sandwiches for lunch I have ever seen! Don't expect to lose weight! I was disappointed at not summiting Aitana & did feel he was overly cautious given low cloud/mist. It felt as if he thought that if there was to be no view then it wasn't worth it. The cloud & mist was negligible & we could easily have managed the summit without any significant risk.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do some pre-investigation & planning for the day off. The local coastal town is very limited & the alternative beach is very nice but again very quiet. Obviously it depends very much what you are looking for.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cilento region was my favourite for cycling, just as picturesque as Amalfi coast but MUCH less crowded & touristy, with safer roads!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paolo was very friendly & efficient, well organised & with good local knowledge. Special mention also to Rafael, our backup driver & mechanic who would magically appear whenever needed, always on hand with water or bike sorting skills.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring good waterproofs! I only had a light jacket with me thinking Italy doesn't get rain like at home, but a couple of downpours convinced me otherwise (although this trip was quite late in the year).

Most Inspirational Moment

Being part of a group that helped each other to meet the moderate challenges.

Thoughts on Group Leader

She was an inspiration. She continually displayed such respect for the area that it heightened our awareness and understanding so that we could get the most out it. She skillfully recognised when to lead walks from the front and when to drop back so that the pace could suit everyone. She made our walking and evening sessions so enjoyable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking round the towns and sampling the local food

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ok, but her english was not great and she wanted talk about ancient times and geology too much instead of telling the group the modern side of the island.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not book this trip if you are single and under the age of 50 and you wish to stay out later than 10 pm.

Most Inspirational Moment

The camaraderie amoungst the group, especially when the cycling got tough right at the very end (there was the option to get on the bus) but making it to the top with everyone's support felt great!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Couldn't have asked for more! He was helpful, friendly, supportive and so very knowledgeable. He organised us very efficiently but in a way that did not harass - he recognised we were on holiday!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with an open mind and be pleasantly surprised. It is a great country with lots to offer in terms of culture and vitality. Cycling is a great way to enjoy this and the free time experiences really fill in the gaps.

Most Inspirational Moment

I'm not sure there was just one inspirational moment - the hikes and views from Sierra de Grazalema, El Chorro Gorge and the Penon Crag were all spectacular and special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alexis was an energetic, enthusiastic, fun, and funny guide! He was very knowledgeable about the area, the trails and the cuisine. If he didn't know an answer, he said that he would find out - and he did. He had as much fun learning from us as we did from him. He is definitely an asset to Exodus Travels!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although the trip is advertised as "walks", they are really hikes, some of which are quite challenging because of the steepness of the inclines. The shower in our room was on a slant which made it somewhat nerve racking because of a fear of slipping and falling. A number of us, including me, also got bedbugs which was very distressing!!