Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

I've got so many highlights from this trip. Sleeping out under the stars (who needs a tent) and getting up early to watch the sunrise was so much fun and I loved sitting around the campfire of an evening. Spending 4 days and nights in the desert is just an amazing experience and i really enjoyed every minute of it. The 800 step climb up to the monastery at Petra is well worth it for the views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Zohair, was very passionate about his country, its people and culture and this came through in all his stories. He was a good leader and even treated us to a guided tour around Little Petra even though this wasn't part of the itinerary.

Advice for Potential Travellers

They've underestimated what you need for tips and meals and things so I'd take more money with you than what's been recommended - or you can use the ATMs at the airport or at Petra. A visit to the cave bar in Petra is well worth it - try the local Petra beer.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling the coast roads to Simonstown and Hout Bay with mountains on one side and the beautiful blue of the ocean on the other. The walk and cycle on the Cape of Good Hope. Drinking champagne and watching the sun go down on Signal Hill

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very knowledgeable and hardworking, neither he or Sofiso seemed to get much time to rest between cooking breakfast, lunch and dinners, mending bikes, looking after us and coping with problems caused by the Cape Argos cyclists.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do try a bit of hill training and prepare for cycling against the wind. You may find the heat difficult at times but it gets easier as you acclimatise.

Most Inspirational Moment

There have been so many wonderful moments. Real highlights were the balloon trip over Bagan, the trip on Inle Lake and the U Bein bridge at sunrise. These stand alongside some magnificent temples, stupas and pagodas; walks into villages which showed the local people at daily work.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Joseph, our leader, was a star. His organisation of every aspect of the trip was great; he was really helpful with advice about what we could do with our free time and where we might eat. Everything was as he said it would be. Above all he was really informative in telling us about every aspect of our trip - history, life in the country, the shifting political context, people and traditions in the country. We have travelled a lot with Exodus and always enjoyed our leaders - Joseph was something special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The guidance on how much money to take was for us generous - it is cheap to eat out in Myanmar. Dollars need to be crisp and new! Even currency with slight marks on were rejected by the money changers. Changing money into local currency is not a problem and there were suitable places at every stop although ATMs are occasionally erratic. Mosquito spray etc is really important. We used local laundry services on a couple of occasions...good rapid service

Most Inspirational Moment

Riding through rural villages and having all the children running out to the road to greet us with a smile and a big shout of, "Hello, Hello!" Riding through streets as motorbikes flowed smoothly around us like water, as though we were the rocks in their stream

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Chi, always had safety in mind. He was super-organized - there was not a single issue on the trip. The entire team - group leader, drivers, mechanic - worked together smoothly like one well-oiled machine. Chi's pleasant demeanor and love of cycling helped to set and maintain the positive tone of the trip throughout. I would gladly travel with him again.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving at the hotel at El Salton

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Very intelligent and knowledgeable. Made sure no one was left behind.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are fit and have ridden alot recently. Up in the Pennines in winter this is not easy! Make sure you will be happy riding in a closely packed group as fast as you can. Be prepared for some hotels where things like aircon do not work or doors do not close - the old soviet-type hotels are in poor condition in particular.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many highlights it is difficult to say - whether watching the sunrise from Adams Peak, looking out over World's End or seeing the Temple of the Tooth, it was all inspirational!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sam was an excellent guide. As well as giving us interesting insights into the country and his own personal beliefs and experiences, he took the time out to help me explore my own family background (I have ancestors who grew up in Sri Lanka).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do the Adams Peak climb if you can - the sunrise is spectacular. Although, be prepared for a busy climb - there must have been thousands of people all trying to get to the top at the same time. The Exodus Maldives extension was lovely so I'd recommend that too as a very relaxing way to finish the holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling in the Mekong Delta was so beautiful and we felt like we really got a snapshot into the lives of the people living there as we cycled past locals doing their washing in the river and children playing in their gardens and houses. Trekking in Mai Chau was another highlight; the rice paddies in the morning mist were unbelievably atmospheric.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Danh Nyugen was outstanding; knowledgeable, unbelievably attentive, and he had a great sense of humour to boot!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't be afraid to ask questions or for things to be done differently, as long as you ask with a smile! Everyone we met was incredibly hospitable and very accommodating to any requirements we had, e.g. I am vegetarian and everywhere we went Danh would ensure I was extraordinarily well looked after. There is no need to bring travel towels. Although we used our sheet sleeping bags on the night train, I don't think there was really any need as there was bedding provided. Make sure you have plenty of room in your case for all the clothes you will buy in Hoi An and all the genuinely lovely souvenirs you are bound to collect!! Alternatively, the tailor in Hoi An will ship clothing for a relatively affordable price. It's well worth taking either padded cycling shorts or a padded saddle; most people (though not all) who didn't regretted it. You don't need both though. We took our cycling helmets but others didn't and the ones provided were of good quality. There are mechanics on hand so no need to worry about technical glitches! We didn't take cycling gloves and neither of us missed them, although there was one person in the group who did regret not bringing them.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our final days walk to Lutterkopf and Durakopf was breathtaking. Unrestricted views of the Austrian Alps to the North and the contrasting and stunning Craggy Dolomites to the South. Tramping down the valley through unbroken snow for a last drink in a mountain hut brought a child like smile to my face. Oh and the sledge ride back to the car park just topped off a great day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was exceptional in her daily preparation, ensuring that each walk was tailored to the anticipated weather conditions and hence maximising our enjoyment. Her easy and patient manner added to the overall experience of the group. She had a constant, but unobtrusive eye on safety and was a great dinner companion, regaling us with stories of her worldwide travels. Without doubt, she has set a new and high bar that future guides may find difficult to match.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack layers, as the weather can vary considerably from day to day or even on the walk itself. We found ourselves pealing layers off and on on many an occasion. If you want to try something different on the free day, then I can recommend the cross country skiing at Dobbiaco. After a couple of hours lesson, you can explore the lake area or the local area via some excellent prepared tracks.

Most Inspirational Moment

This is hard to pin point to one thing but the husky ride through a stunning slow clad wilderness in the bright sunshine followed by the Northern Lights that same night were amazing. Also we enjoyed the challenge of quinzee building and witnessed Martii turning into a human mole as he helped us burrow into our snow castle! The last night's meal was also a highlight as we ventured outside for the final supper...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Helpful, knowledgeable and very encouraging, he kept us all safe and amused.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We packed far too many clothes as all of the out doors gear is provided for you. Take a kettle for the room if you like a cuppa in the morning and a hairdryer too.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our group gelled together without exception, climbing Lion Rock was probably the highlight, although there were many other fascinating aspects to the holiday.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group Leader Sam was a charismatic leader for whom nothing was too much trouble. He gave us fascinating insights into Sri Lankan history, religion, with a very strong grasp of the flora and fauna of his island, for which he clearly loved.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a variety of conditions and activities and take appropriate clothing and footwear, some of the activities will require a comfortable set of walking shoes, yet others sandals. Also take both shorts, something for the evening and be prepared to cover-up when visiting temples.