Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day we did something different, The Great Wall was amazing, The Pandas so adorable, The cruise had dramatic scenery, Yangshuo had us cycling through paddy fields and scaling the fantastic limestone peaks. Then of course the Terracotta warriors and the Forbidden City are also a must. Shanghai is as western as you get but has some breathtaking photo opportunities.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alan (Hongbin Liu) was an amazing guide with excellent English, and keeping 10 westerners all together was no mean feat when you try to traverse what the call railways stations! Alan had a marvellous sense of humour and referred to us as his 'sleeping pandas' as we all tried to catch up on our sleep during the hectic schedule. He would share the history as was pertinent on each part of the trip and his powers of recollection were a joy to behold. He always accompanied us on the trips even if they were optional and was always ready with help and advice. He planned ahead always so that the weary travellers always had a coach waiting or a restaurant booked. Alan was at the top of his game and should be commended.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip can be a little exhausting and be prepared for early starts. You are on the go nearly all the time and adhere to a hectic schedule. Pack lightly as possible as you will need to hump suitcases up and down stairs at the stations or walk a way to meet the coach. The sleeper trains are a little dirty and uncomfortable so take a pillow case and possibly a silk sleeping bag liner. Also don't forget toilet tissue for anywhere. When out and about just be aware of what's around you as the traffic and driving is something you will not experience anywhere else. Electric (silent) scooters are a potential hazard as they drive in any direction anywhere including pavements. The rules of the road don't apply in China. You won't get much western food aside from toast or eggs for breakfast so embrace all the different variations of Chinese food available. Most hotels have Wi-Fi but it can be hit and miss and often Gmail doesn't work. We were able to barter with the staff on the cruise to get an upgrade on the cabin which was worthwhile. Out of the main city the Chinese don't see many westerners and often want a photo with you which they don't ask to do, so it can appear to be a little rude but generally we felt completely safe wherever we went, just be careful with belongings in crowded places.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the UNESCO world heritage sites of Sighisoara and Viscri - not the cycling, which I saw as the least intrusive way to explore Transylvania. Sighisoara is a well-preserved and still inhabited medieval citadel. Definitely visit the unpretentious museum within the ancient clocktower (it looks like something out of Disney’s “Cinderella”), ascend to the top and enjoy the view of the town over the profusion of roof tiles…. and stay for the old clock to sound the hour. Our hotel was charming and right on the central square. Our night in the village of Viscri was such fun. The road through Viscri was not paved, there were horses and carts everywhere and a horse and cart took us to the beautifully preserved Saxon church and also to see how they make (by hand) the bricks and tiles used to restore the village. Then in the evening after enjoying a sociable beer or two at the local store which doubled up as the pub, we enjoyed dinner in the garden of the cottage where we were staying and witnessed the procession of cows returning to their homes to be milked, only to leave for the pastures at dawn.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Raluca Teodor was an angel. It was she who had planned the trip – we even squeezed in a delicious water mill lunch and a tour of a water powered woollen blanket business - and she looked after 8 of us on her own. Raluca has her own adventure travel business and is passionate about her country. Most nights we had a Romanian history lesson, but night by night the history became more and more confusing, especially as Transylvania, Wallachia and Moldavia only united to form Romania in 1881 under King Carol 1. She was considerate and sociable, could repair bikes and had planned well, but not for the terrible rain storm on our first full day! But we landed up at a great little hotel in the middle of nowhere, welcomed at the door by Mirella, who seemed to do everything except cook. There was a lady cook though, who was fantastic and the breakfast was the best of many good breakfasts on the holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some may miss WIFI – it wasn’t always available. So what! If you are particularly concerned about the quality of the accommodation, be sure to read Trip Notes. We stayed in guest houses, most of which were charming. We spent our last night in Bucharest in the beautiful “fin de siècle” Capitol Hotel. Probably not a holiday for very keen cyclists, but personally I would visit Transylvania ASAP before the Idyll is destroyed by “Progress”.

