Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The elephant safari in Minnierya was just fantastic. To many on our trip, this was the first time they had seen elephants in the wild and we saw huge herds and family groups with so many babies...a special wildlife experience. The sighting of 2 leopard at Yala was equally as amazing BUT overall the people of Sri Lanka and the feeling of being safe and welcome in this delightful country are what stands out the most. An example was on a jam packed train, I was standing in the aisle with my husband and a lady sitting with her family, made some room by squeezing closer to the window with her daughter and offered me a space beside her. Just lovely.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roshan was exceptional. I cannot speak more highly of him. From the initial meeting on day 1 - we knew we had someone special. Every day he would brief us on the day ahead so that we could plan and be on time. His commentary gave you enough information to understand what you were seeing and his insights into local customs, politics, history and culture bought the destination to life. He took care of all the tipping which would have made us all anxious and he always had us at the right place at the right time. We had to leave the tour a day early due to my father passing away and Roshan was so helpful and kind. Thank you so much Roshan.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Change the majority of your money - whether it be USD, GBP or AUD at the airport. ATM's do work but can be hit and miss. If you do want an ATM - use one recommended by your tour leader. Sri Lanka is more expensive than other Asian countries so do take more money with you. Credit cards are widely accepted so can be used for hotel bills and all major purchases.

Most Inspirational Moment

Simply spending time in jaw droppingly fabulous scenery ....... at every single turn. Fabulous group of fellow trekkers, so much joy and laughter every day!

Thoughts on Group Leader

John clearly belongs to the school of tour leaders who make it look completely effortless; when it really isn’t. He knew and monitored every ailment, dodgy knee, blister, poor diet and sun burn of our team; but when it came to walking, it was like going out for a hike with a mate. Perfect pace throughout the trek, but providing us with additional challenges along the way. Genuinely fostered a ‘team’ ethos. Legend. Clare: cool, calm, patient and very professional. Without fail she would be at the entrance to our campsite on arrival (us - hot, tired, dirty and hungry) with a smile and clear details about the amenities …. toilets, showers and laundry. Tents would be up, kit bags out of the van, hot water for drinks and biscuit box at the ready …. beer in the ice box! The food she prepared was tasty, nutritious and plentiful. A special mention for the lovely cakes she sourced for my birthday!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Listen and act upon the advice given by your tour leader (how to walk, what to eat, how much to drink, what to pack in your day sack, where to buy the best tart!) and you’ll practically skip up the mountains.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing the Rock fortress at Sigriya before breakfast and so in the cool of early morning with very few other tourists around. This excursion offered everything: an exhilarating climb, stunning views, enticing ruins and exquisite paintings.

Most Inspirational Moment

Ravello and the gardens of the Villa Cimbrone were probably the highpoint of the trip, and I say that as not really a 'garden person'. Ravello is stunning, and was much quieter and more laid back than other places visited such as Positano and Amalfi. Pompeii was everything I expected, although I am glad we arrived early as it was getting extremely busy by midday.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Christine had everything meticulously planned, even transport and guides for 'day off' activities (more important than you might think, as public transport options seem to be very limited in this part of the world). Christine also made a real attempt to engage us with the history and geography of the area - providing us with maps, books etc on a daily basis, as well as useful practical advice on what to expect from each walk.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The August heat made some of the walks seem more strenuous than the grade 2 rating suggested, but we still got an insight into the area and an appreciation of its sights that you just can't get from inside a coach; the colours and views really are dazzling. The village of Bomerano is more an attractive small town, with a reasonable selection of shops and eating places, so you won't go without an ice cream or a beer. Having so many of the walks start directly from the hotel is a real bonus, particularly for those of us not keen on the 'hairpin bends in coaches' experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Fellow trekkers. Scenery. Guide and Ladaki people

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. No other words to explain him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it!! Weather a little hotter than I expected

Most Inspirational Moment

Finishing the whole loop, without skipping any sections. And. Interaction with the group members.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leader was great. Good organizer, and preparing great lunches. However, I would like her to pay a little more attention, that 1/3 of the group were faster walkers, following her, and the rest of the group a little slower, after walking for an hour we will be about 100-200 m behind. Twice the front group "disappeared" and we had to look for the trail. Sometimes we were rushed to catc a bus, walking quickly on rough terrain, it was not so safe to do that. And when we arrived at the bus station, we were left with 45 min to wait for the bus ( that was on time as scheduled)

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared. Eat & drink a lot of water, And walk slowly...specially on accents.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Sentinel Pass walk was a highlight, as was jumping into the lake at Waterton after a long, hot day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take insect repellant (and use it).

Most Inspirational Moment

It was on one of the walking days I missed; the Aguide Du Midi cable car excursion must be done especially if the weather is great as the views are spectacular. From a walking point of view the best day was when we crossed the Grand Col Ferret; some of the best landscape I have seen. The walk from Les Contamines to Les Houche was also excellent (it is long day but worth doing).

Thoughts on Group Leader

John was the best group leader I have come across in all my previous Exodus run trips. Not only was he highly sociable but he knows his stuff and how to manage and solve issues as they arose. Claire who looked after us at camp and managed the support vehicle was also great. Excellent food was provided.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't underestimate the trails. I have trekked in many countries and many of the trails weren't as difficult as those on the circuit. Lots of small steps and trust the advice that the guide gives. Under no circumstances don't do this trip without trekking poles. The trip really will wreck your knees if you don't.

Most Inspirational Moment

Amazon -Being introduced to the entire of the Napo staff, their names, their roles and being given the opportunity to say our thanks to the "backstage" staff you rarely see. Listening to Howler monkeys. Galápagos - sitting on the upper deck of the Cachalote, staring up at the big Southern Hemisphere sky feeling blessed, having just swam with sea lions, sharks and dolphins. Darwin is an incredibly knowledgeable guide who genuinely loves what he does. His excitement is contagious and his ability to find what you want to see is unreal.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had 2 guides in the Amazon and both were fantastic at spotting animals and birds as well as being able to identify everything! They were happy to answer questions and spend time with each of the group members. Darwin was our guide in the Galápagos and his knowledge was outstanding. He was approachable, happy to answer questions and keen to adapt to the groups needs. The best thing I could say is that when I return to the Galápagos, I will only go with Darwin and the Cachalote crew.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get up early, be adventurous and sit quietly in order to truly appreciate the beauty of your surroundings. Take your snorkel stuff with you on every panga ride (if you are allowed), you just never know when you'll see something amazing. And if you go in August - take seasickness pills (I never got sick and it only took me 2 days to get my sea legs but the seasickness pills saved me)

Most Inspirational Moment

There was the moment when we heard a choir singing the most transcendent Armenian sacred music in a chapel carved out of rock at the Geghard Monastery. That was my moment for Armenia. In Georgia the moment would have to be the walk up from Stepantsminda to Holy Trinity church and the view over the High Caucasus mountains.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Armenia: Rafik Santrosyan - a brilliant young man who really enriched our experience throughout the trip. He gave us fascinating and often hilarious insights into all aspects of Armenian history, politics, language and culture and kept us all entertained and fully briefed and informed all the time we were with him. Georgia: Anna Koriphadze - a very different personality but wonderfully thorough, conscientious and reliable. She was highly organised and took great pains to help us with all kinds of things throughout the time we were with her in Georgia. She kept us very well informed throughout the trip and was excellent in ensuring that we were safe at all times. I would very highly commend both these guides.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take some good walking shoes or trainers. Do spend as much time as possible on your free evenings exploring Yerevan and Tbilisi by foot. There is a huge amount to see in both cities.