Most Inspirational Moment

This is a tough call as it was ALL so stunning however Bratislava was a real treasure and it was possible to see most of it in the short time we were there. Shopping and wandering through the streets was beautiful and visiting the UFO Tower to see incredible sights over all of Bratislava as well as enjoying the restaurant (with excellent service and delicious local cocktails) was very special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We just loved Dana. She was amazing, very organised and really managed the tour so that is suited everyone.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy - it's a marvellous trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Vallee Blanche, the cable car ride across it from Aiguille du Midi at 3842m and the icy blue crevasses which you see to and from the Helbronner cable car. Beautiful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kim Jackson was our group leader and looked after us all throughout the two week camping trek and kept a good pace, not too fast and not to slow. Great giggles along the way. Andres Urban our camp manager made us feel at home each day with great logistics support throughout the trek, and top class camping food.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try and go when its not too hot! It was in the high 20's most days and a little too hot some days when it got steep. Be bold....start early and cold (as Kim would tell us, to avoid the mid day sun). Take a good sleeping mattress / inflatable....you will appreciate it after a few days camping.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walk from Merlet to Aiguillettte des Houches via the Refuge de Bel Lachat. Walk in theVal de Ferret via the refuge W.Bonatti.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jeffry Oonk was absolutely excellent with vast outdoor experience and extensive botanical knowledge.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many things. There were the most famous iconic things such as the Great Wall, the Terracotta Soldiers, the Pandas at Chengdhu etc but the scenery in the countryside is breathtaking and outstanding.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour guide, Alan Liu, (Hongbin Liu), was inspirational. Without a doubt, all members of our group were in one voice when we say that without Alan the trip would not have had the same impact on us. He was so knowledgeable, nothing phased him, he was well organised and his sense of humour was second to none. Most importantly, he cared for the people he was responsible for on the trip If I were to make another journey to China I simply would not want to go with any other Tour Leader than Alan.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The rating for this trip is "Leisurely". Most in the group thought it a little more strenuous than leisurely. There is so much travelling due to the vast size of China and there were three overnight sleeper train journeys which sometimes required a very early morning start that left you feeling somewhat tired on arrival at your next destination. Be prepared for lots of crowds in towns and market areas, and also be aware of the traffic. It is manic. Don't for one minute think you are safe using a zebra crossing as cars and motor bikes assume that it is a target area for aiming at tourists.

Most Inspirational Moment

Scenery

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was very good no issues

Advice for Potential Travellers

As above the walking tracks only

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, by far, was the rafting. A glorious day, peaceful and a little bit different. Working as a team was fun. I enjoyed the walks and the city tours too. We enjoyed eating out in the evening with the group. The town at the top of the hill was very interesting and I enjoyed talking to the people who lived there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was good, but he failed to keep the group together sufficiently during the hikes which was unfortunate. Other Exodus leaders worked harder to be inclusive. Other than that he was very nice, enthusiastic, well organised and informative.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Practice walking up hills. I used a much smaller pack than suggested which was just fine. The two star hotels are adequate - however we didn't always have hot water. Coffee is really important and generally delicious.

Most Inspirational Moment

Meeting the nomad family when hiking in Todra Gorge. You really feel like you get to know Morocco. The night in the desert is magical and the hike in the High Atlas Mountains is absolutely stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Samir was extremely good. He was very informative, constantly adding in extras for our trip and he helped us out when we had a baggage issue and had to take a taxi from Fez to Casablanca to meet our luggage when it finally arrived!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Beware of the heat and the 'hairdryer wind!'

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking down into Portofino.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suzy was great. Was knowledgeable about the region. Everything was well organised and when changes needed to be made at the last minute she was able to figure out alternate arrangements quickly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walks varied in difficulty, with the first day definitely the hardest. There were some very steep extended descents - poles definitely came in handy on that first day, as well as when we descended from Montallegro to Chiavari. The walks in the Cinque Terre were great, although there was not a lot of time in the villages themselves. However, you can easily use the free day to spend more time in them, as well as in Portovenere - the boat trip out is recommended. Food is expensive - especially the restaurants we went to in the evenings, so be prepared... Also, just a note that the trip notes mention the Via Dell'Amore. Unfortunately, this has been closed since 2011 as a result of a landslide, and doesn't appear to be reopening anytime soon because of bickering over who will pay to repair it, so we did not get to do it. This was not a major loss since all the other walking was great, but something that Exodus might want to change in the trip notes.